Bilbao, Spain



Volunteering in Bilbao

By Betsy Burlingame

Luxton Legal
Luxton Legal

Summary: Getting involved through volunteering is a fantastic way to build connections in Bilbao. Here are some organizations where you can lend a hand.

Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to immerse themselves in the local community of Bilbao, Spain. It offers a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn more about the culture, and make a positive impact on the city. By dedicating your time and skills to a cause, you can foster meaningful connections and gain a deeper understanding of Bilbao. Whether you are interested in education, environmental conservation, or social welfare, there are numerous organizations that would greatly benefit from your involvement.

Bilbao Food Bank (Banco de Alimentos de Bizkaia)

The Bilbao Food Bank is dedicated to collecting and distributing food to those in need. Volunteers help with sorting and packing food, as well as assisting with food drives and awareness campaigns. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week. This is a great way to help combat hunger in the local community.

Website: bancodealimentosdebizkaia.org
Location(s): Warehouses and distribution centers in Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 3-4 hours per shift

Bilbao Red Cross (Cruz Roja Bilbao)

The Bilbao Red Cross offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities, from emergency response and first aid to social inclusion programs and youth activities. Volunteers can commit to regular shifts or be on call for emergencies. This organization provides a chance to gain valuable skills while supporting vulnerable individuals and communities.

Website: cruzroja.es/dondeestamos/bilbao
Location(s): Various locations throughout Bilbao
Time Commitment: Varies by program, usually 4-8 hours per week

Bilbao Green Belt (Cinturón Verde de Bilbao)

The Bilbao Green Belt is an environmental initiative aimed at preserving and enhancing the city's green spaces. Volunteers participate in activities such as tree planting, park maintenance, and environmental education workshops. This is an ideal opportunity for nature lovers to contribute to the city's sustainability efforts.

Website: bilbao.eus/cinturonverde
Location(s): Parks and green spaces throughout Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per event

Bilbao Animal Rescue (Protectora de Animales de Bilbao)

Bilbao Animal Rescue is committed to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. Volunteers assist with animal care, adoption events, and fundraising activities. This is a rewarding opportunity for animal lovers to make a difference in the lives of pets in need.

Website: protectorabilbao.org
Location(s): Animal shelter in Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per shift

Bilbao Education Support (Apoyo Educativo Bilbao)

Bilbao Education Support provides tutoring and educational resources to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. Volunteers work with students one-on-one or in small groups to improve their academic skills. This is a great way to support education and mentor young people in the community.

Website: apoyoeducativobilbao.org
Location(s): Schools and community centers in Bilbao
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per week

Bilbao Homeless Support (Apoyo a Personas Sin Hogar Bilbao)

Bilbao Homeless Support offers assistance to homeless individuals and families. Volunteers help with meal services, clothing distribution, and outreach programs. This is a meaningful way to provide support and companionship to those experiencing homelessness.

Website: apoyosinhogarbilbao.org
Location(s): Shelters and community centers in Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per shift

Bilbao Cultural Exchange (Intercambio Cultural Bilbao)

Bilbao Cultural Exchange promotes cultural understanding and integration through language exchange programs and cultural events. Volunteers facilitate language classes, organize events, and participate in cultural activities. This is an excellent opportunity to meet people from different backgrounds and foster cross-cultural connections.

Website: intercambioculturalbilbao.org
Location(s): Community centers and event venues in Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 1-2 hours per week

Bilbao Community Garden (Jardín Comunitario de Bilbao)

Bilbao Community Garden is a collective effort to create and maintain urban gardens for the benefit of the community. Volunteers help with gardening tasks, workshops, and community events. This is a great way to connect with nature, learn about gardening, and build community ties.

Website: jardincomunitariobilbao.org
Location(s): Community gardens throughout Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per week

Bilbao Elderly Care (Cuidado de Mayores Bilbao)

Bilbao Elderly Care provides support and companionship to elderly individuals. Volunteers assist with home visits, social activities, and errands. This is a rewarding opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of seniors in the community.

Website: cuidadomayoresbilbao.org
Location(s): Seniors' homes and community centers in Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 1-2 hours per week

Bilbao Refugee Support (Apoyo a Refugiados Bilbao)

Bilbao Refugee Support offers assistance to refugees and asylum seekers. Volunteers help with language classes, legal support, and integration programs. This is a meaningful way to support individuals and families who have been forced to flee their home countries.

Website: apoyorefugiadosbilbao.org
Location(s): Community centers and refugee support organizations in Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per week

Bilbao Environmental Education (Educación Ambiental Bilbao)

Bilbao Environmental Education focuses on raising awareness about environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. Volunteers assist with educational workshops, community events, and environmental campaigns. This is an ideal opportunity for those interested in environmental conservation and education.

Website: educacionambientalbilbao.org
Location(s): Schools and community centers in Bilbao
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 1-2 hours per week

About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.


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Balcells Group provides immigration, business, legal, and tax advice to individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more. They speak English, Spanish, Catalan, and Russian.
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Balcells Group LawyersBalcells Group Lawyers

Balcells Group provides immigration, business, legal, and tax advice to individuals, companies, investors, students, entrepreneurs, highly-qualified professionals, digital nomads, and more. They speak English, Spanish, Catalan, and Russian.
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