Support Us Button Widget

Where to volunteer in Austin, TX for the 2021 holiday

An image of homes, a walkway and chairs at the community First village in East Austin.

The Community First! Village supplies people experiencing homelessness with permanent homes. | Photo via @austinjosephmiller

Table of Contents

Maybe you already give back year-round, or maybe practicing thankfulness this holiday season has put you in the giving spirit. All we know is there are more than enough great causes in Austin to volunteer for.

Whether you’re an animal lover, a passionate environmentalist, or a mental health advocate, there’s a nearby volunteer opportunity for you. Here are 11 Austin organizations to show a little love to this Giving Tuesday:

🐶 If you’re an animal lover

Austin Animal Center | Help the center care for 18,000+ animals each year by finding adopters for pets, exercising and showing love to the pets, or taking some home to foster.

Austin Pets Alive! | This no-kill shelter is the largest in the country, and supports a wide range of pets.

A dog from Austin Animal Center smiles up at the camera

Phife has spent more than 300 days at the shelter, despite being under 2 years old. Help Phife and others like him find permanent homes at the Austin Animal Center. | Photo via @austinanimalcenter

🌳 If you’re an outdoorsy type

Keep Austin Beautiful | Regular events oriented toward cleaning and beautifying the community are hosted by this nonprofit organization

The Trail Foundation | Play a part in ecological restoration by removing invasive plants, collecting seeds, mulching, and more.

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center | Volunteers can choose to work in the gardens, natural areas, with youth or as a docent at this center.

❤️ If you want to help those experiencing homelessness

Caritas of Austin | Get involved by putting together hygiene care kits, helping with deliveries and pick-ups, and serving lunch in the community kitchen.

Community First! | This organization providing affordable, permanent housing to those experiencing homelessness hosts several volunteer opportunities each month.

🏳️‍🌈 If you’re passionate about supporting local minority groups

Casa Marianella | Serve displaced immigrants by driving residents, sorting donations, and delivering food.

Austin Gay and Lesbian Pride Foundation | Help organize the annual Austin PRIDE celebration.

💚 If you’re a mental health advocate

Austin Child Guidance Center | Put your skills toward helping families + children in need of mental health services.

Integral Care | Volunteers help with registration, presentations, and community outreach at this center focused on helping people suffering from mental illness + substance use disorder.

More from ATXtoday
The home to some of Austin’s most iconic venues, the district has generated $2.3 billion in impact in five years.
We’ve got some jokers in the Capital City, and these pranks from local businesses almost had us fooled.
Who says the kids should have all the fun? Here are four Easter egg hunts where everybunny 21 and up can relive the nostalgia.
Bookmark this guide for a curated list of events taking place each month that we’re most looking forward to.
The momentous 40th anniversary of the festival brought hundreds of celebrities, dozens of premieres, thousands of steps, and some key messages to ATX in 2026.
Help us create a growing guide to small businesses by submitting your favorite local makers, restaurants, and professionals, and sharing this page with a friend.
Experience jousting, live performances, artisan markets, and feasts every weekend through Sunday, April 19.
This year’s national list includes 14 entrepreneurs behind local companies — from dating apps to jewelry to nutrition.
We know Austin has an exquisite culinary scene, and apparently celebrities do too, because they’re all over town visiting the city’s famous restaurants and hidden gems.
Warning: Setting foot on Lunch Ranch may make you want to never leave.