Volunteer opportunities in Colorado

Many of us are seeking ways to connect with our community and feel useful. Volunteering is great way to do both.

April is National Volunteer Month, so below we’ve assembled a list of some of the nonprofits and community aid organizations that are looking for donations and/or volunteers across Denver, Boulder, Fort Collins, and the northern Front Range. These organizations do big work in Colorado and need help all year round.

If you are unable to volunteer but still want to help, donations are vital to keep these organizations going, too (you can follow the same links below).

Food banks

A shocking number of people don’t know where their next meal will come from in Colorado, and many of them are kids. Food Bank of the Rockies states “1 in 9 Coloradans are experiencing food insecurity, including 1 in 7 children.” Food banks often welcome group volunteering, too, so perhaps you can get a few family members or coworkers together. (See additional food banks listed on our Community Resources page.)

• Food Bank of the Rockies serves 32 counties in Colorado
• Bienveidos Food Bank in Denver especially needs Spanish-speaking volunteers
• Denver Food Rescue helps reduce food waste and promotes health equity
• Food Bank of Larimer County is located in Fort Collins
• Community Food Share serves Boulder and Broomfield counties
• Weld Food Bank is located in Greeley

Community kitchens and cafes

A community kitchen is a place offering meals and conversation to those who need it. Volunteers can often help serve.

• Loveland’s Community Kitchen is open 7 days a week serving prepared meals
• FoCo Cafe offers lunch in a restaurant setting with a pay-it-forward system
• Joy’s Kitchen is based in Lakewood

Blood donation

This may be one of the easiest and most selfless ways to volunteer. Blood donations typically slow down around the holidays, but the need is always there, so it’s a great time to help out.

The rules and methods around donating blood have changed in the last several years, so if you’ve been unable to donate in the past, it’s worth checking again. Donation centers often have gifts, snacks and other incentives to thank you for your donation. Plus, if you’re not sure what your blood type is, you will once you donate.

• Vitalant has locations across Denver and Boulder and all across the country
• Children’s Hospital Colorado has locations in Aurora and Colorado Springs
• Garth Englund Blood Donation is in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Greeley

Rescue missions and shelters

Rescue missions and shelters help unhoused people in our communities all year, but during the cold weather months the needs for a warm meal and a safe place to sleep greatly increases. Volunteers are needed to help serve meals, mentor youth, sort donations, provide spiritual services, teach job skills, and more.

• Fort Collins Rescue Mission serves Northern Colorado
• All Roads Boulder County serves Boulder County
• Denver Rescue Mission serves the Denver Metro area and has volunteer opportunities for individuals and groups

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a global nonprofit housing organization. They do work in communities across the U.S. and in approximately 70 countries. “Habitat’s vision is of a world where everyone has a decent place to live.” Habitat homeowners actually help build their own homes alongside volunteers.

There are many different ways to volunteer with Habitat for Humanity such as working on a construction project or in one of their ReStores, which are retail thrift stores.

• Habitat for Humanity Denver Metro
• Flatirons Habitat for Humanity
• Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity
• Loveland Habitat for Humanity
• Berthoud Habitat for Humanity
• Greeley Habitat for Humanity
• Habitat for Humanity of the St. Vrain Valley

Additional opportunities

Another great way to find volunteer opportunities near you is with VolunteerMatch or Volunteer.gov.

See more resources and opportunities on our Community Resources page.