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 Greenville to give your time to. 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 30+ ways to get involved in the Upstate.

Does your organization have any board positions open? Let us know what you're looking for and how people can apply, and we'll try to share the opportunities with our audience.

If you’re interested in healthcare

Alzheimer's Association | You can volunteer through support and education, raising funds, or advocating for Alzheimer’s.

American Cancer Society | Honor those lost to cancer through fundraising and advocacy. Volunteers are needed for fundraisers like Relay for Life and programs like Hope Lodge.

National Multiple Sclerosis Society | Become a leader or activist in the MS movement. Assist with advocacy, special events, and office support.

American Cancer Society | You can support fundraising events and advocate for cancer survivors remotely.

Girl Up GVL has the scoop on how to make a difference. | Photo by Girl Up GVL

Natural-born teachers + mentors

Greenville Literacy Association | Help teach one of their low-cost literacy, GED preparation, or English as a Second Language classes.

The Children’s Museum of the Upstate | Engage children in topics like science, art, and storytelling by volunteering with the museum or helping with programming and outreach.

The United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program | Volunteer to help low-income taxpayers with preparing returns and obtaining eligible tax credits + deductions.

United Ministries | Put your teaching skills to work by tutoring adults through United Ministries’ GED preparation program.

Senior Action | Volunteer as a class instructor by sharing your skills and talents at any of their nine locations.

Augustine Literacy Project | Use your knowledge and help tutor students.

Girl Up GVL | Mentor middle + high school girls by providing meals, transport, or tutoring services.

If you’re passionate about supporting local community groups

Asociación Hispano-Americana de Mujeres (AHAM) | Check out their volunteer opportunities to see how you can help promote higher education among high school students of Hispanic descent.

Able South Carolina | Support this disability-led organization in its offices, at events, and on special projects.

Upstate Warrior Solution | Help veterans reintegrate into the community.

Get jazzy and volunteer at Jazz Fest. | Photo by City of Greenville

If you live + breathe Greenville

Neighborhood Cancer Connection | Check for volunteer opportunities to help improve the lives of local cancer patients and their families. Events like the Ladies Golf Benefit often need day-of volunteers.

United Way of Greenville County | Find meaningful volunteer opportunities that change lives and move Greenville County forward.

Mill Village Ministries | Help this Greenville organization with food share, farming, and youth programming.

City of Greenville | The City of Greenville often needs volunteers to help with special events like Fall for Greenville + cleaning up parks.

Habitat for Humanity | Help with building houses, volunteer to work in one of the ReStores, or assist in the office.

Feed & Seed Co. | Grab some gloves and help pack food share boxes filled with fresh produce.

If you want to be there for abuse victims

Safe Harbor | Volunteer to make a difference in the lives of women and children through opportunities like helpline advocacy, facility support, and child care.

Compass of Carolina | Help Compass provide the Upstate with counseling and domestic violence assistance by volunteering in indirect service capacities like fundraising, clerical duties, or facility maintenance.

Shepherd’s Gate | Miracle Hill operates this shelter for women and mothers with young children who are experiencing homelessness.

The Julie Valentine Center | From advocating for victims to helping with simple service projects, there are plenty of ways to give back.

If you’re a mental health advocate

Mental Health America of Greenville County | Serve on the crisis line or assist through services like marketing + fund development, recruitment, education efforts, and more.

NAMI Greenville | You can support those experiencing mental illness by leading a support group + sharing your story as a presenter, or assisting in other areas like outreach, events, and recruiting.

Mental Health America of Greenville County | Serve as a 988 Suicide + Crisis Lifeline Specialist from home.

If your mutt doesn't want to strut, you can always watch. | Photo by Greenville Humane Society

If you’re an animal lover

Greenville County Animal Care | Help with Doggy’s Day Out, donation drives, or become a foster home.

Wildlife Rehab of Greenville | Adult volunteers (18 or older) can help get wildlife back on their feet, paws, claws, and wings.

Greenville Humane Society | Become a foster cat or dog parent or help out at the adoption center and medical center.

For the outdoorsy types

Greater Greenville Parks Foundation | Become a Park Hero and give our local public spaces some love.

Trees Upstate | Help plant, promote, and protect trees in + around Greenville County.

Upstate Forever | Volunteer to protect critical lands + waters of the Upstate or become a citizen water monitor

Sustaining Way | Help in the community garden, aid in on-site building repairs, or mentor Greenville youth.

Friends of the Reedy River | Whether you prefer to be outdoors and help with river cleanups, or prefer helping with fundraising, Friends of the Reedy River has an opportunity for you.

Cancer Survivors Park Alliance | Help keep the park clean by collecting trash, pulling weeds, and sweeping.

If you want to help your neighbors in need

Meals on Wheels | Pack nearly 1,500 meals every Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. until approximately 10:00 a.m.

Loaves & Fishes | Reduce hunger in Greenville County by volunteering on the rescue route, event committee, or by providing administrative + office support.

Project Host | Volunteer as an individual or as a group in the Soup Kitchen or Gardening for Good programs.

United Ministries | Sort, organize, and collect non-perishable food items for the food pantry.

American Red Cross | Assist in areas like disaster services, fundraising, and recruitment.