Being kind is free, and if you're looking for a way to give back to the community and use your time to benefit the underprivileged, here's something for you. There are several places in our city where you can volunteer, like a shelter, an old-age home, or an orphanage, and make a difference. Check out these places that will introduce you to some fantastic people and the work that they’re doing and let you use your resources to be of aid to the people.
11 NGOs In Mumbai To Volunteer At & Give Back To Society
Shelter Don Bosco, Wadala
A shelter for homeless children, Don Bosco provides care and nurturing to kids of all age groups and helps them with life skills for their future. So, if you have clothes to donate, games or toys, or even food supplies, they welcome them with open arms. Help with their education by spending a few hours helping a child learn. You could also conduct vocational or skill training workshops. Medical assistance and awareness are also where you can lend a helping hand. If you would like to, you could sponsor a child.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Contact: 022 2415 0562
Social Media: Website
LBB Tip: You can also donate here.
Dignity Foundation, Byculla
If you wish to spend time with senior citizens, then volunteering at the Dignity Foundation is something you may want to check out. Headquartered in Byculla, one can volunteer in either one of the many old-age centers located across the city or be part of the team of volunteers that help senior citizens get access to their senior citizen cards.
Google Rating: 4/5
Timings: 10 AM to 6 PM, Weekends closed.
Contact: 1800 267 8780
Social Media: Instagram
LBB Tip: You can also donate here.
Akanksha Foundation, Mumbai
One of the many education NGOs in the city, the Akanksha Foundation gives you the chance to educate children who have little or no access to primary education. There have been several success stories to have come out of Akanksha, including that of a roadside bookseller, who is now in the United States studying to be an entrepreneur. Akanksha has centres in both Mumbai and Pune, and they are always looking for teachers. Heads up: You will also receive training before interacting with the kids.
Google Rating: 4.6/5
Contact: 022 2370 0253
Social Media: Website, Instagram
LBB Tip: You can also donate here.
Welfare for Stray Dogs, Fort
One of the earliest NGOs that focused on animal rescue in the city, WSD gained recognition because of its work with the BMC in neutering strays across the city. Love for animals is, of course, what draws volunteers to WSD. But more importantly, it is the ability to act rationally and responsibly that makes them truly valuable. Meet some of the people who are head-over-heart in love with street dogs.
Google Rating: 4.1/5
Timings: 9 AM to 5 PM
Contact: 089760 22838
Social Media: Website, Instagram
LBB Tip: You can also donate here.
SNEHA, Santacruz
A public health NGO based out of Santacruz in Mumbai, SNEHA focuses on working with mothers and infants between 0 and 5 to ensure reduced mother and infant mortality rates. In order to do so, they work with mothers to ensure they are given proper nourishment that, in turn, helps in the proper development of the child. To volunteer with SNEHA, you must be at least 18 years of age.
Google Rating: 4.4/5
Timings: 10 AM to 5:30 PM, Weekends closed.
Contact: 099201 99188, find all their contact details to various branches here.
Family Planning Association of India, Nariman Point
FPAI, or the Family Planning Association of India, is the country’s oldest NGO. Headquartered in Mumbai’s Bajaj House, PHFI is one of the frontrunners in ensuring family planning, reducing the dropout rate for girlchild, and neonatal care. There are several volunteer programmes that FPAI offers; take a look at what they have to offer on their website.
Google Rating: 4.7/5
Timings: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Weekends closed.
Social Media: Website, Instagram
LBB Tip: You can also donate here.
The Robin Hood Army
Located in various cities in both India and Pakistan, the Robin Hood Army collects food that is leftover from gatherings and restaurants and distributes it amongst the poor. Volunteers are largely students and young working professionals. The lesser fortunate sections they help include homeless families, night shelters, orphanages, and patients from public hospitals.
Google Rating: 5/5
Timings: 11 AM to 1:30 PM, Sundays only.
Pure Animal Lovers Foundation (PAL)
Pet Owners and Animal Lovers Foundation is an NGO that works for a better future for animals in Thane. While helping you adopt a pet, PAL makes you fill out a questionnaire and then does routine checks to see if you’re up to the job of being a dog/cat parent. Volunteers can join the feeding program in Thane. The volunteers can also help with the rescues.
Contact: +91 98200 32020
Social Media: Instagram
iVolunteer
iVolunteer is an organisation with offices across the country in metros like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and more. What's great is that they partner with more than 350 NGOs and connect them with volunteers across different fields, skill sets, and professions. From marketing to language translation, content writing, and public speaking training, there are diverse opportunities.
Social Media: Website, Instagram
LBB Tip: Looking to work with them? Apply here!
Aasra
Aasra is an NGO that works in the field of mental health and suicide prevention. They work towards suicide prevention by connecting volunteers with those in need of support through active listening. It's all about being non-judgmental and non-critical and providing support via phone, writing, or in person at their centre with complete confidentiality. You can sign up to be a volunteer for their helpline service, which involves 6-month training; you can also opt to help them through publicity and fundraising through blogs and social media.
Social Media: Website
Trishul
Trishul is an NGO that works in the field of women empowerment and works with women to build their skill base and the means to earn a livelihood. They also work in the field of children's welfare, empowering them through education, as well as environmental conservation. It's all about building sustainable communities. You can help by providing women and children in their NGO with free education, skill sharing, donations, fundraising, and more.
Google Rating: 4/5
Timings: 12:30 PM to 8:30 PM
Social Media: Website
