Nonprofit organizations thrive because of the people who support them, and volunteers are often at the heart of that success. In Wilmington, NC, there’s no shortage of ways to make a difference, whether you’re a long-time resident or planning a move to the area. From hands-on community projects to behind-the-scenes support, Wilmington nonprofits offer opportunities for every passion and skill set. Ready to get involved? Here’s your guide to 10 Wilmington, North Carolina charities that you should consider supporting.
Table of Contents
- Wilmington, NC Nonprofits and Charities
- Tips on Volunteering for Wilmington Nonprofits
- 1. NourishNC
- 2. Community United Effort (CUE) of Wilmington
- 3. Paws4People
- 4. Assistance League, Greater Wilmington
- 5. Cape Fear Literary Council
- 6. Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary
- 7. Plastic Ocean Project
- 8. Monty’s Home
- 9. Special Pedals Inc.
- 10. Theatre for All
- How to Find Other Wilmington, NC Nonprofits
- Conclusion
- FAQs
Wilmington, NC Nonprofits and Charities
Volunteer opportunities in North Carolina are plentiful, and Wilmington is part of a thriving nonprofit network. Across the city, nearly 2,000 nonprofits focus on causes like education, recreation and sports, and human services. Local organizations work to improve schools, provide recreational programs, support families in need, and protect community resources. Volunteering at Wilmington nonprofits strengthens the city and connects you with neighbors, builds skills, and leaves a lasting mark.
Tips on Volunteering for Wilmington Nonprofits
Nonprofits play a vital role in local communities, and there are many ways to get involved. Whether you’re interested in working in the nonprofit sector or simply want to support causes you care about, your time and efforts make a difference in building a stronger, more connected Wilmington.
Common nonprofit roles include senior management, communications professionals, development and funding staff, and program coordinators. If you want to give back but don’t have time for a full-time job, here are simple ways to help:
- Call your local nonprofit to ask how you can help.
- Volunteer at events or programs.
- Share their posts and help create flyers to spread the word.
- Organize fundraisers or donation drives in your community.
- Get friends and family involved in supporting the cause.
- Research nonprofits that pick up donations in your area.
1. NourishNC
NourishNC is a Wilmington, NC, nonprofit dedicated to ending childhood hunger by providing healthy, nutritious food to local kids and their families. Their programs ensure that children not only have access to food but also the resources they need to thrive in the classroom and beyond. From weekend meal packs to a mobile grocery store, NourishNC is there, anywhere food-insecure children need them. UniMovers is proud to partner with NourishNC to support their mission!
How to Help
Volunteering is at the heart of everything NourishNC does. It takes thousands of volunteer hours each year to make sure no child in Greater Wilmington goes to bed hungry, and your time can make a direct difference. Individuals can sign up for weekday volunteer shifts, groups can book packing sessions at the Market Street warehouse, and anyone can help by assembling Snack Packs from home, school, church, or the office. Whether you give a few hours or organize a group project, every effort helps change lives, brighten futures, and strengthen the community.
2. Community United Effort (CUE) of Wilmington
Community United Effort (CUE) of Wilmington was founded in 1994 to support families of missing loved ones. Staffed entirely by volunteers, CUE provides free, professionally trained search teams, victim support services, and public education on prevention and safety. What began as a local Wilmington nonprofit has grown into a national network that has helped over 12,000 families navigate difficult and uncertain times.
How to Help
CUE is powered entirely by volunteers – from business leaders and students to trained search teams and missing persons experts. With more than 15,000 members nationwide, every skill set is valued, whether you can assist in the field, help organize awareness events, or offer administrative support. Volunteers are encouraged to attend training sessions, gain search certifications, and deepen their understanding of missing persons cases. Even if you can’t assist in searches, your time, talents, and dedication can make a real difference in helping families find closure.
Looking to move soon?
Check out UniMovers and save 30-50% on your move as compared with traditional moving!
3. Paws4People
Paws4People uses the power of Assistance Dogs to change lives, training and placing dogs to support individuals in need. Their dogs are skilled in everything from mental health services and mobility assistance to crisis response. The organization serves children with disabilities, veterans coping with PTSD, and individuals with brain injuries. They are providing not just practical aid, but also emotional support and greater independence. Paws4People also advocates for better public awareness of invisible disabilities, ensuring that every Assistance Dog user can access the community with dignity and understanding.
