Volunteer opportunities
Des Moines, IA has 19 volunteer organizations listed by Nexys.
Animal Lifeline of Iowa is a special needs, no-kill shelter focused on caring for sick, injured, and orphaned animals. They rely heavily on volunteers to help provide direct animal care, assist in their thrift shop, and participate in community awareness events.
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The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is Iowa's largest nonprofit animal shelter, caring for thousands of pets each year. Since its founding in 1926, ARL has helped more than 1 million pets in need, providing support, shelter, and rehabilitation.
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Bidwell Riverside Center provides life-changing assistance to vulnerable Iowans to help them on their path to self-sufficiency. They have an ongoing need for volunteers to help stock and organize donations to their food pantry, host children's activities at the homeless shelter, and more.
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Blank Park Zoo in Des Moines, Iowa cares for over 2,500 animals and aims to inspire appreciation of the natural world. The zoo seeks volunteer engagement to support guest services, education, events, facilities/horticulture, animal care and conservation efforts. Volunteers must be at least 18 (ages 13–17 may apply to the Zoo Crew) and some roles require training sessions or seasonal commitments.
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Catholic Charities of New York offers numerous volunteer opportunities for individuals looking to get involved in their community. New volunteers are encouraged to join a virtual orientation to learn more about the organization and the various programs available.
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Central Iowa Shelter & Services offers a 24/7 emergency shelter for men and women experiencing homelessness, providing essential services such as case management, meals, and job training programs. The organization empowers individuals through the Empowerment Command Center, focusing on personal agency and self-sufficiency.
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Community Youth Concepts is a community-driven organization dedicated to offering volunteer service opportunities and career-based mentoring to youth and adults in Iowa. Their mission is to engage and connect Iowa students through youth development programming.
Visit organization →DMARC United is dedicated to fighting hunger through a network of food pantries and volunteer engagement. Individuals and groups are invited to participate year-round in various volunteer opportunities, from food pantry support to corporate group events.
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EveryStep Hospice is the state's oldest and most experienced non-profit, community-based hospice care provider. Volunteers are the heart of EveryStep Hospice, enhancing patient and family care.
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Food Bank of Iowa relies on volunteers to sort and pack food, create inspiration cards for kids, and sew tote bags. They offer individual and group volunteer opportunities with various shift times available.
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The Greater Des Moines Habitat for Humanity ReStore sells new and gently used home improvement items, with all purchases helping to build homes and communities. They offer a variety of products and donation options to support their mission.
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The Greater Des Moines area offers a plethora of volunteer opportunities through local nonprofits and community projects. From assisting with events to directly supporting individuals with special healthcare needs, residents can get involved in various ways that resonate with their passions.
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IMPACT Community Action Partnership relies on dedicated volunteers to support food pantry, outreach efforts, and essential community programs. Volunteers can help with various tasks, making a significant impact in the lives of families experiencing poverty in Iowa.
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The Iowa Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped offers volunteer opportunities for individuals passionate about reading or writing. Volunteers can help as audiobook narrators or descriptive writers, making a positive impact on the lives of Iowans.
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Joppa helps homeless individuals access existing resources and provides aftercare to individuals once they are off the streets. The organization offers weekly survival supplies, education on local resources, and support for those transitioning out of homelessness.
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This MercyOne page describes volunteering opportunities for its home care and hospice services (including MercyOne Genesis VNA/Hospice). It explains hospice care’s purpose and lists volunteer roles, duties, and basic requirements for prospective volunteers.
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NAMI Central Virginia welcomes volunteers year-round and appreciates their support in various programs. All staff and volunteers share a personal connection to mental health, making peer support a vital part of their mission.
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United Way of Central Iowa engages volunteers to help fulfill its mission of fostering a thriving community by donating their time and expertise. The Central Iowa Volunteer Hub offers numerous opportunities for individuals and organizations to get involved and make a positive impact.
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Waukee Community Education offers various volunteer opportunities for students and community members to engage and give back. Roles such as Food Pantry Assistant and Front Desk Receptionist help support local families and the community.
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Nexys currently lists 19 volunteer organizations in Des Moines, IA, with 3 additional organizations nearby.
Nexys currently lists 19 volunteer organizations in Des Moines, IA. Visit an organization’s website for its current ways to help.
Yes. Nexys lists 3 additional volunteer organizations in the nearby search area.
Current organization listings include Animals, Civic Engagement, Community Development, Children & Youth, Education.
Nearby listings include organizations in Council Bluffs, IA, Atlantic, IA, Altoona, IA.
Volunteer listings last updated September 9, 2026.
Nexys listings are based on current organization and group data provided through the Nexys volunteer network. Separate volunteer opportunities are not currently modeled.