Jump into volunteering in Amsterdam with these 5 great gigs
With a little extra time on our hands and a love for the city we call home, we wanted to do something more meaningful than our usual weekend plans.
By helping out with the community outreach through the Red Cross and supporting sustainability projects, we became part of something bigger while connecting with Amsterdam in a deeper, more human way.
So, if you’re also looking to give back or simply do something for free that feels rewarding, you should check out our list of the top volunteering gigs in Amsterdam.
Trust us, these options will surely add purpose to your free time.
1. Serve the City Amsterdam
Media credit: servethecity.amsterdam
Website: http://www.stcamsterdam.nl/
Address: Nieuwe Herengracht 18, 1018 DP
Contact: +31 20 244 0198
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Founded in Brussels in 2005 by a Christian faith community, Serve the City organises weekly projects, from baking pancakes for the homeless to gardening at city farms and even taking strolls with the elderly.
It’s the kind of organisation that welcomes everyone, whether you love socialising or enjoy cooking. They also collaborate with refugee centres, shelters, and orphanages, providing direct support to those who need it most.
One of their standout initiatives is the Warm Night program, which collects sleeping bags to distribute to the homeless.
They’ve even welcomed hairdressers, offering free haircuts to those in need. This simple act helps boost confidence and dignity.
Pro Tip:
Join their Action Day! It’s a one-day volunteering event open to all, making it ideal for those new to volunteering. If interested, check out all their activities here.
2. Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam (VCA)
Media credit: versa_vrijwilligerscentrale
Website: https://www.vca.nu/
Address: Rozenstraat 206, 1016 PA
Contact: +31 20 530 1220
Hours: Monday to Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
If you’re thinking about volunteering in Amsterdam but feeling a bit overwhelmed, Vrijwilligers Centrale Amsterdam (VCA) will help you get started.
You’re sure to find a cause that resonates with you, with about 1,000 opportunities listed in their online vacancy bank. You can support the youth, help the environment, or get involved in local community efforts.
What we like is that you can take a one-minute quiz to help you discover your type of volunteer (it’s a fun way to kick things off). If you prefer a more hands-on approach, they also offer training sessions and workshops.
Pro Tip:
Don’t miss out on booking a free advice session with their team for tailored assistance. Schedule your session here.
3. Volunteers with No Limits
Media credit: help_ukraine_nl
Website: https://vw-nl.org/
Address: Rustenburgerstraat 236, 1073 GK
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Thursday: 5:30 PM – 7:30 PM | Saturday: 12:30 PM – 3:00 PM
Volunteers with No Limits is the perfect fit if you’re passionate about addressing urgent causes. This grassroots organisation has been tirelessly supporting Ukraine since 2022.
They sprang into action in February that year, immediately converting a local Amsterdam space into a collection centre as soon as Russia launched its full-scale invasion.
They also support Ukrainian refugees in the area and are open to anyone who needs help. During their working hours, you can drop off donations or help pack and organise supplies.
However, what’s less well-known is that they’re entirely self-run, without any business or government support, relying solely on genuine local effort.
Pro Tip:
Before donating, check their live needs list. They only accept specific items based on real-time demand. This keeps their storage efficient and ensures your donation goes straight to someone who needs it.
4. Deedmob
Media credit: deedmob
Website: http://www.deedmob.com/
Address: Koningsplein 1, 1017 BB
Contact: [email protected]
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Deedmob is a digital platform, not your typical bulletin board. It’s a smart platform that connects you with causes that align with your interests and schedule.
Whether you want to support youth programs or lend a hand from the comfort of your home, Deedmob’s filters and weekly updates make it easy to discover the right opportunity for you.
We especially love their volunteer passport, which allows you to track the impact you’re making. There’s also a social side where you can join a volunteer pool or participate in workshops.
While based in Amsterdam, Deedmob’s platform is utilised worldwide. Its customisable volunteer management tools support organisations in various regions. It’s truly inspiring to see how technology can connect people with purpose on a global scale.
Pro Tip:
If you have a charity, consider creating your own platform and website to amplify your impact. You can request a demo on their website.
5. The Netherlands Red Cross Society
Media credit: rodekruis
Website: https://www.rodekruis.nl/amsterdam-amstelland/
Address: Valkenburgerstraat 24, 1011 LZ
Contact: +31 20 622 6211
Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Volunteering with The Netherlands Red Cross Society goes beyond disaster relief. You’ll discover a variety of opportunities here, from leading health workshops to managing logistics behind the scenes during major events.
For women in particular, the Red Cross offers the Heldin (Dutch for “heroine”) course. It focuses on boosting confidence and teaching practical skills for handling emergencies.
They also connect with university students through their student desk. It’s a special desk run by and for students to foster a culture of volunteerism on campuses.
And on the lighter side, they’re not afraid to get creative with their Doneer een biertje (Donate a beer) campaign. It’s a local initiative by the Amsterdam-Amstelland branch of the Red Cross that encourages people to donate the cost of a beer to support their work.
Pro Tip:
Consider taking a local first aid course here. It will not only boost your confidence but also open up more impactful volunteer roles with the Red Cross.