No matter where you’re traveling to or living, giving back to the community is undoubtedly an excellent way to appreciate the country. Donating isn’t solely about monetary contributions, but your old or unused belongings can be precious for other misfortunate individuals. While in Vietnam, there are many channels where you can give a second life to your old stuff or support the local communities, so see below for where to donate in Vietnam.
NGOs and NPOs in Vietnam – Where to Donate in Vietnam
The easiest and most trusted way to donate in Vietnam is via authorized NGOs and NPOs. The social causes network in Vietnam is extensive and caters to many major causes on a national and international scale. Their campaigns focus on society’s long-term and sustainable development with comprehensive research and action plans. There are also many volunteer opportunities and grand events hosted by notable persons you can participate in with these organizations. Though these organizations are independent of the government, they work closely with the authorities. Some NGOs and NPOS in Vietnam you can look into are:
Nature and Wildlife Conservation:
WildAct Vietnam: wildact-vn.org
CHANGE: https://www.changevn.org/
Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS): vietnam.wcs.org
World Wildlife Fund: https://www.worldwildlife.org/
Children’s Welfare
Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation: https://www.bluedragon.org/
Saigon Children’s Charity: https://www.saigonchildren.com/en/
Vietnam Children’s Fund: http://www.vietnamchildren.org/
The Children’s Foundation is among the primary organizations in Vietnam, aiming to assist children in underdeveloped areas, children with disabilities, children affected by the Orange Agent, etc.
Health:
CARE (Health care): https://care.org/our-work/where-we-work/vietnam/
AHF (HIV/AIDS): https://www.aidshealth.org/global/vietnam/
VinaCapital (free heart surgeries for children): vinacapitalfoundation.org
Read more on Volunteer in Vietnam
Private Organizations/Projects – Where to Donate in Vietnam
Even though NGOs and NPOs in Vietnam are more methodical, well-structured, and broadly supported by the government and local authorities, they can hardly look into other specific problems, which seem minor yet less impactful for the locals’ lives. Private organizations generally emphasize innovative solutions to the communities’ long-standing issues. These personal projects have particular impacts on the local communities and authorities, but they lack the needed resources to expand. With careful research, there are many ways you can contribute to or even invest in more contemporary projects for modern questions.
Song Foundation: building disaster-resilient houses in areas that are frequently stricken by storms and floods
Read more on the Updates on Flooding in Central Vietnam
Rock-Paper-Scissors Children’s Fund: teaching music and art to underprivileged kids in Vietnam.
Hope Box: helping women and children under sexual abuse and domestic violence
Facebook Groups/Events/Pages – Where to Donate in Vietnam
On a smaller scale, yet no less important are Facebook groups specifically established to help the local community. Despite being more spontaneous, Facebook groups are more personalized and expats-friendly if you’re living in Vietnam.
Laws for Paws Vietnam: https://www.facebook.com/lawsforpawsvietnam/
The ultimate page for dog lovers in Vietnam! The four-legged residents here are primarily rescues, and adoption or foster opportunities are always available should you’re looking for some puppy love. Donations are always welcome, either in monetary or physical form, such as bedding and food for the dogs, and you can also volunteer at the center to look after, walk the dogs, or simply spend time with the fur buddies.
Related: How to Bring Your Pets to Vietnam
Help Saigon’s Homeless: https://www.facebook.com/groups/HelpSaigonsHomeless/
This group is organized by expats focusing on providing either meals or shelters for homeless people in Ho Chi Minh City. You can donate either your old clothes or some money, or take part in charity trips around the city.
Breast Cancer Network Vietnam: https://www.facebook.com/bcnvietnam
As a support group for breast cancer awareness in Vietnam, this network collects not only monetary donations but also hair donations to support breast cancer patients in Vietnam
Pagodas and Churches in Vietnam – Where to Donate in Vietnam
Pagodas and churches in Vietnam serve as both religious centers and sanctuaries for those in need of both mental and physical aid. Most pagodas and churches are home to homeless or orphan children or animals. However, these centers do not generate high income despite the lives here being kept mostly frugal and are often overlooked as they are not discussed much in mainstream media. Therefore, donations to these pagodas and churches are greatly appreciated, especially to those in remote areas in Vietnam.
Important Notes when Looking for Where to Donate in Vietnam
Donation and sharing are always noble acts and highly encouraged, and for more considerate donations in Vietnam, do look at some dos and don’ts when looking for where to donate to Vietnam:
What should and shouldn’t be donated
Depending on the specific cause, the needed donation can vary, and for certain cases, you need to consider what can be donated more carefully. For example, don’t donate summer or too flashy clothing to an area usually going through bitter-cold winters. It is wise to contact the organization beforehand for what items you can give.
How to avoid scams
As sad as it might sound, some malicious individuals or organizations might take advantage of others’ misfortunes for their gains, so while being compassionate, you must also be smart about your choices. Look up the organization’s past activities, credentials, and even reviews from part members before donating, especially if it’s a large amount of money or the collective contributions of many people.
Final Thoughts on Where to Donate in Vietnam
As a middle-income country, many lives in Vietnam still need support, and other environmental and humanitarian causes are working tirelessly in hopes of a more developed and sustainable society. As there are many channels to work with, one must also be careful with how the organization works. If you’ve had any experiences with charities in Vietnam, feel free to share with us in the comments section.
For more ethical travel, check out also Our GIVEBACK Program