29+ Places to Volunteer in Cleveland
Volunteer your time with one of the many organizations in Cleveland dedicated to helping our local communities!
Greater Cleveland Volunteers - Greater Cleveland Volunteers recruits volunteers age 18+ to serve at numerous nonprofit organizations in Cuyahoga County. We assist people in finding the right opportunity to serve based on their interests, skills, and availability. We have recurring as well as one-time event volunteer opportunities and have opportunities in just about any area of focus.
Hunger Network Food Rescue - The mission of the Hunger Network of Greater Cleveland is to reduce hunger and enhance nutrition in our community by providing food and other health related vital services to individuals and families, and by actively and effectively participating in a coordinated response to people in need.
Cleveland Food Bank - The Cleveland Food Bank’s mission is to ensure that everyone in our communities has the nutritious food they need every day.
Our Lady of the Wayside - Our Lady of the Wayside enriches the lives of individuals who have developmental disabilities and intellectual challenges. Our Lady of the Wayside provides individuals and their families pathways to healthy and productive personal growth through professional care, support and guidance.
Playhouse Square - RedCoat volunteers at Playhouse Square shows their passion and support of our not-for-profit mission and the performing arts every time they walk in the door.
Cleveland Metroparks - Volunteer Services’ mission is to promote community involvement through rewarding volunteer opportunities that support the needs and mission of Cleveland Metroparks.
Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland - Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, Inc., a nonprofit organization, supports families whose children receive treatment at area medical centers by providing a home-like environment and essential resources and services.
Shoes and Clothes for Kids - Shoes and Clothes for Kids’ mission is to improve K-8 school attendance by eliminating lack of appropriate clothing, shoes and school supplies as barriers.
Gigi’s Playhouse - Gigi’s mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome and send a global message of acceptance for all. Gigi’s changes lives through consistent delivery of free educational, therapeutic-based and career development programs for individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community, through a replicable playhouse model.
United Way of Greater Cleveland - In Cleveland and throughout Cuyahoga County all people matter, and at United Way of Greater Cleveland we provide support to 115 local programs that benefit the health, education, financial stability and general well-being of those that need it most in the area.
Nature Center at Shaker Lakes - The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes conserves a natural area, connects people with nature and inspires environmental stewardship.
Meals on Wheels - Meals on Wheels mission is to empower local community programs to improve the health and quality of life of the seniors they serve so that no one is left hungry or isolated.
Boys and Girls Club - Boys & Girls Clubs of Cleveland is a nonprofit organization providing safe, fun places for the kids who need us most. The Clubs are open at the times when kids are most vulnerable to getting into trouble — after school, on Saturdays and during the summer.
Fieldstone Farm - Fieldstone Farm remains one of the largest and most respected therapeutic riding centers in the country. They train all of their volunteers so no experience is necessary.
Cleveland Kids Book Bank- Cleveland Kids Book Bank’s mission is to foster improved literacy and a love of reading by providing free books to children in need.
Downs on the Farm - Downs on the Farm’s mission is to offer a farm where, not only kids and adults are welcome to come and enjoy the animals but, those seeking low cost Animal Assisted Activities in the community have it available to them.
Community Resource Services - Community Resource Services is a responsive, community-based organization whose mission is to diminish the effects of poverty in Avon and Avon Lake. We provide basic needs assistance and individualized resource and referral services in a compassionate and confidential manner.
Greater Cleveland Habitat for Humanity - Habitat for Humanity brings people together to build homes, communities and hope.
The Gathering Place - The mission of The Gathering Place is to support, educate and empower individuals and families currently coping with the impact of cancer in their lives through programs and services provided free of charge.
Seeds of Literacy - Seeds of Literacy provides one-to-one tutoring for adults in Cleveland who want to learn to read, or who are preparing for the GED/HiSET and ASVAB exams. They ask volunteers for a commitment of 2 hours a week for a year. Tutoring takes place Monday-Thursday and there is a 9-11AM, 1-3PM, and 6-8PM session. All of their tutoring is virtual. For more information please complete their volunteer application.
One World Shop- Is a non-profit fair trade retail store in its 41st year of business. They are seeking volunteers for their shop as well as on projects or virtually. Visit their website to learn more about their artisans, their shop and their online option.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Become a trainman, work in the cafe car, be a server on their wine and beer trains or be an Elf on the Polar Express! Find more information at Cvsr.org/volunteer.
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities - Volunteer once a month with the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Its mission is to support and empower people with developmental disabilities to live, learn work and play in the community. Be a community friend volunteer and help provide social, recreation, and literacy opportunities for the people with I/DD. Contact Stefanie Galbreath at 216.931.4442 or email galbreath.stefanie@cuyahogabdd.org for more information.
The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition - This program offers free basic tax preparation to those who qualify (and that is generally individuals and families making under $60,000 a year with common tax situations) with the help of volunteers. The Cuyahoga EITC Coalition is in need of volunteers to help with the upcoming tax season. Available positions include, Tax Preparers, Greeters, and Translators. No experience is required and free training is provided!
SAW, Inc. - SAW, Inc.’s mission is to improve the quality of life for adults with developmental disabilities. They are looking for people to volunteer in-house or at community outings with their individuals, as well as help with administrative tasks. If interested, contact Ed Grady at ed.grady93@gmail.com
Cleveland Angels - Cleveland Angels is building a community of support that is literally changing the way children, youth, and families experience foster care. Passionate donors, volunteers, mentors, partners, and advocates across Greater Cleveland are stepping up to wrap radical relational support around our foster care community -- support that will change the stats surrounding foster care. Visit their website for more information.
Also look for Volunteer Opportunities with your City! Such as - Lakewood Alive, Ohio City, Cleveland, or Shaker Heights.
Volunteer with a Local Animal Organization
Secondhand Mutts - Our mission is to respect the dog. We respect the dog by providing shelter. We respect the dog by stopping the overpopulation of dogs. We respect the dog by providing necessary veterinary care and treatment. We respect the dog by placing them in forever homes. We are Secondhand Mutts and we respect the dog.
Berea Animal Rescue - Berea Animal Rescue Friends (ARF) is a no-time-limit animal shelter that rescues stray and homeless companion animals, provides medical care, spay/neuter, vaccinations and housing, and prepares animals for adoption into loving homes.
City Dogs Cleveland - The CITY DOGS mission is to increase adoptions from the City Kennel by changing the image of the pit bulls who make up the majority of the kennel population, by preparing all adoptable dogs in the kennel for lives in loving homes and by creating as many opportunities as possible for the public to meet and get to know our dogs for the terrific pets they are meant to be.
Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter - The underlying mission of CCLAS is to improve and protect the lives of Lakewood's pet population.
Love a Stray - Love-A-Stray is a non-profit, all volunteer, no-kill organization dedicated to helping homeless animals.
Friendship APL - Friendship APL is a private, independent, non-profit [501(c)(3)] humane society founded in Elyria, Ohio in 1957.
The Cleveland Hope Exchange - Aa non-profit that exists to break the cycle of despair rooted in poverty, with hunger, human trafficking, homelessness, and addiction. Our mission is to meet the needs of the individuals in order to speak to their potential through unified conversations, passionate volunteer-driven outreach, and innovative projects to change their lives. The fourth Saturday of each month we have a Hope Day where we partner with The Cleveland Food Bank to distribute fresh produce and build meaningful relationships in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood and the residents at Riverside Apartments. At each Hope Day there is over 20,000 lbs of free fresh produce, dry goods, and children’s books.
