10 Best Volunteer Opportunities in Richmond, VA

Last Updated: January 23, 2025

10 Best Volunteer Opportunities in Richmond, VA


Richmond is a beautiful city in Virginia, mainly known for its rich culture and fascinating history. It is home to different ethnic groups, providing a range of opportunities to volunteer there. Whether you are interested in helping animals, feeding the hungry, or protecting the environment, the Richmond programs have everything for you.

In today’s article, we will explore the top 10 best volunteer programs in Richmond where you may want to volunteer.

Why Volunteering in Richmond, VA?

Before exploring the volunteer opportunities in Richmond, VA, let's understand why volunteering there is important.

Volunteering in Richmond provides support and help to those in need, whether they are non-profit organisations, schools, or individuals in the city. It can also help you gain a professional network, learn new skills, and acquire valuable experience.

Some more benefits of volunteering in Richmond are:

  • It allows you to build relationships with professionals and local people.
  • It enhances your résumé, helping you both professionally and personally to be a better well-being.
  • You will feel fulfilled by giving back and creating a positive impact.
  • Experience the new cultures and communities of Richmond City.

10 Best Volunteer Opportunities in Richmond, VA

There are many volunteer programs in Richmond, and each is doing great in its own sector. But still, you may want to find the best program where you can give back. The best volunteer opportunities in Richmond, VA, are:

1. Feed More

Feed More is one of the best organisations in Central Virginia. It is dedicated to alleviating hunger across the state and serving food to needy families and individuals living in Richmond. Feed More's various programs, such as the Virginia Food Bank, Meals on Wheels, and Community Kitchen, heavily depend on volunteers for support.

Volunteer Roles at Feed More

  • You can help with sorting and packaging the food.
  • Help deliver meals to seniors and needy individuals.
  • Help and contriute to raise funds for those in need.

Why Feed More

Hunger is a major issue in Richmond, and Feed More has been fighting it for decades. Your contribution can provide food to dozens more people.

To support them, you can donate through their website or contact them using the given details to get involved in any of their programs.

2. Richmond Animal League (RAL)

Richmond Animal League can be another great opportunity for you to support and help the animals. RAL depends on volunteers to provide care treatment, and find homes for the animals in need.

What will be your roles as volunteers at RAL?

  • To can take dogs for walks.
  • You can help organise the adoption programs.
  • You can adopt one for yourself.

Why RAL

By supporting RAL, you can make a significant difference in the lives of the animals there. Plus, spending time with the animals will teach you loyalty and help you find inner peace.

To get involved, please visit the Richmond Animal League website and learn how you can participate.

3. HandsOn Greater Richmond

If you are looking to volunteer for Community Service in Richmond, VA, then HandsOn Greater Richmond can be your go-to choice. This organisation heavily focuses on community support work, such as providing education to the homeless, cleaning the city, and more.

Volunteer Roles at HandsOn

  • You can mentor students to be better individuals.
  • Get involved in community cleaning efforts.
  • Support the local shelters and food banks of Richmond.

Why HandsOn

HandsOn Greater has different volunteer programs related to community service that may match your interests and skills.

To volunteer, simply sign up for the volunteer opportunities on the HandsOn Greater Richmond website.

4. The James River Association

The James River Association are highly involved in protecting the James River, the central identity of Richmond. If you are passionate about conservation and nature, then this can be the best volunteer opportunity for you in Richmond, VA.

Your Role as Volunteer

  • Help in the cleanup and restoration works of the James River.
  • Get involved in planting the trees near the James River to restore the animal habitat.
  • Get involved in the educational program that teaches the locals about the importance of the river.

Why James River Association

By being a volunteer with the James River Association, you are playing a part in protecting one of the main and most important natural resources of Richmond city. This way, your volunteering helps both the environment and future generations.

To start your volunteering, simply visit the James River Association website and fill out the form for your preferred program volunteer.

5. Greater Richmond ARC

Greater Richmond ARC supports individuals who are struggling through intellectual and developmental disabilities. Volunteering with ARC allows you to help people live their lives and be more independent. They are known for organising personal growth programs and employment opportunities for those in need.

Volunteer Roles:

  • Assist the organisation in promoting and teaching life skills.
  • Guide individuals who are seeking job training.
  • Support fundraising programs and community events.

You can support them in programs like 'housing grants for families with autism.' It is a program where you can help with funds to find suitable housing for those in need.

To start housing grants for families with autism, simply visit their website and fill out the form.

Also Read: Volunteer Opportunities in Maryland, US

6. Richmond Public Schools (RPS)

There are many volunteer options available at Richmond Public Schools, particularly if you want to help develop the next generation of leaders. To guarantee that every student succeeds academically, RPS depends on volunteers to help with extracurricular activities and homework.

Volunteering with RPS includes tutoring youngsters in English, science, and math, assisting with after-school activities and programs, and helping instructors in the classroom.

Reasons for Volunteering:

By helping with RPS, you may directly impact Richmond's youth's future and success, which will eventually benefit the community as a whole.

To start school volunteering, simply visit the volunteer page of RPS school.

