Ellis HartNashville is famous for its music, but the real heart of this city lies in its generosity. The best charities in Nashville provide incredible opportunities to donate your time, money, or skills to make a tangible difference.
You can help feed the hungry, support families in medical crisis, or assist with disaster relief. With so many options available, it’s easy to find a cause that aligns with your personal values and budget.
Let’s dive into some of the most impactful organizations in the area.
How much does charity involvement cost in Nashville?
Giving back to local causes ranges from completely free volunteer hours to larger investments, depending on whether you make a personal monthly gift or organize a corporate sponsorship.
| Donation Type | Average Cost |
| Volunteer Hours | $0 |
| Single Financial Donation | $10 – $500 |
| Monthly Recurring Gift | $25 – $100 |
| Corporate Sponsorship | $1,000+ |
1. Hands On Nashville
Website: http://www.hon.org/
Address: 2525 Perimeter Place Drive Suite 121
Contact: (615) 298-1108 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM–4:30 PM, Sat-Sun Closed
Connecting over 100,000 eager helpers with more than 250 local nonprofits every year, Hands On Nashville makes giving back incredibly easy.
You can browse a highly organized digital platform to find a cause that speaks to you, whether that means sorting food or planting trees.
They offer tailored options for everyone, including teens and entire families wanting to spend their weekends purposefully.
One downside is that highly popular volunteer shifts often reach capacity and fill up weeks in advance. If you have a specific date in mind, you need to book early to secure your spot.
Still, the sheer variety of service options means you’ll always find a meaningful way to help the community.
Customer Reviews
I volunteered for the Nashville Covid 19 vaccination extravaganza at Nissan Stadium yesterday. With only minor hiccups, the event was a huge success. Everyone pitched in to help each other. The people coordinating the event were very accessible and eager to problem solve any issue. The people of Nashville were so grateful. Nearly every person that I interacted with when approaching their car, thanked me for volunteering . It was an amazing opportunity. Thank you, Hands On Nashville.
- Lisa Eagle | Google Review
HON came through for me and my family when we needed some help with recovery services. We were patient and even though they have so much going on, they didn’t forget about us. So appreciative of what they, and all of the volunteers, do for the city.
- Reginald Archer | Google Review
2. The Nashville Food Project, Inc.
Website: http://www.thenashvillefoodproject.org/
Address: 5904 California Avenue
Contact: 615-460-0172 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon-Fri 9 AM–3 PM, Sat-Sun Closed
The Nashville Food Project tackles food insecurity by growing fresh organic produce right in our urban neighborhoods and cooking nutritious meals from scratch for vulnerable populations.
You can join deeply rewarding cooking and gardening shifts that prioritize long-term environmental sustainability.
After my life coach in Nashville invited me to help chop vegetables in their kitchen last month, I realized just how much care goes into every single plate they serve. It’s a fantastic way to connect with others.
The only catch is that their urban farms and main prep kitchens are located in different areas. You’ll often need personal transportation to get between the sites, which can be slightly inconvenient.
Customer Reviews
This organization is amazing! I need food for an event and they were able to support us and made it so easy to receive and prepare for our guests. Thank you so much for your great work your doing for the community.
- Recycle Reinvest | Google Review
The Nashville Food Project prepares meals for distribution by other non-profit organizations to those in need, which includes poor elderly, school children, and victims of natural disasters. The staff are top notch, and their kitchen is a shining example of what a commercial kitchen should be. They receive donations from various businesses like Whole Foods, as well as local farmers.
I provide a knife sharpening service to the NFP at no charge, as my contribution to their efforts.
- John Potter | Google Review
3. People Loving Nashville
Website: https://www.peoplelovingnashville.com/
Address: PO Box 60431
Contact: i[email protected]
People Loving Nashville meets unhoused individuals exactly where they are. They deliver mobile food and comprehensive crisis support directly to the streets.
They also distribute warm clothing, vital toiletries, and necessary baby supplies to those facing immediate hardship.
Their proactive approach places a heavy emphasis on mental wellness and crisis stabilization, offering a crucial lifeline to our most vulnerable neighbors.
This organization provides dedicated housing search assistance to help people navigate out of homelessness. Some of their volunteers even include professionals like civil litigation lawyers in Nashville.
However, it’s worth noting that their physical community center strictly requires appointments. This limits spontaneous emergency walk-ins, which can be a barrier for individuals needing immediate and unscheduled aid.
Customer Reviews
PLN is an exceptional organization that really cares about our friends in Nashville. They are organized with food and clothing distribution. There is genuine caring for our friends and volunteers. They are not just out here trying to make themselves feel good – they want to help and make a difference. If that means listening for minutes or trying to help find permanent housing.
I feel so blessed to volunteer and help make a difference. 🥰
- Kristy Lehmann | Google Review
Looking for a way to help this winter? Sign up to serve. This has been the most impactful way I have seen others getting the help they need in the cold winter months. This org is doing the work to serve our neighbors. And hey, volunteering here is FUN!
Consider donating, serving, and loving the people of Nashville.
Shoutout Lindsey and the team for being the best in the biz when it comes to serving our unhoused friends.
- McClain Cauthen | Google Review
4. Ronald McDonald House
Website: http://www.rmhcnashville.com/
Address: 2144 Fairfax Avenue
Contact: (615) 343-4000 | [email protected]
Hours: Available 24/7
Serving as a comforting home away from home, the Ronald McDonald House supports families of critically ill children. They make it a point to never turn anyone away due to financial hardship.
The requested daily donation here is minimal, and the doors remain open every single day of the year to help during terrifying medical emergencies.
I recently dropped off some donated pantry items, and I was deeply moved by the warm meals and supportive environment provided to the stressed parents. They even feature excellent recreational amenities, like a quiet library and a teen game room.
But because the demand is so incredibly high, they often face extensive waitlists during peak hospital admission seasons. This means some families might need to find alternative lodging until a room finally opens up.
Customer Reviews
The absolute best experience during a tough time for my family. They are above and beyond the most thoughtful compassionate and caring group we’ve ever had the pleasure of encountering. They are a true heavenly blessing to families in need! So many heartfelt thanks to the staff and all involved to make this place every amazing thing that it is!
- Justin Edwards | Google Review
Amazing staff,volunteers,and all the families. Our son became part of the tour for new families coming in. He would talk to anyone and everyone seemed to love his energy. It was bitter sweet getting discharged from the hospital. Just know we won’t be strangers. We love you all so much!
- scott bobbin | Google Review
5. Community Resource Center
Website: http://www.crcmidtn.org/
Address: 218 Omohundro Place
Contact: (615) 291-6688 | [email protected]
Hours: Mon – Fri, 9am – 3pm
Functioning as an unmatched central distribution hub, this organization mobilizes rapid disaster relief and supplies essential hygiene items across the region.
They act as a highly efficient distribution backbone, ensuring that more than 100 established local agencies get exactly what they need to help others.
You can easily bring bulk donations to their streamlined warehouse operation, making the drop-off process incredibly fast and straightforward.
A noticeable downside is that they operate on highly restricted weekday hours and close completely by mid-afternoon. If you work a standard nine-to-five job, finding the time to drop off supplies during the week can be quite challenging.
Despite this scheduling hurdle, their logistical support remains absolutely crucial for the wider nonprofit network in the area.
Customer Review
I meet an amazing girl there she was from another state just kinda seeing the world. This is a wonderful organization. The work they do is amazing. I hope y’all stay blessed and for every life y’all touch they understand they blessing y’all truly are
- Steve Willson | Google Review
