Make a difference—11 local nonprofits that need your helping hands in Birmingham

Looking for a way to give back and connect with your community? Volunteering with a nonprofit might be just what you need.

Whether you’ve got a heart for animals, a soft spot for kids or just a desire to help those in need, there’s a local organization that could use exactly what you bring to the table. Don’t worry if you’ve never volunteered before—every helping hand counts and there’s no better time to start than now.

Read on to learn more.

1. American Red Cross

Mission: to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors

Currently seeking volunteers for:

• Disaster Action Team (DAT) 
• Shelter volunteer 
• Disaster health services 
• Blood donor ambassador 
• Blood transportation specialist 

To volunteer with American Red Cross, apply here.

Explore all volunteer opportunities here.

• Where: 114 22nd St S, Birmingham, AL 35233
• Contact: (205).439.7800
• Website

2. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Birmingham

Mission: to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth

Currently seeking volunteers for: Big Brothers and Big Sisters to mentor Littles.

Programs:

• Community Based Mentoring
• School Based Mentoring
• Beyond School Walls
• E-Mentoring

Learn more about the volunteer process and how to apply here.

• Where: 1901 14th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35205
• Contact: 205.939.5590
• Website

3. Black Warrior Riverkeeper

Mission: to protect and restore the Black Warrior River and its tributaries by using a watershed approach to ensure clean water, a healthy aquatic environment and the recreational and aesthetic values of the river.

Currently seeking volunteers for:

• Action Alert Response Team
• Cleanups team
• Data entry team
• Media team
• Outreach team
• Research team
• + opportunities to create your own project

To volunteer with Black Warrior Riverkeeper, contact Charles Scribner via phone 205.458.0095 or email (cscribner@blackwarriorriver.org).

• Where: 712 37th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Contact: 205.458.0095
• Website

4. Community Food Bank of Central Alabama

Mission: to supply food to pantries, shelters and children’s programs in Central Alabama 

Currently seeking: groups and individuals to volunteer in the warehouse or at a mobile pantry

To volunteer with Food Bank of Central Alabama:

1. Fill out this form. 
2. Sign up with the calendar below.
3. Show up for your volunteer slot.

There are also opportunities to host your own Food or Fund drive. Learn more here.

• Where: 107 Walter Davis Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Contact: 205.942.8911
• Website

5. Crisis Center Birmingham

Mission: to serve the unmet needs of people experiencing personal crisis or mental health issues and respond with services that promote coping, emotional health and well-being

Currently seeking volunteers for:

• Crisis intervention and prevention
• Mental health services
• Sexual assault services

To volunteer with Crisis Center Birmingham, fill out an application here. 

• Where: 3620 8th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Contact: 205.458.3374
• Website

6. Greater Birmingham Humane Society

Mission: to promote the humane treatment of people and animals through education, advocacy and services.

Currently Seeking: general volunteers and foster parents

To apply for general volunteer opportunities, click here or sign up to volunteer as a foster here.

• Where: 300 Snow Dr, Birmingham, AL 35209
• Contact: 205.942.1211
• Website

7. Hand in Paw

Mission: to improve human health and well-being through Animal-Assisted Therapy

Currently Seeking: individuals seeking to volunteer with or without an animal

Learn more about Hand in Paw’s programs here.

• Where: 617 38th St S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Contact: 205.322.5144
• Website

8. The Birmingham Zoo

Mission: to inspire passion to conserve the natural world

Currently seeking:

• Teen volunteers
• Scout volunteers

Learn more about volunteering with The Birmingham Zoo here.

• Where: 2630 Cahaba Rd, Birmingham, AL 35223
• Contact: 205.879.0409
• Website

9. United Way of Central AL, Inc.

Mission: to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another to improve our community

Currently seeking: volunteers for a variety of programs

To volunteer with United Way, click here to find opportunities near you.

• Where: 3600 8th Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222
• Contact: 205.251.5131
• Website

10. Pathways

Mission: Pathways is dedicated to empowering women and children experiencing homelessness by providing shelter, support, and resources that promote long-term stability.

Currently seeking volunteers for:

• Teaching life skills classes
• Special group projects
• Bring & serve a meal

Learn more about volunteering with Pathways here.

• Where: 409 Richard Arrington Jr Blvd N, Birmingham, AL 35203
• Contact: 205.322.6854
• Website

11. AIDS Alabama

Mission: AIDS Alabama devotes its energy and resources statewide to helping people with HIV/AIDS live healthy, independent lives and works to prevent the spread of HIV.

Currently seeking volunteers for:

• Annual events
• Beautification (Housing Program Support)
• Way Station
• HIV Testing & Prevention Education
• Advocacy
• Development Committee
• Office/Clerical

Learn more about volunteering for AIDS Alabama here.

• Where: 3529 7th Ave S Birmingham, AL 35222
• Contact: 205.918.8204
• Website

Want to discover even more volunteer opportunities in Birmingham? Check out our nonprofit guide.