GVSU Children's Enrichment Center

Grand Valley State University student volunteers assist in daily activities while shadowing Lead and Assistant Teachers as they lead literacy-rich programs. Student volunteers will learn about Creative Curriculum and redirection methods (i.e., proactive and reactive redirection of preschool behavior).

Allendale Campus

Dates vary based on availability

You can find more information here. 

Email Daphnea Sutherland for more information!

GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project

Get dirty and give back a the GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project. Volunteers will be involved all aspects of the farm. Volunteers are advised to wear closed toe shoes, bring a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.

GVSU Sustainable Agriculture Project
4539 Luce St.
Jenison, Michigan 49428

Wednesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m.-12 p.m.

Fridays from 12-3 p.m.

You can find more information here. 

Replenish 

Replenish relies on our community to keep us going. You can help us continue supporting the Grand Valley students by giving your time through volunteering, making a monetary donation, or donating perishable and non perishable.

Allendale Campus 

Click link for specific room locations. 

Dates vary based on availability.

You can find more information here. 

Kent County Parks: Annual Buck Creek Clean Up

At this event, volunteers will remove trash and debris from the creek to help protect the health of our waterways and communities. Meet up will be at Lemery Park at 8:30 am, where we will split into groups and enjoy some delicious coffee and donuts. Then groups will be led to various clean up sites along the Buck Creek, including a spot in the beautiful Palmer Park. After the clean up, everyone is invited to Wedgewood Park for a complimentary lunch and celebratory picnic!

Lemery Park 

4050 Byron Center Ave SW
Wyoming, MI 49519

Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

For volunteer registration, sign up here. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-632-7842.

Kent County Parks: Annual Native Species Planting Day at Dwight Lydell Park

Help preserve native habitats along Mill Creek at our Annual Dwight Lydell Park Native Planting Event! Volunteers will help by planting various native prairie forbs and grasses to support pollinator species! Complimentary snacks and beverages will be provided!

Dwight Lydell Park 

4040 Leland Ave
Comstock Park , MI 49321

Saturday, September 14 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For volunteer registration, sign up here. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-632-7842.

Kent County Parks: Annual Millennium Park Fall Clean Event

Join a team of volunteers to help give Millennium Park a fall clean up! There will be a variety of fun projects available, such as seed harvesting, invasive species removal, trail support, and more! Come on out, enjoy the beautiful autumn weather – and help make a difference!

Millennium Park

1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534

Saturday, September 7 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

For volunteer registration, sign up here. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-632-7842.

Kent County Parks: Eco Stewardship Service-Learning Day at Luton Park Prairie

Join us for a day of education and action as we work together to preserve the prairie at Luton Park! Volunteers will learn about effective prairie management techniques and then participate in the removal of woody species that threaten the health of prairies. All supplies are provided, and people of all backgrounds are welcome!

Luton Park Prairie 

5871 Kies St NE
Rockford, MI 49341

Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m. 

For volunteer registration, sign up here. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-632-7842.

Kent County Parks: Invasive Species Control Project at Millennium Park

Join a volunteer team to remove woody invasive species from native habitats throughout Millennium Park! A short workshop on how to ID and control invasive species will be included, so no prior experience is necessary. Come on out, enjoy the beautiful autumn weather, and help make a difference!

Millennium Park 

1415 Maynard Ave SW
Walker, MI 49534-7022

Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For volunteer registration, sign up here. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-632-7842.

Kent County Parks: Invasive Species Control Project at Pickerel Lake Park

Join a volunteer team to remove woody invasive species from native habitats at Pickerel Lake Park! A short workshop on how to ID and control invasive species will be included, so no prior experience is necessary. Come on out, enjoy the beautiful autumn weather, and help make a difference!

Pickerel Lake Park 

6001 Ramsdell Dr NE
Rockford, MI 49341

Saturday, September 28 from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

For volunteer registration, sign up here. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-632-7842.

Kent County Parks: Stewardship Days

Summertime calls for good times and volunteering at your favorite parks! At these events, volunteers will support by cleaning up trash, picking up sticks, cleaning picnic tables, and/or cutting invasive species. All supplies are provided, and people of all ages are welcome! Come on out to enjoy the sunshine and make a difference!

Multiple locations available. Please click here for full calendar. 

Multiple dates and locations available from July 15 to August 28

For volunteer registration, sign up here. Questions can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-632-7842.

New City Neighbors 

Get your hands in the dirt with a farm volunteer work day. Tasks include landscaping, mulching, general clean up, and more. Prepare to be outdoors bringing things such as sunscreen, sunglasses, water bottle, close-toe shoes, and/or hat for sun protection.

