Looking for ways to give back in Charleston, South Carolina? From education to health and the arts, Charleston nonprofits and charities make a big impact. Whether you’re new to the city or a longtime resident, there are plenty of volunteer opportunities in Charleston, SC, to match your passions. By supporting these organizations, you can strengthen community connections while helping local programs thrive!
Table of Contents
- Charleston, SC Nonprofits and Charities
- Tips on Volunteering for Charleston Nonprofits
- 1. Sweet J’s Clubhouse
- 2. Charleston Jazz
- 3. Teachers’ Supply Closet
- 4. Lowcountry Equestrian-Assisted Psychotherapy (LEAP)
- 5. My Sister’s House
- 6. Camp Rise Above
- 7. Carolina Basset Hound Rescue
- 8. Beautiful Gate Center
- 9. Yo Art!
- 10. Lowcountry Food Bank
- How to Find Other Charleston, SC Nonprofits
- Conclusion
- FAQ’s
Charleston, SC Nonprofits and Charities
Volunteer opportunities in Charleston, SC, are abundant, thanks to a thriving network of nearly 5,000 organizations. From education and recreation to health and human services, Charleston nonprofits and charities work every day to strengthen the community. These groups improve the city’s schools, provide youth programs, support families in need, and protect vital resources. Getting involved with any of these South Carolina nonprofits benefits the city and helps you connect with neighbors, build new skills, and make a lasting impact.
Tips on Volunteering for Charleston 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 Charleston.
Common South Carolina 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. Sweet J’s Clubhouse
One of the most meaningful nonprofits making a difference in Charleston is Sweet J’s Clubhouse, an organization UniMovers is proud to partner with. Sweet J’s Clubhouse exists to ensure no child has to face grief alone. Meeting every third Saturday at a local high school, the program provides a safe, judgment-free space where children can share their feelings and find healing.
Through creative outlets like journaling, arts and crafts, dancing, singing, and writing, members are encouraged to express their emotions in healthy ways while exploring their talents. As one of the most impactful Charleston charities, Sweet J’s Clubhouse is building community support for children navigating loss and grief, showcasing the power of this South Carolina nonprofit to change lives.
How To Help
Supporting Sweet J’s Clubhouse is a meaningful way to get involved with the community. One of the organization’s biggest goals is to secure a permanent meeting space for its youth members. If you have a building to donate or would like to contribute to their building fund, your support can help make that dream a reality.
You can also shop their online store, where mugs, shirts, and candles are available, with proceeds going directly to their mission. In addition, Sweet J’s hosts community events such as fundraisers and college fairs, which provide an excellent way to connect, show support, and raise awareness.
2. Charleston Jazz
Charleston Jazz is one of the most dynamic Charleston nonprofits, dedicated to celebrating and preserving the city’s rich history in jazz. Through performances, education, and outreach, the organization works to cultivate both a local and global jazz community. In 2017, they launched the Charleston Jazz Academy, which provides accessible music education for students of all backgrounds and nurtures the next generation of jazz musicians.
Charleston Jazz enriches the community with world-class performances, including an annual season at the Charleston Music Hall and the Charleston Jazz Festival. Their outreach extends into schools as well, where programs like Jazz Day for Kids and in-school performances inspire a love of music in young audiences.
How To Help
Support Charleston Jazz by helping to educate the next generation at the Charleston Jazz Academy or sustaining performances by the Charleston Jazz Orchestra. Donations make a big impact, and supporters can attend exclusive events like Jazz Salons, the Holiday Swing reception, and the annual Charleston Jazz Gala.
Businesses can partner through sponsorships or advertising, connecting with Charleston’s engaged arts community while funding performances, outreach, and education. Supporting a South Carolina charity like this one helps preserve jazz and strengthen the local community.
