donate and serve in baltimore

Every day we hear about community issues waiting to be championed. Why not stand up and make a difference in our community? We have searched Baltimore and its surrounding suburbs for volunteer opportunities that will not only allow you to get out and expand your circle of influence, but to put your shoulder to the wheel and make a positive difference in our community. Make time, take action and volunteer to make the world a better place.

This list is just a small sample of volunteer opportunities. Baltimore needs all of us to invest in our city’s future. Getting involved in service projects helps to reduce crime, increase intellectual pursuits and educational opportunities for our young people and helps our neighborhoods thrive.

Individual Volunteer Opportunities – A directory of volunteer opportunities in the Baltimore area. www.volunteercentral.net

Business Volunteers Maryland – A directory to find ways for your business to get involved in the community. businessvolunteersmd.org

2-1-1 Maryland United Way – Focuses on the financial stability, good health and self-sufficiency to people facing poverty in Maryland. From volunteering to help schedule appointments for tax assistance to helping man the 2-1-1 call center, you can make an immediate difference in someone’s life. www.uwcm.org/main/index.php/volunteer.html

AFYA Community Teaching Garden – Help feed 35 families each week in the Growing Food Together program. www.phcha.org

American Heart Association – The American Heart Association could use your help in the fight against heart disease and strokes. www.heart.org

Baltimore Animal Rescue and Care Shelter (BARCS) – Make a difference in the life of an animal that is searching for a forever home. Volunteer to walk the dogs, introduce animals to prospective new families and lend a helping hand to a worthy cause. Be a voice for a four-legged friends who can’t speak for themselves. baltimoreanimalshelter.org/volunteer

Baltimore City Department of Recreation and Parks – Help our city grow stronger by volunteering in after-school programs for children and youth. Help facilitate therapeutic recreation for people with disabilities; volunteer at the Conservatory in Druid Hill Park or at Cylburn Arboretum. Our city parks need you. bcrp.baltimorecity.gov/About/Volunteers.aspx

Baltimore County Home Team Program – Deliver donated food from the fall food drive, gift baskets in the winter and visit homebound seniors along with other opportunities to give back to the community. www.baltimorecountymd.gov/Agencies/aging/volunteer/hometeamvolunteers.html

Baltimore Office of Promotion & The Arts – Volunteer opportunities exist year-round such as parades, the Baltimore Book Festival, as well as School 33 Art Center, Top of the World Observation Level and in the BOPA offices. Be a part of the largest free arts festival in the country (and have a blast) as a volunteer at Artscape. promotionandarts.org/get-involved/volunteer

Baltimore Orchard Project – Help grow and give away urban fruit to fight local hunger, improve urban landscapes and strengthen the community. The food you provide can make an immediate difference for someone without something to eat. baltimoreorchardproject.civicworks.com/get-involved/volunteer

Baltimore Urban Debate League – Volunteer to mentor high school students as they prepare for the future, work as a debate coach or assistant coach, promote students’ work in their schools, neighborhoods and communities. Get out there and help these young people fulfill their potential as future community leaders. budl.org/engage-with-us

Beans and Bread Center – Founded as a free meal program in 1977, it has evolved into a one-stop service center for the homeless. Imagine your life for a single day without the many privileges you enjoy, like the roof over your head, a hot shower or a hot meal on the table, and then realize that a life without those things is a norm for the homeless in Baltimore. Wouldn’t you appreciate the help? www.vincentbaltimore.org/programs_beans_bread_st_vincent_baltimore.html

Bello Machre – Volunteer to help those with developmental disabilities. bellomachre.org/you-can-help/volunteer

Blue Water Baltimore – Volunteer to become a voice for the region’s waterways, working in the community to advocate environmental laws to reduce pollution. Plant trees, clean up streams, remove invasive plants, install rain gardens, stencil storm drains, care for a nursery or monitor local water quality. Don’t you want to take a walk with your child next to a pristine stream? Of course you do. www.bluewaterbaltimore.org/take-action/volunteer

Boys Hope Girls Hope of Baltimore – 37% of Baltimore’s children live in poverty. Volunteer to help break intergenerational cycles of poverty, homelessness, abuse and neglect by empowering children and their families. Lead by example and help put a stop to the cycle of poverty. www.bhghbaltimore.org

Café Tesfa – Help youth aging out of the foster care system. Be a positive influence and role model for young people. Use your example to give them hope for the future. www.cafetesfa.com

