10 Ways to Volunteer in Bozeman

Bozeman is a wonderful community for nonprofits to thrive. Bozemanites love to volunteer their time and money to local organizations that they are passionate about. (For example last year during Give Big Gallatin Valley, Bozeman donated over a million dollars in hours. Impressive to say the least!) Part of our mission statement at Bozeman Real Estate Group is to give back to the community that supports us, so volunteering is big on our priority list. Here are ten ways to volunteer in the Bozeman community.

1. Heart of the Valley

Bozeman is a dog town so obviously we have an awesome animal shelter! There are so many volunteer opportunities at the Heart of the Valley and because they care for over 2,800 cats and dogs annually, these volunteers are very important. They have junior programs for kids age 6-15 to come in and cat cuddle, which is a fantastic way to volunteer with the kiddos. The PAW program is for volunteers over age 16 to work with both cats and dogs doing a variety of things throughout the shelter. Another way people can help at HOV is taking part in their foster care program. This is an essential program that helps animals that can't be in the shelter for a time period due to age, illness, injury or socialization. There are opportunities to give back financially if that is easier by donating right on their website or attending one of their annual fundraisers such as the Dog Ball and Snowshoe Shuffle. For more information click here.

2. Gallatin Valley Food Bank

There are SO many ways to help out at the Gallatin Valley Food Bank! More than 100 volunteers a week are needed to keep things running. From stocking shelves in the warehouse to garden watering to simply donating non-perishable food items, there are so many ways to help this amazing organization. Click here to view their current volunteer opportunities.

3. Big Brothers Big Sisters of Gallatin Valley

The mentoring work that Big Brothers Big Sisters provides children in our community is so important. One of the best ways to volunteer with them is to become a Big! You only need to have a couple extra hours a week and can make an 18-month commitment. Another way to volunteer here is to become a committee member for a special event or get involved in one of their annual events, most notably being Bowl for Kids Sake each October (This is one we love to participate in each year!) Click here for more information.

4. Thrive

Thrive has been helping build strong families, children and communities since 1986. The most volunteers are needed for their CAP mentor program. You only need to commit to an hour a week to mentor a local student and it is coordinated through the schools. You work with the same student and it's just for the school year during school hours. They also have opportunities with their Girls for a Change and Girls on the Run programs. Click here to find out more.

5. Gallatin Valley Land Trust

We love our trails, therefore understand the huge importance of the Gallatin Valley Land Trust. They have volunteer opportunities to help with trail maintenance, help in the office or during special events. We also love their simple ideas to support GVLT that anyone can do such as picking up trash on the trail, scoop dog poop at your favorite park, smile on the trails to spread kindness and use #outsideisin and #gvlt on social media posts. Click here for more volunteer information.

6. Warriors & Quiet Waters

This is an office favorite. Warriors and Quiet Waters uses the experience of fly fishing in Montana to bring positive change in the lives of post 9/11 combat veterans. There are numerous volunteer needs at the ranch such as fly tying/casting instructors, companions, cooks and more. These are big commitments, but the rewards are huge. If these aren't good options and you still want to support them attending or hosting an event is another way. Click here for more information.

7. Cancer Support Community

The support this organization provides to people dealing with cancer is immeasurable. There are many volunteer opportunities and they make a huge difference to those in our community affected by cancer. To name a few - office administration, community outreach, basket making, event greeters and so much more. Visit their website to find what they are currently looking for.

8. Eagle Mount

Eagle Mount provides therapeutic recreational opportunities for people with disabilities and children with cancer. Volunteers are essential to this organization. A fun one to get involved in is skiing, snowboarding or snowshoeing with someone who has a disability. The perk of this (besides the obvious feel-good of helping out) is ski passes for the day when you volunteer! Other opportunities to help include their therapeutic horsemanship program, aquatics programs, and Big Sky Kids. You can find more information and volunteer applications here.

9. Family Promise

Family Promise works with a huge base of local volunteers with hopes to end homelessness in the Bozeman community. They are always in need of volunteers to cook meals, sleep in churches and care for the families they are helping. All you have to do to get involved in this is complete a 1-hour new volunteer orientation. Aside from this there are always needs at their day center from yard work to maintenance. Click here to find out more.

10. The Bozeman 3

This nonprofit started small and has grown tremendously in the past 6 years. They provide financial and peer support to families whose child has received a cancer diagnosis in the Gallatin County, as well as supporting pediatric cancer research. Their biggest need for volunteers is during the various events they hold throughout the year. If you are interested, click here to fill out the form and get more information.

Of course, there are many, many more amazing nonprofits in the Bozeman community that all need volunteers. A great place to start if you are looking to make a difference and aren't sure how or which organization you want to work with is visiting the Bozeman Area Community Foundation's website. They promote charitable giving by connecting donors/volunteers with causes they care about and are an excellent resource.