The Farmhouse

1115 Leonard St. NE
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503

Sunday, September 1 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Contact [email protected] with any question or concerns. 

Click here to register. 

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation

Volunteers will support program leaders and function as additional chaperones for groups of children, while promoting engagement and participation in activities.

Multiple locations available

Multiple dates & times available from April 19 - August 5

If you are interested or have questions, please email [email protected].

Ottawa County Parks and Recreation

Park Cleanups: Volunteers will remove litter, including small microplastics, from our beaches and surrounding areas.

Garlic Mustard Removal: Join us for a garlic mustard removal opportunity to help protect our parks and ecosystems against invasive species.

Multiple locations available. Click here for more information. 

Multiple dates & times available from April 06 - August 5

For volunteer registration, sign up here.

Refugee Education Center 

Volunteers are needed at the Refugee Education Center to help with the Philanthropy department. This is a great, one-off volunteer opportunity for anyone. You’ll be able to see the facility, meet some of the staff, and get to ask any questions.   

Refugee Education Center 

2130 Enterprise St. SE Kentwood, MI 49508

Monday, July 22 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

If interested please contact the volunteer coordinator, Anna Bundy. 

(616) 247-9611

[email protected]

Riverside Park Summer Volunteer Day

Volunteers will support maintenance and accessibility by trimming overhanging vegetation around high-use areas at Riverside Park, including around drives and parking areas. Long pants and closed toe shoes are recommended. Volunteers may want to bring a water bottle, bug spray, and sunscreen. 

Riverside Park 

10345 N Cedar Dr., Grand Haven, MI 49417 

Saturday, August 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. 

If interested you can sign up here. 

20 Liters

Volunteers are an integral part of the work of 20 Liters. When you give your time and talent, you're joining hundreds of volunteers in the United States and Rwanda to facilitate access to clean and safe water for those who lack it. 

Ottawa County

Check out their volunteer opportunities here.

AARP

Help AARP to provide nourishing meals to those facing health crisis while empowering the next generation. The Revive and Thrive Project is a registered non-profit organization nourishing greater Grand Rapids, Michigan one meal at a time.

Grand Rapids, MI

Check out their website to get involved.

Allendale Public Schools

Allendale Public Schools can always use motivated individuals to help with reading, math, activities, and even the copy center. 

Allendale Charter Township, MI

Check out their website to get involved.

Alpha Womens Center

Volunteer at Alpha Grand Rapids (AGR) to help support expectant parents and young families. Roles included working directly with people or more "behind-the-scenes".

1725 Division Ave S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Check out their website to get involved. 

American Red Cross Michigan Region

The Volunteer Recruitment Member supports the Regional Volunteer Services Department and assists the implementation of the regional volunteer recruitment plan. This is done by performing recruitment activities to attract a skilled and diverse volunteer workforce.

Kentwood, MI

Check out more information here.

Baxter Community Center

Baxter is looking for extra hands to help maintain their greenhouse and raised bed gardens by assisting with general cleaning, soil prep, transplanting, labeling, weeding, harvesting and more!

Grand Rapids, MI

Sign-up to volunteer here.

Boys and Girls Club of the Muskegon Lakeshore

Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore would not be successful without volunteers like you. BGCML partners with children, youth, and families in Muskegon County to offer programs to enable and inspire all youth, especially the ones who need us the most.

Muskegon

Contact Monica Turnbull here.

Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids

The Boys and Girls Club of Grand Rapids is currently looking for volunteers to help staff run programs and activities, serve meals, and create a fun for their members each day! This opportunity is available during the school year Monday-Friday, 3:00-7:00 p.m.

Grand Rapids, MI

Sign-up to volunteer: Volunteer Registration

Community Food Club

Enjoy helping out in your community? Help the Community Food Clubs Free Grocery store by greeting and checking out members, and stocking the shelves of the store.

1100 S. Division Ave Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Sign up to volunteer at their website.

Community Rebuilders

Beautifully Home Volunteers: Help Community Rebuilders transform a house into a home. Volunteers with help with furniture and household goods pickup, delivery, and organization.

Grand Rapids, MI

Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.

Sign up by emailing here.

Community Rebuilders

Volunteer for Green Thumbs & DIYers!

Green Thumbs volunteers will mow lawns, landscape, rake leaves, and more!

DIYers volunteers will paint, clean, help with small building projects, and more!

Grand Rapids, MI

For this family-friendly event, volunteers must be 14 years of age or older.

Sign up by emailing here.

Disability Advocates of Kent County

Volunteer with Disability Advocates of Kent County!

