Discover opportunities to give back to Lake Forest and the surrounding communities through volunteering.
- Search based on your interests using the categories below.
-OR- - Scroll down further for an alphabetical list of all organizations.
Please note that the categories are broad and organizations may offer volunteer opportunities in multiple or additional categories. Please contact the organizations directly for complete and up-to-date information.
Mission Statement
A Safe Place is the leading advocate for eliminating domestic violence & human trafficking in northern Illinois.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
2710 17th St
Zion IL 60099
847.731.7165, ext. 1025
info@asafeplaceforehelp.org
Mission Statement
Beacon Place is inspiring and guiding our neighborhood’s children and families toward a brighter tomorrow. At Beacon Place, we believe that we can bring the world to our families – through programs, experiences, and opportunities that open up a door to a brighter tomorrow.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
603 S McAlister Ave
Waukegan IL 60085
847.497.5787, ext. 1025
admin@beacon-place.org
Mission Statement
Bernie's Book Bank creates pathways to success through book ownership. We empower children to gain knowledge, explore new ideas, and strengthen reading skills.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Mission Statement
The Club's mission is to inspire all young people, especially those who need us most, to fulfill their potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Please contact via webform only.
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
Administrative office
730 S Martin Luther King Jr Ave
Waukegan IL 60085
Service locations in Waukegan and North Chicago
Mission Statement
The mission of Bravo Waukegan is to provide Waukegan public school students with opportunities to grow through music. Bravo supports the music faculty and programs of the Waukegan schools and provides resources for well-supervised and creative after-school and summer music activities.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
400 E Illinois Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.722.5821
bravo@bravowaukegan.org
Mission Statement
CASA Lake County is a nonprofit organization that advocates for the best interests of abused and neglected children within the juvenile court system. Based on the belief that every child is entitled to a safe and permanent home, thoroughly trained CASA volunteers work in collaboration with key agencies, legal counsel and community resources to serve as the child's advocate and represent the child's best interest in juvenile court.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Background check
Minimum commitment of 2 years
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
700 Forest Edge Dr
Vernon Hills IL 60061
847.838.6260
info@casalakecounty.com
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to partner with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties and to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need through service.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
721 N La Salle St
Chicago IL 60654
312.655.7700
volunteer@catholiccharities.net
Mission Statement
Our purpose is to partner with mission-driven people and organizations across Cook and Lake counties and to witness a message of mercy and hope to a world in need through service.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Minimum commitment of 2 hours per week for a year
Allowed Ages
ADULTS 21+
Contact
721 N La Salle St
Chicago IL 60654
312.655.7700
volunteer@catholiccharities.net
Mission Statement
Community Action changes people's lives, embodies the spirit of hope, improves communities, and makes America a better place to live. We care about the entire community, and we are dedicated to helping people help themselves and each other.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
2424 Washington St
Waukegan IL 60085
224.412.8945
lisa.hayes@caplakecounty.org
Mission Statement
Today, our mission is to steward a historic farm that enriches the greater Lake County community as a center for experiential learning to broaden access to education, nutritious food, and our local food system.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Waiver for youth up to 18 years old
Guardian presence for youth up to 16 years old
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Mission Statement
Fill a Heart 4 Kids™ gives unaccompanied homeless youth, at risk, and foster children educational support, necessities and positive experiences to help their hearts heal and restore their dignity - so they can achieve Brighter Futures!
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Mission Statement
Practicing the Art of Charitable Thrift since 2014. Contributing to Over 30 Local Charities and Counting. With your help, we’re standing up to tough times.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Contact
1363 N Western Ave
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.482.1705
forestandfound@gmail.com
Mission Statement
The Friends of Lake Forest Library is a group of dedicated supporters and library enthusiasts. It is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization that works to support the mission and services of Lake Forest Library, as well as to engage in related educational, charitable, and cultural activities.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS for the annual book sale
Contact
360 E Deerpath Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
friendslflibrary@gmail.com
Mission Statement
Gorton engages and enriches all generations through vibrant social experiences and exceptional arts and culture.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Mission Statement
Great Lakes Adaptive Sports Association (GLASA) strives to ‘Let No One Sit on the Sidelines’ and operates under a mission to promote and support the optimal development and well-being of youth, adults and military veterans who have a physical or visual disability through the provision of inclusive recreation, fitness and competitive sports activities. GLASA offers opportunities for empowerment through education, leadership and training in collaboration with community-based organizations.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS (contact GLASA for details)
Contact
27864 Irma Lee Circle #101
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.283.0908
volunteer@glasa.org
Mission Statement
Heartland Animal Shelter is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, no-kill animal shelter in Wheeling, Illinois dedicated to finding permanent, loving homes for the dogs and cats in our care. While our animals await their adopters, our incredible team of volunteers provides the much-needed emotional care while our dedicated staff members make sure each animal is vaccinated, microchipped and spayed/neutered. Since 2002, Heartland has saved well over 14,000 lives and we will continue to be advocates for homeless pets until no more adoptable dogs and cats are euthanized.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS 16+ with a waiver
Mission Statement
Considered one of the most innovative museums in Lake County, the History Center of Lake Forest-Lake Bluff is focused on researching and showcasing community history through a diversity of voices and experiences.
