50+ volunteering opportunities in Richmond

Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Richmond to support with your time.

Whether you’re an animal lover, an artsy type, a natural mentor, or a healthcare enthusiast, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 50+ ways to get involved in the River City.

⭐️ Senior City Editor Robin here. I’ll be popping up with this emoji throughout the guide with some extra tips — look out for the star.

If you want to help your neighbors

Better Housing Coalition | The coalition offers in-person and virtual projects with missions like holiday gifts, food and clothing drives for seniors, and health services.

CARITAS | Volunteers take an orientation class, then can work in various positions at the Furniture Bank, shelter, or the CARITAS Center itself.

Circles RVA | Connect with members of the community who are trying to rise out of poverty as an Ally.

⭐️ Circles RVA is actively looking for more volunteers to meet with local individuals and families to form intentional relationships built on compassion and empathy. Programs take place Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.

Feed More | Individuals or groups can help deliver or package meals for the thousands of families who depend on Feed More across Central VA.

International Rescue Committee | The IRC has opportunities in Richmond including assisting the economic empowerment team, volunteering at youth program events, and helping English students practice conversation skills.

Neighbor-To-Neighbor | Meet city needs and solve community problems through the city’s volunteer organization, with a variety of open positions from aerobics instructor to trail worker to tutor.

Nest Academy | This group puts on programming, classes, and more for young adults with special needs. Volunteer to provide virtual office support, classroom support, or community outreach, or fill out the interest form with ideas of your own.

Richmond Metropolitan Habitat for Humanity | Grab a hammer and hardhat to help build homes, landscape or do yard work for families in need. Programs are available for all ages.

⭐️ I helped out at a Women Build work day with my mom. We had varying levels of experience in our group, so it was cool to learn new skills and see the progress after a shift.

SCORE Richmond | Sign on as a mentor to help out small businesses by answering questions, providing resources, and giving insight and guidance.

SOAR365 | Groups or individuals can sign up to help support the mission of creating life-fulfilling opportunities for individuals with disabilities. The group is in particular need of summer volunteers.

⭐️ If you want to see the positive impact of SOAR365 first hand, visit PARK365 on Saunders Avenue. The space has an accessible treehouse and merry-go-round, supportive swings, sensory play areas, and calming gardens.

UGK Community First | The Underground Kitchen is a local nonprofit helping feed Richmonders. Volunteers can help prepare meals, collect and sort food, make deliveries, and fundraise.

United Way of Greater Richmond & Petersburg | Help prepare literacy kits for local youth, install and restock Little Free Libraries, or access free resources to support community members in need.

If you’re looking to support children

Celebrate RVA | Help assemble and deliver Birthday Bags so every child can have an amazing birthday party.

Comfort Zone Camp | This camp helps grieving kids return to being kids and needs volunteers to help as Big Buddies, healing circle leaders, junior counselors, and floaters.

⭐️ If you have particular skills in healthcare or photography, the camp is also looking for registered nurses and an experienced photographers to capture candid pictures.

Greater Richmond SCAN | The organization needs Court Appointed Special Advocates for its five children’s advocacy programs.

Jacob’s Chance | From athletics coaching to running enrichment programs, you’ll work to assist and encourage children and young adults with disabilities.

Make-A-Wish Greater Virginia | Volunteer as a Wish Granter to help critically ill children determine their most heartfelt wish. Other opportunities include translators, office volunteers, and events volunteers.

⭐️ Reach out to volunteer coordinator Jenna Peterson for more information.

Podium | Writers can volunteer to help empower youths in the greater Richmond area to become confident writers and find a creative writing passion.

YMCA of Greater Richmond | Coach youth sports, build outdoor spaces, or help with food and clothing drives.

Photo via @celebraterva

If you want to support local minority groups

Diversity Richmond | Aid in Diversity’s events or the thrift store to serve as a catalyst, voice, and resource for Richmond’s LGBTQ+ community.

⭐️ Volunteer positions vary, but if you like art, see about being an Iridian Gallery docent. The current exhibitions are “Limitations of Isolation” by Julian and “Eureka!” by Arista Alanis.

Equality Virginia | Sign up to help run upcoming Pride events, organize community meetings and fundraise for LGBTQ+ causes.

ReEstablish Richmond | Volunteer to share your skills or knowledge and help support refugees and immigrants in our community.

VA Hispanic Chamber of Commerce | Help set up the chamber’s multiple upcoming cultural and legislative events, like the annual ¿Que Pasa? Festival.

If you’re interested in healthcare

Commonwealth Catholic Charities | Transport refugee families, stock the food pantry, or provide counseling services.

Family Lifeline | The Visiting Volunteers program provides health kits to children and new moms and hosts book and supply drives.

