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

Volunteering is a wonderful opportunity for expats living in São Paulo to connect with the local community, meet like-minded people, and gain a deeper understanding of Brazilian culture. Not only does it provide a sense of purpose, but it also helps to improve language skills and expand social networks. São Paulo, a bustling metropolis, offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities catering to various interests and skills.
Associação Amigos da Arte
Associação Amigos da Arte is a non-profit organization that focuses on promoting arts and culture among underprivileged communities. Volunteers can engage in various activities such as teaching art classes, organizing workshops, and assisting with cultural events. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends. Volunteers typically dedicate 2-3 hours per week.
Website: amigosdaarte.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Casa do Zezinho
Casa do Zezinho is dedicated to providing educational and cultural support to children and adolescents from low-income families. Volunteers can assist with tutoring, leading recreational activities, and helping with administrative tasks. The organization welcomes volunteers who can commit to at least one day a week, with each volunteering session lasting around 3-4 hours.
Website: casadozezinho.org.br
Location(s): Zona Sul, São Paulo
Time Commitment: 3-4 hours per week
GRAACC - Grupo de Apoio ao Adolescente e à Criança com Câncer
GRAACC is a non-profit organization that supports children and adolescents with cancer. Volunteers can assist with recreational activities, provide emotional support, and help with fundraising events. The time commitment is flexible, but volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least one day a week, with each session lasting around 2-3 hours.
Website: graacc.org.br
Location(s): Hospital do Câncer de São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Instituto Projeto Neymar Jr.
Founded by the famous football player, this institute aims to provide educational and sports opportunities to underprivileged children. Volunteers can assist with sports coaching, educational activities, and administrative tasks. The time commitment varies, but volunteers typically dedicate 2-3 hours per week.
Website: institutoprojetoneymarjr.org.br
Location(s): Praia Grande, São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
São Paulo SPCA
The São Paulo SPCA is dedicated to animal welfare and protection. Volunteers can help with animal care, adoption events, and educational programs. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends. Volunteers typically dedicate 2-3 hours per week.
Website: spca.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Associação Saúde Criança
Associação Saúde Criança focuses on improving the lives of children and their families living in poverty. Volunteers can assist with educational programs, health initiatives, and community outreach. The time commitment is flexible, but volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least one day a week, with each session lasting around 2-3 hours.
Website: saudecrianca.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Instituto Ayrton Senna
The Instituto Ayrton Senna is dedicated to improving education for underprivileged children and youth. Volunteers can assist with educational programs, tutoring, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, but volunteers typically dedicate 2-3 hours per week.
Website: institutoayrtonsenna.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Fundação Dorina Nowill para Cegos
This foundation is committed to improving the lives of visually impaired individuals. Volunteers can assist with reading and recording books, leading workshops, and providing administrative support. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends. Volunteers typically dedicate 2-3 hours per week.
Website: fundacaodorina.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Associação de Assistência à Criança Deficiente (AACD)
AACD is dedicated to providing support and rehabilitation services to children with disabilities. Volunteers can assist with therapeutic activities, educational programs, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, but volunteers are encouraged to commit to at least one day a week, with each session lasting around 2-3 hours.
Website: aacd.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Associação Lar Tia Edna
Associação Lar Tia Edna provides care and support to HIV-positive children and adolescents. Volunteers can assist with recreational activities, educational programs, and administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities available on weekdays and weekends. Volunteers typically dedicate 2-3 hours per week.
Website: lartiaedna.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week
Instituto Gerando Falcões
Instituto Gerando Falcões aims to promote social inclusion and citizenship through sports, culture, and education. Volunteers can assist with coaching sports, leading cultural activities, and providing educational support. The time commitment is flexible, but volunteers typically dedicate 2-3 hours per week.
Website: gerandofalcoes.org.br
Location(s): Various locations throughout São Paulo
Time Commitment: 2-3 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 Sao Paulo
- Best Neighborhoods for Single Digital Nomads Living in Sao Paulo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Sao Paulo
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Sao Paulo
- Best Neighborhoods for Retirees in Sao Paulo
- Best Neighborhoods for Families in Sao Paulo
- Best Neighborhoods for Single People in Sao Paulo
- Best International Schools and Bilingual Schools in Sao Paulo
- 7 Weekend Getaways for Digital Nomads Living in Sao Paulo
- Best Bookstores and Libraries in Sao Paulo
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Sao Paulo
- Public Transportation in Sao Paulo
- Best Markets in Sao Paulo
- Retire in Sao Paulo Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Sao Paulo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Sao Paulo
- Tips for Expats Driving in Sao Paulo
- Cost of Living in Sao Paulo
- Health Care in Sao Paulo
- Discover the Best of Sao Paulo
- 5 Tips For Living in Sao Paulo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Brazil
- Best Places to Live in Brazil
- Real Estate in Brazil
- Pros & Cons of Living in Brazil
- How to Rent a Home in Brazil
- What It's Like Living in Sao Paulo
- Pros and Cons of Living in Brazil 2025