If you’re lucky enough to call Richmond home, you’ll know it’s a city that takes pride in its rich history, diverse culture, and strong sense of community. Whether you’re River City-born and bred or new to the area, being a Richmonder means giving back to the place you call home.

If you’re looking for ways to give back to our city and support our neighbors, there are many ways to make a difference, from volunteering at local nonprofits to taking part in community cleanups. 

The list below is just the beginning of worthwhile ways you can make Richmond a better place. So take a look and pick an activity. You’ll lend a hand, learn something new about your city, and perhaps make some new friends along the way.

Community Investment: 9 Ways to Reach Out

Ready to give back?  Here are some ways you can make a difference in Richmond today. 

1. Fight Hunger and Homelessness

Richmond’s strong sense of community means it is home to many nonprofit organizations, each focused on an important local issue from hunger to homelessness to environmental education. Pick one that is serving a cause close to your heart, or consider:

  • Feed More: A local nonprofit dedicated to fighting hunger in Central Virginia. 
  • Habitat for Humanity: Habitat for Humanity is one of the most effective organizations helping to build or repair homes for families in need of stable housing. 

2. Support Local Schools

Education is the key to a better life. You can help make a difference in the lives of the next generation of Richmonders by supporting local schools.

3. Stand Up for Mental Health

The mental health crisis touches every community in America including Richmond, Virginia. Community donations and support can help save lives and improve outcomes for people suffering from mental health issues.

4. Enhance Accessibility

Volunteers are needed to help businesses, housing providers, and public spaces adapt to meet the needs of people with disabilities. You can help run accessibility audits, improve access, or work directly to assist differently-abled people to achieve their goals.

  • Volunteer to or donate to SOAR365, an organization that delivers programs and services to help people with disabilities of all ages live life to the fullest! 
  • Volunteer for Sportable, a club that provides opportunities to athletes of all ages through a range of competitive and recreational adaptive sports programs.

5. Support Environmental Initiatives

Help restore and conserve Richmond’s unique riverfront environment and ecosystems. The parks and green spaces along the James River and elsewhere in the city contribute to the city’s charm and provide critical access to natural space for many residents.

6. Support Local Businesses

Locally-owned businesses give a neighborhood its character and often create more hometown jobs while paying more local taxes than many chains and franchises. Here are a couple of ways to support local businesses in Richmond, VA:

  • Shop Local: Try to purchase from local stores, markets, and artisans. Check out this handy guide to small businesses downtown.
  • Support Local Farmers: Keep agriculture local by supporting your local farmers market. Check the GrowRVA website for information about a market near you.

7. Advocate for Social Justice

Being an advocate for change and social justice can have a profound impact. Work with local organizations to help ensure equal access to justice, education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for all.

  • You can volunteer with the non-partisan Virginia Civic Engagement Table, which works year-round to promote voting and protect voting rights.
  • Join or donate to the Urban League of Greater Richmond, which advocates for the rights of minority communities in our city.

8. Help Bridge the Language Divide

If you are fluent in two or more languages your skills are likely in demand as a translator to help non-English speakers access vital information and services.

9. Engage in Community Art Projects

Richmond is known for a vibrant arts scene that combines urban edginess with a distinctly southern love of community. Help strengthen and sustain the local art scene by taking part in and supporting local community arts initiatives.

  • Mural Projects: Public murals have become a distinct feature of Richmond’s art landscape. You can support mural creation by supporting the Richmond Mural Project. 
  • Support Your Local Art Museum: You can also support the activities of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts by becoming a member, donating, or volunteering.

How Homebase CU Supports Greater Richmond

Homebase CU is a local financial cooperative. With deep roots in the local community, we’re familiar with the things that make our area great, as well as the challenges that our members and their families face.

That’s why we’re committed to doing whatever we can for the good of our community while ensuring a better financial future for our members.

Homebase CU is proud to support local nonprofit organizations through financial contributions and sponsorships, in-kind donations, and volunteer services by our team members. Over the years, we’ve supported many local groups, including:

In addition, we serve our community by using our knowledge and deep experience in helping people achieve financial wellness and long-term financial stability. 

Homebase CU offers financial education classes and webinars through schools, churches, businesses, and community organizations. We know how important financial education is to success and we’re proud to provide classes tailored to the needs of your organization.

Contact us today to find out how Homebase CU can assist your family, school, or non-profit—or click below to learn more about how we work with our members to build the strength and resilience of our community.

 

Learn More About Our Community Involvement