Grand Rapids, MI

If you are interested, fill out the form on their website located here.

Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding INC.

Do you enjoy being around a barn full of horses? Volunteer with the Equest Center for Therapeutic Riding by retrieving and returning horses, grooming and tacking horses before classes, and helping around the barn. To volunteer visit their website and complete the volunteer orientation training!

3777 Rector Ave NE Rockford, MI 49341

Visit their website for more information regarding Volunteer opportunities.

Family Futures

Our volunteers are essential to our work in building resilient and safe families, supporting children, and strengthening our community. We couldn’t reach the number of families we do without the generous time, talents and energy our incredible volunteers offer.

678 Front Ave NW #210
Grand Rapids, MI 49504

More information can be found here or you can email [email protected].

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

If you have a passion for learning and can commit to a 4-hour shift per week, unlock the opportunity to engage and educate guests by joining their dedicated team of docents! As a docent, you will: lead educational tours, welcome visitors, assist guests, wear the "ASK ME!" button proudly, facilitate discussions, share insights, and contribute to their mission!

Grand Rapids, MI

Contact Tony England. You can also reach him via phone: 616-974-5238.

Gilda's Club Grand Rapids

Looking for volunteers that are passionate, inspired and making a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer or grief in West Michigan. Whether you can only commit a few hours a week or want to give more time, this is a good opportunity for you. From taking care of the club house grounds, making cards, knitting or sewing, working in the office, and so much more.

1806 Bridge St. NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Questions can be directed to the Volunteer Manage, Rob Johns by email at [email protected] or call 616-453-8300. More information can also be found here.

Goodwill

Gain real-world retail experience and be a part of a mission that values your community. When you donate your time and talent in our stores, you are helping to change lives and communities through the power of work! Responsibilities: putting merchandise on the sales floor, keeping the sales floor organized, rotating out merchandise on a weekly basis, putting foam on hangers, replacing/restocking bookshelves

Locations available at a variety of Goodwill locations around the Grand Rapids area.

Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-532-4200. More information can also be found here.

Grace's Table

We are passionate about equipping and empowering team mamas at Grace's Table. We believe teen moms should feel loved, cared for, and part of a community. We don't want them to live in isolation or away from advocacy and hope. We provide teen moms mentorship, hospitality, and the benefit of a team that will help them find resources, learn life skills, and encouragement as they move towards their full potential.

835 Richmond St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

More information can be found here or call 616-340-4309.

Grow Your Classroom

Grow Your Classroom is a local nonprofit corporation looking for regular volunteers. Up to 4 hours a week available. Mainly plant maintenance (watering, potting, pruning; possibly pulling and prepping orders). Ideal for biology, education, sustainability, and business majors, or anyone who loves plants.

Jenison, MI

Contact [email protected] for more information.

Hand2Hand

In hopes of ending childhood hunger, help pack backpacks with food, so hungry children can also excel in school and in life. There are more opportunities to help as well!

Ottawa County

Check out their volunteer opportunities here.

Heart of West MI United Way

Volunteer in the community through a variety of different volunteer opportunities!

Grand Rapids, MI

Check out https://connect.hwmuw.org/ for opportunities.

Heartside Gleaning

Volunteer in the community by passing out food in the community by being a food distribution volunteer.

810 VanRaalte St. SW Grand Rapids, MI 49505

Reach out to Heartside Gleaning at their website for more information regarding volunteer opportunities.

Holland Free Health Clinic 

All opportunities occur on a  weekly basis, no one-time opportunities offered. Roles that are offered include: Client Advocates, Program Support, 

Holland Free Health Clinic; 99 West 26th St. Holland, MI 49423 

Visit the link to fill out the volunteer application.

Hospice of MI

Do you enjoy sewing/knitting/crocheting and want to make a difference? Hospice of Michigan is looking for volunteers to help make various projects for our patients to help increase their quality of life. These items can help a patient rest more comfortably in their bed, provide them with comfort, and give them a safe outlet to keep busy. This is an excellent way to use up spare fabric that you may have, while brightening a patients day! 

Muskegon

Fill out the volunteer application to become a volunteer.

Humane Society of West Michigan

Do you enjoy hanging out with animals? Well, come join us in your free time and volunteer with some cute furry friends! Multiple volunteer opportunities are available.

3077 Wilson Dr Grand Rapids, MI 49534

If you are interested in volunteering, please check out their website and their volunteer opportunities.

IKUS Life Enrichment Services

Become a Community Events Volunteer! Assist with community events including the Craft Show, Snow Ball Dance, Taps & Trails, Trick or Treat Street and Breakfast with Santa. Become a programming volunteer! Assist during the day or evening with games, activities, and/or setup of evening programming.

