Maybe you have some extra time on your hands, or maybe you’re just in the giving spirit (after all, Madison is ranked as one of the most caring cities in the US).
All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Madison 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. We found 30 ways to get involved in the 608.
Animal lovers
- Angel’s Wish | Spend time at the adoption center or open your home to foster a feline friend.
- Dane County Humane Society | Lend a hand with in-shelter tasks or provide at-home support.
- Heartland Farm Sanctuary | If you love farm animals, this sanctuary is a perfect place to assist in the field or the office.
- Shelter from the Storm | Socialize with cats, walk dogs, or help staff with housekeeping duties at this local animal rescue.
Caring and crafty
- Arts for ALL | Volunteers are the backbone of this program which conducts classes in visual art, music, and movement for adults with disabilities.
- Arts + Literature Laboratory | Stop by one of the monthly volunteer orientation meetings to find where you best fit in at this creative organization.
- Friends of Madison Arts Commission | Serve on the board or participate in events to support and advance the arts in Madison.
- Giving From Our Hands and Hearts
| Keep locals warm by crafting quilts, shawls, mittens, and more.
Help community members
- RSVP’s Driver Services Program | Help older adults in the community remain independent by helping with meal deliveries and driving services.
- Habitat for Humanity Dane County | Provide critical support building homes, serving on committees, or working at the Habitat ReStores.
- River Food Pantry | Feed your community at the pantry or on the road via the mobile meal program and grocery deliveries.
- RSVP’s Vets Helping Vets | This program matches veterans in need of rides to medical appointments with drivers who are fellow vets.
Outdoorsy types
- Adopt Ice | ‘Tis the season. Assist park staff with flooding, snow removal, and general maintenance of public ice rinks.
- Madison Parks Flower Gardens | Ever wonder how the local park gardens stay maintained? They are designed, planted, and maintained by volunteers every year.
- Olbrich Botanical Gardens | Plant, weed, water, and prune through the garden’s extensive volunteer program.
If you’re interested in healthcare
- SSM Health | Opportunities are available to help with children’s grief camps, hospice patients, or clerical support.
- UnityPoint | The volunteer application window for teens and adults opens Monday, April 1.
- UW Health | Whatever your medical interest is, UW Health has an opportunity available. You can even be a bedside DJ for patients who find comfort in music.
If you’re good with kids
- Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Dane County | There is currently a call for men, and men of color to apply as Big Brothers.
- Boys and Girls Club of Dane County | Set up, greeter, and clean up positions are all available for next week’s Youth of the Year event at the Tinsmith.
- RSVP’s Foster Grandparents | Help local kids by being a consistent, caring role model that provides one-on-one adult attention.
- RSVP’s Inter-generational Tutor Program | Socially enrich the youth of your community via in-person tutoring or the Computer Buddy pen pal program.
Support local community groups
- Dudgeon-Monroe Neighborhood Association | From planning and zoning to newsletters and social justice, there are a plethora of options for Dudgeon-Monroe residents to get involved.
- MMSD Title VI Program | Help Native American students with mentoring, tutoring, and staying excited about school.
- Neighborhood House Community Center | Lead a program for adults in an area of your specialty. Past examples include writing workshops, cooking, meditation, and Zumba.
Bibliophiles
- Friends of UW-Madison Libraries | Some volunteers help set up book sales while others step in as stockers and cashiers.
- Madison Public Library | Help with clerical duties or organizing special events.
LGBTQ+ advocates
- LGBT Books to Prisoners | Think of it as being a personal shopper, fulfilling book requests for incarcerated LGBTQ+ people.
- Outreach LGBTQ+ Community Center | Assist in administrative services, or help to plan various parties, festivals, and other events.
For social butterflies
- Madison International Partners ESL Conversation Partner | Help international students practice their English in a fun and conversational way.
- Henry Vilas Zoo | Sign up to volunteer as a group with fellow animal lovers.
- Wisconsin Film Festival | Volunteers are required to work a minimum of three four-hour shifts during the week-long fest.