Local nonprofit organizations in the Southwest Austin and Austin area offer residents chances to give back throughout the year at events and as part of new programs. Whether you want to help out behind the scenes or work hands-on with students, animals or people in need, there is no shortage of opportunities to participate in philanthropic efforts in the city of Austin.

American Cancer Society hopes to reduce the cancer mortality rate and cancer incidents through early detection, prevention and advocacy. Volunteer opportunities include the Road to Recovery and Reach to Recovery programs, assisting at health fairs, fundraising, office duties and Relay for Life.
1100 N. Mopac Expwy. Ste. 100 Austin
800-227-2345 • www.cancer.org
Twitter: @americancancer

Austin Children’s Shelter provides residential and nonresidential services to children, youth and families. Volunteers help by engaging in recreational activities, tutoring and positive interaction, or by assisting in light office and facility projects.
4800 Manor Road, Bldg. A, Austin
512-499-0090 • www.safeaustin.org
Twitter: @safeatx

Austin Habitat for Humanity aims to end the cycle of poverty and deeply holds the belief that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to live. Through faith in action, their goal is to empower community members and give them better control of their futures through homeownership. Volunteers assist in construction and at our ReStore.
500 W. Ben White Blvd., Austin
512-472-8788 • www.austinhabitat.org
Twitter: @austinhabitat

The Austin Harmony Project is a nonprofit whose mission is to enrich the lives of adults with developmental disabilities through art, music and community. Volunteers can help with daily art and music sessions.
1806 W. Stassney Lane, Ste. 106, Austin
512-394-5394 • www.theaustinharmonyproject.org

Austin Parks Foundation connects people to resources and partners to develop and improve parks. Volunteers participate in activities including erosion control, mulching, tree-planting, eradicating invasive species and trash pickup. The online calendar shows upcoming events.
507 Calles St., Ste. 116, Austin
512-477-1566 • www.austinparks.org
Twitter: @austinparksfdn

Austin Partners In Education provides college and career readiness for AISD students. Volunteer opportunities are at AISD schools and include math, tutoring, lunchtime mentoring, and exposing students to careers in the STEM field (Career Conversations).
8000 Centre Park Drive, Ste. 220, Austin
512-637-0900 • www.austinpartners.org
Twitter: @AustinPartners

Austin Pets Alive! is a nonprofit animal rescue group committed to promoting and providing the resources, education and programs needed to eliminate the killing of homeless companion animals in Austin. The center is run almost entirely by volunteers.
1156 W. Cesar Chavez St., Austin
512-961-6519 • www.austinpetsalive.org
[email protected]
Twitter: @austinpetsalive

Austin Public Library volunteers help connect the community to library programs and services. There are a variety of volunteer positions to match most schedules and interests. Library volunteers help to re-shelve books and other materials, facilitate conversational language programs, preserve Austin history, and teach technology skills to teens and adults.
800 Guadalupe St., Austin
512-974-7443 • www.library.austintexas.gov/volunteer
Twitter: @austinpubliclib

Austin Zoo is a Hill Country Zoo where people can see rescued animals, spend time outdoors and get exercise. Volunteers help with laundry duties, kitchen duties, cleaning habitats and with animal food preparation.
10808 Rawhide Trail, Austin
512-288-1490 • www.austinzoo.org
Twitter: @theaustinzoo

Bake A Wish is a 501 (c) (3) non profit organization run by a local network of volunteers who deliver free birthday cakes to neglected/abused/abandoned children and also the elderly/disabled that would not otherwise receive a birthday cake. It is more than just cake they deliver, it’s the message that someone cares. Volunteers bake and deliver cakes. No formal experience is necessary, but cake bakers must be able to make buttercream frosting, use a pastry bag to pipe a simple border, write legibly on a cake and maintain requirements for food safety. Because the organization works with protective agencies, all volunteers must have a valid driver’s license and pass a background check.
P.O. Box 300491, Austin
[email protected]
www.bakeawishaustin.org
Twitter: @bakeawishaustin

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas pairs volunteers with children in need of mentoring and positive role models. Men and Spanish-speaking volunteers are especially needed.
4800 Manor Road, Bldg. K, Austin
512-472-5437 • www.bigmentoring.org/volunteer
Twitter: @bigmentoring

CASA of Travis County speaks up for children who have been abused or neglected by empowering the community to volunteer as advocates for them in the court system.
7701 N. Lamar Blvd., Ste. 301, Austin
512-459-2272 • www.casatravis.org/volunteer
Twitter: @casatravis

