One of the best things about living in the Burg is that St. Pete always take care of St. Pete. It’s a community of support, giving, and togetherness that keeps the city special. And with April being National Volunteer Month, we wanted to share some of our favorite ways to keep that spirit alive and support some incredible non-profits and charitable organizations in St. Pete.

Admittedly, we were inspired when we saw what Power Design (St. Pete’s largest private employer) did earlier this month, hosting a field day for its employees that helped send $44,000 to charities in need. It’s part of their Project V5, which has supported over 500 charities chosen by their staff.

So in this case, our staff is sharing some of our favorite ways to volunteer and lend support. We hope this will inspire you to get involved and find a non-profit or community organization you love. And a reminder – these are just a few of the MANY incredible organizations in St. Pete and the Tampa Bay Area doing amazing work. Please share your favorites in the comments! We also recommend checking out the City of St. Pete’s guide to finding ways to volunteer.

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Organization: St. Pete Free Clinic

What they do: With compassion and respect, St. Pete Free Clinic changes lives by providing health care, nutritious food, recovery housing, and education for our neighbors in need.

Picked by: Ysanne

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Organization: Cultured Books

What they do: Cultured Books is a co-branded children’s pop-up bookstore curated to foster a love of self by highlighting Black joy narratives and books that represent different cultural backgrounds. To show children our stories don’t begin with struggle and to broaden world views. Shop online or instore to support Cultured Books Literacy Foundation community programming.

Picked by: Andrew

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Organization: Academy Prep of St. Petersburg

What they do: Academy Prep Center of St. Petersburg is a nationally accredited nonprofit middle school that empowers students qualifying for need-based scholarships to become future community leaders through a rigorous academic program coupled with ongoing graduate support.

Picked by: Dexter

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Organization: CASA Pinellas

What they do: Challenging the societal acceptance of all forms of domestic violence, CASA stands up to silence through advocacy, prevention, intervention, and support services. Their vision is a society free from domestic violence.

Picked by: Alexa

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Organization: Tampa Bay Watch

What they do: Tampa Bay Watch is dedicated to fostering a healthy Tampa Bay watershed through community-driven restoration projects, education programs, and outreach initiatives.

Picked by: Rob

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Organization: Community Foundation of Tampa Bay

What they do: Community Foundation Tampa Bay is a public charity that connects people, ideas and resources to create meaningful, lasting impact. Across our region — Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Hernando and Citrus counties — they are philanthropic partners, connectors and advisors. They understand our area’s most critical needs and champion solutions. They help show you how to bring your giving to life as you work together to build a vibrant, prosperous community for all.

Picked by: Bob

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Organization: Gasparilla Music Foundation

What they do: The non-profit Gasparilla Music Foundation is dedicated to supporting music and education in the Tampa Bay area. As part of this mission, GMF has launched several initiatives including its Recycled Tunes program.

Picked by: Ysanne

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Organization: NOMAD Art Bus

What they do: They believe that all people need opportunities for creative self-expression and connection with other people, but access to these opportunities is inequitable and often excludes many people. They provide free, equitable access to high quality creative opportunities that increase wellbeing and connect people within a community.

Picked by: Andrew

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Organization: Metro Inclusive Health

What they do: Metro Inclusive Health provides quality health and wellness services that are inclusive, relevant, supportive and represent the lifetime continuum of the diverse people in our community. They strive to promote a healthy environment for all and foster diversity within the community as a whole, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, age or economic status.

Picked by: Dexter

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Organization: Boys and Girls Clubs of the Suncoast

What they do: Provide high quality out of school time Club experiences proven to ensure our young people, especially those who need us most, are on track to graduate from high school with a plan, demonstrate good character and citizenship, and live a healthy lifestyle.

Picked by: Alexa

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Organization: SPCA Tampa Bay

What they do: SPCA is a non-profit, animal welfare agency that runs an open-admission For-All animal shelter and public pet hospital (veterinary center) in Pinellas County. Annually, SPCA Tampa Bay cares for almost 8,000 animals that have been surrendered by their owners, along with injured wildlife.

Picked by: Rob

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Organization: Keep St. Pete Lit

What they do: Keep St. Pete Lit celebrates and promotes greater St. Petersburg’s literary community – past, present and future – through arts, education and events with a literary twist. They are readers, writers and lovers of words who strive to bring an approachable, engaging literary component to St. Petersburg’s vibrant arts community.

Picked by: Bob