Volunteer in Providence, RI

Community
Overview

There are multiple ways to find volunteer opportunities in Rhode Island. Some well-established organizations may expect prospective volunteers to visit their websites directly, while others—especially smaller organizations—may rely on community or national volunteer recruitment platforms.

Jump to:
Prominent Organizations · Service Clubs · Mutual Aid & Grassroots
Volunteering Websites

For the Rhode Island area, here are websites that list volunteer opportunities and connect volunteers with local organizations.

  • United Way of Rhode Island

    A local/regional directory provided by United Way of Rhode Island.

    Help

  • Serve Rhode Island

    Get involved with a nonprofit organization! Look for volunteer opportunities that match your skills and schedule or that impact a cause important to you. RI Responds, United Way of Rhode Island Volunteer Center, and more are waiting.

  • Providence Department of Recreation

    The official city hub for civic and recreational roles, including coaching youth sports, assisting with seasonal events, and supporting programs at various city-run recreation centers.
Prominent Organizations

Often prominent organzations rely on their widespread recognition rather than posting on volunteer recruiting websites.

  • Federal Hill House (FHH)
    • Info
Service Clubs

Many communities have local service clubs that offer community engagement opportunities, such as Rotary Clubs.

  • Rotary Club of Providence

    Founded in 1911, this club is dedicated to supporting literacy education in Providence’s public schools, funding teaching tools, and distributing grants to local agencies serving children.

  • Rotary Club of Metro Providence

    A diverse club focused on addressing food insecurity, shelter, and environmental sustainability. They organize environmental cleanups and create Welcome Home Kits for clients of Crossroads Rhode Island.

  • Providence Lions Club

    A chapter dedicated to community service, supporting global Lions initiatives focused on fighting blindness, supporting youth, and funding diabetes research.
Mutual Aid & Grassroots Networks

Many communities rely on grassroots and informal networks to meet urgent needs. There may be opportunities to get involved through mutual aid networks, food distribution efforts, neighborhood action teams, or other groups that aren’t often listed on volunteer platforms.

  • Food Not Bombs Providence

    A non-hierarchical, direct aid group that seeks to redirect food that would otherwise be wasted to the community, often distributing vegan meals or groceries in downtown Providence.

  • Providence General Assembly (PGA)

    Operates working groups focused on Unhoused Solidarity, Mental Health Mutual Aid, and community gardening, striving to combat systemic injustice through shared skills and resources.
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Last updated: 12/20/2025

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