Volunteering at Dana-Farber is a rewarding and enriching experience. Dana-Farber staff, donors, and volunteers all work toward a common goal of defeating cancer. As a supplemental resource for patients and families, volunteers who work at Dana-Farber are closely linked to this mission, as are those who volunteer at events that raise essential funds to support it. Volunteers are committed and reliable people who make a very real difference, everywhere they work.
Please read all the information below carefully before applying for a volunteer placement. View a list of current Dana-Farber volunteer opportunities, as well as answers to most Frequently Asked Questions about volunteering. For additional information on volunteer placements at the Institute, please contact Volunteer Services at 617-632-3307 or volunteerservices@dfci.harvard.edu.
Volunteer Requirements
The Lubin Family Volunteer Services Department at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is committed to providing compassionate, well-trained resourceful volunteers to assist staff and patients, patients' families, and their friends.
We expect volunteers to be reliable, committed to their volunteer service, and available on a regular basis.
To volunteer at Dana-Farber, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old, unless in the Junior Volunteer Program (summer only - see Volunteer Opportunities for information and application deadlines)
- Are expected to maintain compliance with Institute technology requirements
- Choose volunteer placements within the following days and times: Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
- Commit to at least one year of service. (Shifts may be weekly or monthly, depending on your role.)
- Weekly volunteers must commit to a three or four-hour shift (depending on their role) each week for a period of one year. Please expect to have the same schedule every week.
Volunteer Opportunities are available at:
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Longwood Medical Area
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute - Chestnut Hill
- Remote Opportunities
- And more to come...
To apply, visit our volunteer opportunities list and click "Apply Today". For additional information, call Volunteer Services at 617-632-3307, or email us at volunteerservices@dfci.harvard.edu.
We review applications on a rolling basis. Volunteer Services staff will reach out to you once we have an opening that aligns with your interests and availability.
Before You Begin
Once you are interviewed and selected as a volunteer, you will need to complete the following steps:
- Complete on-boarding forms and paperwork
- CORI Form background check
- Complete an orientation
- If on-site, an occupational health clearance; documentation of flu vaccine and Tb test are required.