Volunteering in Porto
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Porto is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to connect with their new community in Porto. It offers the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, learn more about the local culture, and make a positive impact. Whether you are interested in education, environmental conservation, or community development, there are numerous organizations in Porto that welcome volunteers. By dedicating your time and skills, you can build meaningful relationships and gain a deeper understanding of the city.
Associação Bagos D’Ouro
Associação Bagos D’Ouro is dedicated to supporting the elderly population in Porto. They provide various services, including home visits, recreational activities, and health checks. Volunteers can assist with companionship, event organization, or skill-sharing workshops. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: bagosdouro.pt
Location(s): Various locations in Porto
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Correntes d’Escolas
Correntes d’Escolas focuses on promoting education and social inclusion for children and youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Volunteers can help with tutoring, organizing educational workshops, or supporting extracurricular activities. The organization requires a regular commitment, typically a few hours each week.
Website: correntesdescolas.pt
Location(s): Schools and community centers in Porto
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Food Bank Against Hunger
The Food Bank Against Hunger works to reduce food waste and provide meals to those in need. Volunteers can assist with food collection, sorting, and distribution. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and some weekends.
Website: bancoalimentar.pt
Location(s): Food Bank facilities in Porto
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima (APAV)
APAV provides support to victims of crime and their families. Volunteers can help with victim assistance, awareness campaigns, and administrative tasks. The organization requires a regular commitment, typically a few hours each week, and provides training for volunteers.
Website: apav.pt
Location(s): APAV offices in Porto
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
SOS Animais de Porto
SOS Animais de Porto is an animal welfare organization that rescues and rehomes abandoned pets. Volunteers can assist with animal care, adoption events, and fundraising activities. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends.
Website: sosanimaisdeporto.org
Location(s): Animal shelter in Porto
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Associação Portuguesa de Pais e Amigos do Cidadão Deficiente Mental (APPACDM)
APPACDM supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Volunteers can assist with recreational activities, skill-building workshops, and special events. The organization requires a regular commitment, typically a few hours each week.
Website: appacdmporto.org.pt
Location(s): APPACDM facilities in Porto
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Porto Social Innovation
Porto Social Innovation promotes social entrepreneurship and community development. Volunteers can help with event organization, project implementation, and mentoring. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: portosocialinnovation.org
Location(s): Various locations in Porto
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa
Cruz Vermelha Portuguesa (Portuguese Red Cross) provides humanitarian aid and emergency services. Volunteers can assist with first aid, disaster response, and community support programs. The organization requires a regular commitment, typically a few hours each week, and provides training for volunteers.
Website: cruzvermelha.pt
Location(s): Red Cross facilities in Porto
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Associação Portuguesa para a Defesa do Consumidor (DECO)
DECO is a consumer protection organization that advocates for consumer rights. Volunteers can help with research, awareness campaigns, and consumer education. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available throughout the week.
Website: deco.pt
Location(s): DECO offices in Porto
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Porto Ambiente
Porto Ambiente focuses on environmental conservation and sustainability. Volunteers can assist with clean-up initiatives, educational workshops, and community gardening projects. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends.
Website: portoambiente.pt
Location(s): Various locations in Porto
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
About the Author
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.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Porto
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Porto
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Porto
- Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Porto
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Porto
- Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Porto
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Porto
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Porto
- Public Transportation in Porto
- Best Markets in Porto
- Retire in Porto Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Porto
- Pros & Cons of Living in Porto
- Tips for Expats Driving in Porto
- Health Care in Porto
- Discovering the Best of Porto
- Cost of Living in Porto
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Portugal
- Best Places to Live in Portugal
- Real Estate in Portugal
- Top Hospitals in Portugal by Specialty
- Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal 2026
- 2026 Guide to Moving to Portugal
- More Advice about Retiring in Portugal


