Get Involved — There Are Many Ways to Make an Impact
Join the AACORN Community
Every act of support helps AACORN create meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Whether you choose to volunteer, make a donation, purchase products, provide needed supplies, become a community partner, or simply help spread the word, you are making a difference. Together, we can expand opportunities, strengthen our community, and help every participant thrive.
Volunteer with AACORN
Volunteers play an important role at AACORN. Whether you are looking for an ongoing commitment, a one-time project, or a group volunteer experience, there are many ways to get involved.
Opportunities include working alongside participants in farm and program activities, helping with property improvement projects, sharing professional skills, supporting special events, and participating in corporate or community volunteer days. No farm experience is required—just a willingness to contribute and be part of a community where everyone belongs.
Tell us a little about your interests and availability, and we’ll help find the right fit.
Volunteers are generally expected to be 18 or older; younger volunteers may be able to participate alongside a parent, guardian, or approved supervising adult. Volunteers who will be working with participants will require a background check. Individual volunteers, college interns, community groups, and corporate volunteer teams are all welcome.
Sign Up to Volunteer
Fill out the form below and the AACORN team will contact you to coordinate your skills with our needs.
Wishlist and In-Kind Gifts
Sometimes what AACORN needs most is not money—it is materials. Donations of supplies, equipment, and tools help support daily programming, farm operations, and special projects throughout the year.
Current needs may include canning jars, craft supplies, small building and STEM kits, durable garden hoses, fencing materials, tractor implements, a vehicle battery charger, and an emergency generator. Needs change throughout the year, and some larger projects may be a good fit for businesses, service organizations, scout troops, or community groups looking to make a hands-on impact.
Please contact AACORN before purchasing or delivering items so we can confirm current needs and priorities.
AACORN Merchandise
A t-shirt, hat, or sweatshirt may seem like a small thing, but it helps share AACORN’s story wherever you go. Every item purchased shows support for a community where adults with intellectual and developmental differences can learn, contribute, connect, and belong.
Visit our online store to view current merchandise and purchasing options.
Partners in our Mission
Foundations, businesses, civic organizations, and community partners play an important role in AACORN’s success. Their support helps sustain tuition-free programming today while advancing AACORN’s long-term vision for the future.
Partnership support strengthens every aspect of the organization—from participant programming and farm operations to facility improvements, special projects, and strategic growth. Together, these investments help create meaningful opportunities for adults with intellectual and developmental differences throughout our community.
If your organization would like to learn more about partnership opportunities or current funding priorities, we would welcome a conversation.
Make a Gift to AACORN
Use the form below to make a secure online donation. Consider becoming a monthly donor to provide steady support for AACORN’s tuition-free programming, or make a one-time gift. Every contribution helps strengthen the farm community that exists today while helping build the future AACORN envisions.
Give with PayPal
Use PayPal to make a one-time or monthly donation with a debit or credit card or a bank account. Select the button below, or scan the QR code with your mobile device.
Give with Venmo
Use Venmo to make a quick, secure donation from your mobile device. Select the button below, or scan the QR code with the Venmo app.
AACORN Endowment Fund
A gift to the AACORN Endowment Fund is an investment in the future. Held and managed through the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, the endowment provides long-term financial support to help ensure AACORN can continue serving adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities for generations to come.
Endowment gifts are especially meaningful for those who wish to leave a lasting legacy. Contributions can be made during your lifetime or through a planned gift as part of your estate.
Looking for Another Way to Give?
AACORN gratefully accepts gifts through donor-advised funds, appreciated securities, qualified charitable distributions (when applicable), employer matching gifts, and other charitable giving vehicles. If you’d like to discuss these or other giving options, we’d be happy to help.
Let’s Start a Conversation
Not sure where you fit in? We’d love to hear from you. Whether you’re interested in volunteering, making a gift, exploring a partnership, supporting a project, or simply learning more about AACORN, we’re happy to help.
Send us a message using the form below and a member of our team will follow up.
Visit the Farm
The best way to know AACORN is to see it. Visits are welcome by appointment, and we are glad to show you the farm.
AACORN is made possible by people who believe adults with intellectual and developmental differences deserve opportunities to learn, contribute, connect, and belong.
Whether you choose to donate, volunteer, share your expertise, support a project, or advocate for our mission, your involvement helps strengthen a community where everyone has a place and a purpose. Find the path that fits you and take the first step today.