Are you keen to do something worthwhile with your career but not quite sure what? There are so many ways to make a difference, but it can be hard to know where to start! So let us guide you through a few of the most popular charity causes. It could be your first step towards finding a career with meaning.
Animals
Animal charities have a wide range of goals. Some are dedicated to animal rescue and furthering animal welfare. Vet charities provide free and low-cost treatment to pets in need. There are charities that focus on helping specific types of animals, from dogs and cats to donkeys. Or you might be drawn to working for a wildlife conservation charity—whether welcoming customers as a visitor assistant to working as a zookeeper or a vet.
Find out what skills you need to work with animals and browse animal jobs.
Art, culture and heritage
If you’re passionate about art, working for a charity that promotes it could be a great choice. Some arts charities put their funding into supporting artists and research. Some are dedicated to bringing the therapeutic and transformative qualities of art into people’s lives. Many art foundations and museums are charities and non-profits. Fundraising and event management are a big part of arts and culture charity work.
Browse art, culture and heritage jobs.
Children and young people
It’s often said that children are the key to a positive future. There are loads of rewarding charity roles that involve supporting children and young people. Some organisations specialise in education and activities. Some care for children experiencing poverty, abuse and health conditions. There’s also youth work, which involves supporting people aged 11 to 25 with their personal, social and educational development.
Browse youth and children’s charity jobs.
Environment
Are you inspired to take on one of the biggest emergencies of our time? If your dream is to help tackle today’s climate issues, consider working for an environment charity. There are plenty of opportunities in this growing sector, from climate research to protecting threatened habitats to campaigning for green policies.
Find out where to start and browse environment jobs.
Health
Alongside the NHS, charities play a vital role in supporting the nation’s health and wellbeing. Health charity roles include providing care and support directly, conducting research, and campaigning and raising awareness. Many charities focus on specific areas of health (for example mental health) or a particular condition.
Browse health jobs.
Human rights and social justice
Are you passionate about ensuring freedom, dignity and equality for everyone? A job at a human rights charity could be for you. Social justice is a closely related cause. It’s the idea that everyone should have access to the same opportunities and that all citizens should share in a society’s wealth. To work in human rights or social justice involves championing protected characteristics such as gender, sexuality, race, age and disability.
Browse human rights jobs.
International development
Combining research and practical aid, international development supports people living in developing nations. This can range from humanitarian work to construction of infrastructure and emergency response. Office and admin roles are available, but experience in engineering, health and law can make it easier for you to find paid work a bit closer to the action.
Browse international development jobs.
Poverty and social welfare
Social welfare charities are there for people who are vulnerable due to factors like poverty, unemployment and illness. Support might include emergency assistance such as foodbanks or help with housing and homelessness. Charities often provide service users with skills, knowledge and resources—for example practical advice about work, money and benefits. They also campaign to tackle the root causes of poverty.
Browse social welfare jobs.
Find out which inspiring charity causes need your skills—see what jobs are available on CharityJob today.
