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Editor's note: This article has been updated to reflect when volunteer opportunities are available at the Austin Animal Center.
If you’re interested in volunteering in the Southwest Austin and Dripping Springs communities, check out this list of local nonprofit organizations that offer a wide range of opportunities.
This list is not comprehensive. Organizations are listed in alphabetical order.
Alzheimer's Texas
The group seeks to eliminate Alzheimer’s disease through the advancement of research, and to enhance care and support for those with the disease, their families and caregivers.
American YouthWorks
This nonprofit was founded in Austin in 1975 and connects local youth and young adults ages 16-35 to education, paid career training and support services through two main programs, Texas Conservation Corps and YouthBuild. Program participants learn new job skills and implement these skills to address community issues such as building micro homes for unhoused individuals, disaster response and recovery, environmental resiliency projects, and helping people access affordable housing and healthcare.
Any Baby Can
Any Baby Can is a Central Texas nonprofit that offers in-home services for children facing a scary diagnosis, first-time moms and parents who need extra support to take on life’s challenges.
Austin Animal Center
Volunteers at the city-run, no-kill shelter are required to attend a training session and commit to six hours a month. The municipal shelter for the City of Austin and unincorporated Travis County offers a variety of services and opportunities 7 days a week.
Austin Habitat for Humanity
Austin Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization dedicated to building and rehabilitating homes for low- to moderate-income families. It also operates ReStores, which sells donated home goods to fund its mission while providing housing and financial counseling to empower families to achieve homeownership.
Austin Parks Foundation
Austin Parks Foundation partners with the community to make public parks, trails and green spaces better through volunteerism, innovative programming, advocacy and financial support.
Austin Partners in Education
This nonprofit serves Austin ISD middle and high school students through individualized academic and mentoring programs to help break down barriers to postsecondary education.
Austin Zoo
The nonprofit zoo hosts family-friendly events and educational programs for all ages, and offers long-term volunteer opportunities.
CASA of Travis County
CASA volunteers advocate for children who've experienced abuse or neglect in Travis County. Volunteers must complete a personal interview, background and reference checks, and a 39-hour training.
Central Texas Food Bank
The food bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Central Texas, serving more than 93,000 people every week.
Con Mi MADRE
This local nonprofit focuses on developing social-emotional learning and college-readiness for students in sixth grade through undergrad and their families.
Dripping Springs Community Library
The library is a nonprofit government entity that provides free services to residents living within or employed in Hays County and Dripping Springs ISD. Nonresidents or persons not employed within the county or district can apply for a library card for a small fee. The library offers over 72,700 items, such as books, eBooks, audiobooks, magazines, DVDs and other media.
Dripping Springs Helping Hands Inc.
This nonprofit is a volunteer-run food bank in Dripping Springs.
Foster Village
This nonprofit organization focuses on supporting foster families in the Austin area.
Foundation Communities
This nonprofit provides affordable, attractive homes and free on-site support services for thousands of families with kids, as well as veterans, seniors, and individuals with disabilities.
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians
Health Alliance for Austin Musicians provides access to affordable health care for the Austin area's low-income working musicians, with a focus on prevention and wellness.
Hill Country Conservancy
This nonprofit is dedicated to preserving natural areas, such as rivers and scenic vistas, as well as working farms and ranches in the Texas Hill Country through community, collaboration and engagement.
Keep Austin Fed
Keep Austin Fed is a food rescue organization that collects surplus food from businesses throughout Austin and redistributes it to communities facing hunger.
LifeWorks
LifeWorks focuses on solving youth homelessness in Central Texas by providing housing, education and mental health services.
Meals on Wheels Central Texas
The nonprofit distributes 3,000 meals every business day to homebound older adults and people living with disabilities across Travis and Williamson counties.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Texas
This regional nonprofit serves thousands of patients each month with health care like birth control, breast and cervical cancer screenings, annual wellness exams, and more.
RED Arena
The organization serves children and adults with disabilities through equine-assisted therapies, therapeutic riding sessions, reading programs, job training programs and summer camps.
The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army has been in Austin since 1889. Best known for its Red Kettles, Family Stores and disaster relief efforts, the organization is also the largest nonprofit provider of family shelter in Travis County. Other relevant programs include the Angel Tree holiday toy drive, and Back to School supply and clothing drive.
Sunrise Homeless Navigation Center
Sunrise offers pathways to housing for people experiencing homelessness through low-barrier access to wraparound services. The organization has helped more than 4,275 households move into safe, supportive housing and serves more than 8,000 people each year.
Swan Songs Musical Last Wishes
Swan Songs fulfills musical last wishes by organizing private concerts for individuals with a terminal illness or nearing the end of life. At no cost to the family, a favorite style of music or regional musician is brought directly to the home or care facility. Committed to supporting live music in the community, Swan Songs compensates its musicians for each performance.
We Are Blood
The sole guardian of the community blood supply, serving more than 50 medical facilities and EMS agencies across 10 counties in Central Texas.