Allendale, MI

If you are interested in volunteering, please complete the volunteer application.

Kent County Community Action

Looking to help out the community? Join Kent County Community Action to help with packing food boxes and distributing them to the senior community. Assist during the day in shifts.

121 Martin Luther King Jr St SE Suite 110 Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Find more information here

Kids Food Basket

Join the Kids Food Basket and help out children in your community!

Kids Food Basket

Kent County, Ottawa/Allegan County, or Muskegon

Check out https://kidsfoodbasket.org/volunteer/ for opportunities.

Land Conservancy of West MI

Join the Land Conservancy of West MI for their Second Saturday Events! From 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on the second Saturday of every month, the Land Conservancy will host a volunteer event that focuses on ecological restoration activities including invasive species removal, seed collecting, and native plant installation. Volunteers may also be involved with trail maintenance, general clean-up, or other tasks that help visitors better enjoy our magnificent natural areas.

West Michigan

Find more information here.

Literacy Center of West MI

1 in 8 West Michigan adults struggle with low literacy. So, we have an ongoing need for volunteer tutors to work one-on-one with adult learners. You don't need any special skills, just the ability to read and write and the willingness to teach others. 

Grand Rapids, MI

Fill out the interest form if you'd like to volunteer.

Love INC.

When caring volunteers walk alongside their neighbors, healthy relationships grow. That's why volunteers are the heart of our ministry. You can help us with education classes, childcare, and picking up and/or moving furniture.

Ottawa County

Check out their opportunities here.

Make-a-Wish Foundation of MI

Together we can make wishes come true. Volunteers have the opportunity to grant wishes, be a translator/interpreter, help out in the office and with events, and help children with reading and writing. 

Brighton, MI

If interested, email to sign up!

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan

Volunteer opportunities in our kitchen, delivering to homebound seniors, serving at our dining sites, or our Senior Pantry. Each semester we have a handful of Grand Valley students that join our mission to help serve our growing clientele of over 6,000 seniors in Kent and Allegan counties.

Meals on Wheels Western Michigan

2900 Wilson Ave SW Suite 500

Grandville, MI 49418

If you are interested, fill out the volunteer application form. If you have questions or concerns, please reach out to Haley Bean

Migrant Legal Aid

They are looking for individual or group workers who want to help advance the rights of migrant farmworkers. 

1104 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Check out their website to get involved. 

MomsBloom

MomsBloom is a volunteer-based organization that provides hands on and emotional support to families that are welcoming a new baby. Our volunteers provide support for 2-4 hours per week for a 12 week match (perfect for a semester!). Their support may includes caring for the baby, playing with siblings, light housework, and companionship to the parent.

Kent County, Ottawa County

Learn more and apply.

New City Neighbors

New City Neighbors have various volunteer opportunities such as farm workdays and helping with produce pickup. 

1115 Leonard St. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Check out their website to get involved. 

Outdoor Discovery Center

The Outdoor Discovery Center wouldn't thrive without volunteers like you. Whether you want to come alone or with a group, we have several different opportunities for you. You can help maintain trails and buildings, give animal care assistance, restore habitats, clean up rivers, and more!

Holland

Check out their website to get involved.

Our Kitchen Table (OKT)

Join OKT to help set up their Southeast Area Farmers Market that helps support local Black growers and entrepreneurs. 

Every other Saturday until November 4, 2023

11:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m.

900 Fuller SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506

You can register here.

Refugee Education Center (REC)

Join REC to help fill backpacks for students ranging from Elementary school students to High school students. 

Join REC to help transport students to and from school via bussing services.

2130 Enterprise St SE, Kentwood, MI 49508

Check out their website here to get involved or reach out to [email protected] for more information.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of West Michigan

Volunteer with the Ronald McDonald Charities to operate the RMHC cart to pick up items and provide a warm welcome to families and caregivers. Volunteers should be willing to commit to a weekly or biweekly shift for about 6 months

1323 Cedar Street, NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Check out their website to get involved.

Samaritas

Join Samaritas and volunteer with seniors in Grand Rapids to create beautiful flower arrangements. Play some Bingo, and assist with Chapel and Musical Performances

2000 32nd Street SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508

Reach out to 616-284-5704 and their website for more information.

Spectrum Health Hospice

Whether you enjoy singing, helping in the main office, doing yard work, or just being a friendly face to visitors, Spectrum Hospice is looking for people to help in any way they are able.

750 Fuller Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503

Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] and more information can be found here.

