Volunteering
The Culture of volunteering in Spain
Would you like to give back to the community in Barcelona while you're abroad? Volunteering is a great way to meet locals and make new friends.
Keep in mind that volunteering in Spain isn't as prevalent as in the United States. Soup kitchens, for example, are run by the state and won't allow volunteers without being contracted by a public company with clearance and a food preparation license. Many homeless shelters do not allow the public in - only those who are employed by the agency. And any position in which you are working with kids requires an official criminal background check.
However, don't let this discourage you if you're hoping to volunteer while in Barcelona! The more you are able to commit to volunteering (for example, coming twice a week throughout the semester vs. just a one day thing) the more options you will have. Reach out to organizations and ask what they need and we're sure you'll find a great fit!
Volunteer Options
Search Engines
These are websites that place volunteers with companies based on the volunteer’s interests and the company’s needs. This is a customized way to find your ideal volunteer opportunity in Barcelona!
Volunteering through your BCN University
Many universities offer their own specific volunteer opportunities!
Education
Catnova is an association that provides training, coaching, resume building and support for personal or business development for adults. As of 2023, they were seeking native English speakers to assist language learners who want to improve their English. If you are interested, you can email Ana Maria Diquez at catnova@catnova.cat.
Kidzz is essentially a kindergarten academy in English. Volunteering here requires a background check. Contact: Elena elena@kidzz.es
El Terral is an organization that helps girls at risk of social exclusion via after school activities and summer camps. As of 2023, they only accept female volunteers. Contact: Vanessa terral@terral.cat
B-Raval is an organization that runs after school activities and summer camps for boys in the Raval neighborhood. As of 2023, they only accept male volunteers. Contact: brava@braval.org
YMCA - For volunteering in BCN you can email Rut (rvigil@ymca.es) or Monica (mcasasola@ymca.es).
Volunteer at a primary school or high school - This is only available as part of our internship program as this requires special insurance and a background check.
Social and Active Projects
Refugees Aid BCN helps to support refugees
CCA(R): Comissió Catalana d'Ajuda al Refugiat helps to support refugees rights
Corner 2 Corner volunteers distribute food, clothes, and more to Barcelona's homeless community
Solidança fosters social inclusion via textile projects
Acidh helps and supports those with borderline disabilities
Fundació La Caixa works on a wide range of social projects throughout the year
Calala works on a variety of projects related to women's issues
Banc d'Aliments runs food drives at local supermarkets
Fundación de Oncología Infantil Enriqueta Villavecchia helps with children's cancer needs
Fundació Ana Bella supports battered women
Amics de la Gent Gran provides support and companionship to the elderly
Ministerio de Igualdad The Spanish Ministry for Equality
Spanish Ministry of Inclusion, Social Security, and Migration
Environmental
Fundació World Nature works on projects related to environmental studies and recycling
Greenpeace works on projects related to environmental studies and recycling
Voluntariat Ambiental a Catalunya supports environmental projects all throughout Catalonia
Iberia Nature organizes green tours in Barcelona
Animal Protection Programs
Asociación Defensa Derechos Animal (ADDA ONG) campaigns against animal cruelty
Fundació Altarriba helps to do daily chores at animal protection centers
L´Adenc - Classroom ecology
Lliga per la protecció d'animals i plantes a Barcelona works to protect animals and plants