The Caroline Center – Provide your talents and support to help educate unemployed and underemployed women in Baltimore and put them on a path to a brighter future. Nothing is more empowering than having a respectable job that helps a woman keep her head held high. www.caroline-center.org/cc_partners_get_involved.html

Carroll County Weed Warriors – If you’re ready to really get your hands dirty volunteering, the Carroll County Weed Warriors just may be your ticket to make a difference in the community. The Weed Warriors work to remove non-native invasive plant species from public land to improve biodiversity. What are you waiting for? Get dirty. You know you want to. carrollcountyforestryboard.org/index.cfm?objectid=981351B0-8A05-11E4-AACF0050560F037A

Catonsville Rails to Trails – If you love hiking and biking trails, invest your time in helping to convert all of the abandoned rail and trolley lines in Catonsville to make connections with trails in neighboring communities. The more hiking and biking trails, the healthier the community. catonsvillerailstotrails.com/volunteer-2

Charm City Clinic – Accompany residents of low-income communities in Baltimore through the process of obtaining and sustaining access to high-quality health care. A healthy life is a privilege we should all be able to enjoy. charmcityclinic.org/volunteer

Charm City Fringe – Join the burgeoning underground campaign as it celebrates theater and the performing arts. Lend your support to the yearly theater festival and be there as young, future stars get their first opportunities to become inspired and involved in the performing arts. You might even get to say “you knew them when…” charmcityfringe.com/support

Chesapeake Shakespeare Company – If theater arts are more your speed, the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company needs volunteers to help with summer outdoor performances as greeters, staffers for their information tent, and concessions staff and provide assistance for the house management as needed. The show must go on, so volunteer and get your backstage pass today! www.chesapeakeshakespeare.com/community/get-involved

Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding – Horses are truly amazing therapy animals. At Chesapeake Therapeutic Riding, volunteers like you encourage healing by assisting in horseback riding lessons and horse related activities for people with special needs and those seeking therapy that utilizes the movement of the horse. Hop in the saddle and make a difference today. ctrchanginglives.org/get-involved/volunteer

CHIP Mentoring Program – In Baltimore there are thousands of children who have parents who are in prison. After being accepted as a mentor in the CHIP Mentoring program, volunteers are matched with a child who has an incarcerated parent. Activities are decided jointly by the mentor and the mentee, while also participating in monthly events together with other matches. www.alternativedirectionsinc.org/index.php/programs/chip-mentoring

Civic Works – Civic Works AmeriCorps is a great way to earn a modest living allowance and an education award that can be used for college or vocational school. Yearlong and/or summer experiences like this are few and far between, as it teaches life skills needed to secure and maintain employment. Civic Works also trains Baltimore residents for employment in green industries. Civic Works members tutor and mentor students, create community parks and gardens, help homeowners conserve energy, grow food for low-income residents, involve families in Baltimore City schools and make homes feel safer for older adults. From researching and restoring Historic Clifton Mansion to completing small home repair projects for seniors, there is plenty of room for your skills and positive attitude at Civic Works. civicworks.com

Clay Pots Baltimore – A 501c3 in Southwest Baltimore that provides support for permanent and transient residents to rebuild their lives. www.claypotsbaltimore.com

College Girl, Inc. – Help a disadvantaged young woman realize her scholastic goals through volunteering and participating in weekly events, bi-monthly study sessions and workshops. collegegirlinc.org/volunteer-form

Community Law In Action – A strong foundation in Leadership and Civic Engagement starts with organizations like CLIA which equips young people with vital knowledge, skills, and access to opportunities to voice a youth perspective on important community issues directly impacting their lives; you’ll provide an opportunity to for them to act upon their concerns and to achieve real change through their efforts. Young people are trained in CLIA’s “solution-based advocacy” to research their own issues and work with trained adults to advocate for appropriate solutions. Help our young people become a force for positive change through problem solving and critical thinking skills. www.cliayouth.org/get-involved.html

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation – While some people may take breathing in and out for granted, a person with Cystic Fibrosis dreams of the day they are able to breathe effortlessly. Help add more tomorrows for those who have CF by volunteering at fundraising events, join with other volunteers to raise awareness about Cystic Fibrosis and be an advocate for someone with CF. www.cff.org/Take-Action/Volunteer-with-a-Local-Chapter

Dyslexia Tutoring Program – A challenging experience worth the effort, help someone with dyslexia learn how to read. www.dyslexiatutoringprogram.org

