Give Back, Boulder Creek
Put your time or money to work close to home. Find organizations supporting our neighbors, parks, kids, animals and community, and straightforward ways to help.
Listings and action links are reviewed before publication and dated when checked. If something has changed, please send us a correction.
Donate Local
Want your giving to stay close to home? Browse verified charities serving Boulder Creek and follow the organization’s official giving link.
- Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department Inc.
- Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District Foundation
- San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society / SLV Museum
- Boulder Creek Library Friends
- Kitten Kornher Rescue
- YMCA Camp Campbell
- Easterseals Central California / Camp Harmon
- Camping Unlimited / Camp Krem
- Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture
- lille æske arthouse
- Valley Churches United
- Valley Women's Club of San Lorenzo Valley
- Mountain Parks Foundation
- SLV Foundation for Education
- Community Bridges / Mountain Community Resources
- Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
- Grey Bears
- Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay
- CASA of Santa Cruz County
- Land Trust of Santa Cruz County
- Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
- Highlands Park Senior & Community Center
- Damian's Ladder
- Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship
- Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
- Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
- Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
- Native Animal Rescue
- Santa Cruz SPCA
Volunteer Local
Have an hour, a Saturday, a professional skill, or room for an ongoing commitment? These local organizations and community programs could use the help.
- Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department Inc.
- Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District Foundation
- San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society / SLV Museum
- Boulder Creek Library Friends
- Kitten Kornher Rescue
- YMCA Camp Campbell
- Easterseals Central California / Camp Harmon
- Camping Unlimited / Camp Krem
- Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture
- lille æske arthouse
- Valley Churches United
- Valley Women's Club of San Lorenzo Valley
- Mountain Parks Foundation
- SLV Foundation for Education
- Community Bridges / Mountain Community Resources
- Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
- Grey Bears
- Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay
- CASA of Santa Cruz County
- Land Trust of Santa Cruz County
- Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
- Highlands Park Senior & Community Center
- Damian's Ladder
- Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship
- Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
- Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
- KBCZ 89.3 FM
- Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
- Native Animal Rescue
- Santa Cruz SPCA
Student Volunteer Hours
Need community-service hours? Start with organizations that welcome younger volunteers or offer youth-specific opportunities. Age rules vary, and you should confirm that your school will accept the hours before you begin.
- YMCA Camp Campbell
- Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
- Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay
- Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
- Boulder Creek Library Friends
- Valley Churches United
- Valley Women's Club of San Lorenzo Valley
- Community Bridges / Mountain Community Resources
- Grey Bears
- Land Trust of Santa Cruz County
- Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship
- Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
- Native Animal Rescue
- Santa Cruz SPCA
Find a way to help
30 organizations
No organizations match these filters. Try another cause or geography, or show all organizations.
Boulder Creek Volunteer Fire Department Inc.
Nonprofit fundraising arm supporting Boulder Creek's volunteer fire department, equipment, scholarships, and community programs.
Ways to help and eligibility
Fundraisers, community events, department support; inquire for current openings.
Age and eligibility: No youth age published; confirm with department.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Boulder Creek Recreation & Park District Foundation
Supports local parks, facilities, recreation programs, equipment, beautification, and community projects.
Ways to help and eligibility
Community events, parks/program support, volunteer team.
Age and eligibility: No minimum age published.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
San Lorenzo Valley Historical Society / SLV Museum
Preserves and shares San Lorenzo Valley history through the Boulder Creek museum, exhibits, archives, programs, and school outreach.
Ways to help and eligibility
Museum support, collections/history work, events and community volunteering.
Age and eligibility: No minimum age published; volunteer opportunities routed through local volunteer network.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Boulder Creek Library Friends
Local Friends chapter raising money and volunteering to enhance Boulder Creek Library programs, resources, and community events.
Ways to help and eligibility
Event planning, outreach, fundraising, marketing, graphic design, branch committee support.
Age and eligibility: Flexible involvement described; age minimum not published.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: Nonprofit partner / Friends organization
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Kitten Kornher Rescue
Local cat and kitten rescue providing care, veterinary support, adoption help, and responsible-pet education.
Ways to help and eligibility
Animal-care/rescue support likely; confirm current volunteer intake directly.