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3. Teachers’ Supply Closet
Teachers’ Supply Closet is one of the most impactful Charleston nonprofits, dedicated to ensuring students in the Tri-County area have the tools they need to succeed. Opened in 2009, it is the only free teacher supply store in South Carolina. Today, the nonprofit serves 72 schools across Charleston, Berkeley, and Dorchester counties, where more than 71% of students rely on free or reduced lunch programs and face significant economic barriers. By bridging the gap between limited resources and classroom needs, Teacher’s Supply Closet provides critical support for both educators and students.
How to Help
Teachers’ Supply Closet never charges teachers for the resources it provides, which makes community support essential. There are many ways to get involved with this nonprofit in Charleston, SC: donate school supplies, give a monetary contribution, or volunteer your time.
The organization relies heavily on volunteers to fill online orders, assist with curbside pickups, and keep the supply closet running smoothly. For anyone searching for meaningful volunteer opportunities in Charleston, this nonprofit offers a hands-on way to directly support teachers and students who need it most.
4. Lowcountry Equestrian-Assisted Psychotherapy (LEAP)
Lowcountry Equestrian-Assisted Psychotherapy (LEAP) is a nonprofit in Charleston, SC, that pairs horses with licensed therapists. They provide Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy, an experience-based treatment for children, teens, and adults. LEAP helps people cope with trauma, abuse, domestic violence, neglect, military experiences, and mental illness. For many, this approach succeeds where traditional therapy does not.
How To Help
If you’re searching for volunteer opportunities in Charleston, LEAP offers many ways to get involved. Horse lovers can groom, feed, and care for the animals. Volunteers also help with barn cleaning, landscaping, repairs, and general upkeep. Others support by planning fundraisers, spreading awareness, or connecting the nonprofit with donors. Financial contributions are also welcome. Every bit of support helps LEAP provide life-changing therapy for the Lowcountry community.
5. My Sister’s House
My Sister’s House is one of the most impactful nonprofits in Charleston. For more than 45 years, the organization has supported survivors of domestic violence in the Lowcountry. They provide safe shelters, food, and supplies for individuals and children leaving abusive homes. Beyond emergency help, My Sister’s House connects survivors with education and community resources to break the cycle of abuse.
How To Help
If you’re looking for ways to support nonprofits in Charleston, SC, donating to My Sister’s House makes a direct impact. They accept household goods, food, toiletries, gift cards, and other essentials for survivors. All donated items must be new and unused. While the volunteer program is currently paused, the nonprofit continues to rely on community donations to provide safety and stability for survivors in crisis.
6. Camp Rise Above
Camp Rise Above is one of the most joyful Charleston, SC, nonprofits. The organization creates fun camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, life challenges, and disabilities. The goal is to give every child the chance to laugh, play, and connect—no matter their circumstances. Long-term, Camp Rise Above plans to build a permanent, fully accessible camp facility in the Lowcountry. This space will feature cabins, climbing walls, ropes courses, and a medical center designed to serve thousands of children and families year-round.
How To Help
If you’re searching for volunteer opportunities in Charleston, Camp Rise Above offers one of the most rewarding. Volunteers can serve as camp counselors, paired with the same child throughout each session to provide stability and friendship. Donations are another way to make a difference, helping the nonprofit expand its programs and move closer to building its permanent facility. Whether you volunteer or give financially, your support directly creates life-changing experiences for children who need them most.
7. Carolina Basset Hound Rescue
Carolina Basset Hound Rescue is a nonprofit that rescues, rehabilitates, and rehomes unwanted basset hounds in both North and South Carolina. Founded in 1993, CBHR has saved over 2,500 dogs by providing foster care, medical treatment, and socialization until they are ready for their forever homes. Every basset is spayed or neutered, vaccinated, treated for health issues if needed, and given a clean bill of health before adoption. CBHR ensures a lifelong commitment to each dog, accepting them back if circumstances change for adopters.
How To Help
Carolina Basset Hound Rescue needs drivers to transport dogs to veterinary visits or new homes. Volunteers can also conduct home visits to help match dogs with adopters. Event volunteers assist with meet-and-greets, parades, and festivals across the region.
