Give Back in JAX
With more than 8,500 nonprofits in Northeast Florida, the region is home to so many organizations that all have the same vision: giving back to the community. From caring for animals to arts and culture, the nonprofits here in JAX expand across a wide variety of categories.
If you’re considering volunteering with an organization or just wanting to see what different nonprofits are out there, here’s a list of just a few all throughout the Jacksonville region:
Animals & Environment
Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens (Duval)-
Located right by the Trout River, the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is home to more than 1,000 plant species and 2,000 animals. Some of their most popular exhibits are the Giraffe Overlook, where you can feed the giraffes, as well as the Range of the Jaguar, home to their newest member: Banks (named after EverBank stadium!). This zoo is not only fun and interactive, but super educational for all ages.
The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens opened back in 1914 and has grown tremendously since then. Check out their numerous volunteer opportunities here.
Photo Credits: @JacksonvilleZoo
Humane Society (Multiple Counties)-
If you love animals, the Jacksonville Humane Society is a great place to give back to your community. Not only will it help the organization, but you will be making a furry friend’s day. Who doesn’t love the idea of that?
Visit your local humane society’s website to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
Think Green Network (Duval)-
Jacksonville is home to the Think Green Network. Their main mission is to educate members all over the community on how to live sustainably and bring attention to different environmental issues. This nonprofit is a great way to connect with and meet other people in your community.
Sound like a fun place to volunteer? Learn more by clicking here.
Arts & Culture:
Players by the Sea (Duval)-
Attention all actors! Players by the Sea is a historic performing arts center located in Jacksonville Beach. Since 1966, this theatre has presented a wide variety of productions. What makes this organization special is that volunteers can have various positions – from performers to costumers, there are multiple ways to get involved.
On their website, you will find an auditions and volunteer section, and this is where you can stay in the know about all their volunteer opportunities.
Photo Credits: @PlayersByTheSea
Nassau Council of Arts and Culture (Nassau)-
The Nassau Council of Arts and Culture is all about enhancing and supporting the arts in this area. From providing education to art leaders to helping with needed infrastructure, they support this industry in various ways.
On their website, they will guide you to their supported organizations who are in need of volunteers. From helping the theatre to teaching a child how to play an instrument, there is a wide variety of organizations to choose from.
Amplify (Duval)-
This nonprofit has a mission of using music and technology to help young lives. Amplify will visit a variety of organizations and institutions to teach their technology and music-based curriculum. Outside of this, they can assist new and upcoming music artists get started.
If you are an artist and have a passion for music, click here to learn more about their volunteer opportunities.
Community & Leadership:
Feed The Need of Putnam County (Putnam)-
Feed the Need of Putnam County uses different programs to provide food to children in need. What makes this organization different, compared to a food pantry, is that it provides children with food for over the weekend. Feed The Need works with Putnam County School district and is currently providing 800 children with meals.
To support this nonprofit, you can sponsor a child. For a certain price, you can help provide meals to a child for a set amount of time. See the different prices and plans by clicking here.
Ability Tree First Coast (St. Johns)-
Ability Tree First Coast is dedicated to helping not only people who have been impacted by disabilities, but their families as well. They offer various opportunities for parents and children to come together and be supported.
Fill out their application to volunteer by clicking here.
Baker County YMCA (Baker)-
Have a passion for healthy living and helping others? The Baker County YMCA is all about improving the lives of others by guiding them into a healthy lifestyle. They offer a wide variety of classes and activities for adults and youth. If you live outside of Baker County, find the location closest to you by clicking here.
Whenever a volunteer opportunity becomes available, the organization will post it on their website. Make sure to keep an eye out on their page!
Photo Credits: @FirstCoastYMCA
Education & Youth:
Kids First of Florida (Clay)-
Kids First of Florida is a nonprofit that provides the Clay County residents with foster care and child welfare. They are dedicated to providing a supporting and loving home to children.
To support this nonprofit, visit their career page or make a donation!
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Florida (Duval)-
This nonprofit organization is made up of multiple clubs that can help a child succeed and achieve their dreams. The clubs that are offered are character & leadership, education & workforce readiness, the arts, health & wellness and sports & recreation.
If you have a passion for working with kids, click here to learn about their volunteer opportunities.
Flagler County Education Foundation (Flagler)-
Flagler County Education Foundation financially supports and brings attention to the educational programs that students and teachers at Flagler Schools use. Not only do they offer mentorship, but they also host multiple events, including “The S.T.U.F.F. Bus,” which allows the community to donate school supplies.
This nonprofit has multiple volunteer opportunities. To learn more about them, click here.
Photo Credits: @FlaglerEdFoundation
Northeast Florida is home to nonprofits that span many different categories. No matter what group you are interested in, nonprofits are a great way to give back and get involved in the region. For a full list of all of the organizations located in the Jacksonville region visit the Nonprofit Center of Northeast Florida.
How will you give back in JAX?