Top 10 Volunteer Opportunities in Seattle in 2019
Want to volunteer or intern at a great Seattle nonprofit? Whether you’re new to the city and want to learn about its charities, trying to change up your routine with some local charity work, or just want to volunteer or intern at a neighborhood nonprofit, everyone knows that the best way to find the right place for you is from the people who’ve been there!
Here’s a list of volunteers’ and interns’ favorite Seattle charities. Every nonprofit on this list has earned an overall score of 4 or greater out of 5 on GreatNonprofits.org. If your favorite Seattle nonprofit or volunteer gig is missing, find it on GreatNonprofits.org, write a positive review, and show your co-volunteers how to start adding reviews and get it on the list!
Grist Magazine
“The Grist is the most witty, informative, and fresh commentary on the state of the environment out there.
The articles that they collect and create are incredibly informative and cover a wide range of topics that center around working to keep our planet Earth healthy.
The Grist is the vanguard of shining the spotlight on these crucial topics and issues. They are ahead of their time. I read the Grist regularly and I salute them for their interesting and informative writing!” –Curzon Smith 1776
Free2Luv
“As a celebrity ambassador for Free2Luv it gives me great pleasure to be involved with such a wonderful organization. Spreading love and bullying prevention are very important messages to send not only to kids but also to adults. We must all find a way to coexist and look out for each other. I love being an advocate for Free2Luv and hope that others would join me in spreading love and not hate!” –Laya De Leon Hayes
International Snow Leopard Trust
“International Snow Leopard Trust is serving a vital function in their effort to protect and aid the endangered snow leopard population. They have taken a multifaceted approach by aiding and educating the native peoples who share the snow leopard habitat, while at the same time reaching out to donors and supporters.
They are a well-run and awesome organization, and I continue to donate whenever I am able. Thank you to everyone who is working to save these beautiful and important wild cats.” –Cassandra P.
Operation Ward 57
“I have volunteered for Operation Ward 57 for years. As an active duty SSG serving in the U.S. Army, I cannot say enough about how vital this small grassroots nonprofit is to our severely injured soldiers, their families, and the men and women who care for them.
Operation Ward 57 and its volunteers greatly improve the overall health and welfare of the wounded heroes who so selflessly serve our country. If you are looking for a way to make a difference . . . Operation Ward 57 is a 100 percent transparent nonprofit that allows you to directly see how your contributions affect those in which they, Operation Ward 57, serve.” –Christian 4
Jconnect Seattle
“Jconnect is one of the best programs for young professional Jews I have had the pleasure of being a part of. It is how I met the majority of my friends, and helped give me a solid foundation in a Jewish community without having to commit to joining a particular synagogue.
Their programming is very well done, and their lean toward progressive, sustainable food culture is commendable.” –xavier19255
National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association
“I am proud that I was a CASA/GAL for 15 years. The volunteers in this organization are extremely dedicated in advocating for children who are abused or neglected. I have seen so many a child start out in family court looking so sad and lost and then find that there is a responsible, knowledgeable, friendly adult assigned just to him or her and no one else. They come to trust their CASA to care enough to spend time to know them and make sure all of their needs are addressed.
It has been very rewarding to be trusted by children who are hurting, speak to their best interest during court hearings, and see what a difference a competent, caring person can make in a child’s life.” –Mary Lu C.
Avivara
“This organization meets the communities it serves where they are at. Together they set the priorities and move together from there. They not only provide needed school supplies, but educate the teachers and parents as well—working with whole communities! Their scholarship program for older youth continues to grow.
After visiting and working with them at the rural schools and at that time an after-school program, I feel confident that their work is essential to rural Guatemalan schools and they are making a difference by serving the communities and teaching the communities how to continue and grow in educating their children as well as adult leaders.” –Caroline E.
YouthCare
“As a mother, it is obvious just how much support young people need to get a good start in life. The obstacles these kids face are enormous and certainly not of their choosing. Youthcare tackles the tough stuff and provides life-changing interventions that put these deserving young people on the path to stability and success. I am proud to be a volunteer and supporter of Youthcare. In my mind it is the best nonprofit in Seattle, period.” –LFPmama
Seattle Jewish Community School
“A small school with a big heart. Supplying the kids with a broad general and Judaic study base and a sense of identity while preparing them well for middle school and beyond.” –ZXC
Friends of the Animals Foundation
“This is a great organization that really takes care of the cats and kittens who come their way. From feral cats to those turned in due to family hardship, FAF does a great job helping to find new homes for these wonderful animals. They also spend a lot of time doing TNR to keep the overpopulation of feral cats down. I’ve really enjoyed working with them over the last year.” –Linda EL