Health Brigade | Support exceptional health services to those least served in a caring and non-judgmental environment.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society | Help those Richmonders who have MS and raise funds through Walk MS and Bike MS events.

Ronald McDonald House Charities | Offers long term volunteer opportunities to clean, organize donations and reset rooms at the House, or work at the Family Room at VCU Health and Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital.

Sheltering Arms | Apply for seven different volunteering positions to aid VCU Health with inpatient rehab and physical therapies.

⭐️ If you’re looking for a consistent volunteer opportunity, Sheltering Arms could be a good fit. Volunteers are asked to work weekly shifts of at least 2-3 hours for at least a year.

World Pediatric Project | Provide transportation for families before and after surgeries, deliver meals, and collaborate with local health systems — medical and non-medical positions are open.

Photo via Keep Virginia Cozy

If you’re into the outdoors

Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay | Protect the Bay’s watershed through Central VA working with programs like the Chesapeake Monitoring Collaborative and Project Clean Stream.

⭐️ Sign up for The Confluence newsletter to be among the first to hear about volunteer opportunities.

Capital Trees | Maintain, plant, and water dozens of green spaces with tools and expertise provided.

Friends of Bellemeade Park | Beautify, maintain, clean, and enhance Bellemeade Park with a variety of outdoor volunteer activities.

Friends of the James River Park | Plant trees and native species, remove litter, help maintain trails, and stop invasive species growth.

⭐️ It can be super rewarding — not to mention a good workout — to spend a few hours removing invasive species.

James River Association | Join 200+ locals in monitoring our river’s health, planting wildlife, and leading education and cleanup efforts organized.

Keep Virginia Cozy | Come out to a cleanup with this environmental group that’s all about protecting the wilderness and increasing accessibility to nature.

RVAg | Help set up, organize, or pack up dozens of farmers markets across the city.

⭐️ You might not recognize the name RVAg, but you might’ve shopped at their farmers markets in Manakin, Goochland, and Powhatan.

If you’re an animal lover

BarkVA | Help provide homeless animals with care, neuter, and spay services and promote the Bark Behind Bars program where dogs work with inmates for training.

Compassion Animal Project | A range of volunteer opportunities are posted as needed for the nonprofit that provides grants to pet owners facing expensive critical or specialized care to save their pet.

Richardson’s Rescue | Foster kitties, organize community events, provide transport, or fundraise for this local shelter.

RACC Foundation | Fill out an application to work hands-on with animals including cat and dog socialization, foster care, shelter cleaning, and humane education.

⭐️ RACC is starting a new program with The Veil to take adoptable dogs for an afternoon at a dog-friendly brewery or patio. Get more information.

Richmond Animal League | Be a dog and cat advocate working in the spay and neuter clinic and pet pantry. Pro tip: Volunteers must be 16+.

Richmond SPCA | Play with pups, clean kennels, and help fundraise for the care of these furry friends.

If you’re on a mission for museums

Children’s Museum of Richmond | Help out in roles including Art Studio Assistant, Data Entry Assistant, or with Spanish Translation Services.

Historic Richmond | Attend and organize events to prioritize preservation of Richmond’s historic homes, streets, and landmarks.

Maymont Foundation | Boost the natural beauty of Maymont’s gardens, help staff at upcoming events, or keep the animal population happy at the estate.

Science Museum of Virginia | Volunteer everywhere from the Dome to the gift shop to the Maker Workshop.

The Valentine | Assist with educational programming, be a guide for the 1812 Wickham House, host special events, and help out at the Museum Store.

Virginia Museum of Fine Arts | The art museum needs volunteers to act as Ask Me Ambassadors, greeting visitors and helping museum-goers find their way, or as Family Day Event Assistants.

Virginia Museum of History & Culture | Help out at special events and provide visitor services to guests.

⭐️ My friends and I have volunteered at the museum’s annual festivals including BrewHaHa and Virginia Vines. It’s a fun combination of drinks, eats, and history.

If you’re an artsy type

1708 Gallery | Install and maintain art pieces featured in its exhibitions, host special events, and take part in fundraising.

Art on Wheels | Teach classes, run special events, and provide artistic vision for upcoming projects.

Classical Revolution RVA | This local group needs volunteers to help with day-of concert operations, organizational tasks, and new projects.

Gallery5 | Apply to help this artist-run nonprofit install exhibitions, help out on social media, and coordinate grants and fundraising.

⭐️ Volunteers get free admission to shows and events, if you’re looking for another incentive to apply.

Visual Arts Center of Richmond | Help run special events, organize gallery openings, provide administrative support, or educate visitors.

Bonus: The Community Foundation offers connections to dozens of in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities with many more organizations across Central VA.

Have a favorite we didn’t highlight? Let us know.