Volunteering in Santo Domingo
Summary: Volunteering is a wonderful way to connect with others in Santo Domingo. Here are several organizations you might consider supporting.

Volunteering is an excellent way for expats to integrate into the local community of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. Not only does it provide a sense of purpose and fulfillment, but it also offers a unique opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, both locals and fellow expats. By sharing your time and skills, you can make a positive impact while fostering meaningful connections.
Fundación Padre Billini
Fundación Padre Billini is dedicated to providing education and healthcare to underprivileged children. Volunteers can assist in teaching, administrative tasks, or helping with medical check-ups. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer on a weekly or monthly basis. Spanish proficiency is beneficial but not always required.
Website: fundacionpadrebillini.org
Location(s): Various schools and clinics in Santo Domingo
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per week
Hogar del Niño
Hogar del Niño focuses on educating and caring for impoverished children. Volunteers can engage in teaching English, arts, sports, or assisting with daily operations. A regular commitment of at least one day a week is preferred. Knowledge of Spanish is helpful but not mandatory.
Website: hogardelnino.com
Location(s): La Romana (near Santo Domingo)
Time Commitment: At least one day per week
Fundación MIR
Fundación MIR aims to provide education and essential services to children and their families. Volunteers can help with teaching, mentoring, or supporting community projects. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer regularly or for specific events.
Website: fundacionmir.org
Location(s): La Romana (near Santo Domingo)
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per week
Operación Sonrisa
Operación Sonrisa offers medical care to children with cleft lip and palate conditions. Volunteers can assist with administrative tasks, patient support, or fundraising events. The time commitment varies based on the role and availability.
Website: operationsmile.org.do
Location(s): Various hospitals in Santo Domingo
Time Commitment: Varies by role
Fundación Amigos Contra el SIDA (FACES)
FACES is dedicated to providing support and education for people living with HIV/AIDS. Volunteers can help with awareness campaigns, educational workshops, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer regularly or for specific events.
Website: faces.org.do
Location(s): Various locations in Santo Domingo
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Dominicana de Desarrollo (FUNDEDESA)
FUNDEDESA focuses on sustainable development and environmental conservation. Volunteers can participate in reforestation projects, community education, or environmental research. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer regularly or for specific projects.
Website: fundedesard.org
Location(s): Various locations in Santo Domingo
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Amigos del Niño con Leucemia y Cáncer (FANLYC)
FANLYC provides support and care for children with leukemia and cancer. Volunteers can assist with patient support, administrative tasks, or fundraising events. The time commitment varies based on the role and availability.
Website: fanlyc.org
Location(s): Various hospitals in Santo Domingo
Time Commitment: Varies by role
Fundación Tropicalia
Fundación Tropicalia is dedicated to sustainable development and community empowerment. Volunteers can help with education programs, community projects, or environmental initiatives. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer regularly or for specific projects.
Website: fundaciontropicalia.org
Location(s): Miches (near Santo Domingo)
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 hours per week
Fundación Juan Luis Guerra
Fundación Juan Luis Guerra focuses on education and community development. Volunteers can assist with teaching, community projects, or administrative tasks. The time commitment is flexible, with opportunities to volunteer regularly or for specific events.
Website: fundacionjuanluisguerra.org
Location(s): Various locations in Santo Domingo
Time Commitment: Flexible, usually 2-4 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 Santo Domingo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Santo Domingo
- Fun Classes for Expats Living in Santo Domingo
- Public Transportation in Santo Domingo
- Best Markets in Santo Domingo
- Retire in Santo Domingo Guide
- 7 Tips for Living in Santo Domingo
- Pros & Cons of Living in Santo Domingo
- Driving in Santo Domingo
- Cost of Living in Santo Domingo
- Health Care in Santo Domingo
- Discover the Best of Santo Domingo
- Healthcare & Health Insurance in Dominican Rep
- Best Places to Live in Dominican Rep
- Real Estate in Dominican Rep
- Pros & Cons of Living in Dominican Rep
- Christmas in the Dominican Republic
- Pros and Cons of Living in Dominican Rep 2025
- 2025 Guide to Moving to Dominican Rep