Commitment to social responsibility has been a large part of Grinnell's history. In addition to personal satisfaction, contributions to volunteer organizations provide students with opportunities to see public-policy change in action. The Office of Service and Social Commitment encourages students to link community service to their academic interests. These volunteer activities combined with liberal arts skills can open job opportunities in the private, nonprofit sector, including citizen advocacy groups, grassroots organizations, VISTA, and the Peace Corps.

Grinnell students volunteer with agencies that serve people affected by poverty, the elderly, or people who may have developmental disabilities. They provide outreach through mentoring and tutoring programs with local school children, work in local public and school libraries, and teach English as a Second Language. Many students work as advocates for sexual assault and domestic violence survivors.

Each semester a volunteer fair is held to inform the campus of local volunteer activities and opportunities. In addition, volunteer opportunities are updated regularly on the College website and sent electronically to interested students. The College welcomes new student-initiated service projects and encourages students to link service activities with academic interests and career exploration.