Volunteering

Make a Difference in YOUR Community!

A great city is built by many things, including the dedication of volunteers. Volunteers help contribute to the spirit of the community. The City of Portage encourages people to find ways to make a difference in the Portage community. Review the following information and links to volunteer opportunities within the City of Portage. 

If you are 17 years of age or younger and interested in volunteering with the City of Portage and have completed a volunteer application, a parent/guardian will need to complete the Youth Permission Slip.

Portage Parks & Recreation 

Submit Application Form

202107fridayattheflats092 Opens in new windowThere are many opportunities for individuals and groups of all sizes to make a difference in Portage Parks! Citizens, church groups, corporate groups, and service organizations often provide much-needed manpower for important projects. Extra help is always needed at many Portage Parks & Recreation events.

Projects and events range from:

  • Park cleanup
  • Park Patrol
  • Event set-up and decorating
  • Help with event activities and education stations
  • Trash patrol and pick-up during events
  • Survey administration and assistance
  • Overseeing event functions (building tours, helping at the Parks & Recreation table, restocking supplies, etc.) 
  • Projects tailored to you or your group

Click on the "Submit Application Form" link above to learn more about specific projects and events or to apply.

Adopt-A-Park

Visit the Adopt-A-Park webpage.

Portage Zhang Senior CenterCharles and Lynn Zhang Portage Community Senior Center 009

Submit Application Form

The Portage Zhang Senior Center is not currently accepting volunteer applications, except for volunteer drivers. Typically, we have various volunteer opportunities, including one-time activities like luncheons and special events, and ongoing opportunities like tour guides, member resource assistants, and group leaders. Although these opportunities are currently on hold, we do encourage individuals to apply to be volunteer drivers for our minibuses and community service vans. If you are interested in this position or want to learn more about future volunteer opportunities, please click on the "Submit Application Form" link.

Friends of Portage Senior Center
Visit the Friends of the Portage Senior Center website to make your tax-deductible contribution.

Did you know that the Portage Zhang Senior Center (PZSC) is only partially funded by the City of Portage? More than 50 percent of operating funds are raised by staff, PZSC members, and the Friends of the Portage Senior Center. Additional funds for operating expenses and other equipment and building needs are raised through membership fees, special fundraising events, trips, occasional grants, participant fees, donations, and memorial gifts. 

Boy Scout & Girl Scout Service Award 

Submit Application Form

City staff work directly with individual Eagle Scout and Girl Scout Gold Award candidates to design a service project that matches their skills and ambitions.

Advisory Boards and Commissions

Visit the Boards and Commissions page to get started.

Do you have some great ideas? Can you commit time each month to your community? The Portage City Council relies on community volunteers serving on Advisory Boards and Commissions to review programs developed by the City Administration and make recommendations. Meeting times and responsibilities of each of the Boards and Commissions vary.

Community Beautification Projects

Submit Application Form

There are many opportunities for individuals and groups of all sizes to make a difference in Portage! Church groups, corporate citizens, and service organizations often provide much-needed manpower for important beautification projects in the city. Projects range from park cleanup, park shelter upgrades, cleaning buildings at Celery Flats, and other projects tailored to you or your group.