Central Texas Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief charity in Central Texas, serving more than 46,000 people each week. Volunteers are always needed to help prepare food donations for distribution, assist with the mobile food pantry and various administrative duties. Visit our website for a complete list of volunteer opportunities.
6500 Metropolis Dr., Austin
512-282-2111 • www.centraltexasfoodbank.org
Twitter: @ctxfoodbank

Divine Canines provides free therapy dog services to more than 70 sites around Austin and Central Texas, including school reading programs, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and veterans programs. Volunteers include dog owners who would like to train their dogs to become therapy dogs.
2407 S. Congress Ave., Ste. E-401, Austin
512-655-DOG5 • www.divinecanines.org

Drive a Senior-South Austin assists older adults in maintaining their quality of life and independence. Volunteers provide transportation, home repairs and companionship to the elderly. To volunteer, fill out an application on the website.
205 E. Monroe St., Austin
512-445-5552 • www.driveaseniorsouthaustin.org
[email protected]

El Buen Samaritano is an outreach ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Texas committed to helping Latino and other families in Central Texas lead healthy, productive and secure lives through high-quality and affordable health care, education and financial security services.
7000 Woodhue Drive, Austin
512-439-0700 • www.elbuen.org

The mission of Foster Angels of Central Texas is to  improve the lives of children in foster care, ensuring that each child has his or her basic needs met, and to provide life-enriching and life-enhancing experiences whenever possible. The foundation serves Region 7 which consists of 30 counties in Central Texas.  We have various opportunities to volunteer throughout the year.  Contact us today to find out how you can get more involved.
P.O. Box 152575, Austin
512-732-2329 •  www.fosterangelsctx.org
[email protected]
Facebook: www.facebook.com/fosterangelsctx/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foster_angels/

Foundation Communities is a nonprofit organization providing affordable, quality housing to families and individuals with low incomes across the city. Volunteers can work with clients and residents in a variety of ways, such as serving meals or providing free tax-preparation services, financial coaching, tutoring in the after-school program and more.
3036 S. First St., Austin
512-610-7377 • www.foundcom.org
Twitter: @foundcom

Hope4Minds is a nonprofit organization  that provides guidance, advocacy and financial support to Texas families who have children with brain injuries due to accidents. Volunteers can assist with events, including the Austin Marathon in February and the seventh annual Hope4Minds Golf Tournament in April.
P.O. Box 9600 Escarpment Blvd., Ste. 745, No. 24, Austin
512-845-1466 • www.hope4minds.org

Keep Austin Beautiful, a nonprofit service organization, has provided resources and education to engage citizens in building more beautiful communities since 1985. Volunteers work on service projects, including creek and road cleanups. Check the website for the latest volunteer opportunities.
55 N. I-35, Ste. 215, Austin
512-391-0617 • www.keepaustinbeautiful.org
Twitter: @kab_austin

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center was founded by former first lady Lady Bird Johnson and Helen Hayes in 1982 to conserve, restore and create healthy landscapes. The Wildflower Center offers volunteer opportunities in the gardens, festivals, educational programs, a store and the new family garden.
4801 La Crosse Ave., Austin
www.wildflower.org/volunteer
[email protected]
Twitter: @wildflowerctr

LifeWorks aims to be an advocate for youth and families seeking their path to self-sufficiency. LifeWorks provides counseling, workforce development, education and housing to former foster care and homeless youths ages 16-26. Volunteer opportunities include tutoring youth, community outreach and advocacy, and administrative assistance. Prospective volunteers can learn more by attending an open house at the East Campus.
3700 S. First St., Austin
835 N. Pleasant Valley Road, Austin 78702 (East Campus)
512-735-2400 • www.lifeworksaustin.org
Twitter: @lifeworksaustin

Make a Wish Foundation of Central and South Texas grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers assist in wish-granting, fundraising and event planning. The nonprofit is also looking for Spanish-speaking volunteers.
2224 Walsh Tarlton Lane, Ste. 200, Austin
512-329-9474 • www.cstx.wish.org
Twitter: @makeawishcstx

Meals on Wheels Central Texas—Greater Austin Area makes and delivers meals to homebound members of the community, including those age 60 and older. Volunteers deliver meals by car.
3227 E. Fifth St., Austin
512-476-6325 • www.mealsonwheelscentraltexas.org
Twitter: @mealsonwheels

