Volunteering in Brussels
Summary: Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with others in Brussels. Here are several organizations you might consider supporting.
Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to integrate into the local community of Brussels, meet new people, and contribute positively to society. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about Belgian culture, improve language skills, and build a network of like-minded individuals. Whether you're interested in education, environmental conservation, or social welfare, there are numerous organizations in Brussels that would greatly benefit from your time and skills.
Serve the City Brussels
Serve the City is a global movement of volunteers showing kindness in practical ways to people in need. The Brussels chapter organizes various projects, including helping the homeless, supporting refugees, and assisting the elderly. To get involved, you can sign up for their weekly newsletter and join one of their Saturday projects. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities ranging from a few hours to full days.
Website: servethecity.brussels
Location(s): Various locations throughout Brussels
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours to full days on Saturdays
SB OverSeas
SB OverSeas is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing humanitarian aid to refugees and asylum seekers in Brussels. Volunteers can help with language classes, CV workshops, and social activities. To get involved, fill out the volunteer form on their website. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week.
Website: sboverseas.org
Location(s): Refugee centers in Brussels
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Special Olympics Belgium
Special Olympics Belgium offers sports training and competition opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities. Volunteers can help with coaching, event organization, and fundraising. To get involved, contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week, with more hours required during events.
Website: specialolympics.be
Location(s): Various locations throughout Belgium
Time Commitment: A few hours per week, with additional hours during events
Greenpeace Belgium
Greenpeace Belgium is part of the global environmental campaign organization. Volunteers can help with campaigns, events, and fundraising. To get involved, sign up on their website. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities ranging from a few hours to full days, especially during campaigns and events.
Website: greenpeace.be
Location(s): Greenpeace office in Brussels and various event locations
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours to full days during campaigns and events
Les Restos du Cœur
Les Restos du Cœur is a charity that provides food aid and support to people in need. Volunteers can help with food distribution, logistics, and administrative tasks. To get involved, contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week.
Website: restosducoeur.be
Location(s): Various locations throughout Brussels
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Amnesty International Belgium
Amnesty International Belgium is part of the global human rights movement. Volunteers can help with campaigns, events, and advocacy work. To get involved, sign up on their website. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities ranging from a few hours to full days, especially during campaigns and events.
Website: amnesty.be
Location(s): Amnesty office in Brussels and various event locations
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours to full days during campaigns and events
Samenlevingsopbouw Brussel
Samenlevingsopbouw Brussel is a community development organization that aims to improve the quality of life in disadvantaged neighborhoods. Volunteers can help with various projects, including community events, workshops, and neighborhood improvement initiatives. To get involved, contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week.
Website: sobru.be
Location(s): Various locations throughout Brussels
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Poverello
Poverello is a charity that provides meals, clothing, and support to the homeless and people in need. Volunteers can help with meal preparation, distribution, and other support services. To get involved, contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week.
Website: poverello.be
Location(s): Poverello center in Brussels
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
Natagora
Natagora is a nature conservation organization that aims to protect and restore biodiversity in Belgium. Volunteers can help with conservation projects, events, and advocacy work. To get involved, sign up on their website. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities ranging from a few hours to full days, especially during conservation projects and events.
Website: natagora.be
Location(s): Various locations throughout Belgium
Time Commitment: Flexible, typically a few hours to full days during conservation projects and events
TADA
TADA (Toekomst Atelier de l'Avenir) is an educational organization that offers weekend workshops to empower children from disadvantaged backgrounds. Volunteers can help with workshop facilitation, mentoring, and administrative tasks. To get involved, apply through their website. The time commitment is typically one or two weekends per month.
Website: tada-web.be
Location(s): TADA centers in Brussels
Time Commitment: One or two weekends per month
DoucheFLUX
DoucheFLUX is a non-profit organization that provides showers, laundry facilities, and other support services to the homeless. Volunteers can help with various tasks, including reception, laundry, and cleaning. To get involved, contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies, but most volunteers dedicate a few hours per week.
Website: doucheflux.be
Location(s): DoucheFLUX center in Brussels
Time Commitment: A few hours per week
By volunteering with these organizations, expats can make a positive impact on the local community while also enriching their own experiences in Brussels.
About the Author
Joshua Wood, LPC joined Expat Exchange in 2000 and serves as one of its Co-Presidents. He is also one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. Prior to Expat Exchange, Joshua worked for NBC Cable (MSNBC and CNBC
Primetime). Joshua has a BA from Syracuse and a Master's in Clinical and Counseling Psychology from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Mr. Wood is also a licensed counselor and psychotherapist.
Some of Joshua's articles include Pros and Cons of Living in Portugal, 10 Best Places to Live in Ireland and Pros and Cons of Living in Uruguay. Connect with Joshua on LinkedIn.
Additional Information:
- Expat Guide to Brussels
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Brussels
- Health Care in Brussels
- Discovering the Best of Brussels
- International Schools in Brussels
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Belgium
- Best Places to Live in Belgium
- Real Estate in Belgium
- Pros & Cons of Living in Belgium
- 10 Things to Know Before Moving to Belgium
- Pros and Cons of Living in Belgium 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Belgium