VOLUNTEERING
Here we consider the different types of organisations where we can volunteer
There are several types of organisation’s that require and use volunteers for the work that they do
Each of these organisation’s differs from the next, and has it’s own unique purpose and functions that it performs for the wider good of it’s community, or for the greater good of certain segments of the populace
Listed here are the various types of organisations where you can volunteer
Charity – An organisation that’s set up with the purpose of raising money and/ or providing other types of assistance for a specific demographic or special cause within a society
Not for Profit – A wider ranging term that is a categorization rather than a specific type of organisation. It defines how an organisation uses its surplus income (profits). While many non-profits may act as commercial entities, the difference is that they use any surplus income for a social good or charitable cause, rather than generating a profit that will be used to pay shareholder dividends. For example, many charities may come under the umbrella term ‘not – for – profit’, as they are run on a commercial basis but for charitable purposes. Likewise, a book club or social group may also come under the term ‘not – for – profit’, but they are not charitable organisations even though they operate on a commercial basis without being run to make a profit
Social enterprise – Is a business set up for the purpose of helping people or communities
Voluntary organisation – Another wide-ranging term that defines any organisation that utilizes volunteers in its day to day operations. (Note, this term does not specify whether or not such organisation’s need to be fully reliant on volunteers to function in their capacity as voluntary organisation’s)
Community group – This is a group of volunteers drawn together in a neighbourhood who participate in projects for the good of that community
Third sector – Is a categorization that defines any organisation in the economy neither belonging to the public nor private sector (as such, it defines any of the entities listed here)
UK ONLY
The number of charities and non-profit organisations is rising all the time. Some estimates put the number of newly created entities in the UK as high as 6,000 per year. Here is a list of some of the largest and most commonplace ones within the UK
Action on Hearing Loss
Age UK
Alzheimer’s Society
Amnesty International
Barnardo’s
Breast Cancer Care
British Film Institute
Cambridge Past Present & Future
Care International
Cats Protection
Christian Aid
Citizens Advice
Community Service Volunteers
Crisis
Cystic Fibrosis Trust
Disabilities Trust
DiversityInCare
Freemason’s Grand Charity
Friends of the Earth
Groundwork
Help for Heroes
Historic Royal Palaces
Ipswich Outreach Bus
Lullaby Trust
Mencap
MHA
Motability
National Autistic Society
National Trust
New Nicotine Alliance
NSPCC
Outward Bound Trust
Oxfam
Royal National Theatre
Royal Opera House
Samaritans
Scout Association
Shelter
Terence Higgins Trust
UNICEF UK
VSO
WWF-UK
Youth Hostels Association
US ONLY
Charities and non-profits in the US are going strong, with charitable donations projected to rise year on year around 3% – 6%. This makes it a stable area if you’re looking for a volunteer role to bolster your C.V, or set you on the path to a new career. Here is a list of some of the largest and most commonplace ones within the US
American Cancer Society
American Civil Liberties Union and Foundation
Americares Foundation
American Heart Association
American National Red Cross
American SPCA
Burroughs Wellcome Fund
Care USA
City of Hope
Combined Jewish Philanthropies
Compassion International
Convoy of Hope
Cross International
Direct Relief
Entertainment Industry Foundation
Environmental Defense Fund
United Way Worldwide
Feeding America
Food for the Poor
Good 360
Goodwill Industries International
Habitat for Humanity International
HealthWell Foundation
Humane Society of the United States
International Rescue Committee
Make-A-Wish Foundation of America
MAP International
Mayo Clinic
Metropolitan Opera Association
Midwest Food Bank
Mount Sinai Health Systems
Salvation Army
Scholarship America
Smithsonian Institution
Step Up for Students
Task Force for Global Health
The Arc
The Assistance Fund
World Vision
World Wildlife Fund
Wounded Warrior Project
United Service Organizations
United States Fund for UNICEF
YMCA of the USA
REST OF THE WORLD
If you’re considering volunteering, there are multitudes of different charities and non-profit organisations around the globe to choose from. These can provide you with a great opportunity to get the experience you need so you can land the job you’ve always wanted when you go for your next interview. Here is a list of some of the largest and most commonplace ones from around the globe
Artforum Culture Foundation
Blessing Bethlehem
Bilqees Sarwar Foundation
Bremen Overseas Research and Development Association
Casa Pia
Cesvi
Drosos Foundation
Edhi Foundation
Fundacion Manantiales
GEFEK
GiveIndia
IHH (Humanitarian Relief Foundation)
Jesuit Refugee Service
Kin Canada
La Caixa
Li Ka Shing Foundation
Medecins du Monde
Movimento Sviluppo e Pace
Mukti
Nippon Foundation
Santa Casa da Misericordia
Sir Dorabji Tata and Allied Trusts
Societat de Beneficencia de Naturals de Catalunya
The Winnipeg Foundation