Thanks for considering a volunteerism activity as part of your Scottsdale travel plans! From working with seniors or youth in need to caring for homeless animals or helping maintain trails in Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve, there are plenty of options to choose from in Scottsdale. To help you find your perfect feel-great activity, here are some volunteer opportunities that cover a wide range of interests*.
Animal Lovers
Arizona Animal Welfare League
The Arizona Animal Welfare League & SPCA is the largest and oldest no-kill shelter in Arizona, providing food, safe housing, rehabilitation, medical care and rehoming services for thousands of dogs, cats, puppies and kittens every year. Projects include campus beautification, construction/handyman, kennel cleaning and administrative duties.
Address: 25 North 40th St., Phoenix, AZ 85034
Hunkapi
The Hunkapi programs all have one aim – to use the bond between horse and human as a catalyst for positive growth in the lives of their participants. Let them help you put together a meaningful individual or group volunteer opportunity that will be fun and fulfilling!
Address: 12051 N 96th St, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Maricopa County Animal Care and Control
MCACC helps adopt out dogs and cats, as well as providing vaccination and spay/neuter services to incoming animals. Volunteer opportunities include walking dogs, kennel cleaning, offsite events and administrative tasks.
Address: 2630 W Rio Salado Pkwy, Mesa, AZ 85201
The Phoenix Zoo
The Phoenix Zoo is one of the largest non-profit zoos in the U.S., caring for over 3,000 animals, with nearly 400 species represented, including many threatened/endangered species. Most group volunteer projects require 10 to 35 individuals, although larger groups can be accommodated. Individual volunteer opportunities also are available.
Address: 455 North Galvin Parkway, Phoenix, AZ 85008
Tranquility Trail Animal Sanctuary
Tranquility Trail is a sanctuary specializing in the care of senior and special needs animals of all kinds. Individual and group volunteer opportunities and teambuilding activities vary – contact Tranquility Trail to have them organize a fulfilling volunteer experience.
Address: 7741 East Gray Road, Suite 2, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Eco-Friendly
McDowell Sonoran Conservancy
Scottsdale’s McDowell Sonoran Preserve is the largest urban preserve of its kind in the nation, offering more than 425 miles of shared-use trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Join McDowell Sonoran Conservancy stewards to assist with trail maintenance, non-native plant removal, vegetation trimming, trailhead repair/beautification and more.
Address: 7729 E Greenway Rd #100, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Meal Delivery & Food Banks
Waste Not
Waste Not works with event coordinators, restaurants, caterers, hotels and other businesses to provide a solution to any and all food waste. Whether it’s a daily occurrence or a once-in-a-while occasion, Waste Not is here to help get surplus food to those who need it most with the ultimate goal of reaching zero-landfill with food waste.
Address: 1700 N. Granite Reef Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85257
St. Mary’s Food Bank
Volunteers are the heartbeat of St. Mary’s Food Bank, which serves to alleviate hunger through the gathering and distribution of food while encouraging self-sufficiency, collaboration, advocacy and education. Individuals and groups can help out by sorting donations, packing emergency food boxes, packaging meals for their kids’ programs and more.
Address: 2831 N. 31st Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85009
Social Services
A New Leaf
A New Leaf provides a broad spectrum of services to help individuals and families succeed, from meeting basic needs to career development and coaching. Last year, the organization assisted more than 26,970 residents across the Valley of the Sun. Volunteers can pitch in to prepare and serve a meal or assist with facility maintenance and beautification.
Address: 868 E. University Drive, Mesa, AZ 85203
Arizona Helping Hands
Arizona Helping Hands is the largest provider of essential needs for children in foster care in the state. AHH welcomes individuals and corporate groups to assist with activities like decorating Birthday Dream Bags, organizing donated clothing and working on seasonal projects such the annual Back to School Drive and Holiday Toy Drive.
Address: 3110 E. Thunderbird Rd., Suite 100, Phoenix, AZ 85032
Child Crisis Arizona
Child Crisis Arizona’s mission is to provide children and youth in Arizona a safe environment, free from abuse and neglect, by creating strong and successful families. Partner with their program staff to create unforgettable experiences for children and families, from activity nights and play groups to special events.
Address: 817 N. Country Club Drive Mesa, AZ 85201
Childhelp Centers in Arizona
This internationally respected nonprofit is the largest organization dedicated to helping victims of child abuse and neglect, as well as at-risk children. They offer a variety of volunteer opportunities – contact them today to find out how you can help!
Address: 6730 N. Scottsdale Road, Suite 150, Scottsdale, AZ 85253
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation
Fresh Start Women’s Foundation provides education, resources and support for women to positively transform their lives. Individual and group volunteer opportunities include clothing drives, donation sorting, supporting the Treasures Within resale boutique, and assisting with annual events like the Fresh Start Gala and Wine Women & Shoes.
Address: 1130 E. McDowell Road, Phoenix, AZ 85006
Future for KIDS
Future for KIDS provides mentor-driven, out-of-school time programs and camps that focus on academics, athletics and ethics to improve the lives of youth facing adversity. Individuals and teams can get involved with the Sports & Fitness Camp, gathering and donating program supplies, or sharing your area of expertise in an educational presentation.
Address: 1425 W. Southern Ave, Suite 10A, Tempe, AZ 85282
Gigi’s Playhouse
GiGi’s Playhouse Phoenix provides free programs that are educational and therapeutic in nature to individuals with Down syndrome from birth through adulthood, their families and the community. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available to match your skills and talents!
Address: 9160 E. Shea Blvd Suite 103B, Scottsdale, AZ 85260
Sojourner Center
Sojourner Center has been a safe haven from domestic violence for women and their children in Arizona since 1977. Speaker’s Bureau, donation sorting, fundraising events, painting and career-building workshops are just a few of the volunteer opportunities available to individuals and groups.
Solid Rock: Alice Cooper’s The Rock Teen Center
A faith-based organization, Solid Rock’s primary mission is to make an everlasting difference in the lives of teens by helping them meet their spiritual, economical, physical and social needs. Group opportunities include event sponsorships, event set-up/breakdown, packing swag bags and more. Individual volunteer opportunities also are available.
Address: 13625 N. 32nd St., Phoenix, AZ 85032
Welcome to America Project
WTAP is a network of dedicated volunteers who work with local social service agencies to help refugee families get started by donating furniture, household goods and clothing, and providing a warm welcome. Volunteers are needed to help with sorting and packing donations, assisting with the mobile clothing closet, repairing bicycles and more.
Address: 1711 W. University Dr. #158, Tempe, AZ 85281
Umbrella Organizations
City of Scottsdale
From coaching youth and organizing items for the Back to School Program to working with local food banks and street beautification projects, there are a variety of volunteer opportunities available through the City of Scottsdale. Contact them today to find the perfect fit!
Address: 3939 N. Drinkwater Blvd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251
HandsOn Greater Phoenix
HandsOn Greater Phoenix is an affiliate of HandsOn Network, an innovative alliance of volunteer organizations working to build community through service and civic engagement across the United States and abroad. Opportunities vary, so contact HandsOn Greater Phoenix to find out what’s currently available.
Address: 125 E. Southern Ave. Ste. 200, Mesa, AZ 85204