7. The Virgin Holocaust Museum

The Virginia Holocaust Museum works to educate the public about the atrocities of the Holocaust and promote tolerance and human rights. Volunteers help facilitate tours, assist with educational programs, and support fundraising efforts.

Volunteer Roles:

  • Leading guided tours and educational programs
  • Assisting with special events and exhibitions
  • Providing administrative support
  • Supporting the museum’s fundraising efforts

Why Virginia Holocaust Museum

The Virginia Holocaust Museum Richmond teaches the important lessons about kindness and understanding. When you volunteer there, you help keep the memories of the past alive and spread messages that everyone deserves respect and inclusion.

Get Involved: Learn more by visiting the Virginia Holocaust Museum Richmond website.

8. The Carpenter's House

The Carpenter’s House is a local organisation that provides support to families and individuals experiencing financial hardship. Volunteers help by preparing meals, organising donations, and supporting outreach programs.

Volunteer Roles:

  • Preparing and serving meals to the homeless and families in need.
  • Sorting and organising clothing and household goods.
  • Assisting with emergency financial aid and support services.
  • Helping with fundraising and community events.

Why Volunteer with Carpenter’s Hous

Volunteering with The Carpenter’s House gives you the opportunity to serve your neighbours who may be struggling to make ends meet. Your contributions help provide basic necessities and hope to those in need.

Get Involved: Learn more at The Carpenter’s House website.

9. Special Olympics Virginia

Special Olympics Virginia organises the training and competition programs where children and adults with intellectual disabilities can participate. To organise these programs, Special Olympics Virginia depends heavily on volunteers.

Volunteer Roles

  • Providing athletes with coaching and support during contests
  • Logistics and event planning
  • assisting with advocacy and fundraising initiatives
  • Helping with administrative tasks

Why Volunteer at Special Olympics Virginia?

For those with intellectual impairments, Special Olympics encourages physical exercise, inclusion, and self-confidence. You can foster an atmosphere where athletes may flourish by volunteering.

To start your volunteering, simply visit the Special Olympic Virginia.

10. Richmond Public Library

The Richmond Public Library offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for those passionate about literacy and education. Volunteers assist with organizing library materials, tutoring, and running educational programs for children and adults.

Volunteer Roles:

  • Assisting with library events and workshops
  • Organising books and materials
  • Tutoring children and adults in reading and math
  • Supporting outreach programs and literacy campaigns

Why Volunteer with Richmond Library?

Libraries are essential to community learning, and your volunteer efforts help ensure that Richmond’s residents have access to the tools they need for academic and personal success.

Get Involved: Visit the Richmond Public Library volunteer page for more details.

How to Start Volunteering in Richmond, VA?

It's simple to become a volunteer in Richmond,. Find volunteer opportunities and applythem.

  1. Choose the volunteer program that you are interested in; it can either be helping kids, animals, or the environment.
  2. Look for the local organisation in Richmond that has been working in your area of interest for years.
  3. Choose the program and contact the organisation through their website or the contact details available there.
  4. Then, decide how much time you want to dedicate to volunteering each month.
  5. And start volunteering. Regular volunteering can give you mental peace.

Conclusion

One of the most rewarding ways to give back to your community is to volunteer. You may choose from an amazing variety of volunteer opportunities in Richmond, Virginia. There is a cause that will meet your interests and abilities, whether it is feeding the needy, helping those with disabilities, or mentoring kids.

It's time to act now that you are aware of some of Richmond's best volunteer options. Some of the most meaningful ways to give back are through the organizations mentioned above, and it's simple to discover a volunteer position that suits your interests.

FAQs

Who Can Volunteer in Richmond, VA?

Anyone can volunteer in Richmond. There are a bunch of opportunities for volunteers of all ages and skills. Just find one you love that matches your skillset and start volunteering in Richmond.

How do I find volunteer opportunities in Richmond, VA?

Use the volunteer finder tool, or you can simply do a Google search. Also, follow the popular volunteering organisations in Richmond and go through their website.

What makes Feed More the best organisation?

Feed More has been working for more than a decade in Central Virginia, fighting against hunger with volunteer support. It is one of the most trusted and transparent organisations in Richmond.

Get More Info Now »

Volunteer Abroad Destinations
Our Volunteers' Experiences and Reviews

I met calm, nice and good people.

Thank you for welcoming me into this program.

volunteer review marina

- Marina Parejo

Spain, Volunteered in Sri Lanka Monastery

I would recommend this as it is a very full immersive experience in the beautiful Kenyan culture and there is a lot to be learnt.

volunteer testimony Anna

- Anna Avataneo,

Italy, Volunteered in Kenya Medical Project

I was having a wonderful time, more than I could have hoped for.

volunteer testimony marlene

- Marlene Baumann

Switzerland, Psychology and Meditation Program

In our journey of more than 11 years, we hosted and enrolled hundreds of volunteers. All the good reviews from our previous participants say it all.

volunteer fdip - Volunteer Reviews

Featured Volunteer Programs
Recent Articles
Most Popular

Trusted by Hundreds of International Volunteers for 11+ Years.