5 Meaningful Ways to Volunteer in Indianapolis with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful in 2026

By: Jeremy Kranowitz

Indianapolis is a city defined by its neighborhoods and the people who care for them. In 2026, there are more ways than ever to roll up your sleeves, meet your neighbors, and make a visible difference right where you live.

Whether you’re looking for a one-day volunteer opportunity, an ongoing commitment, or a way to get your family or coworkers involved, Keep Indianapolis Beautiful (KIB) offers hands-on ways to care for our city while helping people and nature thrive. Here are five meaningful ways to volunteer in Indianapolis with KIB in 2026 – each one designed to meet you where you are.

1. Adopt a Block in Your Neighborhood

If you want to make a lasting impact close to home, Adopt-A-Block is one of the most powerful volunteer opportunities in Indianapolis.

As a Block Captain, you commit to keeping a specific stretch of street clean throughout the year. KIB provides supplies, support, and a simple system for tracking progress, while you provide the care and consistency that keeps neighborhoods beautiful.

Why it matters:

• Over 1,000 neighbors currently care for 230+ miles of city streets
• Cleaner blocks improve safety, pride, and quality of life
• It’s flexible. You choose when to clean up and make a difference

This is ideal if you want ongoing, visible impact without a rigid time commitment.

2. Join a Great Indy Cleanup Event

Looking for a classic volunteer day with immediate results? The Great Indy Cleanup runs from spring through fall and brings together neighbors, community groups, and corporate teams to remove litter across Indianapolis.

KIB supplies everything you need (bags, gloves, and dumpsters) so you can focus on showing up and getting to work.

Why it matters:

• Nearly 1 million pounds of litter removed each year
• Perfect for first-time volunteers or groups
• See your impact instantly

This is one of the most accessible volunteer opportunities in Indianapolis, especially if you’re short on time but big on impact.

3. Help Plant and Care for Trees

Trees are infrastructure, and volunteers make them possible. Through Community Forestry, Tree Tenders, and seasonal planting events, KIB engages volunteers to help grow Indianapolis’s urban tree canopy.

No experience needed. Training, tools, and guidance are provided.

Why it matters:

• Trees cool neighborhoods and improve air quality
• Volunteers help care for trees during their first three years
• Supports long-term environmental and public health outcomes

If you’re drawn to environmental volunteering in Indianapolis, this is a hands-on way to make a generational difference.

4. Restore Native Habitat and Waterways

For volunteers who want to dig deeper (literally), Habitat Restoration projects focus on removing invasive species, restoring native plants, and expanding access to Indianapolis waterways.

These volunteer opportunities often take place in parks, along streams, and in natural areas that need extra care.

Why it matters:

• Restores biodiversity and protects water quality
• Expands safe public access to natural spaces
• Supports long-term ecological health

This is a great fit if you enjoy outdoor work and want to learn more about native landscapes and conservation.

5. Volunteer in a Way That Fits Your Life

Not every volunteer fits the same mold, and KIB gets it.

In 2026, you can also volunteer by:

• Plogging (walking or jogging while picking up litter)
• Organizing a Corporate Day of Service for your workplace
• Supporting our work with a donation

Why it matters:

• Flexible options for different schedules and abilities
• Welcomes individuals, families, and teams
• Builds community while meeting real needs

If you’ve ever thought, “I want to help, but I’m not sure how,” this is your entry point.

Start Volunteering in Indianapolis in 2026

Volunteering with Keep Indianapolis Beautiful isn’t about perfection. It’s about showing up. Whether you give one afternoon or care for a block all year, your effort helps build a cleaner, greener, more connected Indianapolis.

In 2026, the invitation is simple: Do Beautiful Things. Together.👉 Ready to get started? Explore current volunteer opportunities and sign up at kibi.org.

Categories: Adopt-A-Block, Community Forestry, Custom Day of Service, Great Indy Cleanup, News & Features, Plogging, Uncategorized, Volunteers