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.
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.
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 help with programming and outreach.
The United Way Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) Program | Volunteer to help low-income taxpayers with the preparation of returns and obtain 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 nine of their locations.
NAMI Greenville | Teach one of NAMI’s three core educational courses — Family-to-Family, Peer-to-Peer, or Basics.
If you want to stay in your home
Mental Health America of Greenville County | Serve as a as a 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline Specialist from home.
American Cancer Society | You can support fundraising events and advocate for cancer survivors remotely.
American Red Cross | Assist in areas like disaster services, fundraising, and recruitment. Many volunteer opportunities are available remotely.
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.
Senior Action | Provide dynamic services and programs to seniors by providing services like serving meals or touring a group of new members.
Able South Carolina | Support this disability-led organization in its offices, at events, and on special projects.
Upstate Warrior Solution | Play a crucial role in helping veterans reintegrate into the community.
If you live + breathe Greenville
The Cancer Society of Greenville County | 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 out this Greenville institution with food share, farming, and youth programming.
If you want to be there for abuse victims
Safe Harbor | Volunteer to make a difference in the lives of the 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 — such as fundraising, clerical duties, or facility maintenance.
Shepherd’s Gate | Miracle Hill provides a safe shelter for women and mothers with young children who are experiencing homelessness. Volunteer to have an impact on the lives of their guests.
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.
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 citizen water monitor
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.