Earl’s Place – This transitional housing program for homeless men recovering from alcohol or substance abuse provides long-term (up to two years) housing and supportive services. Through the efforts of volunteers, the men of Earl’s Place are assisted with obtaining their GED or continuing education, job training and employment opportunities. Upon successful completion of the Earl’s Place program, they are assisted with locating, securing and maintaining permanent housing. Help a good man get his dignity back. Volunteer to be a life skills instructor, mentor, assist at special events or sponsor a meal today. www.earlsplace.org/getinvolved.htm

Education Based Latino Outreach – Since 1980 EBLO has been serving the Hispanic Community of Baltimore, empowering Latinos to achieve their greatest potential through educational and cultural initiatives. From college students giving their Saturday mornings to provide mentoring and tutoring to students from local high schools to assisting the students in city public schools with their homework, EBLO inspires the Latino community to share their talents and time with Baltimore’s Hispanic Community’s most precious resource, its youth and families. www.eblo.org/volunteeropportunities.html

FIRST Tech Challenge and FIRST LEGO League Competitions – Unleash your inner geek and volunteer at a robotics competition. www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/ap?AP=1892415961

FlowerMart – Volunteer to help residents and visitors share the spirit of cooperation and collaboration, showcasing the very best of Baltimore City. With a backdrop of flowers in bloom, FlowerMart brings together generations to appreciate the beauty, diversity, energy and highlights of the city. The annual two-day festival captures the spirit of spring and the beauty and open spaces of the Mt. Vernon neighborhood. Volunteer opportunities include administrative help, staffing the FlowerMart Shoppe, assisting at the children’s camp, helping out with traffic control and those are just a few things on a big list of ways you can help. www.flowermart.org/volunteers.html

Friends of Great Kids Farm – Volunteer to help at the 33-acre outdoor learning laboratory that provides Baltimore City Public School students with hands-on real world experiences. Help students to understand and participate in every aspect of food preparation, from seed to fork, to prepare them to lead 21st century sustainability efforts. www.baltimorecityschools.org/volunteer

Greater Chesapeake & Potomac Region American Red Cross – Join a group of people who make a difference in the lives of individuals in serious medical need. The Red Cross is an excellent organization with global impact. Volunteer opportunities abound to match your skills with the right projects. www.redcrossblood.org/volunteer-ops/gcp

Greater Baltimore Urban League – Urban League advocacy and program efforts seek to level the playing field and provide all African Americans with opportunities for social mobility. www.gbul.org

Habitat for Humanity Susquehanna – Join in the fight to eliminate substandard housing by volunteering to construct, rehabilitate and preserve homes; by advocating for fair and just housing policies; and by providing training and access to resources to help families improve their shelter conditions. www.habitatsusq.org/volunteer

Health Care for the Homeless, Inc. – Volunteer at Health Care for the Homeless and engage in meaningful service that enhances the health of people experiencing homelessness, increase clinic efficiency and rally support for their shared mission and work. It’s never a bad idea to spend a day in humble service to those who need it most. www.hchmd.org/volunteer.shtml

Hearts and Homes for Youth, Inc. – Make a difference in the life of a young person who desperately needs your special brand of nurturing, caring, understanding and guidance. Help the youth of Baltimore who are abused, neglected or runaways and provide a safe, therapeutic environment in which they can grow and thrive. heartsandhomes.org/volunteer

Helping Other People Through Empowerment H.O.P.E. – Volunteer your time at a wellness and recovery center providing free services to the homeless, mentally ill, and brave people desiring to recover from substance abuse issues. www.hopebaltimore.com

HopeWorks of Howard County – Volunteer to help women, men and children impacted by sexual assault and domestic violence in Howard County, Maryland. Participate in prevention, response, and outreach programs to help individuals affected by domestic violence so that they never see it again. www.wearehopeworks.org

International Rescue Committee – Help victims of racial, religious, and ethnic persecution, as well as people who have been uprooted by war and violence. Volunteer to be a family mentor or an employment mentor to help them get settled and find rewarding employment opportunities. www.rescue.org/us-program/us-baltimore-md/current-volunteer-opportunities

Jubilee Arts – Volunteer to provide arts classes to the residents of the Sandtown-Winchester, Upton, and surrounding neighborhoods in Baltimore. From Dance to visual arts to creative writing and ceramics, it’s a wonderful place to express your creativity along with helping others do the same. Jubilee Arts and partners such as the Maryland Institute College of Art, Baltimore Clayworks, area artists, writers and dancers all contribute to the worthy cause that makes sure the arts are shared with everyone. jubileeartsbaltimore.org

