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.
1. 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 animals, from dogs and cats to donkeys. Or you might want to work for a wildlife conservation charity. That could be welcoming customers as a visitor assistant or working as a zookeeper or vet.
Find out what skills you need to work with animals and browse animal jobs.
2. 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 focus on transforming people’s lives with art therapy. 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.
3. Children and young people
It’s often said that children are the key to a positive future. And lots of rewarding charity roles 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 personal and educational development.
Browse youth and children’s charity jobs.
4. Environment
Are you inspired to take on one of the biggest emergencies of our time? If tackling climate issues is your dream, consider working for an environment charity. There are plenty of opportunities in this growing sector. Examples include climate research, protecting threatened habitats and campaigning for green policies.
Find out where to start and browse environment jobs.
5. Health
Along with the NHS, charities play a vital role in supporting the nation’s health and wellbeing. Health charity roles include care and support, research, and campaigning and raising awareness. Many charities focus on specific areas of health. For example, they might specialise in mental health or a particular condition.
Browse health jobs.
6. 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 all share in a society’s wealth. These roles involve championing protected characteristics like gender, sexuality, race, age and disability.
Browse human rights jobs.
7. International development
Combining research and practical aid, international development supports people living in developing nations. This can range from humanitarian work to construction 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.
8. Poverty and social welfare
Social welfare charities are there for vulnerable people experiencing poverty, unemployment and illness. Support includes emergency aid like foodbanks or help with housing and homelessness. Charities often provide service users with skills, knowledge and resources. For example, they might give 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.
