The 500 Festival, a not-for-profit community organization, was created in 1957 to organize civic events celebrating the greatest race in the world. Over the past 60+ years, the 500 Festival has grown to become one of the largest festivals in the nation. Each year, 500,000 Hoosiers and visitors participated in festival activities throughout the month of May. Whether they were athletes running the Mini-Marathon, fourth-grade students participating in the Education Program, families enjoying the state’s largest festival for kids, or spectators being dazzled by one of the nation’s premier parades, they were there, celebrating the legacy.

No other singular sporting event in the world has a legacy like the Indianapolis 500. No other event has shaped and defined a city and state and its people like the Indianapolis 500.

What if you could help over 1,600 children and adults in one year and have a ton of fun while doing it? When you join our herd of volunteers, you can do just that! Learn more on our website at https://agaperiding.org/volunteer/ There are still spots available in our February Volunteer Orientation sessions! What are you waiting for?! Multiple regular, weekly, volunteer opportunities that offer many different experiences. Consider joining Agape in their mission, and become a volunteer today! No experience necessary, just a heart to serve and the willingness to learn.

The Indiana Region serves 6.9 million people across 104 counties in Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, and Illinois. The American Red Cross has been serving the people of Indiana for more than 100 years. Translate your care and concern for people down the street, across the country and around the world through our humanitarian work.

Mission
The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.

Vision
The American Red Cross, through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, is always there in times of need. We aspire to turn compassion into action so that:

• all people affected by disaster across the country and around the world receive care, shelter and hope;
• everyone in our country has access to safe, lifesaving blood and blood products;
• our communities are ready and prepared for disasters;
• all members of our armed services and their families find support and comfort whenever needed; and
• in an emergency, there are always trained individuals nearby, ready to use their Red Cross skills to save lives.

ArtMix is an Indianapolis-based not-for-profit organization that works to transform the lives of people with and without disabilities through the creation of art. With six core programs and additional special projects, ArtMix serves more than 7,000 people annually.

Conner Prairie is a unique historic place that inspires curiosity and fosters learning by providing engaging and individualized experiences for everyone. Their vision is to expand the boundaries of our historical and natural resources by exploring, celebrating, and improving the human experience. Through a heart for the past, a head for the present, and an eye to the future, our doors are always open to a diversity of voices and limitless experiences.

Damar Services tries to build better futures for children and adults facing life’s greatest developmental and behavioral challenges. They offer a full range of services for children, adolescents, and adults with developmental, behavioral, and intellectual disabilities: residential and community-based treatment, autism services, education, outpatient behavioral health, and more. Their mission to provide life-changing treatment and support. Over the decades, they helped move thousands of deserving children and adults from vulnerability and crisis to stability and independence.

They pride themselves on serving every client and family through our dynamic and innovative network of services and resources. And they provide that service nonstop – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year – with love and passion. The kind of genuine, heartfelt care that makes hope, happiness and, success possible.

The Eiteljorg houses an extensive collection of visual arts by indigenous peoples of the Americas, as well as Western art. The museum offers a fascinating exploration of Native American history, culture, and the American West through its diverse collection of art and cultural objects.

Volunteers help us carry out our mission to support Indiana children and families. Each year, volunteers contribute more than 8,000 hours of service to Firefly Children and Family Alliance. And we’re always looking for additional volunteers. Whether you live in the Indianapolis area or another central Indiana community, we want your support. We have volunteer opportunities for individuals, groups, companies, organizations and more.

Would you like an ongoing volunteer opportunity that will foster relationships and connect with the youth of Hamilton Southeastern Schools? We are seeking dedicated volunteers who are available to assist with 5th grade STEM Activities at the Maker Playground Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. – 2:45 p.m.

Due to the nature of this opportunity, we are asking volunteers to commit to at least one day a week through the end of the school year. Tours will not occur during school breaks. Please do not respond to this opportunity if you are not able to volunteer once a week.

Gleaners Food Bank is the largest food bank in Indiana1. It was established in 1980 and became an affiliate of Feeding America in 1981. The food bank is dedicated to leading the fight against hunger in Indiana. It provides food to hundreds of partner agencies, including soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and others across the region. Every dollar donated to Gleaners provides three meals for those in need.

Annually the Good Samaritan Network has several major Holiday related events which provide nearly 3,000 opportunities for volunteering and serving Hamilton County families during the Holidays!

ICAN advocates for independence and opportunity by facilitating partnerships between people and dogs to unleash possibility.

Our accredited service dog training and Indiana placement program provides safety, friendship, and independence for children, veterans, and adults with disabilities and veterans with service-related trauma specific to PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and military sexual trauma.

Indiana Landmarks is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, supported by members and led by a volunteer board, with a main office in Indianapolis and nine regional offices, staffed by professionals,  who help people save and revitalize historic places. Our primary programs include:

• Field services: Our regional office staff can offer resources, advice, and support.
• Historic sites 
• Education: from tours, lectures, and a major annual conference to summer camps for kids
• Endangered property rescues and rehabs

• Protective easements on significant buildings

• Indiana Preservation magazine and a range of digital communications

• Formal alliances with local preservation groups and commissions

• Grants and loans

Founded in 1960, Indiana Landmarks is proud of our status as the largest statewide preservation organization in the U.S. because it means that people here value historic places and that we are darn good at what we do

The Indiana Repertory Theatre (IRT) is a professional regional theatre located in Indianapolis, Indiana. It began as a genuine repertory theatre with its casts performing in multiple shows at once. Over time, it has evolved into a regional theatre and is now a member of the League of Resident Theatres. The IRT’s standard season typically consists of nine or ten plays on two different stages, with the majority of performances taking place on the OneAmerica Stage. The theatre company has a rich history and has been housed in two different buildings. It was established in 1972 at The Athenaeum and moved to its current location, The Indiana Theatre, in 1980.