KEEN (Kids Enjoy Exercise Now) – Taking care of a special needs child is one of the greatest challenges that parents can undertake. KEEN is a non-profit, volunteer-led organization that provides one-to-one recreational opportunities for children and young adults with developmental and physical disabilities at no cost to their families and caregivers. It’s also a great way to foster the self-esteem, confidence, skills and talents of young people struggling for normalcy in their daily lives. www.keengreaterdc.org/maryland-programs

Kitties & Pitties – There are cats and kittens seeking wonderful forever homes. At Kittes & Pitties you can volunteer to foster a cat or transport animals, pick up and deliver supplies and donated materials. www.kittiesnpitties.org

Living Classrooms Foundation – Tutor young adults who are working toward their GED, assist at an after-school program, mentor a middle school student, coach a sports team or any number of learning-centric projects. The young people of Baltimore need you. www.livingclassrooms.org

Lukemia & Lymphoma Society: Maryland Chapter – Volunteer to help with fundraising events, office support, donor development, patient services and family support groups, education programs, advocacy to local legislators, corporate sponsorships, expos and health fairs. www.lls.org

Maryland New Directions – Volunteer to help people gain comprehensive career counseling, employment assistance, and post-employment support who are in life and career transitions. Use your professional skills to volunteer in mock interviews to help job seekers nail their interviews. www.mdnewdirections.org

Meals on Wheels of Central Maryland – Volunteer to help those who are homebound get a great meal, or take part in one of their service projects by knitting or crocheting a scarf. www.mealsonwheelsmd.org

Mothers Against Drunk Driving – Volunteer to stop drunk driving and underage drinking to keep everyone safe. www.madd.org/local-offices/md/volunteer.html

Movable Feast – Mission Moveable Feast provides nutritious foods and other services in order to preserve quality of life for people with HIV/AIDS and other life-threatening conditions. http://www.mfeast.org/volunteers

National Aquarium – The collection at the National Aquarium includes over 17,000 animals from more than 750 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals residing in naturalistic habitats. Become a member of the Conservation Volunteers and help restore habitats and preserve species throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed and around the world. Assist in education programs that reach thousands of students each year with activities in schools and in the field. Join the preservation mission by dedicating time to conserve the world’s aquatic treasures. www.aqua.org/contribute/volunteer

National Federation of the Blind – Volunteer to help out at the 6K race called “The 6 Dot Dash.” nfb.org/dot-dash

Newseum – Volunteer to be a tour guide, educating visitors about the importance of the first amendment, utilizing interactive displays and your passion about free speech. www.newseum.org

Parks & People Foundation – Volunteer in a 6-week program to help campers enjoy an “exciting urban outdoor experience.” www.parksandpeople.org

Project Adopt – The Maryland SPCA is hosting an off-site pet adoption program at White Marsh Mall. Volunteers needed to socialize with kittens and cats and make introductions between adoptable pets and potential pet parents. www.mdspca.org

Reading Partners – Help children with reading difficulties succeed by volunteering one day a week to help strengthen literacy skills. Open up whole new worlds with the power of books and the inspiration they provide. Pass on your love of reading so they can pay it forward and inspire the rest of the world. www.readingpartners.org

Ready Golf Academy – A youth development program that engages children through athletic activities. A 501(c)(3) non-profit that promotes the social and emotional well-being of disadvantaged, at-risk, and underserved youth. Their signature Caddy Program puts young people in a position to connect with adult role models who aid in supporting their development. It gives young people a chance to access golf equipment, lessons and golf courses that were once inaccessible to them. You can volunteer your time in many capacities, so sign up today! www.readygolfacademy.org/get-involved.html

Refugee Youth Project – Mentor a young refugee from war-torn countries as they adapt to life in the United States. refugeeyouthproject.org

Second Chance, Inc. – A company who hires unemployed and underemployed workers, and ex-offenders to train them in deconstruction techniques and life skills. Second Chance deconstructs houses and other buildings then salvages the materials, appliances, furniture and fixtures for resale at their warehouse in downtown Baltimore. You can volunteer your time in any way your skills dictate. www.secondchanceinc.org/index.aspx?u=Volunteer

STEM Fun Camp – Help inspire young people to embrace their passions in science, technology, engineering and math at a Full Day Summer STEM Fun Camp. www.thewebbgroupinc.org/programs

Soccer Without Borders – SWB’s mission is to use soccer as a vehicle to promote positive youth development in newcomer refugee and immigrant youth. With Volunteer opportunities such as Family Mentor, Tutor, Assistant Soccer Coach, College Coach, among many others, you can spend your time helping young people learn about the physical, mental and emotional benefits of team sports. www.swbbaltimore.org/volunteer-opportunities