The Community Service Center functions as a clearinghouse for student service projects, supporting established campus service organizations and encouraging new projects that address the community's needs. The office also helps to facilitate the Federal Work Study/Community Service program, placing students in local nonprofit organizations to earn their work study awards.

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, teach foreign languages after school to third graders, 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 CSC website and sent out electronically to interested students. The CSC welcomes new student-initiated service projects and encourages students to link service activities with academic interests and career exploration.