Volunteer’s guide to Jacksonville | HOW TO JAX

Whatever cause you’re passionate about, Jacksonville probably has an organization that you can volunteer with to help further it.

Start here: Pick your cause 

These volunteer directories make it easy to filter by cause, location or time:

• VolunteerMatch – National database with a local section just for Jacksonville
• Find Your Jax – Get Involved – Local roundup of ways to volunteer
• City of Jacksonville Volunteer Services – Official city-run programs

Or, start with one of these lists, meant to jump start your thinking about where to spend your time giving back. There are surely dozens more local organizations worthy of your time. Here are a few: 

Animals and wildlife

Animal lover? Here are ways to help our furry and feathered friends: 

• Animal Care and Protective Services (Duval County-run animal shelter) – Medical care assistants, dog walkers and much more are needed
• Jacksonville Humane Society – Animal care, adoption events, youth programs
• Catty Shack Ranch Wildlife Sanctuary – Care for rescued big cats and help with tours/events
• HOOFF House – Cat rescue and farm sanctuary in need of volunteers for animal care
• Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens – Event support, conservation programs, and educational outreach

Disability support

Lend your skills to local organizations making a difference for people with disabilities:

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• Best Buddies in Florida – Foster inclusion for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendship and mentoring
• Special Olympics Florida – Northeast Region – Assist with local events, coaching, or cheering on athletes
• Pine Castle – Nonprofit that helps individuals with intellectual and developmental differences live full and productive lives.
• The Arc Jacksonville – Help the community called The Arc Village with various needs, be a student intern, or organize a corporate volunteer group.
• L’Arche Jacksonville – Volunteer to be a ‘buddy’ to a L’Arche Core Member, assist with maintenance/yard work around their facilities or lend a hand with a fundraising event.

Education and Jobs 

Support students, job seekers and entrepreneurs with your time and experience:

• Literacy Alliance of Northeast Florida – Tutor adults and teens in reading, writing, and digital literacy
• Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northeast Florida – Positively affect one child, and by extension the whole community, one hour at a time. 
• Jacksonville Urban League – Help others with career development, economic empowerment and more
• Rethreaded – Work alongside human trafficking survivors in a special program that fosters empathy and advocacy 

Food and housing

Combat food insecurity and housing instability by lending some hands-on help:

• Feeding Northeast Florida – The largest food bank serving Northeast Florida, distributing millions of pounds of food annually to individuals and families in need.
• UCOM (United Community Outreach Ministry) – Transport or distribute food to those in need, or go all in as a volunteer case manager at this San Marco nonprofit that empowers neighbors to help neighbors in crisis. 
• BEAM (Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry) – Food pantry, gardens, food bank, thrift stores, and senior programs helping Beaches residents in need
• First Coast Habitat for Humanity or Beaches Habitat – help build homes for Habitat for Humanity (no construction experience required)
• Sulzbacher – Serve meals and offer other support for the unhoused
• City Rescue Mission – Help provide shelter, food, and hope to people in crisis

Nature and outdoors

Help protect and preserve Jacksonville’s natural spaces:

• St. Johns Riverkeeper – River cleanups, educational outreach and advocacy
• Greenscape of Jacksonville – Tree planting, community greening projects
• Keep Jacksonville Beautiful – Litter cleanups, community beautification projects

Seniors 

Share your time with seniors who could use a friendly face or helping hand:

• Hart Felt Ministries – Non-medical help for seniors aging in place
• Meals on Wheels (via Aging True) – Deliver meals and smiles

Arts and culture 

Help the arts and letters thrive in Jacksonville: 

• Florida Theatre – Usher at concerts and shows
• Jacksonville Public Library – Help with events, book sales and literacy programs
• MOCA Jacksonville – Support art openings, events, and educational programs
• Jacksonville Symphony – Usher for Jacksonville’s symphony orchestra