Fostering is one of the most impactful ways to help, giving dogs a safe, loving environment while they adjust to family life. Every form of support—whether volunteering, fostering, or donating—directly helps these basset hounds find permanent, happy homes.
8. Beautiful Gate Center
Beautiful Gate Center is a Charleston, SC, nonprofit dedicated to serving individuals with developmental disabilities and Autism Spectrum Disorders. Many participants require more intensive support than traditional programs can offer. BGC integrates learning objectives with multi-disciplinary therapy in every individualized plan. The center uses evidence-based approaches and assistive technologies to help each participant reach their full potential.
How To Help
Volunteer opportunities are available year-round at BGC. The center welcomes individuals who can donate their time and professional skills in areas such as building maintenance, carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, gardening, event planning, hospitality, and legal services. Volunteers can also assist with fundraising, special committees, and raising awareness for this special population. Donations are another way to support this South Carolina nonprofit, making a lasting impact on the lives of participants.
9. Yo Art!
Yo Art! enhances classroom learning with media arts programs designed to spark curiosity and teach real-world skills. Students explore coding, photography, filmmaking, and design while reinforcing South Carolina curriculum standards in science, social studies, or math. By combining creativity with practical skills, Yo Art! helps Lowcountry students develop confidence and discover future career opportunities.
How To Help
Volunteer opportunities with Yo Art! provide a chance to mentor students one-on-one during media arts classes. Volunteers guide students, helping them stay engaged and complete their final projects, making a meaningful difference in their learning and career readiness. The organization relies on committed volunteers to ensure its programs in Charleston and Berkeley County schools are successful. Contributions of time, talent, and energy help Yo Art! continue inspiring students and expanding access to media arts education.
10. Lowcountry Food Bank
Lowcountry Food Bank is a Charleston, SC nonprofit dedicated to ending hunger in the Lowcountry. Each year, the organization serves more than 200,000 people through a network of over 240 partner agencies, including food pantries, school programs, senior programs, shelters, and veterans’ groups. The nonprofit provides fresh fruits and vegetables, shelf-stable food, equipment, nutritional materials, and food safety training to ensure communities have access to healthy meals.
How To Help
Volunteer opportunities with Lowcountry Food Bank include packing and sorting food, assisting with programs, and helping with distributions. Volunteers must be over 12, and those under 16 need to be accompanied by an adult. Supporters can also host virtual or in-person food drives, collecting non-perishable items or raising funds to provide nutritious food to those in need.
Donations of canned tuna and meat, low-sodium vegetables, peanut butter, rice, and whole-grain cereal or pasta are especially appreciated. Every contribution, whether volunteering or donating, helps strengthen the community and fight food insecurity in Charleston.
How to Find Other Charleston, SC Nonprofits
There are plenty of other South Carolina charities doing great work that welcome volunteers both in person and remotely. If you’re looking for nonprofit jobs in South 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 Charleston, SC. 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
Charleston, SC, nonprofits play a vital role in supporting the community, from providing meals to those facing hunger to offering educational programs, mental health support, and opportunities for creative expression. By volunteering in Charleston or contributing to these organizations, you become part of a network that strengthens neighborhoods, empowers individuals, and creates lasting positive change.
Whether you give your time, talent, or resources, every act of support makes a real difference. Getting involved with these nonprofits not only benefits the community but also connects you to a passionate, dedicated network of people working to make Charleston a stronger, healthier, and more inclusive city.
FAQ’s
Charleston, South Carolina nonprofits cover a wide range of causes, including education, health, animal welfare, arts, and social services. There are organizations for every interest and skill set.
Volunteer opportunities in Charleston, SC range from hands-on work like food distribution, tutoring, or animal care to administrative support, event planning, and mentorship programs. Many nonprofits welcome both individual volunteers and group efforts.
Yes! Contributions help Charleston nonprofits continue their programs, maintain facilities, and reach more people in need. Donations of money, supplies, or professional services are all valued and impactful.
Many Charleston charities offer family-friendly volunteer activities. Some programs allow youth to participate with adult supervision, making it a great way to teach children about giving back to the community.
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.
