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.

FOR VOLUNTEERS

Ready to make a difference? Volunteer Houston helps turn passion into purpose by connecting you with local opportunities that strengthen our community.
Every act of service helps build a stronger, more connected Houston.

Your Volunteer Journey

From Curiosity To Community Impact.

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Create Your Profile

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Connect

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Serve

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Grow & Share

1
Build Your Profile
Set yourself up to find the best matches faster.
  • Create your volunteer profile — Find opportunities that match your interests, schedule, and location.
  • Build your volunteer résumé — Log your volunteer hours and service in one place.
  • Stay updated — Receive notifications from organizations you follow and never miss a chance to serve.
2
Track Your Hours & Impact
Keep a verified record of your service over time.
  • Log your volunteer hours after each activity to see how your service adds up over time.
  • Tracking your hours helps recognize your efforts and measure community impact.
  • Tip: Logging hours regularly helps ensure your service qualifies for awards and recognition.
3
Find the Right Opportunity
Browse, filter, and sign up with confidence.
  • Browse active volunteer opportunities across Houston.
  • Filter by skills, interests, location, and availability to find the right match.
  • Sign up for opportunities that fit your schedule and goals.
Tip: Start with your profile — it makes matching opportunities easier and helps you track service for future recognition.

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.

Verified Hours
Bronze • Silver • Gold
Recognition
12-Month Period
Quick Eligibility Age 5+ • Hours logged within 12 months.
Not Eligible Donations/in-kind • Court-ordered service.
Apply Verify hours • Submit application + upload summary.

Watch: How to Apply

Volunteer Eligibility
  • 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
Ineligible Service
  • 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
Types of Service Recognized
  • 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

Kids (Ages 5-10)
Bronze26-49 hours
Silver50-74 hours
Gold75+ hours
Teens (Ages 11-15)
Bronze50-74 hours
Silver75-99 hours
Gold100+ hours
Young Adults (Ages 16-25)
Bronze100-174 hours
Silver175-249 hours
Gold250+ hours
Adults (Ages 26+)
Bronze100-249 hours
Silver250-499 hours
Gold500+ hours

How to Apply
  1. Log in to your Volunteer Houston portal account
  2. Ensure your volunteer hours are accurately logged and verified for the recognition year
  3. Download or generate a summary of your volunteer hours from the portal
  4. Complete the Recognition Award application form and upload your hours summary
  5. Applications may be submitted by the volunteer or, when applicable, by a parent/guardian/organization
Volunteer Will Receive
  • 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.
Download Qualification Guide (PDF) Apply Now

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