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 Sacramento 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 38 ways to get involved in Sacramento.
Food access
Alchemist CDC | Join the local nonprofit at farmers markets throughout Sacramento to help process SNAP transactions, distribute EBT funds, and grant vouchers for use at vendor stands.
Sacramento Food Bank & Family Services | Volunteer at food distribution events or help sort, bag, and box fresh produce for the community.
River City Food Bank | Assist with food prep and food distribution for low-income families, the elderly, refugees, and all people experiencing food insecurity.
Sac Loaves & Fishes | Help cook meals for those experiencing homelessness at the long-standing organization that grew out of a simple act in 1983: sharing a midday meal.
Serving your neighbors in need
Midtown HART | Be a listening ear at the nonprofit’s respite center for those experiencing homelessness as you serve coffee and light snacks and facilitate the receipt of clothing donations.
Sacramento Senior Safety Collaborative | Be an escort for residents ages 62+ as they enjoy walks and complete errands.
International Rescue Committee — Sacramento | Provide critical assistance to refugees in our area by offering legal services, translation work, and career mentoring.
For the animal lover
Sacramento SPCA | Provide exercise for cats and dogs, help distribute toys to shelter animals, or serve as a vaccine assistant at the award-winning organization. Note: The mandatory volunteer orientation is currently full— check back in mid-November for 2025 orientations.
Front Street Animal Shelter | Submit an application with the city to assist Front Street how you want to, whether that’s fulfilling front-of-house needs, helping with off-site adoption events, or serving as a foster parent for cats and dogs.
Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary | The no-kill, no-cage animal shelter needs volunteers who can help process adoptions, clean its facilities, or offer a foster home to dogs + cats.
RedRover | Become a vital member of the organization that provides emergency shelter to animals and education for the prevention of animal abuse.
Sacramento Zoo | Love animals? Consider signing up as a Keeper Aide who assists with daily animal husbandry, or a Zoo Docent who conducts educational content for visitors. Note: Docent applications for 2024 are closed; check back with the zoo in 2025.
The writerly and artsy types
916 Ink | Bring your curiosity as you lead workshops and serve as a mentor to kids penning creative writing projects.
The Creation District | With music experimentation labs, art studios, and stage sessions, there’s room for everyone at this organization benefiting youths who are experiencing economic instability.
Department of Sound | Volunteer your time to this nonprofit dedicated to helping local youth through music production + podcasting while cultivating Sacramento as a media and entertainment hub.
If you’re interested in health care
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento | Visit with patients and provide administrative support at the Midtown hospital.
Blossom Ridge Hospice | Interested in health care administration? Help the Sacramento office for the Northern California health agency by serving as a front-of-house support.
SPIRIT Project | Active or retired medical practitioners can volunteer their services at clinics in Sacramento County.
Clara’s House | The no-cost clinic needs help working the front desk, greeting patients, making appointments, and helping patience with applications. Health professionals — active or retired — are also a huge help here.
Interim Lifecare Hospice | Aid in someone’s end-of-life care, from supporting family members to acting as a caregiver, at the hospice’s Sacramento and Carmichael locations.
For the teacher at heart
Sacramento Public Library | Help adults improve their reading, writing, and math skills for everyday life.
Elk Grove Teen Center USA | Serve as a drop-in mentor or tutor to teens.
United Way — California Capital Region | Become a literacy tutor for students in the Sacramento region or help provide free tax prep services.
Sacramento Chinese Community Service Center | Tutor students in first to third grade in early readings skills, both in and out of schools.
For the eco conscious
Sacramento Tree Foundation | Want to be a community scientist or lead a greening project in your neighborhood? Look no further.
American River Parkway Foundation | Remove invasive plants, join a group in river cleanups, or help maintain trails at monthly meet-up events.
350 Sacramento | Service regional climate change events or help out with the organization’s marketing and communication teams.
For the green thumb
California Native Plant Society — Sacramento Valley Chapter | Lend a hand at SacValley CNPS Nursery on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Three Sisters Gardens | Spread roots in the community by empowering youth through organic gardening.
Soil Born Farms | Get your hands dirty as you tend to gardens and support greenhouse activities, all while learning about medicinal herbs + native plants.
Community building
Rebuilding Together Sacramento | Comfortable with a drill? Help install safety items in the homes of elderly locals on Tuesdays + Thursdays.
Habitat for Humanity | Build and restore homes for low-income families, seniors, and veterans in the community.
Sierra Service Community | Days of service include building a community garden and fence repair and replacement in North Sacramento.
For the museum maven
Sacramento History Museum | Bring history to life as a docent presenting educational programs to students, assist with special events, and help out with the museum’s annual History Camp.
Crocker Art Museum | Join the waiting list for volunteers as needs arise at Sacramento’s “Best Landmark.”
California Museum | Serve as a Gallery Guide for field trips or group visits, help at the museum’s special events, or act as a museum ambassador at community events.
California State Railroad Museum | Go all aboard with train operations on the Sacramento Southern Railroad, provide hands-on educational activities, and more.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity | Help support wayfinding for guests, exhibits, special projects, and museum events.
