The holiday season is a time for giving—and what better way to give than by supporting local nonprofits that align with your passions and values? Whether through donations, volunteering, or adopting a Santa Letter, contributing to your community is deeply meaningful. Plus, research shows it can make you happier, too!
In Staunton, a common question often arises in local online communities: Where do you meet new friends? While coffee shops, events, and book clubs are great options, one of our favorite answers is volunteering with a nonprofit that speaks to your heart.
Here’s our curated list of local organizations offering opportunities to give back, connect with like-minded people, and strengthen our community. Dive in and discover where your passions can make a difference!
Neighborhood Nurturers
Preserving the Heart of Staunton: Neighborhoods, Parks, and Historic Spaces
One impactful way to support Staunton’s neighborhoods is volunteering with Staunton City Boards and Commissions. To increase your knowledge of city functions and boost your chances of joining a committee, consider enrolling to Staunton Citizen University (SCU).
If historical preservation is your passion, the Historic Staunton Foundation is an excellent option. With projects like the Staunton West End Revitalization, Cabell Log House preservation, and the Holiday House Tour, they work tirelessly to protect and celebrate the city's rich history.
Cultural Keepers
Celebrate the Arts: Support Music, Theater, and Creative Projects
Staunton’s cultural scene is thriving, and there are plenty of opportunities to get involved. Music lovers can support and volunteer with the Staunton Music Festival or the Heifetz International Music Institute, both of which bring outstanding performances to the city. These organizations also ensure that everyone in the community can enjoy music, offering free concerts and outreach programs. One of the youngest music initiatives in Staunton, Caravanserai Music, enables younger listeners to engage with music through family-friendly concerts where children are encouraged not to sit still but to express themselves creatively. These programs make music accessible, inspiring a love for the arts across all ages.
Theater enthusiasts will find rewarding opportunities with the American Shakespeare Center, Shenan Arts community theater, Silver Line Theater Exchange, and the innovative Off Center theater, which presents boutique performances blending puppetry, music, and unique storytelling.
Staunton’s theater scene offers countless ways to support and engage with the performing arts. The American Shakespeare Center, a cultural cornerstone, invites volunteers and donations to help bring Shakespearean and classical works to life in the iconic Blackfriars Playhouse, a hub for world-class performances and downtown revitalization. For a more community-driven experience, Shenan Arts offers opportunities to participate in local productions, from acting and directing to assisting behind the scenes, celebrating the creativity of Staunton’s residents.
For those passionate about education and innovation, the Silver Line Theater Exchange empowers aspiring actors of all ages through workshops and classes, while The Off Center pushes artistic boundaries with boutique performances featuring puppetry, shadow play, and original music. Supporting these organizations—through volunteering, donations, or simply attending their shows—helps sustain Staunton’s rich and diverse theatrical landscape.
Art lovers can engage with Beverly Street Studio School and the Staunton Augusta Art Center, two pillars of local art education and creativity. The highly anticipated Arcadia Project, set to open in the renovated Dixie Theater in 2025, is a cultural hub emphasizing inclusivity and innovation. Volunteers and supporters are essential to bringing this vision to life.
For a touch of magic, Whimsically Witchy is an annual Halloween-inspired fundraiser supporting Staunton Public Schools' fine arts programs. It’s a fun and impactful way to celebrate the arts and contribute to education.
If you love supporting local voices, WQSV—our community-run radio station—might be your perfect match. Its mission to foster connection through music, storytelling, and discovery embodies the spirit of Staunton. Or, join the vibrant, cross-disciplinary community at Creative Mornings Shenandoah Valley, where creatives of all kinds come together to share ideas and make magic happen.
Eco-Guardians
A Greener Future: Protecting Staunton’s Environment and Animals
For those with a passion for sustainability, Staunton is rich with opportunities to get involved. Shenandoah Green champions environmental stewardship, offering programs and advocacy for a cleaner, greener Valley. If you prefer getting your hands dirty, Jones Garden beautifies neighborhoods and provides fresh produce for seniors and families, while Project GROWS combines education and agriculture to improve health and food security for our community’s most vulnerable. Animal lovers can turn to the Augusta Regional SPCA, which works tirelessly to provide loving homes for pets and reduce overpopulation through spay and neuter programs.
Startup Dreamers
Building Dreams: Supporting Local Entrepreneurs and Downtown Vibrancy
Support for small businesses is woven into the fabric of our region, thanks to organizations like the Shenandoah Community Capital Fund (SCCF). They empower local entrepreneurs by offering resources, mentorship, and funding to make dreams a reality, fostering economic growth across the Valley. The Staunton Downtown Development Association (SDDA) builds on this by ensuring our downtown remains a vibrant hub for businesses and community life.
Justice Seekers
Championing Equity: Advocacy and Action for a Better Staunton
If advocacy is your calling, you’ll find inspiration in groups like Blue Ridge CASA for Children, which trains volunteers to advocate for abused and neglected children. Their work ensures that every child in our community has a voice and a champion. Similarly, Habitat for Humanity transforms lives by building and renovating homes for families in need, offering a tangible way to make a difference right here at home.
Ways to Support
The beauty of supporting nonprofits is the variety of ways to get involved. Whether you’re donating time, funds, or simply spreading the word about their work, every action counts. Just as you support Staunton Books & Tea with your patronage, your encouragement can help these nonprofits continue their invaluable work.
Supporting nonprofits doesn’t always mean writing a check. There are many ways to contribute:
Volunteer your time.
Share their stories.
Like and follow their social media pages.
Attend events.
Let them know you appreciate their work—it means more than you think!
This holiday season, let’s come together to ensure these organizations flourish—because when they succeed, so does our community. Let’s make this season truly magical!
Comments