Volunteering in Lisbon

Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to integrate into the local community of Lisbon. It offers the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, practice the local language, and gain a deeper understanding of the culture. By dedicating your time and skills to a cause, you can make a positive impact while enriching your own experience abroad. Lisbon offers a variety of volunteering opportunities, ranging from environmental conservation to teaching and community support.

Re-Food

Re-Food is a non-profit organization that aims to eliminate food waste and hunger. Volunteers collect surplus food from commercial establishments and redistribute it to those in need. To get involved, you can sign up on their website and attend an orientation session. Volunteer shifts typically last 2-3 hours and take place in the evenings. This is a great opportunity to make a direct impact on the local community.

Website: re-food.org
Location(s): Various neighborhoods throughout Lisbon
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week

Associação Portuguesa de Apoio à Vítima (APAV)

APAV is a private charitable organization that supports victims of crime. Volunteers provide emotional support, practical information, and accompaniment to victims. To get involved, you need to attend a training course. Volunteer shifts are flexible and can be arranged according to your availability. This role requires a good level of Portuguese.

Website: apav.pt
Location(s): Lisbon and other cities in Portugal
Time Commitment: Flexible, depends on your availability

Corpo da Água

Corpo da Água is an environmental organization focused on protecting and conserving aquatic ecosystems. Volunteers participate in beach clean-ups, environmental education workshops, and data collection. To get involved, you can sign up on their website. Events and activities take place throughout the year, with a more frequent schedule during the summer months.

Website: corpodagua.org
Location(s): Various beaches and waterways in Lisbon and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies by activity, typically 4-6 hours per event

Make-A-Wish Portugal

Make-A-Wish Portugal grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. Volunteers help with fundraising, event planning, and wish granter roles. To get involved, you can fill out a volunteer application on their website. The time commitment varies depending on the role and the number of wishes being granted.

Website: makeawish.pt
Location(s): Lisbon and other cities in Portugal
Time Commitment: Varies by role

Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome

Banco Alimentar Contra a Fome is a food bank that collects and distributes food to those in need. Volunteers help with food collection campaigns, sorting, and distribution. To get involved, you can sign up on their website. The time commitment varies, with more hours required during food collection campaigns.

Website: alimenteste.pt
Location(s): Lisbon and other cities in Portugal
Time Commitment: Varies by activity, more hours required during campaigns

Associação Salvador

Associação Salvador is a non-profit organization that supports the homeless population in Lisbon. Volunteers help with meal distribution, clothing drives, and street outreach. To get involved, you can contact the organization through their website. Volunteer shifts typically last 2-3 hours and take place in the evenings.

Website: associacaosalvador.pt
Location(s): Various locations throughout Lisbon
Time Commitment: 2-3 hours per week

Associação Portuguesa de Pais e Amigos do Cidadão Deficiente Mental (APPACDM)

APPACDM is an organization that supports individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families. Volunteers help with various activities, including sports, arts, and leisure programs. To get involved, you can contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific activity.

Website: appacdm.pt
Location(s): Lisbon and other cities in Portugal
Time Commitment: Varies by activity

Associação ZIPPY – Programa de Promoção da Saúde Emocional

Associação ZIPPY is a non-profit organization that promotes emotional well-being in children. Volunteers help with various tasks, including workshop facilitation and material preparation. To get involved, you can contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific role and activity.

Website: programazippy.pt
Location(s): Lisbon and other cities in Portugal
Time Commitment: Varies by role and activity

Associação Acreditar

Associação Acreditar is a non-profit organization that supports children and young people with cancer, as well as their families. Volunteers help with various activities, including play sessions, workshops, and event organization. To get involved, you can fill out a volunteer application on their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific activity.

Website: acreditar.pt
Location(s): Lisbon and other cities in Portugal
Time Commitment: Varies by activity

Animalife

Animalife is an animal welfare organization that focuses on rescuing and rehoming stray and abandoned animals. Volunteers help with animal care, adoption events, and fundraising. To get involved, you can contact the organization through their website. The time commitment varies depending on the specific role and activity.

Website: animalife.pt
Location(s): Lisbon and surrounding areas
Time Commitment: Varies by role and activity