Phoenix residents contribute an extraordinary 3.8 billion dollars worth of volunteer services annually… nearly matching the total charitable giving across Arizona. With one-third of Arizonans actively volunteering, the Valley of the Sun shines as a beacon of community service. Whether you have two hours a month or twenty hours a week, Phoenix offers meaningful volunteer opportunities that match your schedule, skills, and passions.
Phoenix's volunteer ecosystem spans every cause imaginable
The Valley's volunteer infrastructure is honestly pretty impressive when you dig into it. We're talking about 75,000+ active volunteers connected with over 400 nonprofit organizations through coordinators like HandsOn Greater Phoenix and Valley of the Sun United Way. From feeding the hungry at St. Mary's Food Bank where volunteers pack 1,400 emergency food boxes in a single two-hour shift to providing companionship for hospice patients, volunteers form the backbone of Phoenix's social services network.
The statistics paint a compelling picture. Arizona volunteers contribute 160.9 million hours annually, with each hour valued at $32.07 in 2023. Youth engagement particularly excels, with 30% of Arizona teens volunteering compared to 27% nationally. However, senior participation lags behind national averages, creating opportunities for retirees seeking purpose and connection.
Virtual volunteering has expanded dramatically post-pandemic, with 18% of volunteers now serving partially or completely online. Corporate volunteerism thrives too… APS employees alone contributed 79,286 volunteer hours across 311 events in 2023, earning the company top rankings for corporate philanthropy.
Fighting hunger and homelessness remain urgent priorities
Phoenix's food banks operate at maximum capacity, serving thousands of families daily while facing unprecedented demand. If you're looking to make an immediate impact, this is where your help is needed most.
Food banks desperately need your hands
St. Mary's Food Bank leads the charge with multiple locations and flexible scheduling. At their main warehouse (2831 N. 31st Avenue), volunteers pack emergency food boxes in two-hour shifts, assembling up to 1,400 boxes that directly reach families in need. Their Knight Center location serves 1,000-1,200 families daily through curbside distribution. Volunteers must be 12 or older with adult supervision, or 16 to volunteer independently. Sign up at stmarysfb.org/volunteer.
United Food Bank welcomes families with children as young as five to sort food and build emergency bags at their Mesa facility serving the Phoenix metro area. Unlike many organizations, they cannot accommodate court-appointed service but enthusiastically welcome corporate groups. Contact them through unitedfoodbank.org/volunteer.
The Phoenix Rescue Mission operates beyond traditional shelter services, running the Hope for Hunger Food Bank in Glendale where volunteers pack boxes and assist clients with grocery selection. All volunteers must create an account at prm.volunteerhub.com and schedule in advance. Their mobile pantries bring food directly to underserved neighborhoods, requiring 3-5 hour commitments for these community outreach events.
High-need volunteer opportunities:
- Food box packing
- Curbside distribution assistance
- Mobile pantry support
- Client grocery selection help
Homeless services need consistent support
For those drawn to direct service with Phoenix's homeless population, UMOM New Day Centers (3333 E Van Buren St) needs volunteers for residential dining assistance and their clothing closet. Register at umom.vomo.org to support their family emergency shelters and the Halle Women's Center.
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS) expanded recently to include The Haven senior shelter and Vista Colina family shelter, serving 400+ individuals downtown and 34 families with children. Contact development@cassaz.org to volunteer (ages 16+ only).
Education and youth programs seek mentors and tutors
The achievement gap in Phoenix schools creates critical volunteer opportunities that honestly break your heart… but also offer incredible chances to make a real difference in a kid's life.
Academic support programs show proven results
AARP Foundation Experience Corps specifically recruits volunteers 50 and older to provide one-on-one literacy tutoring for K-3 students reading below grade level. This evidence-based program shows 90% of participating students achieve significant improvement in critical literacy skills. Volunteers commit to five hours weekly throughout the school year after completing a comprehensive two-day training. Contact ecphx@phoenix.gov or call 602-256-4388.
Mentoring programs face waitlists
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arizona faces a waitlist of boys needing mentors, which is both heartbreaking and an opportunity. Their community-based program pairs volunteers with youth ages 6-18 for activities like hiking, cooking, or attending sporting events, meeting 2-4 times monthly for at least one year. Site-based mentoring offers a lower-commitment option, meeting at elementary schools during lunch or youth centers after school. Background checks cost $35, and volunteers must have no felonies within seven years or DUIs within five years.
Boys & Girls Clubs of the Valley serves 13,000+ youth across 30 locations with after-school and summer programs. Volunteers assist with STEM activities, literacy support, and special events. The organization achieved Service Enterprise certification, demonstrating excellence in volunteer engagement. Corporate partnerships and college service-learning opportunities are available.
