Volunteering in Quito
Summary: One of the best ways to meet others in Quito is by giving back. Here are a number of organizations where your help would be welcome.
Volunteering is a wonderful way for expats in Quito, to integrate into the local community, improve their Spanish, and meet like-minded people. It offers a unique opportunity to understand the culture better and make a positive impact. There are numerous organizations in Quito that welcome volunteers, ranging from environmental conservation and education to community development and health services.
Fundación Pan de Vida
Fundación Pan de Vida is dedicated to helping underprivileged children and their families. They provide education, health services, and nutrition programs. Volunteers can assist in teaching, helping with homework, preparing meals, or organizing recreational activities. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers typically helping out a few hours a week. Spanish skills are beneficial but not always required.
Website: fundacionpandevida.org
Location(s): Various locations in Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación CENIT
Fundación CENIT focuses on improving the lives of working children and their families through education and social programs. Volunteers can help with teaching English, tutoring, or assisting with administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, but volunteers usually dedicate a few hours each week. Basic Spanish is helpful for most volunteer roles.
Website: cenitecuador.org
Location(s): Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación Utopía
Fundación Utopía works to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities through education and rehabilitation programs. Volunteers can assist with physical therapy, educational activities, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers often helping out a few hours each week. Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: fundacionutopia.org
Location(s): Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación JUCONI Ecuador
Fundación JUCONI Ecuador works to protect and support children and adolescents living on the streets. Volunteers can assist with educational activities, recreational programs, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, but volunteers typically dedicate a few hours each week. Spanish skills are beneficial but not always required.
Website: juconi.org.ec
Location(s): Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación Pachamama
Fundación Pachamama is dedicated to preserving and promoting the rights of indigenous communities in Ecuador. Volunteers can help with environmental conservation projects, community development initiatives, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers often helping out a few hours each week. Spanish skills are helpful.
Website: pachamama.org
Location(s): Quito and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Casa Victoria
Casa Victoria is a community center that provides educational and recreational programs for children and families in need. Volunteers can assist with tutoring, teaching English, or organizing activities. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers typically helping out a few hours each week. Basic Spanish is helpful for most volunteer roles.
Website: casavictoria.org
Location(s): Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación Ecuatoriana de Desarrollo
Fundación Ecuatoriana de Desarrollo focuses on community development and environmental conservation. Volunteers can assist with reforestation projects, community education programs, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, but volunteers typically dedicate a few hours each week. Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: fedec.org.ec
Location(s): Quito and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación El Arenal
Fundación El Arenal works to improve the lives of underprivileged children and their families through education and social programs. Volunteers can help with teaching, homework assistance, or organizing recreational activities. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers often helping out a few hours each week. Spanish skills are beneficial but not always required.
Website: fundacionelarenal.org
Location(s): Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación ACNUR
Fundación ACNUR is the Ecuadorian branch of the United Nations Refugee Agency. Volunteers can assist with various programs aimed at supporting refugees and asylum seekers. The time commitment varies, but volunteers typically dedicate a few hours each week. Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: acnur.org
Location(s): Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación ASONIC
Fundación ASONIC is dedicated to supporting people living with HIV/AIDS and their families. Volunteers can assist with educational programs, community outreach, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with volunteers often helping out a few hours each week. Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: asonic.org
Location(s): Quito
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually a few hours per week
Fundación Ecuatoriana de Salud y Bienestar
Fundación Ecuatoriana de Salud y Bienestar focuses on improving health and well-being through various programs. Volunteers can assist with health education initiatives, community outreach, or administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, but volunteers typically dedicate a few hours each week. Spanish skills are beneficial.
Website: fesab.org.ec
Location(s): Quito
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 Quito
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Quito
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Quito
- Public Transportation in Quito
- Best Markets in Quito
- Retire in Quito Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Quito
- Pros & Cons of Living in Quito
- Tips for Expats Driving in Quito
- Cost of Living in Quito
- Health Care in Quito
- Discover the Best of Quito
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Ecuador
- Best Places to Live in Ecuador
- Real Estate in Ecuador
- 10 Tips for Living in Ecuador
- Pros and Cons of Living in Ecuador 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Ecuador