Hayley ThomasNashville is full of wonderful charities that need your help to stay open. But with a full-time job and a family, finding the time and opportunity to give back can feel a bit overwhelming at first.
We researched local groups to find accessible and impactful ways to serve. This guide will help you find a cause that matches your schedule and personal passions.
How much does volunteering cost in Nashville?
While offering your time is generally free for most individuals, participating in group or short-term specialized shifts may require a small contribution of $25 to $250 to cover logistical materials.
| Volunteer Type | Estimated Cost |
| Individual / Long-Term / Skill-Based | Free |
| One-Time / Short-Term Shifts | $25 – $50 per set of shifts |
| Group / Corporate Teams | $100 – $250+ (Requested Donation) |
1. Hands On Nashville
Website: https://www.hon.org/
Address: 2525 Perimeter Pl Dr # 121
Contact: (615) 298-1108; [email protected]
Schedule: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Hands On Nashville is a great resource for anyone wanting to give back to the community. They operate as a central hub that connects volunteers with local charities and important causes, such as addressing food insecurity.
You can easily browse their dashboard to find specific roles that match your availability and interests. This system is also very helpful for students who need to track their service hours for private school requirements.
For businesses, the partner program is excellent because it takes care of all the supplies and planning for your team. However, smaller businesses should know that some of their premium matching services do come with a partnership fee.
It was an amazing opportunity
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
Impressed by their well-organized projects
Professionals with a huge heart for our city! I’ve done a lot of work with them for 5 years now and continue to be impressed by their well organized projects that pull so many people together towards common goals.
- Kim Radford | Google Review
2. Ronald McDonald House
Website: http://www.rmhcnashville.com/
Address: 2144 Fairfax Ave
Contact: (615) 343-4000
Schedule: Available 24/7
Locals finding a way to give back often end up at the Ronald McDonald House. Since it’s located just steps from Vanderbilt Children’s Hospital, it provides an accessible way to help out.
You can easily assist with preparing home-cooked meals or assembling care packages for those in need.
I spent an afternoon here baking cookies with some friends, and seeing the relief on the families’ faces made the whole experience deeply rewarding.
Just keep in mind that overnight stays are strictly reserved for families living at least 40 miles away. Their space is also capped at 36 bedrooms, so they occasionally can’t accommodate everyone during very busy times.
A great place to volunteer
We stayed here several years ago when our son was born prematurely, and had an extended stay at Children’s. We collect pull tabs to help them raise money, and dropped them off while in the area. This is a great charity, a great place to stay if you have a sick child, and a great place to volunteer.
- Alicia Hoffman | Google Review
Great food, good time to fellowship
Wonderful serving people, all volunteers with serving hearts. Great food, good time to fellowship and pray with/for others. Make sure to call daily to check availability or you may get skipped. We give our room back to help others farther from home who needed it.
- Aaron | Google Review
3. United Way of Greater Nashville
Website: https://www.unitedwaygreaternashville.org/
Address: 250 Venture Cir
Contact: (615) 255-8501; Fax: (615) 780-2426
Schedule: Monday – Friday: 8:30 AM – 4:00 PM
United Way of Greater Nashville focuses on solving big community problems by coordinating dozens of local partners. They provide essential support for the ALICE population, helping those who work hard but still struggle to make ends meet.
One great way to get involved is through their tax assistance program, where you can help neighbors secure their refunds. Just be aware that the tax assistance roles require extensive training, so they’re not the best fit for a casual volunteer.
On the bright side, if you’re planning a group activity, like a community day with local golf coaches, their turnkey projects make the logistics very simple.
However, their services are limited to a nine-county region. This local focus ensures they effectively help Middle Tennessee residents, but it does limit their geographic reach.
I highly recommend the training
United Way teamed up with the IRS and give Free Tax training and once you pass the free IRS exam you can volunteer to help in the community. I Highly recommend the training as it helps you learn the current years tax laws for personal use and allows you to volunteer in communities in Davidson and/or Williamson county!!!
- Reggie E | Google Review
4. People Loving Nashville
Website: https://www.peoplelovingnashville.com/
Address: PO Box 60431
Contact: [email protected]
Connecting with the unhoused community is the core mission at People Loving Nashville. They focus heavily on building genuine friendships rather than just handing out basic supplies.
Their mobile dignity units bring haircuts and fresh clothes directly to people on the streets to restore a sense of normalcy.
I joined their Monday night outreach last month, and taking the time to share a meal and a conversation really shifted my perspective. You get to see the direct results of your effort because you interact directly with the people you help.
However, their primary outreach happens exclusively on Monday nights, so finding a shift could be difficult if you work evenings. You’ll also need to brace yourself for whatever weather Nashville brings while you’re volunteering outside with the team.
PLN is an exceptional organization
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
The best in the biz
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
5. Community Resource Center
Website: http://www.crcmidtn.org/
Address: 218 Omohundro Pl
Contact: (615) 291-6688; [email protected]
Schedule: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Serving as an essential backbone of the city, the Community Resource Center supplies essential goods to over 300 charities. They act as a central hub for seven surrounding counties, ensuring that help reaches those who need it most.
They specialize in distributing hygiene products and household cleaning items that government assistance programs usually don’t cover.
You can gather your friends for a well-organized shift to assemble hygiene kits, with clear instructions and tangible goals. They even offer a remote option to host a donation drive from your home.
Because the work is based in a warehouse, you might find yourself standing on concrete floors or lifting heavy boxes for long periods.
Also, their main shifts fall within standard business hours, which can be a challenge for anyone with a weekday desk job.
This is a wonderful organization
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