We welcome you to visit our permanent collection, experience fascinating programs, take our tours and see our special exhibits that celebrate all aspects of history.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS 16+
Contact
509 E Deerpath Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.234.5253
programs@lflbhistory.org
Mission Statement
The purpose of Kids’ Korner is to provide a safe and enjoyable waiting area for children who are in the Lake County Courthouse to testify in court or whose parents or guardians are conducting court business.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Mission Statement
Kiwanis Pledge: "As our Country's flag signify purity, valor, and justice; may we, as true Kiwianians, exemplify these virtues as we serve the children of the world."
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Membership
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS (contact Kiwanis for details)
Contact
P.O. Box 34
Lake Bluff IL 60044
847.234.2009
KiwanisLBLF@aol.com
Mission Statement
It is LCCIL's mission to empower people with disabilities to lead self-directed lives as valued members of the community.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
377 N Seymour Ave
Mundelein IL 60060
847.949.4440
info@lccil.org
Mission Statement
Since 1935 the Lake Forest Caucus Committee has been an organization of volunteers seeking volunteers to serve the City of Lake Forest.
The Caucus Committee recruits candidates for Mayor, Alderman, School Board 115, School Board 67 and a variety of boards and commissions. The City of Lake Forest has over 100 Lake Forest resident volunteers who serve on 22 boards and commissions. These City boards and commissions provide leadership, establish policy and oversee budgets while working hard to ensure an open and responsive government.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Mission Statement
Lake Forest Open Lands Association is an independently funded conservation and educational organization devoted to the acquisition and stewardship of our natural landscapes, and to ensuring all generations have a meaningful, lasting connection to nature and our land.
Contact
350 North Waukegan Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.234.3880
info@lfola.org
Mission Statement
To facilitate the growth, development, and improvement of the Lake Forest Parks and Recreation facilities and offerings to the community.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Contact
350 N Waukegan Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
Contacts listed for each open position on the below website.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to empower immigrants and their families to become full participants in their community. Our work is guided by our organizational values, which include: collaboration and community building, education, excellence, equality of opportunity, stewardship, and respect for human dignity.
Volunteering Details
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
6 E Main St
Round Lake Park IL 60073
847.201.1521
1801 Sheridan Rd Suite #101
North Chicago IL 60064
847.201.1521
email megan@mamfrc.org for direct volunteer opportunities.
Mission Statement
Northwestern Medicine is an integrated healthcare system that brings together physicians and researchers from award-winning facilities in the Chicago area. Each of the Northwestern Medicine hospitals has a unique story, but the system shares the same vision. Northwestern Medicine is committed to superior quality, academic excellence, scientific discovery and patient safety.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS for summer service
Contact
1000 N Westmoreland Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.234.5600
Mission Statement
PADS Lake County is a community-based organization that provides trauma-informed support resources, and shelter to individuals and families experiencing a housing crisis.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Contact
1800 Grand Ave
Waukegan IL 60085
847.689.0541
volunteer@padslakecounty.org
Mission Statement
To embolden creative exploration and achievement. We give courage to and provide a setting for creative exploration and achievement by establishing a culture of excellence, generosity, and inclusivity within Ragdale’s historic campus and native prairie landscape—the essential qualities of our community’s 120-year legacy as a generative home of artistic production.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
1260 N Greenbay Rd
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.234.1063, ext. 21
marita@ragdale.org
Mission Statement
The need for reading intervention has never been greater. Due to Covid-19 learning disruptions, current early elementary students have never had a normal school year of uninterrupted, in-person learning. As a result, many are now performing two or more grade levels below expectation. Reading Power’s proven program of high-dose tutoring can accelerate reading skills growth and get students back on track. Become a tutor!
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Background check
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
11 N Skokie Highway Suite #206
Lake Bluff IL 60044
224.436.8060
kristin.fine@readingpowerinc.org
Mission Statement
Roberti Community House (RCH) has become a key gathering place for those residing in a distressed neighborhood of Waukegan providing a safe and welcoming haven for neighbors of all ages.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Contact
919 8th St
Waukegan IL 60085
847.623.4221
roberticommunityhouse@gmail.com
Mission Statement
We provide service to others, promote integrity, and advance world understanding, goodwill, and peace through our fellowship of business, professional, and community members.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Membership
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Contact
PO Box 168
Lake Forest IL 60045
info@lflbrotary.org
Mission Statement
We are a network of trained professionals and compassionate individuals who partner with adults and nurture children impacted by commercial sexual exploitation as they take steps to interrupt the cycle of trauma, develop life skills and build a safe circle of support.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Info session
Volunteer application
Interview
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Mission Statement
Throughout the years, The Mustard Seed has seen the impact of our small store. It is our hope that by providing a market for beautiful gifts, sharing the fair trade story, and donating our profits, we can continue to help change the lives of women and children.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
Contact
202 E Westminster Ave
Lake Forest IL 60045
847.735.0211
lfmustardseed@gmail.com
Mission Statement
Waukegan to College creates brighter futures for students, families, and the community by preparing students to enroll in and graduate from college.
Volunteering Details
Requirements
Volunteer application on the website
Allowed Ages
ADULTS
TEENS
Contact
410 Grand Avenue
Waukegan IL 60045
224.572.9221
office@waukegantocollege.org