How to Help
There are many ways to get involved with Paws4People, whether you’re local to Wilmington or supporting from afar. Volunteers can work directly with dogs through puppy socialization or lend their professional skills in areas like resource development, media and PR, graphic design, copywriting, videography, web design, or digital marketing.
If you can’t volunteer in person, you can still make an impact by donating online, either as a one-time gift or a recurring contribution. Another option is to “shop small” through their Etsy store, where purchases of official merchandise and handmade items directly benefit this Wilmington charity’s mission.
4. Assistance League, Greater Wilmington
Part of a national network of 120 chapters, the Assistance League of Greater Wilmington is an all-volunteer nonprofit dedicated to transforming lives and strengthening the community. Their local programs focus on providing clothing to children in need, hosting activities for residents of low-income nursing homes, and operating a thrift store that funds their charitable efforts.
As part of the first volunteer-based organization of its kind, the Greater Wilmington chapter contributes to a nationwide impact. Last year alone, Assistance League chapters across the country returned $38.8 million to local communities and invested more than 3.2 million hours of volunteer service.
How to Help
Joining the Assistance League is the most impactful way to contribute. New members attend an orientation, pay annual dues, and commit to regular involvement. This includes things like volunteering at the thrift shop, participating in philanthropic programs, and helping with fundraising events. Volunteers can also serve on committees, assist with grant writing, or donate items to the thrift shop. For those who can’t commit to full membership, supporting their fundraising activities, attending events, or making financial contributions still plays a vital role in sustaining their work.
5. Cape Fear Literary Council
The Cape Fear Literacy Council in Wilmington is dedicated to empowering adults and families through personalized literacy education. Their mission is to help adults transform their lives by developing essential reading, writing, and language skills. Founded in 1984 as an independent nonprofit, CFLC grew from a small volunteer initiative into a key resource for the Cape Fear region. To date, they have trained over 2,000 volunteer tutors who have generously donated hundreds of thousands of hours to support thousands of learners in breaking the cycle of illiteracy.
How to Help
Volunteering as a tutor for this Wilmington nonprofit is a direct and impactful way to support the Cape Fear Literacy Council. Volunteers receive training to provide one-on-one or small group instruction tailored to adult learners’ needs. Beyond tutoring, volunteers can assist with outreach, fundraising, or administrative support. Donations also help sustain and expand literacy programs, making a meaningful difference in individuals’ lives. Whether you have a few hours a week or want to contribute in other ways, this is an amazing Wilmington charity to support.
6. Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary
The Cape Fear Parrot Sanctuary (CFPS) in Wilmington, NC rescues and rehabilitates parrots that have been abandoned, abused, or whose owners can no longer care for them. They provide permanent, safe homes where these birds can live healthy, social lives. In addition to direct care, this Wilmington nonprofit educates the community on responsible pet ownership and the unique needs of companion birds.
How to Help
CFPS relies entirely on donations and volunteers, as it receives no government funding. You can support this Wilmington charity by donating funds or supplies, volunteering to help care for the birds, assisting with educational programs, or helping with fundraising events. Volunteer opportunities often include feeding, cleaning, and socializing with the birds, as well as outreach to spread awareness about parrot welfare. Every contribution helps provide a loving refuge for these special animals.
7. Plastic Ocean Project
Plastic Ocean Project (POP) is a nonprofit organization in Wilmington focused on combating plastic pollution in our oceans. They combine scientific research, education, and creative storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action. POP also partners with businesses to promote sustainable practices and works to implement science-based solutions to end ocean and offshore plastic pollution nationwide.
How to Help
You can support POP by volunteering for their clean-up events, participating in educational programs, or helping with community outreach. Businesses can join their Ocean Friendly Establishments program to reduce plastic use. Additionally, donations help fund scientific research and outreach efforts to support their mission.
POP also offers internships, providing hands-on experience in laboratory research, digital marketing, event outreach, and program involvement. Interns gain skills in microplastic research, data management, communications, and community education. These opportunities are perfect for students or anyone interested in environmental science and advocacy.
8. Monty’s Home
Monty’s Home is a Wilmington charity inspired by the love and spirit of Monty, a therapy dog who passed in 2006. The organization rescues shelter dogs through its Pawsitive Partners Prison Program. In this program, dogs receive eight weeks of training from inmates before being adopted into forever homes. In addition, Monty’s Home supports pet owners facing illness, aging, or end-of-life care for their animals. It also offers its Pet Ed 101 Program to teach students about responsible pet care and humane treatment.
