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. 

Volunteer Iowa is a service commission that can help you find mentoring opportunities, take part in workplace days of service and more. Make a difference by volunteering in-person or virtually with Volunteer Iowa agencies. There are opportunities for seniors ages 55 and above with Volunteer Iowa. You can even nominate an outstanding volunteer at the link below.

Nominate a Volunteer

Support DSM nonprofits and their fundraising events 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 and passion that is close to your heart as you make your home in DSM. Start your search for opportunities 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. During this four-day event, volunteers package meals for more than 4 million by signing up for two-hour shifts.  
• 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. 

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 spades through 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 new way to give in 2025!)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 Iowa State Fair is also a great place to volunteer with Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity as they complete a home at the Fair. 
• 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. From Adopt-A-Family programs 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. Choose to become 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 where you can also help in the wrapping station. 

Night Eyes volunteers at Blank Park Zoo get to help pass out candy, dress in character or monitor fun zones during the Halloween season, while volunteering with festive events like the Des Moines Turkey Trot or Christkindlmarket Des Moines are a reminder that the gift of giving back is the best way to get into the holiday spirit. Finally, register to volunteer during the annual Holiday Promenade in the Historic East Village of Downtown DSM to support local businesses during the holiday season!