Make an Impact Through Community Service
At VCU, community engagement is a key part of our mission. Faculty and staff members have unique opportunities to give back, build connections, and apply their expertise to support the community.
Eligible faculty and staff receive up to 16 hours of paid Community Service Leave annually to volunteer with schools and community organizations. University and Academic Professionals (UAP) receive an additional 16 hours for VCU-sponsored projects.
📢 Explore volunteer opportunities and make a difference today!
VCU provides two types of Community Service Leave:
Standard Community Service Leave (For all 12-month state employees)
✔ 16 hours per leave year (Jan. 10 – Jan. 9)
✔ Use for volunteering, school functions, or educational meetings
✔ Must be taken during regular work hours
✔ Cannot be carried over
Enhanced Community Service Leave (For University & Academic Professionals)
✔ Additional 16 hours per leave year (Jan. 10 – Jan. 9)
✔ Must be used for VCU-sponsored or endorsed activities
✔ Helps strengthen university-community relationships
1️⃣ Obtain Supervisor Approval
2️⃣ Log into VCU RealTime and submit your leave request
3️⃣ For Enhanced Leave, include the name of the service organization
🔗 Access VCU RealTime: https://realtime.vcu.edu/
📌 Skills-Based Volunteering
Use your expertise in:
✔ Marketing & Media
✔ Finance & Legal
✔ Nonprofit Management
✔ Organizational Strategy & Technology
🔗 Explore Skills-Based Opportunities: CF Engage Richmond – Skills Connect
📌 Group Volunteer Projects
Team-building meets community impact!
✔ Check available projects: VCU Volunteer Website
✔ Browse the CF Engage Calendar for opportunities: cfengage.org
📌 DIY Service Projects
✔ Assemble kits for those in need
✔ Volunteer on your own time
✔ Monthly featured projects available
📢 Find Featured DIY Projects Here: https://www.cfengage.org/DIY
🔍 Browse local opportunities through:
✔ VCU Volunteer Website – volunteer.vcu.edu
✔ CF Engage Richmond – cfengage.org
✔ HandsOn Greater Richmond – handsonrva.org
✔ Feed More – feedmore.org
✔ Volunteer Match – volunteermatch.org
✔ Richmond Public Schools & Civic Groups
How did you use your community service leave?
Tell us by emailing engage@vcu.edu, and we'll highlight you on our website and news.
“It was my privilege to serve as a National History Day judge at the New Community School, a private school in Richmond for students with dyslexia. As a former public school teacher of Social Studies, I was thrilled to participate in this event and feel very lucky that VCU provides me with the hours to do it. Listening to the students share about their projects really put a pep in my step and gave me great joy.”
- Kim McQuillen, Program Manager, Training and Communications
"I used my community service leave to volunteer at ART 180’s 2025 Block Party on Friday, May 2. I assisted in setting up a podcasting booth and mentored Richmond Public Schools students as they conducted interviews with event attendees. Their questions centered on youth creativity and its role in shaping Richmond’s future. My mentorship included guiding students through equipment setup, helping them craft thoughtful questions, and supporting them in producing and directing the interviews. With a two-camera setup, two microphones, and a team of around ten students, they rotated through roles as sound technicians, camera operators, and interviewers."
- Alliannah Hamilton, Digital Communications Specialist
Questions? Contact Us!
Email: Verenda Cobbs, s2vkcobb@vcu.edu
📢 Ready to give back? Take the first step today!
As an urban university, VCU's people and programs blend into the cultural fabric of the university's surrounding neighborhoods.
Community Foundation Engage
Engage in meaningful volunteer opportunities within the greater Richmond region
Need student volunteers?
Connect with VCU student volunteers through VCU University Student Commons and Activties