Youth mentoring opportunities:
- One-on-one academic support
- Community-based activities
- Site-based school programs
- STEM project assistance
- Literacy tutoring
Refugee education needs language skills
The International Rescue Committee urgently needs volunteers for virtual tutoring with refugee students in grades 6-12. Volunteers with language skills in Dari, Pashto, Kinyarwanda, Arabic, Swahili, or Burmese are especially valued. COVID-19 vaccination and fingerprint clearance are required. Contact VolunteerPhx@Rescue.org.
Caring for seniors fills essential community gaps
Phoenix's rapidly aging population creates pressing volunteer needs. The good news? These opportunities often offer incredible flexibility and deeply meaningful connections.
Home and community support offers ultimate flexibility
Duet Partners in Health & Aging matches volunteers with homebound adults for grocery shopping, friendly visits, medical appointments, paperwork assistance, and technology help. Serving Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, and surrounding areas, Duet offers ultimate flexibility… volunteers contribute as little as two hours monthly on their own schedule. Visit duetaz.org/volunteer.
End-of-life care provides profound meaning
Hospice of the Valley identifies patient companionship as their highest volunteer priority. Their comprehensive program includes pet therapy visits, support at four White Dove Thrift Shoppe locations, and specialized assistance at Ryan House pediatric hospice. Spanish speakers are particularly needed. The organization requires a fun two-day weekend orientation before placement. Apply through five different application categories at hov.org/volunteer.
City of Phoenix operates 15 senior centers where 800+ volunteers contribute 200,000 hours annually. Opportunities include activities assistance, lunch program support, and general center operations. Call 602-262-6899 to connect with a center near you.
Animal welfare and environmental programs offer hands-on impact
If you're an animal lover or environmental advocate, Phoenix has some fantastic opportunities that let you get your hands dirty (sometimes literally).
Animal care organizations need diverse skills
The Arizona Humane Society operates three Phoenix campuses with diverse volunteer roles. Beyond traditional dog walking and cat socialization, advanced volunteers can work with reactive dogs or fearful cats through Level 3 handling certification. Their Bottle Baby Kitten ICU needs round-the-clock volunteers for newborn care. A $25 fee covers gear and onboarding for volunteers 16 and older.
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control requires an eight-hour monthly commitment for six months, welcoming volunteers 15 and older with parental consent. Their East shelter in Mesa and West shelter in Phoenix need help with animal socialization, adoption support, and community outreach. Watch orientation videos before applying at ACCVolunteer@maricopa.gov.
Animal volunteer roles:
- Dog walking and socialization
- Cat care and handling
- Adoption event support
- Bottle baby kitten care
- Administrative assistance
Environmental conservation spans desert preservation to urban gardens
Environmental volunteers can join Keep Phoenix Beautiful for community garden maintenance, tree plantings, and recycling education. They coordinate #IRecyclePHX events and offer early morning cleanup options perfect for corporate groups. Email info@keepphxbeautiful.org for group opportunities.
The Desert Botanical Garden (1201 N. Galvin Pkwy) engages volunteers in horticulture, education, research, and special events. Long-term commitments are preferred for these specialized roles. Contact them through dbg.org/support/volunteer.
Healthcare volunteering serves vulnerable populations
Major health systems offer structured volunteer programs with comprehensive training that honestly puts some colleges to shame.
Hospital systems provide professional development
HonorHealth requires a six-month or 100-hour commitment but provides opportunities ranging from patient escorts to Desert Mission Food Bank support. After completing their application at honorhealth.com/community/volunteer-opportunities, volunteers receive health screenings, background checks, ID badges, and role-specific training.
Banner Health welcomes volunteers from high school students to retirees across multiple facilities. University Medical Center Phoenix particularly needs support in clinical areas, gift shops, and special events. Contact 602-839-4380 to begin the interview process, which includes TB testing and background checks.
Free clinics desperately need medical professionals
Hospice of the Valley stands out for volunteer flexibility and impact. Beyond bedside companionship, volunteers support four thrift shop locations generating crucial program funding. Their specialized programs include music therapy and support for grieving families. Monthly orientation classes fill quickly… apply early at hov.org/volunteer.
Free clinics desperately need medical professionals and bilingual interpreters. The Virginia G. Piper Medical Clinic (St. Vincent de Paul) welcomes licensed physicians with active Arizona licenses and trains medical scribes. Both organizations particularly value Spanish language skills.