The Salvation Army- Holland

Giving a little bit of your time can change someone's life. If you're looking to make a difference in your community, and in your world, volunteering is one of the most powerful ways to do it. Fill food orders at our pantry, organize school supplies and backpacks, give the supplies and backpacks to children in need, load up a family in need with Christmas gifts or ring a bell during the Holiday Season. These are just a few of the amazing opportunities we have here at The Salvation Army.

Holland

Check out their website to get involved.

Treetops Collective 

They have many one-time opportunities for childcare. One of their most consistent needs is transportation to and from home and school. Treetops regularly sells social enterprise goods at pop-up markets and has information tables at various events. They also offer group volunteer opportunities.

906 Division S, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Check out their website to get involved.

United Church Outreach Ministry

Help us manage the turnover of food through the warehouse and pantry. We are in need of someone to volunteer consistently throughout the week, learning the system and becoming part of the team at UCOM. Volunteer times are Mondays from 8:30am to 11:30am or Thursdays from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

1311 Chicago Dr. SW, Wyoming, MI 49509

If interested, contact the Pantry Manager, Kathryn Vanderwal. More information can also be found here.

United Way of the Lakeshore

Join a multitude of enthusiastic supporters devoted to creating social change. Be a part of something bigger than yourself. When we Live United, we put opportunity in the hands of all neighbors along the Lakeshore.

Muskegon

Check out their website to get involved.

Women At Ris

Join our community of warriors at our headquarters or events in your area. In our comfortable, on-site volunteer center, you can prepare donations, tag products, organize inventory, or even become a volunteer staff member! Our team of volunteers makes it possible to continue our mission of rescue, restoration, and empowerment! Come in for a few hours or come in everyday!

2790 44th St SW A, Wyoming, MI 49519

Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] or call 616-855-0796. More information can also be found here.

Women's Resource Center

Women's Resource Center is looking for volunteers in a wide variety of positions, from computer instructors to mentors to resume coaches and more. They are also looking for teams of volunteers to cary out projects.

678 Front Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504

Inquiries can be emailed to [email protected] and more information can be found here.

Careline Hospice

Careline Hospice is looking for a wide variety of volunteers. Direct volunteer opportunities can be in the form of listening or playing music for them, singing with them, doing crafts, reading to them, sharing conversation, bringing your pet in, or doing anything they have an interest in and want to share with them!  indirect volunteers help us write birthday/holiday cards, sew or knit blankets requested by patients, help make admission packets, and other administrative tasks around the office. This even includes some administrative work that they could bring home and do from their house if they don’t want to commute to the office.  It is so special to be able to connect with patients in this vulnerable time of their lives, and our volunteers make such an impact on their quality of life!

770 Kenmoor Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546

More information and their website can be found here!

Audiobook Recorder - Learning Ally

As a volunteer, you can use your voice talent to bring audiobooks to life. Or you can conduct quality assurance playing books back just like students will and checking for anything that would result in a less-than-enjoyable listening experience. 

Learn more about the opportunity here.

Language Exchange Program: Refugee Outreach Collective

LEP is organized to facilitate relationships through learning. Participants are based in the Midwest and Dzaleka Refugee Camp in Malawi, and each take on both the role of teacher and student, as they share their language while learning the other. Over video call and messaging on WhatsApp, participants will provide lessons on how to speak English or Swahili, and they will then learn how to speak the language they do not know. To make this a reality, participants will create lesson plans and content to be shared with their language partner, and partners will share and learn from each other’s content once a week. Through their involvement in the program, participants will gain meaningful experiences teaching English or Swahili as a second language, while learning a new language and culture.

For more information contact Emily from Refugee Outreach Collective: [email protected]

Smithsonian Digital Volunteers: The Transcription Center

Transcribe and review digitized historical collections from around the Smithsonian.

Learn more about the Transcription Center and sign up to begin.

Transcribers: By The People (Library of Congress)

The Library of Congress needs volunteers to help transcribe digitize documents, add keyword tags to assist in future searches, and to review transcriptions by other volunteers for accuracy.

Learn more about the opportunity here.

Virtual Tutor - Oakwood Education Foundation

Oakwood Education Foundation addresses educational inequality by connecting underserved students with impassioned volunteer tutors. Anyone 15 or older can apply to be a tutor, and you can choose subjects that match your area of expertise. 

Apply to be a tutor using this link.

Love For Our Elders

On the first of each month, elders are posted on the Love For Our Elders website. Take a few minutes to write a meaningful letter. Tell the elder about yourself, maybe share a joke or a riddle and let them know that they are loved.

To find elders to write to, visit Love For Our Elders' website.