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
- 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...
For additional information or to request an application, call Volunteer Services at 617-632-3307, or email us at volunteerservices@dfci.harvard.edu.
We will review your application to determine eligibility for a placement, and then call you for an interview with a volunteer services staff member. We select volunteers for placement based on availability, time commitment, interests, and skills.
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.