Volunteer Houston
For Volunteers
Ready to make a difference? Volunteer Houston makes it easy to turn your passion into purpose. Whether you’re a first-time volunteer or a lifelong changemaker, our platform connects you with local opportunities that inspire action and strengthen our community.
Your time, energy, and compassion help shape a stronger, more connected Houston — one act of service at a time.
A Simple Path to Service
Volunteer Houston helps you get started, find the right opportunity, serve your community, and track your impact over time.
Create Your Profile
Set up your account to connect with opportunities that fit your interests.
Find Opportunities
Browse active needs by skills, interests, ZIP code, and availability.
Serve
Support local nonprofits and neighbors across Greater Houston.
Track Your Impact
Log your hours, build your service history, and support recognition.
Need more guidance? Open each section below for helpful tips.
Build Your Profile
- Create your volunteer profile to find opportunities that match your interests, schedule, and location.
- Build your service resume by keeping your volunteer activity organized in one place.
- Stay updated with notifications from organizations you follow.
Track Your Hours & Impact
- Log your volunteer hours after each activity to see how your service adds up over time.
- Tracking hours helps recognize your efforts and measure community impact.
- Tip: Logging hours regularly helps support awards and recognition opportunities.
Find the Right Opportunity
- Browse active volunteer opportunities across Greater Houston.
- Filter by skills, interests, ZIP code, and availability to find the right match.
- Tip: ZIP code filters can help surface opportunities closest to you.
- Sign up for opportunities that fit your schedule and goals.
Volunteer Houston Service Recognition Award
Volunteer Houston celebrates individuals whose service creates a lasting, positive impact across our community. Through the Service Recognition Award, we honor volunteers who give their time and energy to make Houston stronger and more compassionate.
Hours must be accurately logged and verified through the Volunteer Houston portal.
Award levels are based on age group and completed service hours.
Volunteers must be at least five years old to be eligible.
Eligible service must be completed within a 12-month recognition period.
Watch: How to Apply
Review eligibility, award levels, and application details below.
Eligibility & Service Rules
- Be at least five (5) years old
- Complete eligible volunteer service within a 12-month recognition period
- Have volunteer hours accurately logged and verified through the Volunteer Houston portal
- Perform unpaid acts of volunteerism that directly benefit others
- Complete service through nonprofit, community, or civic organizations
- Meet the minimum hour requirements for your age group and award level: Bronze, Silver, or Gold
- Ensure all submitted information is complete, accurate, and verifiable
- Donating funds or in-kind contributions
- Political lobbying or advocacy
- Religious instruction, worship services, or proselytizing
- Court-ordered or mandatory service
- Service provided exclusively to family members
- Consistency and length of service
- Positive impact on a nonprofit, program, or community
- Leadership, initiative, or willingness to go above and beyond
- Alignment with Volunteer Houston and IM Houston mission and values
Award Levels & Hour Requirements
Kids (Ages 5–10)
Teens (Ages 11–15)
Young Adults (Ages 16–25)
Adults (Ages 26+)
How to Apply & What You Receive
- Log in to your Volunteer Houston portal account
- Ensure your volunteer hours are accurately logged and verified for the recognition year
- Download or generate a summary of your volunteer hours from the portal
- Complete the Recognition Award application form and upload your hours summary
- Applications may be submitted by the volunteer or, when applicable, by a parent, guardian, or organization
- A personalized certificate of recognition
- A letter of appreciation signed by Sheroo Mukhtiar, President & CEO of IM Houston
- Public acknowledgment through Volunteer Houston communications and events
Recognition methods may vary based on award level and cycle.
“Service is more than giving time. It is showing up with purpose and care for others.”
— Jahaziel Romero
Volunteer Houston