How to Help
There are many ways to support this Wilmington, NC, nonprofit. One of the easiest ways is by donating supplies directly through their Amazon Wishlist or sending a Chewy gift card to provide treats and essentials for the dogs in their care. Locals can also shop, donate, or volunteer at the Animal Lovers Thrift Store, which helps fund Monty’s Home programs. Volunteers are always welcome to assist with shifts or donate gently used, animal-related items.
If you’re passionate about training, Monty’s Home is expanding its Pawsitive Partners Prison Program and needs experienced dog trainers and apprentices eager to learn. Even if training isn’t for you, you can still contribute by donating items like crates, Kong and Nylabone toys, grooming supplies, or all-natural treats. Finally, supporters can make direct donations via PayPal or by mail—every contribution helps Monty’s Home rescue, train, and place dogs into loving homes while educating the community.
9. Special Pedals Inc.
Special Pedals Inc. is a nonprofit bike shop that supports adults with disabilities. They offer training and work opportunities for adults with neurodiversities. Volunteers act as mentors and teach skills in areas like bicycle mechanics, marketing, and art. The goal is to help participants gain confidence, independence, and meaningful employment.
How to Help
Volunteering at Special Pedals is a great way to make a real difference in someone’s life. You can help out at events, check in participants, or lend a hand with setup. If you know your way around a bike, become a mentor and teach new skills to adults with disabilities. You can also pitch in at the warehouse or storefront. Every hour you give to this Wilmington charity helps support a more welcoming, inclusive community.
10. Theatre for All
This nonprofit brings the transformative power of theater to people with disabilities in Wilmington, NC. They offer comprehensive theater education, high-quality performances, and classroom outreach programs in local schools. Beyond the stage, TFA provides vocational training, community-building opportunities, and specialized employment programs for members, helping them explore careers in the arts. Since 2014, TFA has grown its programs to include a dance company, choir, and leadership training, making theater accessible to all.
How to Help
There are many ways to get involved with Theatre for All in Wilmington, NC. Volunteers can join the Fundraising Committee, assist with events, or even apply for Board of Directors membership. Other opportunities include transporting performers to rehearsals and performances, helping backstage with set, lights, sound, props, or stage management, designing or sewing costumes, and supporting front-of-house activities like ticketing, ushering, and merchandise. You can also teach a class or workshop to share your skills with performers.
If volunteering isn’t an option, you can still support TFA by donating online or sponsoring the organization, helping them expand programs, reach more schools, and continue producing high-quality performances.
How to Find Other Wilmington, NC Nonprofits
There are plenty of other North Carolina charities doing great work that welcome volunteers both in person and remotely. If you’re looking for nonprofit jobs in North Carolina, there are many opportunities to do that as well!
Websites like Catchafire and VolunteerMatch make it easy to find flexible, accessible volunteer opportunities in North Carolina. This includes everything from virtual mentoring and social media support to event help and more. Whether you prefer hands-on roles or remote projects, these platforms connect you with causes that fit your skills and schedule.
Conclusion
Wilmington, NC, is home to a vibrant nonprofit community making a tangible impact on local lives. From providing healthy food to children, empowering adults with disabilities, rescuing animals, and fostering arts education, these organizations rely on volunteers, donors, and advocates to thrive.
Getting involved—whether through hands-on volunteering, mentoring, or financial support—doesn’t just strengthen the community; it also builds skills, connections, and a sense of purpose. Whatever your interests or schedule, there’s a Wilmington charity where you can make a meaningful difference and help create lasting change!
FAQs
Not usually! Many Wilmington nonprofits and North Carolina charities welcome volunteers of all skill levels. Some programs, like mentoring or technical support, may ask for specific experience, but training is often provided.
Yes! Some nonprofits, such as Cape Fear Literacy Council or NourishNC, offer remote opportunities like digital outreach, content creation, or packing snack packs from home.
Many organizations post opportunities on their websites, and platforms like VolunteerMatch and Catchafire also list remote and local volunteer positions. You can also contact nonprofits directly to learn about current needs.
You can donate online, sponsor a program, or help raise awareness by sharing events and campaigns on social media. Even small contributions make a big difference! If you want to make an even bigger impact, consider searching for nonprofit jobs in North Carolina.
Skylar Sanders is an Atlanta native and earned her BA in Film and Media Studies from Georgia State University in 2022. She is currently a graduate student at GSU studying Communications with a concentration in Digital Media Strategies. In her free time she enjoys being in nature, volunteering, creating digital art, and catching up on her favorite TV shows.
