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. Here are 35+ volunteer opportunities to get involved with around Sacramento.
Good neighbors
Midtown HART | Be a listening ear at the nonprofit’s respite center for those experiencing homelessness and collect clothing donations.
Sacramento Senior Safety Collaborative | Accompany residents ages 62+ as they enjoy walks and complete errands like going to the grocery store or a medical appointment.
International Rescue Committee — Sacramento | Provide critical assistance to refugees by offering legal services, translation work, and career mentoring.
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 distribution for low-income families, the elderly, and refugees 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.
Animal lovers
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 link to the mandatory volunteer orientation goes live on the first of every month and stays open until the class is full.
Front Street Animal Shelter | Submit an application with the city to assist Front Street however you want to, whether that’s fulfilling front-of-house needs, helping with off-site adoption events, or serving as a pet foster parent.
Happy Tails Pet Sanctuary | The no-kill, no-cage animal shelter needs volunteers who can help process adoptions, clean its facilities, answer voicemail, and foster 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: The next round of volunteer applications opens on Jan. 1, 2026 and closes on Jan. 15, 2026.
The 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 kids 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.
Those with a heart for healthcare
Sutter Medical Center Sacramento | Visit with patients and provide administrative support at the Midtown hospital.
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 patients with applications. Health professionals — active or retired — are also a huge help here.
Interim Lifecare Hospice | Aid in someone’s end-of-life care at the hospice’s Sacramento and Carmichael locations, from supporting family members to reading books or playing games.
The Sacramento Public Library offers numerous community services across its 28 branches.
Photo via the City of Sacramento
Natural-born teachers and mentors
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 and help them get excited about learning.
Take some time to help at American River Parkway.
Photo by Gia Boscacci
For the eco-conscious
Sacramento Tree Foundation | Want to be a community scientist or join a tree planting event 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.
If you love gardening and being outside, give your time to Soil Born Farms.
Photo via @soil_born_farms
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.
Handy individuals
Rebuilding Together Sacramento | Comfortable with a drill? Help install safety items in the homes of elderly locals on Tuesdays + Thursdays.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Sacramento | Build and restore homes for low-income families, seniors, and veterans in the community or help at the nonprofit’s ReStore shops.
Sierra Service Community | Projects include neighborhood beautification efforts like repairing fences and installing pavers.
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 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, maintain and build track, or volunteer as a docent.
SMUD Museum of Science and Curiosity | Help support wayfinding for guests, exhibits, special projects, and museum events.
