Volunteering, Upcoming Events & Calendar

Franklin Farm is Fueled by Volunteers!


As a volunteer, you are a valued member of our community which enables Franklin Farm to accomplish great things. During the year, volunteers plan events, harvest vegetables, photograph, organize and do a variety of activities according to each volunteer's interest. 


Where do you shine?

Admin

We need volunteers to help with office work, such as grant writing, working on press releases, newsletters, and other administrative tasks. If getting your hands dirty on the farm isn’t your jam, or you aren’t local to us, that’s okay because we’d love support with the administrative side of things, including remote volunteering opportunities.


Fix-it Crew (aka Grounds Crew)

There are always maintenance and repair jobs to be done around the farm. If you are handy with tools, consider joining our “Fix-It Crew.” Jobs may include working on fencing, farm buildings, irrigation, and maintaining our tools.


Mowing

Mowing and weed whacking are important jobs on the farm. The mowing crew helps maintain around the historic homestead, pathways and keeps weeds from encroaching on the gardens.


Miscellaneous

Do you have a special skill to share with us? If you have an idea of how to help out that isn’t mentioned above, we’d love to hear from you. There are many ways to move our mission forward, and YOUR creativity and ideas are very welcome. Let’s talk!


Let us know where you would like to volunteer by emailing us.  A Franklin Farm Board of Director will contact you soon with a follow up.


Scan Below To Fill Out Our Volunteer Interests Form

Scan To Fill Out Volunteer Interest Form
Click Here Member of the Historic Metcalf Franklin Farm Preservation Association

Upcoming Volunteer Opportunities


Fundraising Committee Meeting

Tuesday, January 27, 2026

*Please note location change

Arnold Mills United Methodist Church located at 690 Nate Whipple Highway

3:00 pm- 4:30 pm


We invite you to join us for an upcoming Fundraising Committee meeting focused on advancing a critical part of Franklin Farm’s mission: Focusing on the mission statement element of restoring the historic farm house, barn complex, stone walls, and fields, the goal of this meeting is to kickoff discussions regarding strategies for accelerating and generating major investments, donations, and grant funding. Folks with any current or previous experience, or a desire to help achieve this objective, are encouraged to participate!


For More Information & to let us know you are coming please email franklinfarm65@gmail.com


Grounds Committee Meeting

Tuesday, February 3, 2026

6:30- 8:00 pm

Room 2 Hayden Center

Cumberland Public Library


The first Grounds Committee Meeting for 2026 . The focus of the meeting will be to meet each other, and discuss the various areas farm operations that are the responsibility of th grounds committee.  This is an excellent opportunity to see where you may be interested in volunteering at the farm.  We are looking forward to meeting everyone and having great conversations about the grounds committee and how you can be a part of this great team. No experience necessary. 


                       Let Us Know You are Coming  RSVP Grounds Committee Meeting


Community Garden Meeting

Saturday, February 7, 2026

9:30- 10:30 am

Room 2 Hayden Center

Cumberland Public Library

1464 Diamond Hill Rd


 The Franklin Farm Community Garden is preparing for another meaningful growing season, and we’re inviting volunteers to step into leadership and committee roles to help guide the garden forward. Our Community Garden has been growing fresh vegetables for Rhode Islanders experiencing food insecurity for nearly 20 years—all powered by volunteers. 


We are currently seeking volunteers who would be interested in serving as Community Garden Tri-Chairs, sharing responsibilities such as planning, coordinating volunteers, supporting harvest and distribution efforts, and helping shape the season alongside a supportive team. No one does this alone—leadership is collaborative, flexible, and designed to match your interests and availability.


If leadership isn’t your thing (yet!), we’d still love to have you join the Community Garden Committee. Committee members help with planning, problem-solving, and supporting weekly garden activities—and it’s a great way to learn more and get involved at your own pace.


Whether you enjoy being hands-on in the garden, organizing behind the scenes, or helping build community, there’s a place for you here. This is a wonderful opportunity to make a real impact, learn new skills, and be part of something deeply meaningful.


If you’re curious or would like to learn more, we’d love to talk with you. 

Email Us at franklin farm65@gmail.com


                             Let us know you are coming RSVP Community Garden Meeting


HMFFP Association Meeting 


* Special Association Meeting Saturday,February 14, 2026 9 am - 11 am* 


Tuesdays: April 14, June  9, August 11, October 13, December 8

6:30- 8:00 pm

Public Safety Building, 1379 Diamond Hill Rd, Cumberland, RI 02864


Join us for our Association Meetings. Become a part of an amazing team that is working to restore, preserve, and protect the 18th- and 19th- centuries old Metcalf-Franklin Homestead and its agricultural heritage through charitable, educational, and community engagement-related activities. Attending meetings is a great way to learn about how you get involved!  All ages are welcome. No experience is necessary. 


*Do you have grant writing experience or preservation experience? We would love your help!  franklinfarm65@gmail.com


Community Garden 

Growing for the RI Community Food Bank & Local Food Pantries

JOIN US IN 2026!

Every Monday & Thursday 5:30 - 7:30 pm


๐ŸŒฑ Pick a Night, Grow Some Good

Volunteering at Franklin Farm doesn’t have to be complicated — just pick a night and join us in the garden. Whether you come every week or whenever you can, choosing a regular night helps build community, keeps the garden thriving, and makes volunteering easy and fun.


Why Pick a Night?

๐ŸŒฟ Get to know familiar faces

๐Ÿงค Jump right in — no guessing what to do

๐Ÿฅ• See the impact of your work week to week

๐Ÿ˜Š Come when you can, leave when you must


How It Works

Choose a Volunteer Night (Mondays/ Thursdays) that fits your schedule

Show up, help out, and enjoy being outdoors

No experience needed — all are welcome


This is your invitation to make Franklin Farm part of your week. One evening. One community. A whole lot of good.


* Volunteers seeking service hours, please bring all required paperwork


PARKING: Please use the BARN Driveway to park and check in at our Welcome Table. We have a water refill station, so please bring your own water bottle.


Bringing a group of more than 15?   Are you a community or scout group? Let us know you are coming, we are happy to provide an educational tour of the garden.


Let us help make a memorable experience   Contact franklinfarm65@gmail.com for more information.


Farm Safety

We ask that all volunteers, particularly in leadership positions to complete the Farm Safety Video prior to volunteering. 

Newsletter Stories Wanted

Share Your Stories, Adventures & Volunteer Time in! Click on link or scan the QR Code! 

Click Here

* Stories are due by the 1st Wednesday of Each Month


Congratulations To Lafayette Lodge Masons

2024 Silver Trowell Volunteer Award

for their Dedication and Support of the Community Garden for over 16 years!๏ปฟ