Nonprofits Powering Summer Volunteerism (And Why You’ll Want to Work With Them)
- MissionEB
- Jul 3
- 3 min read
Summer is a season of sunshine, service, and showing up for your community. Across the country, medium-sized nonprofits are mobilizing volunteers to power youth programs, clean up parks, staff museums, and keep kids fed—all while offering fulfilling jobs for mission-driven professionals who want to do more with their career.
If you’re looking for a workplace where purpose meets action, start here. These nonprofits powering summer are actively hiring and they thrive on passion, teamwork, and the kind of energy that makes the season unforgettable.
City Blossoms
📍 Washington, D.C.
City Blossoms transforms green spaces into thriving youth gardens, turning vacant lots into vibrant learning labs. Their summer programs engage young people in hands-on urban agriculture, environmental justice, and community leadership. The culture is collaborative, multilingual, and deeply rooted in equity—staff members often describe it as joyful and grounded. If you’re passionate about youth development and getting your hands dirty for a cause, this team is growing.
Heart of America Foundation
📍 National, HQ in Washington, D.C.
Heart of America partners with schools and libraries to modernize learning spaces and deliver essential resources like books and technology—especially during the summer. Their volunteer events and back-to-school programs ramp up from June through August. Team members love the hybrid culture, impact-driven leadership, and direct connection to students across the country. Bonus: you’ll work with corporate partners on projects that really move the needle.
Fresh Approach
📍 California (Bay Area & Central Valley)
Fresh Approach connects communities to healthy food through farmers’ markets, cooking classes, and summer youth engagement programs. Their Mobile Farmers’ Markets and community garden programs are a summer highlight. The org’s culture is food-positive, inclusive, and bilingual, with a strong focus on racial and food justice. Employees describe the work environment as values-aligned, flexible, and full of meaningful moments.
Museum of Discovery and Science (MODS)
📍 Fort Lauderdale, FL
MODS isn’t just for field trips—it’s a hub for hands-on science education and volunteer engagement, especially during the summer months. Teens serve as docents and camp aides while full-time team members facilitate immersive exhibits and STEM programming. The culture is energetic, kid-forward, and built around discovery. Employees often say they “come for the science, stay for the smiles.”
Operation Food Search
📍 St. Louis, MO
Operation Food Search is one of the Midwest’s largest food access nonprofits—and summer is their busiest season. With programs like Operation Backpack and summer meal sites for kids, their work is essential for fighting hunger when school’s out. The team is collaborative, compassionate, and driven by dignity and community health. OFS is a fantastic fit for professionals looking to pair strategic thinking with hands-on service.
Bay Area Community Resources (BACR)
📍 San Francisco Bay Area, CA
BACR runs a range of summer programs, from youth leadership training to environmental restoration and mental health services. Employees work alongside teens and families to build stronger, healthier communities. With over 1,000 staff members across programs but a decentralized, local feel, BACR offers the best of both worlds: the impact of a big org with the intimacy of grassroots work.
The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis
📍 Indianapolis, IN
The world’s largest children’s museum ramps up in summer, offering educational camps, volunteer-led exhibits, and seasonal employment. Their work culture is playful, professional, and welcoming—just like their programming. Employees love the access to innovative tools, creative freedom, and opportunities to work across departments. Plus, where else can you work alongside a life-size T. rex and a team of teen volunteers?
Green Our Planet
📍 Las Vegas, NV
Green Our Planet runs the largest school garden and hydroponics programs in the U.S. During the summer, their team supports camps, workshops, and training sessions for teachers and students. Working here feels like being part of an eco-startup with a strong education mission. Employees describe the team as “quirky, passionate, and mission-obsessed,” with flexible work and lots of opportunities to grow (literally).
Ready to work with Nonprofits Powering Summer?
Summer is short—but the impact you make can last a lifetime.
If you're looking for meaningful work, strong community, and the chance to be part of something bigger than yourself, these nonprofits are hiring now. Whether you're passionate about youth mentorship, public health, science education, or environmental stewardship, there’s a place for you to plug in and shine.
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