Healthcare volunteer needs:
- Patient companionship
- Medical interpretation
- Administrative support
- Gift shop operations
- Special event assistance
Arts, culture, and special events energize the community
Phoenix's vibrant arts scene relies heavily on volunteer support, and frankly, these gigs often come with some pretty cool perks.
Museums offer educational opportunities
Phoenix's vibrant arts scene relies heavily on volunteer support. The Phoenix Art Museum trains docents through a 9-12 month program covering art history and audience engagement… no art background required. Over 2,000 volunteers support various museum operations. Contact education@phxart.org.
The Musical Instrument Museum engages volunteers as museum guides, gallery assistants, and event supporters. Adult volunteers must maintain museum membership while committing to two monthly shifts. Their summer youth program offers students structured volunteer experiences. Apply at mim.org/support-mim/become-a-volunteer-team-member.
Major events create massive volunteer opportunities
Major sporting events create massive volunteer needs. The WM Phoenix Open (February 3-9, 2025) requires hundreds of volunteers for gallery management, scoring, concessions, and transportation. Volunteers 18 and older must work minimum three shifts during tournament week, receiving free admission and meals. Registration for 2026 opens later in 2025.
Emergency response and disaster relief
For crisis response, American Red Cross Arizona maintains a 24/7 Disaster Action Team providing immediate assistance to fire victims and disaster survivors. Team members respond within two hours of activation, offering emotional support and financial assistance. The organization also needs blood donor ambassadors and digital volunteers for social media engagement.
The Phoenix Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trains civilians in disaster preparedness and response through intensive 20-hour weekend training covering fire safety, light search and rescue, and disaster medical operations. Graduates support first responders during emergencies and educate communities about preparedness. Email phx.cert@phoenix.gov.
Getting started requires just three simple steps
Let's be honest… the hardest part about volunteering is often just figuring out how to begin. Here's your roadmap.
Step 1: Identify your interests and availability. Consider whether you prefer working with children, seniors, animals, or the environment. Determine if you want ongoing commitments or one-time projects. Virtual volunteering now offers legitimate alternatives for those with transportation challenges or health concerns.
Step 2: Complete applications and background checks. Most organizations require online applications and background screenings, especially for positions working with vulnerable populations. Costs typically range from free to $35. Allow two weeks for processing. Many organizations provide training, uniforms, and equipment at no charge.
Step 3: Attend orientation and training. Organizations invest significantly in volunteer preparation. Orientations range from one-hour online sessions to multi-day intensive training for specialized roles. This investment ensures volunteers feel confident and make meaningful contributions from day one.
Simple volunteer steps:
- Choose cause and time commitment
- Complete application and screening
- Attend required training
- Begin meaningful service
HandsOn Greater Phoenix (handsonphoenix.org) simplifies the process by maintaining a searchable database of opportunities across 400 partner organizations. Their sophisticated matching system filters by time commitment, cause area, and required skills. Valley of the Sun United Way (vsuw.org/get-involved/volunteer) coordinates large-scale corporate volunteering and home-based activities perfect for families.
Transform your community while enriching your life
Former Phoenix Dream Center volunteer Brandy Nichols spent five years homeless before achieving sobriety. Now she serves meals in the same area where she once sought help, demonstrating volunteering's transformative power. Structural engineer Ponce began translating at St. Vincent de Paul Medical Clinic, eventually leaving engineering to pursue medicine after witnessing healthcare's impact on underserved communities.
Jonathan Knight earned Desert Financial's Volunteer of the Year recognition after helping 24 organizations through 160 events, contributing 320 hours while raising three children. Community leaders noted that "if we had a thousand Jonathans, the world would be a totally different place."
These stories exemplify how volunteering creates ripple effects throughout Phoenix. By addressing immediate needs like hunger, homelessness, education gaps, and healthcare access, volunteers strengthen the entire community fabric. Whether you contribute two hours monthly at Duet Partners in Health & Aging or join APS's 79,000 annual volunteer hours, your service matters.
Phoenix's volunteer opportunities match every schedule, skill set, and passion. From virtual tutoring refugee students to building owl burrows in desert preserves, from sorting food at warehouses to holding hands with hospice patients, meaningful service awaits. The organizations profiled here represent just a fraction of Phoenix's nonprofit ecosystem… each offering professional volunteer management, comprehensive training, and flexible scheduling.
Take action today. Visit handsonphoenix.org to explore opportunities, complete an application with an organization addressing a cause you care about, or simply call a nonprofit directly to ask how you can help. In a city where volunteers contribute services valued at $3.8 billion annually, your contribution becomes part of something extraordinary. Phoenix needs you, and volunteering will transform not just your community, but your life.
