Find volunteer opportunities in Central Oregon

Find a place to give your time. Volunteer Central Oregon is the regional directory of nonprofits, community groups, and local efforts across Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties and Warm Springs that are looking for volunteers, donors, and partners right now.

Search by name, browse by cause, or pick a letter. Every listing takes you straight to the organization, so you can get involved on your own terms. No account, no login, no middleman.

Volunteering and the Oregon Health Plan

Starting in 2027, some adults on the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) will need to show 80 hours a month of work, volunteering, caregiving, school, or job training to keep their coverage. Volunteer hours count when they're part of an organized program at a nonprofit or public agency that keeps track of your hours and can confirm them if asked. Political or partisan activities don't count.

Some organizations in this directory have specifically told us that they track volunteer hours and can provide verification. That list is not complete, and many other organizations may track hours too. Whether an organization is on the list or not, contact it before you start to confirm it can verify your hours.

See organizations that have told us they verify volunteer hours

For the full rules, exemptions, and help, see the Oregon Health Authority's page or call OHP at 800-699-9075.

More ways to get involved

Silver Rail Children's FundA parent-run fund for every child who was at Silver Rail Elementary on October 15, for as long as they're growing up. Ten volunteer committees, and pro bono professionals are needed most.

Catalyze Central OregonA new local effort launching soon to connect residents directly with nonprofits.

Need to update your organization's listing? Check the field reference guide, then email support@volunteercentraloregon.org.

A random selection of organizations, different on every visit

Pollinator Pathway Bend creates and connects native habitat for bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators across Bend by working with homeowners, businesses, and the city and parks departments. Read more

Volunteering looks like

Volunteers plant and maintain native pollinator gardens in parks, pocket parks, and public spaces at weekend planting parties and weed pulls, help run the annual spring native plant giveaway, support the community seed… Read more

Who can volunteer
FamiliesGroupsCorporate / Workplace GroupsAdults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

BP

Big Ponderoo

also known as Big Ponderoo Music + Art Festival

The Big Ponderoo Music + Art Festival is a two-day summer festival in Sisters' Village Green Park featuring lively, danceable Americana and bluegrass on outdoor stages, interactive art experiences, and local art vendors. Read more

Volunteering looks like

Volunteers make the festival possible, helping with gates and entry, guest services, bars and concessions, artist hospitality, and set-up and take-down in Village Green Park. Volunteers earn a free festival pass. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
Adolescents (13–18)Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

The Sisters Farmers Market, managed by Seed to Table, brings local farmers, food producers, and makers together with the community each week during the growing season, making fresh, locally grown food accessible in Sisters and supporting the region's small farms.

Volunteering looks like

Market volunteers help set up and take down, staff the information booth, support vendors and food-access programs, and help with market-day events and activities, working alongside Seed to Table staff.

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
FamiliesAdolescents (13–18)Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

CO

Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council

also known as COIC; Cascades East Transit (CET)

A regional council of governments formed in 1972 by Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson Counties, eight cities, and the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs. Read more

Volunteering looks like

Civic service rather than hands-on volunteering: community seats on the COIC Board representing business and agriculture, business and industry, timber and wood products, tourism and recreation, and under- and… Read more

Who can volunteer
Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)Oregon Health Plan Hours

Updated recently

HU

Hearts Unknown Education

also known as HÚE; HUE; Hearts Unknown

Hearts Unknown Education (HÚE) supports young people ages 5–18 who are struggling emotionally through free "creative wellness" classes: art and free expression, music and drumming, meditation, and breath work in a safe, judgment-free space in Bend. Read more

Volunteering looks like

Artists, educators, and mental health professionals volunteer in classes, giving technique tips, encouragement, and support as kids create, and professionals help advise the curriculum. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

MT

Mustangs to the Rescue

also known as MTTR

Mustangs To The Rescue is an all-breed, all-volunteer horse rescue founded in 2012 by Kate Beardsley at Western Sky Ranch in southeast Bend. Read more

Volunteering looks like

MTTR is all-volunteer. Crew members help with daily horse care (feeding, cleaning, grooming, and handling), training and rehabilitation projects, ranch upkeep, adoptions and open houses, and fundraising events. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

CO

Central Oregon LandWatch

also known as LandWatch, COLW

Founded in 1985, Central Oregon LandWatch works for a balanced, responsible approach to planning and conserving the region's land and water, protecting ecosystems and wildlife habitat while fostering thriving, sustainable communities. Read more

Volunteering looks like

LandWatch relies on engaged community members: attending and testifying at public hearings on growth, water, and land use decisions, helping with outreach and its Livable Future Forum speaker series and other events, and joining field activities. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

A no-kill animal shelter in Prineville serving Crook County, providing adoption, foster, rehoming, and pet assistance services for stray and abandoned animals.

Volunteering looks like

Volunteers help with office work, fundraising and events, dog walking, cat care, kennel cleaning, community outreach, repairs, grantwriting, and photography. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
School GroupsCourt-Ordered / Community ServiceAdolescents (13–18)Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

Central Oregon Trail Alliance (COTA) develops, protects, and enhances the Central Oregon mountain bike experience through trail stewardship, advocacy, collaboration, and education. Read more

Volunteering looks like

COTA volunteers logged more than 20,000 hours last year building and maintaining trails across a region roughly 100 miles on each side. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
GroupsCorporate / Workplace GroupsAdults (19+)Older adults (65+)Oregon Health Plan Hours

Updated recently

Repair Café is The Environmental Center's free community repair event, held every few months around Central Oregon since 2013. People bring broken clothing, jewelry, small appliances, electronics, outdoor gear, bikes, and household items, and volunteer fixers repair them or teach how, with a success rate of about 65%. Read more

Volunteering looks like

Volunteer fixers are the heart of every Repair Café: sewists, electronics tinkerers, bike mechanics, jewelry menders, knife sharpeners, and all-around handy people who repair items and teach visitors how to do it themselves. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
Adults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

Friends of the Children-Central Oregon pairs children facing the greatest barriers with a salaried, professional mentor, called a Friend, from kindergarten through high school graduation, 12 and a half years, no matter what. Read more

Volunteering looks like

Mentors at Friends of the Children are paid professionals, so volunteers support the program around them: helping with events and youth activities, office and clubhouse support, sharing career skills, and workplace team projects.

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
Corporate / Workplace GroupsAdults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

Bend Fall Festival celebrates autumn in downtown Bend each October with local artisans and craftspeople, live music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities, drawing thousands of visitors to the heart of the city. Read more

Volunteering looks like

Volunteers help run the festival in shifts covering setup and teardown, entry and guest services, and vendor and beer garden support. Read more

Ways to serve
Who can volunteer
GroupsAdults (19+)Older adults (65+)

Updated recently

You haven't seen them all yet. There are more organizations below.