Volunteering in Greater Des Moines

Iowans are big on giving back, and there are endless ways for you to do so throughout the Greater Des Moines (DSM) community. Lending your time to local nonprofits and volunteer projects makes a difference, whether you sign up to provide help on your own or recruit coworkers to support a favorite local organization. Volunteering is not only a way to give back—it’s also one of the best ways to meet people and get connected in the DSM community.

Volunteer Iowa is a state service commission that can help you find mentoring opportunities, participate in workplace days of service and more. Make a difference by volunteering in-person or virtually with Volunteer Iowa partners. Volunteer Iowa also offers opportunities for adults ages 55 and above. You can even nominate an outstanding volunteer at the link below. 

Nominate a Volunteer

Support DSM nonprofits and their work by donating locally. Through the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines' GIVEdsm online resource, donors are connected to nonprofits across the region. Give where you live and make an impact in areas like affordable housing, disaster relief, leadership development and more.

Become a GIVEdsm Donor

Places to Volunteer in Greater Des Moines

Invest in a cause that is close to your heart as you make your home in DSM. Start your search on the United Way of Central Iowa Volunteer Hub. The hub provides a list of current volunteer opportunities with local nonprofits and is a great resource as you look for ways to get connected and volunteer in DSM. 

A few other outlets to consider: 

• Many local school districts have volunteer programs. Learn more about the school districts in the region and find the one nearest you where you can get involved. 
• Meals from the Heartland offers a wide variety of ways to volunteer, including its annual Hunger Fight, where volunteers package more than 4 million meals during a four-day event.
• Work alongside ChildServe as they partner with families to help children with special healthcare needs. Volunteer opportunities include reading with children, playing games, special event support and more.  
• Volunteer opportunities with Easterseals Iowa are available, too, for businesses, groups, families and individuals. This includes the opportunity to keep Camp Sunnyside, a daily summer camp that provides a break for parents and caregivers of persons with disabilities, grounds beautiful through planting, raking and weeding, among other opportunities. 
• Support refugee and immigrant kids in DSM as a volunteer with Genesis Youth Foundation. You can serve as an academic volunteer, a soccer coach and in many other roles. 
• Volunteer with the American Heart Association and promote healthy hearts in DSM.  
• Get a taste of the tropics without flying out of town by volunteering with the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden. 
• Make a difference at the YMCA Supportive Housing campus by serving a meal, leading an activity or performing clean-up and maintenance tasks.  
• Read to kids at schools with Everybody Wins! Iowa and support literacy in the region. 
• Support the work of Central Iowa Shelter and Services and serve unhoused people through meals and peer support programs. 
• Volunteer with Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation to help restore prairies, trails and natural spaces across the region.
• Support conservation and education efforts by volunteering with Blank Park Zoo, including events and guest engagement opportunities.
• Get involved with One Iowa to support LGBTQ+ inclusion, advocacy and community events.
• Help support arts and culture through organizations like Des Moines Performing Arts, Hoyt Sherman Place, Des Moines Art Center and other local arts nonprofits.
• Support individuals impacted by mental health challenges and disabilities by volunteering with Community Support Advocates through events, programs and special projects that promote connection and wellbeing.
• Volunteer with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity to help build and repair homes, support neighborhood revitalization efforts and make affordable housing more accessible across the region.
• Support animal welfare in DSM by volunteering with Animal Rescue League of Iowa, Furry Friends Refuge or AHeinz57 Pet Rescue & Transport. Opportunities include helping with animal care, adoptions, events and rescue efforts.
• Volunteer with Des Moines Refugee Support to assist newly arrived families.
• Inspire curiosity and learning by volunteering with Science Center of Iowa, where opportunities include assisting with exhibits, programs and events.
• Support literacy and community programming by volunteering with Des Moines Public Library through events, outreach and educational initiatives.

You can also volunteer with local attractions like Living History Farms in Urbandale or the Science Center of Iowa in Downtown DSM.

Greater Des Moines Community Cleanup Volunteers

All year long, Operation Downtown plays a role in keeping Downtown DSM clean, safe, welcoming and vibrant to support a positive experience in Downtown DSM, but did you know there are plenty of other ways to help keep the region looking its best? Friends of Des Moines Parks supports park and trail cleanup with bike trailers and litter cleanup supplies. April is also Keep Iowa Beautiful month, and businesses are encouraged to organize litter cleanup days throughout the month. When you’re willing to get your hands dirty for a good cause, that hard work pays off in new connections to your community. 

You can adopt-a-stream in DSM with Metro Waste Authority to help keep local streams clean or help the Iowa DNR as a volunteer at state parks and forests and serve as a campground host, a wildlife monitor or as support at special events. 

Volunteering at Greater Des Moines Events

Volunteer power makes many of the events and festivals possible and successful. Here are a few options to consider:

• Be part of making major Downtown DSM events like the Des Moines Arts Festival, the Downtown Farmers’ Market (which also offers a even more ways to give!)and World Food & Music Festival happen. 
• Be part of the annual PrideFest and other events as a volunteer with Capital City Pride. 
• Across DSM, you can find opportunities with the Iowa State Fair and National Balloon Classic.
• The Des Moines Symphony's events need volunteers, too. Sign up to staff an info table or help with concert events.
• Volunteer during the Covered Bridge Festival in Madison County or Tulip Time in Pella to be a part of one-of-a-kind Iowa experiences.
• Support the work of the Borlaug Dialogue Symposium as a volunteer during the World Food Prize each October. 

Find More Opportunities on Volunteer Match

Giving Back During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a time when giving back is top of mind for many. From Adopt-A-Family programs offered by local nonprofits to food sorting with Food Bank of Iowa, you can make a difference to local families this time of year during the months of November and December. Consider becoming a Senior Companion with EveryStep (volunteers can help provide transportation and assistance with holiday shopping) or volunteer in the Holiday Shop for Children & Families of Iowa.

Volunteering at festive events like the Des Moines Turkey Trot or Christkindlmarket Des Moines is a great way to get into the holiday spirit. You can also volunteer during the annual Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village of Downtown DSM to support local businesses and community celebrations!