Mobile Loaves & Fishes is a social outreach ministry for the homeless and indigent working poor. Its mission is to provide food, clothing and dignity to those in need by delivering food every night of the week. Volunteers at the St. John Neumann Commissary can help organize, prepare and deliver meals. Opportunities at the Community First Village may include gardening, prepping micro-homes or working in the Art House.
903 S. Capital of Texas Hwy., Austin
512-328-7299 • www.mlf.org/volunteer
Twitter: @mobileloaves

Oak Hill Young Business Award program volunteers can help raise awareness of the scholarship fund for Southwest Austin high schoolers interested in entrepreneurship.
6705 W. Hwy. 290, Ste. 502-141, Austin
512-468-0201 • www.ohbpa.org
[email protected]

Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas aims to helping people make informed, private decisions in matters of sexuality, reproduction and parenthood. Volunteers perform outreach in the community by attending community events.
201 E. Ben White Blvd., Bldg. B, Austin
512-275-0171 • www.ppgreatertx.org
Twitter: @ppgreatertx

Project Linus-Williamson/Travis/Hays/Bastrop County Chapter provides handmade blankets for children. The nonprofit works with about 40 organizations, including police departments, hospitals and children’s shelters. Volunteers are needed to make homemade blankets and get together monthly to process them.
512-448-1851 • www.orgsites.com/tx/austinlinus

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Texas provides housing and support for families of critically ill children. Volunteers prepare meals and perform administrative duties. Volunteers are also needed to staff the Ronald McDonald Family Rooms in area hospitals.
1315 Barbara Jordan Blvd., Austin
512-472-9844 • www.rmhc-ctx.org
Twitter: @RMHCCTX

SafePlace’s mission is to lead in ending sexual assault and exploitation and domestic violence through prevention, intervention and advocacy for change. Volunteers work directly with families and individuals as well as provide assistance through indirect service in clerical or administrative roles. They accompany survivors to court, answer hotline calls, plan children’s birthday parties, deliver toys to SafePlace for clients for the Holiday Giving Program and more.
P.O. Box 19454, Austin
512-267-7233 • www.safeaustin.org/spvolunteer
Twitter: @safeplace_atx

Society of St. Vincent de Paul serves the entire Diocese of Austin area. In addition to its person-to-person visits, the Society in Central Texas operates the Vincentian Family Center and Thrift Store, a collaborative, multiagency resource center providing numerous services to Central Texans in need. Volunteers are needed to assist with client intake, the food pantry and the computer lab. Multiple shifts are available. Visit the website for more information.
901 W. Braker Lane
512-251-6995 (office), 512-442-5652 (thrift store)
www.ssvdp.org/volunteer-opportunities

Sustainable Food Center is in charge of the SFC Farmers Market and creates opportunities for individuals to make healthy food choices and participate in a local food system. Volunteer opportunities include clerical duties, school garden mentors, chef demos, child care, working in the information booth at the farmers market and more.
2921 E. 17th St., Bldg. C, Austin 78702
512-236-0074, ext. 114 • www.sustainablefoodcenter.org
Twitter: @sfclocal

Tapestry Dance Company is a professional nonprofit dance organization. Volunteers help with opportunities ranging from light clerical office projects to special events assistance to repairs and maintenance.
4544 S. Lamar Blvd., Bldg. 200, Austin
512-474-9846 • www.tapestry.org
Twitter: @tapestrydance

United Way for Greater Austin works with communities of volunteers that include individuals, businesses and other nonprofit groups. The agency coordinates nearly 10,000 volunteers annually to serve the needs of residents in Travis County and 10 surrounding counties. Volunteers may choose from hundreds of opportunities that include working with students, nursing home residents, environmental groups and the homeless, supporting already planned corporate or municipal events and more.
512.472.6267 • [email protected]
www.uwatx.org/volunteer
Twitter: @uwatx

YMCA of Austin-Southwest Branch aims to put Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body. YMCA’s purpose is to enhance the lives of people in the community by providing programs, activities and facilities that develop and maintain opportunities. Volunteers help with special events, coaching, maintenance, mentoring, policy and more.
6219 Oakclaire Drive, Austin
512-891-9622 Volunteers call 512-322-9622
www.austinymca.org
Twitter: @southwestYMCA

This guide is not a comprehensive list of all area organizations that need volunteers. If your organization is not included, please email us at [email protected].