Fall 2026 event
Saturday,
October 24, 2026
11 AM to 3 PM
Homeowners and Nonprofits
Private residences and nonprofit organizations can submit a project for UNL students, staff, and faculty to assist you with within the Lincoln, NE city limits.
- Project Requests are due by 11:59 p.m. October 4, 2026.
- You will be notified if your proposal is filled by October 18, 2026.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee your request for volunteers will be fulfilled.
Questions? Send a message to bigevent@unl.edu or call 402–472–2652.
1. Submit your project
Propose a 1- to 3-hour project
Projects can range from 1 to 3 hours only and must be in-person volunteer opportunities within the Lincoln, NE city limits.
Details you need to provide:
- Volunteer site's Street Address
- # of volunteers needed for the project
- # of hours the volunteers are needed
- Tools and supplies you will be provide
- Tools and Supplies you want the volunteers to bring
This application closes at 11:59 p.m. October 4, 2026.
Apply nowVolunteers can help you:
- Paint the exterior and interior of buildings
- Rake yards and weeding
- Trimming bushes and hedges
- Plant trees or flowers
- Pick up trash and clearing debris
- Clean ground-floor windows
- Clean up interiors and exteriors of homes, parks, gardens, streets, etc.
Volunteers cannot:
- Use electrical equipment or power tools
- Complete plumbing, electrical, heating, or air conditioning work
- Handle asbestos
- Work with lead paint or be exposed to toxic materials
- Provide childcare
2. Next steps, after submitting your project
Information coming soon.
3. Day-of details for The Big Event
Information coming soon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is eligible to request a project?
Any private homeowner or nonprofit organization within the Lincoln city limits.
Our mission is to serve those who support the University, with a particular focus on projects that may be difficult for residents to complete on their own.
Is there a cost to have volunteers help me?
No.
There is absolutely no charge for the volunteers and provided by The Big Event. We are an organization dedicated to "simply saying thank you."
What happens if it rains on the day of the event?
The Big Event typically proceeds rain or shine for indoor tasks.
In the event of severe weather that prevents outdoor work, we will communicate any cancellations or rescheduling updates online and via the email address provided in your application.
How are volunteers assigned to my project?
Volunteers and groups are matched to projects based on the number of volunteers requested and the nature of the tasks. For example, a larger yard may be assigned a student organization with 15+ members, while a small project may be assigned to a group of four.
What happens if something is accidentally damaged?
The Big Event and its student volunteers are not responsible for any damages to property. By requesting a job site, hosts acknowledge that volunteers are students, not professional contractors. We require a resident or site supervisor to be physically present at all times to provide guidance and oversight.
You must complete a site agreement and indemnification to participate in the Big Event.
Can I be guaranteed that my project will be finished?
While our students work hard to complete every task, we cannot guarantee the completion of all requested jobs within the three-hour window. Additionally, volunteers may only perform the tasks specifically requested and approved in the original application.
Who is responsible for supervision?
A representative from the community organization or the resident of the private home must be physically present at the job site at all times while volunteers are working.
What if I need to cancel my project request?
Residents and organizations have the right to terminate or cancel volunteer services at any time. Similarly, The Big Event reserves the right to cancel a specific job site due to safety concerns or logistical constraints.
To cancel, send a message to bigevent@unl.edu.