Age and eligibility: No verified minimum age.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3) public charity
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
YMCA Camp Campbell
YMCA camp and outdoor education center serving youth and families in the redwoods, including camp scholarships and outdoor science education.
Ways to help and eligibility
Volunteer cabin leaders mentor outdoor-science students; other YMCA volunteer options may exist.
Age and eligibility: Cabin leaders: at least 15, in 10th grade or higher, good academic standing.
Service hours: Strong candidate; confirm documentation process
Organizational status: 501(c)(3) via YMCA of Silicon Valley
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Easterseals Central California / Camp Harmon
Fully accessible Boulder Creek camp serving children and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities, plus respite and family services.
Ways to help and eligibility
Camp work-days and organizational service; inquire about current opportunities.
Age and eligibility: No volunteer minimum age verified; summer staff roles are separate.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Camping Unlimited / Camp Krem
Provides camping, recreation, social and educational programs for children and adults with developmental disabilities; Boulder Creek campus is rebuilding after CZU fire.
Ways to help and eligibility
Weekend-trip volunteers, camper/activity assistance, kitchen and other skill-based support.
Boulder Creek campus is not currently operating while rebuilding.
Age and eligibility: Age requirements vary; confirm for each program.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Vajrapani Institute for Wisdom Culture
Boulder Creek nonprofit retreat and educational center focused on Buddhist study, meditation, and contemplative practice.
Ways to help and eligibility
Retreat-center and community support opportunities; verify current volunteer program.
Age and eligibility: No student-specific age verified.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
lille æske arthouse
Local nonprofit arts organization and intimate venue supporting artists, performances, exhibitions, and community cultural life.
Ways to help and eligibility
Arts/event support likely; confirm current volunteer pathway.
Age and eligibility: No minimum age verified.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Valley Churches United
Provides food pantry, emergency assistance, senior support, holiday help, and limited housing/utility/transportation assistance to SLV residents.
Ways to help and eligibility
Food pantry, boutique, annual events, fundraisers, professional services and recurring shifts.
Age and eligibility: No minimum age published; youth groups are mentioned as supporters.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Valley Women's Club of San Lorenzo Valley
Community action organization supporting environmental, educational and social issues across the San Lorenzo Valley.
Ways to help and eligibility
Committees, community projects, events, environmental and family-support work.
Age and eligibility: Site explicitly welcomes teens; no minimum age published.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Mountain Parks Foundation
Funds education, visitor services, trail signs, museums, school trips and stewardship for Big Basin and Henry Cowell state parks.
Ways to help and eligibility
Nature Store, office support, events, park-related volunteering.
Age and eligibility: Site says volunteers include young people; no minimum age stated.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
SLV Foundation for Education
Raises support for educational opportunities benefiting students throughout San Lorenzo Valley Unified School District.
Ways to help and eligibility
Board/community participation and education-focused volunteer support.
Age and eligibility: No minimum age published.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Community Bridges / Mountain Community Resources
Family resource center providing food distribution, public-benefit enrollment, parent education, advocacy and service navigation to valley residents.
Ways to help and eligibility
Program and community volunteering; current client-to-volunteer pathway is documented.
Minors have a specific volunteer application process.
Age and eligibility: No minimum age verified.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3) parent nonprofit
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County
County food bank supplying partner pantries and distributions and serving food-insecure residents throughout Santa Cruz County.
Ways to help and eligibility
Warehouse food packing, Saturday sorts, distributions, events, clerical work, gleaning.
Age and eligibility: 10–12 with parent; 13+ may volunteer with waiver; off-site generally 14+; gleaning generally 16+.
Service hours: Strong candidate
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Grey Bears
Provides healthy food and social connection for seniors while operating reuse, recycling, thrift and volunteer programs.
Ways to help and eligibility
More than 20 volunteer roles across food, thrift, recycling and community programs.
Age and eligibility: Volunteer Center listing: 15+ with adult; 16+ independently for specific thrift role. Verify by role.
Service hours: Strong candidate
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Habitat for Humanity Monterey Bay
Builds affordable homes and homeownership opportunities for qualifying families in Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties.
Ways to help and eligibility
Construction, ReStore, administrative and community-event volunteering.
Age and eligibility: Construction: 16+; other roles may vary.
Service hours: Strong candidate
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
CASA of Santa Cruz County
Advocates for children and youth in foster care through trained Court Appointed Special Advocates and community support.
