Nonprofits & Charities in Ocala
Food banks, animal rescues, youth programs, veteran services, housing assistance, and more — discover how Marion County's nonprofit community serves and how you can give back.
Giving Back in Marion County
Ocala and Marion County are home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations addressing everything from hunger and homelessness to animal welfare, youth development, veterans services, and environmental conservation. Whether you want to volunteer your time, donate goods, or contribute financially, there are organizations across every cause area ready to welcome your support. The United Way of Marion County serves as a central hub connecting volunteers and donors with partner agencies throughout the community.
Nonprofit Organizations by Category
Browse nonprofits and charities in Ocala and Marion County by cause area.
Food Banks & Hunger Relief
Provides emergency food assistance, a food pantry, and hot meals to individuals and families in need across Marion County. Also offers financial assistance for utilities and rent.
Serves free hot meals daily and operates a thrift store that funds their hunger relief programs. A Marion County institution for decades.
Operates a food pantry, community meals program, and holiday food drives. Also provides disaster relief, utility assistance, and back-to-school supplies.
Partners with local churches and organizations to distribute food to families throughout the county via mobile food pantries and distribution events.
Animal Rescue & Welfare
No-kill shelter providing adoption services, spay/neuter programs, low-cost veterinary clinics, and humane education throughout Marion County.
Horse rescue and rehabilitation organization caring for abused, neglected, and abandoned horses in the Horse Capital of the World.
County-operated shelter providing animal control, adoption services, lost and found pets, and community pet resources.
Foster-based rescue organization placing cats and dogs in loving homes. Operates adoption events at local pet stores.
Youth & Children
After-school and summer programs providing academic support, character development, fitness, and arts activities for youth ages 6-18.
Serves at-risk children and families through foster care, adoption, counseling, and family preservation services in Marion County.
Mentoring programs pairing adult volunteers with children facing adversity. Community-based and school-based mentoring available.
Collaborative network of organizations working to prevent child abuse, support at-risk families, and advocate for children's welfare.
Housing & Homelessness
Builds and renovates affordable homes in partnership with families in need. Also operates ReStore thrift stores that fund building projects.
Provides affordable public housing and Section 8 voucher programs for low-income residents throughout the Ocala metro area.
Offers transitional housing, emergency shelter, job training, and supportive services to help individuals experiencing homelessness rebuild their lives.
Provides emergency shelter and counseling for runaway and homeless youth, as well as family mediation and crisis intervention services.
Veterans & Military
Assists veterans with disability claims, pension applications, healthcare enrollment, and connecting to federal and state benefits.
Provides fellowship, community service, and advocacy for veterans. Hosts events, fundraisers, and veteran support programs.
Supports veterans through community service, youth programs (Boys State, oratorical contests), and veteran advocacy initiatives.
National organization headquartered near Ocala that ships care packages to deployed military service members around the world.
Health & Disability Services
Community impact organization funding education, health, financial stability, and basic needs programs through a network of partner agencies.
Provides services and advocacy for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities including residential, vocational, and recreational programs.
Provides compassionate end-of-life care, grief counseling, and bereavement support for patients and families throughout the county.
Promotes mental wellness through education, support groups, crisis intervention, and community outreach programs.
Education & Literacy
Provides free literacy tutoring and GED preparation for adults in Marion County through trained volunteer tutors.
Supports public schools through grants, scholarships, teacher awards, and classroom funding for Marion County students and educators.
Provides scholarships and financial support for students at CF, making higher education accessible to Marion County residents.
College scholarship and mentoring program for low-income students, providing a path to higher education through academic monitoring and support.
Environment & Conservation
Maintains hiking trails in the Ocala National Forest and advocates for trail preservation and outdoor recreation access.
Bird conservation and education organization hosting bird walks, environmental education programs, and habitat preservation efforts.
Dedicated to protecting and preserving Silver Springs and the Silver River ecosystem through advocacy, education, and community engagement.
Anti-litter and beautification organization coordinating community cleanups, recycling education, and environmental stewardship programs.
How to Volunteer in Ocala
Ready to give back? Here are the best ways to get connected.
United Way Volunteer Center
Central hub connecting volunteers with 100+ local nonprofits. Search opportunities by interest, skill, and availability.
Marion County Community Services
County government portal listing public service volunteer roles in parks, libraries, senior services, and emergency management.
Hands On Ocala
Group volunteering opportunities for corporate teams, families, school groups, and faith organizations looking to serve together.
Court-Ordered Community Service
Marion County Clerk of Court maintains a list of approved nonprofit organizations accepting community service hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What nonprofits are in Ocala Florida?
Ocala and Marion County are home to hundreds of nonprofit organizations serving the community. Major nonprofits include the United Way of Marion County, Interfaith Emergency Services (food bank), Habitat for Humanity of Marion County, SPCA of Marion County, Boys & Girls Clubs, Hospice of Marion County, and many more covering areas from hunger relief and housing to youth services, veterans support, health care, and environmental conservation.
Where can I volunteer in Ocala?
The best place to start is the United Way of Marion County Volunteer Center, which connects individuals with over 100 local nonprofit organizations. Popular volunteer opportunities include food banks (Interfaith Emergency Services, Salvation Army), animal shelters (SPCA of Marion County), Habitat for Humanity builds, youth mentoring (Big Brothers Big Sisters), hospital volunteering, and trail maintenance with the Florida Trail Association.
Are there food banks in Ocala Florida?
Yes, several food banks and hunger relief organizations serve Ocala and Marion County. Interfaith Emergency Services operates a large food pantry and provides hot meals. Brother's Keeper serves free daily meals and runs a thrift store. The Salvation Army has a food pantry and community meals program. Mobile food pantries also serve rural areas throughout the county.
How can I donate to charities in Ocala?
You can donate to Ocala charities through direct financial contributions (most accept online donations), donating goods to thrift stores like Habitat ReStore, Brother's Keeper, and Salvation Army, volunteering your time and skills, sponsoring events and fundraisers, or donating through the United Way of Marion County which distributes funds to partner agencies across the community.
Is there a Habitat for Humanity in Ocala?
Yes, Habitat for Humanity of Marion County is an active chapter that builds and renovates affordable homes for families in need. They also operate Habitat ReStore locations where donated furniture, appliances, and building materials are sold to fund construction projects. Volunteers can help with builds, work in the ReStore, or serve on committees.
What animal rescues are near Ocala Florida?
Several animal rescue organizations operate in the Ocala area. The SPCA of Marion County is a no-kill shelter providing adoptions and low-cost vet clinics. Peaceful Ridge Rescue focuses on horse rehabilitation. Marion County Animal Services is the county shelter. Multiple foster-based rescues like Sheltering Hands Pet Rescue also place animals through adoption events at local pet stores.
About This Directory
This nonprofit directory is compiled and maintained by the Only In Ocala editorial team with deep roots in Marion County. Information is gathered from public records, organizational websites, and direct community engagement. Organizations listed here are not paid placements — they are featured based on their verified community impact. If your nonprofit should be included or if information needs updating, please contact us.