Corporate Volunteer Group

Materials for the Arts helps reduce landfill waste by accepting donations of materials that businesses, manufacturers, film & TV, offices, and individuals no longer have a need for. We receive so many cool items, some new and unused, some previously used. MFTA depends on volunteers to help prepare these materials for distribution to over 4,200 New York City public schools, nonprofit arts groups, art therapy, and community service programs throughout New York’s 5 boroughs.

We are set up like a Home Depot with various departments that constantly need to be cleaned out, reorganized, and reimagined for better accessibility.

We are seeking corporate groups to join our team! Whether your team has dedicated service days, team‑building events, or ongoing volunteer programs, we welcome groups of all sizes. Your employees bring unique talents from various professional backgrounds that can be a tremendous asset to our projects. By volunteering at MFTA, corporate groups foster stronger community ties and demonstrate a commitment to social responsibility, inspiring others to support the arts.

Volunteer opportunities enhance team cohesion, develop leadership and collaboration skills, and offer a positive way for employees to give back together.

The tasks assigned vary, depending on the daily needs in the warehouse and what donations have come in that week. Projects consist of sorting and shelving donations (paper, office supplies, household supplies, electronics, etc.), bundling and folding fabric, cleaning/dusting, and assembling donations (x‑mas tree, desk monitor mounts, etc.). The most common needs include sorting and shelving donations.

We ask that you give us at least 2 weeks’ advance notice to schedule your event. We can accommodate groups of up to 35 adults. Larger groups are subject to special consideration. Once your group is finalized, we ask to have a list of volunteers sent a few days before the event to prepare the workspace and staff. We are available for volunteering Mondays 10 am–5 pm, Wednesdays 10 am–6:30 pm, and Fridays between 10 am–5 pm.

Volunteer sessions range from 2–4 hours. Please keep in mind that times can be adjusted according to your availability. For any questions please email at:
volunteer.gov
.

We have a suggested donation for this event to help with programming costs. Any monetary donation is appreciated, but not required in order to volunteer. We appreciate all the help our volunteers provide regardless of donation status.

• Families
• Homeless
• Immigrants, Refugees or Ethnic Groups
• LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender)
• Low‑income communities
• People with Disabilities

Age Minimum (with Adult): 12+, Minimum Age: 18+

After expressing interest in one or more dates and times you'd like to volunteer, your availability will be sent to the Opportunity Leader who will review and confirm when you should attend.

253 Broadway, 8th floor, New York, NY 10007