Ways to help and eligibility
CASA advocacy and Friends of CASA event/support volunteering; advocacy roles require screening/training.
Age and eligibility: CASA advocate roles are adult positions; youth opportunities not verified.
Service hours: Not primary teen option
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Land Trust of Santa Cruz County
Protects, cares for and connects people to natural and working lands throughout Santa Cruz County.
Ways to help and eligibility
Land stewardship and community volunteer opportunities; verify current openings.
Age and eligibility: No minimum age verified.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County
Connects residents to volunteer opportunities across Santa Cruz County and operates multiple service programs.
Ways to help and eligibility
Countywide volunteer matching plus Volunteer Center programs.
Age and eligibility: Age varies by listed opportunity.
Service hours: Varies by host; excellent discovery resource
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Highlands Park Senior & Community Center
Senior meals; food distribution; Medicare/tax help; caregiver support; classes
Ways to help and eligibility
Contact organization
Age and eligibility: Confirm by role/opportunity
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Damian's Ladder
Small home repairs; aging-in-place; disability support
Ways to help and eligibility
See volunteer link / contact organization
Age and eligibility: Confirm by role/opportunity
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Santa Cruz Mountains Trail Stewardship
Trail building; maintenance; stewardship; Miller Property project
Ways to help and eligibility
Contact organization
Age and eligibility: Confirm by role/opportunity
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Santa Cruz Mountains Art Center
Arts classes; exhibits; youth programs; community arts
Ways to help and eligibility
See volunteer link / contact organization
Age and eligibility: Confirm by role/opportunity
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
State-park education; access; stewardship
Ways to help and eligibility
See volunteer link / contact organization
Age and eligibility: Confirm by role/opportunity
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
KBCZ 89.3 FM
Community radio; local information; events; media volunteering
Ways to help and eligibility
See volunteer link / contact organization
Age and eligibility: Confirm by role/opportunity
Service hours: Confirm directly
Workbook checked 2026-09-11 · Report an update
Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter
Adoptions, stray and lost and found services, dog licensing, low-cost spay and neuter for county residents, humane education, and volunteer and foster programs.
Ways to help and eligibility
Dog, cat and rabbit care, enrichment, grounds and fostering. Start with an in-person orientation in Santa Cruz.
Age and eligibility: Ages 12 and over with a volunteer over 18, who handles the animals.
Service hours: School and Eagle Scout hours offered by the shelter; confirm documentation directly
Organizational status: Public joint powers authority (EIN 90-0039494); the separate Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter Foundation is a 501(c)(3) (EIN 51-0439604)
Workbook checked 2026-09-13 · Report an update
Native Animal Rescue
Rescue, rehabilitation and release of native wildlife, plus advice on what to do when you find an animal in trouble.
Ways to help and eligibility
Weekly animal care shifts, animal rescue and transport, enclosure building and fundraising outreach. Baby-season training runs in spring, and applications can close once the season is staffed.
Age and eligibility: Adults 18 and over; ages 16 and 17 with written parent or guardian permission; under 16 with an accompanying adult. Rescue and transport drivers need proof of insurance.
Service hours: Confirm directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-13 · Report an update
Santa Cruz SPCA
Cat and dog adoptions, a pet food pantry, support for seniors and their pets, behavior help, and youth humane education programs.
Ways to help and eligibility
Animal socialization, fostering, the pet food pantry, events, humane education and grounds. Most animal roles ask for a weekly commitment.
Age and eligibility: Regular volunteers 16 and over. Youth programs: PAWS ages 7 to 10, Junior Animal Care Team 11 and over, Teen Service Saturdays ages 13 to 15.
Service hours: Teen Service Saturdays (ages 13 to 15) earn community service hours one Saturday a month; confirm documentation directly
Organizational status: 501(c)(3)
Workbook checked 2026-09-13 · Report an update
Boulder Creek Local verifies organizational status and links, but does not provide tax advice. Eligibility and deductibility can depend on the gift and donor.
Meet the people doing the work
Are we missing an organization?
If your nonprofit, community group or public-service program serves Boulder Creek residents, send us the details. We’ll verify the organization and its current links before adding it.
Include the legal name, service area, website, donation and volunteer links, and nonprofit status if claimed.
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