The Indiana Theatre is a former Paramount Pictures Publix Theatre built in 1927 and converted from a movie theater for IRT’s use. The IRT offers world-class theatre experiences and aims to build a vital, vibrant, and informed community through the transformational power of live theatre.

See more: https://www.irtlive.com/about/

The Ambassadors is an all volunteer-run educational and social organization based around volunteering in and around Indianapolis. Through community engagement, we energize volunteers to bring the best out of our city. Volunteers are needed to help us act upon our mission to educate, entertain, and mobilize volunteers.

Indianapolis Animal Care Services’ dedicated team of volunteers come in weekly to care for hundreds of animals. In 2023 alone, volunteers donated over 23,500 hours; but more help is desperately needed. To become a volunteer, first complete the online volunteer application. Once the application has been reviewed, applicants will get an email about how to sign up for orientation. During orientation, new volunteers will learn about all the different ways they can help and next steps!

IACS also offers one-time volunteer opportunities for groups. Please email Volunteer Coordinator lauren.wyatt@indy.gov for more info.

The Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra (ISO), founded in 1930, is the largest performing arts organization in Indiana. The ISO has made significant contributions to the world of music through its commitment to artistic excellence, innovative music education programs, and collaborative performances.

The mission of the Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra is to inspire, entertain, educate, and challenge through innovative programs and symphonic music performed at the highest artistic level.

The Art Center builds a better, stronger, more vibrant and more united community through art. As a nonprofit, every year we offer hundreds of classes and camps, more than a dozen contemporary art exhibitions in six galleries, an outreach program that takes art into underserved communities, the OneAmerica Broad Ripple Art Fair, and much, much more!

IndyHumane’s mission is to improve animal welfare in central Indiana. We are committed to ending the cycle of pet overpopulation, providing affordable pet ownership, and ensuring the well-being, health and safety of all animals in our care. We strive to promote the human animal bond and the powerful impact this mutually beneficial relationship has on individuals, families, and the Indianapolis community.

Our vision is that all central Indiana animals are treated with dignity and respect and live free from cruelty, harm, and neglect.

Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) is an environmental and community nonprofit with a mission to help people and nature thrive. They’re an award-winning affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Inc., a national organization dedicated to preserving the natural beauty and environment in American communities.

The organization believe in shared responsibility, and they know that sustainability starts with love. So, they engage and empower citizens of all ages and backgrounds to act. From tree planting to block-by-block cleanups, they roll up their sleeves to keep Indianapolis beautiful and make our city proud-both today and for generations.

Ring the kettles to support the community at businesses throughout Indianapolis!

Please visit www.registertoring.com where you may create an account and sign up as an individual or group (bring your friends, family, coworkers, etc.) to ring the bells at a store location near you. (individuals under 18 years of age must have a parent/guardian/adult with them)

Sign up as an individual or group (bring your friends, family, coworkers, etc.) to ring the bells at a store location near you. All of the money raised will remain in the local community to help individuals and families who need assistance.

>>>> Registration is Required to Participate <<<<

The HOSTS (Help One Student To Succeed) program uses one-to-one mentoring in a structured, personalized approach to help elementary students achieve reading success. Why serve as a HOSTS mentor? An hour of your week provides the one-to-one attention that helps 2nd or 3rd-grade students succeed with reading. Mentors work one-to-one with two students for 30 minutes each, using easy-to-follow materials prepared by the HOSTS staff that target specific reading skills. The only qualification needed is the desire to help a student.

The HOSTS program operates in all 11 elementary schools in the MSD of Wayne Township. Volunteers are needed at all of our schools.

The HOSTS program just celebrated its 20th year of helping students to succeed!

Mentors commit to just one hour per week and teams of two or more can alternate weeks.

Various mentoring times from 8am until 2pm are available to accommodate volunteers’ busy schedules.

We recruit volunteers year-round. However, mentoring opportunities follow the school calendar, and volunteers are needed from September to May.

Westminster Neighborhood Services provides education support, access to basic needs, and community connections to empower neighbors and strengthen youth and families on the Near Eastside of Indianapolis.

Westminster’s holistic approach to serve the entire family is important to the thousands of neighbors that come through the doors annually. The relationship built with the families is so important; at times we might be the only ones cheering on these families and helping them navigate hard situations they face daily. 42% of the neighborhood living below the poverty level and 21% live with an annual income less than $10,000. That comes with barriers that they need help over coming, and Westminster’s services are essential to help families break down those barriers and break free from the obstacles holding them back in life.

Women4Change creates positive change for Hoosiers because of the people behind the organization. With dedicated board members, committee members, and staff, we are able to work toward a future of equity for Hoosier women. Our organization welcomes all Hoosiers to be a part of the positive change we create every day in our state.