Top 10 Volunteer Opportunities in New York City in 2019

Want to volunteer or intern at a great New York City nonprofit? Whether you’re new to New York City and want to learn about the city’s 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 New York City charities. Every nonprofit on this list has earned an overall score of 4 or greater out of 5 on GreatNonprofits.org. If your favorite New York City 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!

Children’s Scholarship Fund

“I have been involved with CSF for several months. It is a very worthwhile charity, run by a very friendly and ambitious team. By providing need-based scholarships while engaging the students’ families, CSF ensures a better rate of success for these children. It has been great fun working with the CSF team and very fulfilling to take part in changing families’ lives.” –DKC123

 

Modest Needs Foundation

“I feel it is a privilege to help such a wonderful charity. The way they step in and avert financial crises that could put a family into a cycle of poverty is a fantastic way to help people stay on their feet and continue their lives. I have never had to request help, but I know that if I wind up in a critical situation, I will feel very comfortable working with them. It has been a pleasure helping out.” – shiloh04

 

Big Apple Greeter

“I have been a volunteer greeter since 2017. It is so rewarding to see how visitors embrace my city and to think I had a hand in making them feel more comfortable through their knowledge of the city. Big Apple Greeter might have been designed originally for the visitor, but it certainly benefits the volunteer greeter in countless ways.” – big apple greeter volunteer

 

Women’s eNews

“Working with Women’s eNews has been invaluable to me. It is rare to come across a group that, while small, is so motivated and dedicated to their cause. This organization has made leaps and bounds in the world of media, shedding light on true issues and branching out into other countries and languages. Women’s eNews has left no rock unturned when it comes to spreading their message and awareness as they continue to broadcast the word loud and clear.”– Ari3

 

The Jazz Gallery

“I became a volunteer at the Jazz Gallery after four years of frequently attending events. The music and events I saw at the Jazz Gallery completely changed my life. My ideas on creative music changed and I discovered many new artists who went on to have big impacts on my musical career. Getting to volunteer at the Jazz Gallery and help with these events was a truly special opportunity that I feel lucky to have had.” – Joe S.

 

Share Self-Help for Women with Breast or Ovarian Cancers

“As an ovarian cancer survivor and volunteer at SHARE, I see firsthand how SHARE helps the women who call in. SHARE offers an invaluable service to these women, many of whom have no one to speak with and to share their concerns, fears, and hopes for the future. The organization is efficiently run and the dedication of its staff and volunteers is most impressive.” – DonnaK

 

PCI Media Impact

“PCI Media Impact was my first internship experience, and I have loved volunteering here. My favorite part about this organization is their extensive portfolio of topics, countries, and people that are covered in their engaging campaigns. PCI Media’s involvement and experience with areas ranging from women’s health to reducing plastic consumption demonstrates their ability to spark behavior change in any part of the world.” –Olivia R.55

 

Huntington’s Disease Society of America

“I am a daughter whose mother was diagnosed with HD, which I knew nothing about until I found this organization. It not only answered the billions of questions I had, but also provided me with emotional support from now friends. It gives me a sense of security knowing I am not the only person in the world going through this. This organization in a way saved my life. I was overwhelmed and ready to give up and they would NOT let that happen. For that I will always be truly thankful. This is an organization that helps people in every way possible. Thank you for all you have done and continue to do every day. I will always be a proud volunteer HDSA.” – abecker78

 

Palante Harlem

“Palante helps people every day with their housing problems no matter the situation, Palante will help them. Palante was an excellent work experience for me, it helped me grow as a person. Palante makes sure that no one is abused by their landlord or being exploited by their landlord.” – Antonio M.

 

Cambodian Community Dream Organization

“I am receiving my master’s degree in public health, and working for the CCDO gave me the opportunity to put theory and knowledge into practice. We introduced the Community Gardens Pilot Program this fall to empower rural households to grow vegetables and sell to the local schools and accomplish two things: 1) to make additional income for the families, and 2) to supply food for the CCDO’s free school breakfast program that feeds approximately 1,000 preschool, primary, and secondary school students in the schools they work with.”– Belinda Chiu