Charity Organizations in Czech Republic

Charity Organizations in Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is home to several prominent charity organizations dedicated to addressing various social, environmental, and humanitarian issues. Among them, Caritas Czech Republic stands out as the oldest and largest non-profit, providing essential social and health services to vulnerable populations. Other significant organizations include UNHCR, which supports the development of a robust asylum system, Friends of the Earth Czech Republic, advocating for environmental solutions, and Greenpeace, an independent global environmental advocate. Together, these organizations work tirelessly to promote social welfare, human rights, and environmental protection throughout the country.

Caritas Czech Republic

Caritas Czech Republic is the oldest and largest non-profit organization in the country, providing extensive social and health services through a network of over 300 organizations, ranging from small parishes to diocesan-level entities. It is also responsible for organizing the Three Kings Collection, the nation’s largest fundraising event. 

The organization’s mission is to support individuals in difficult social situations, including the disabled, the long-term ill, the dying, victims of domestic violence, and those affected by natural disasters or conflicts. Caritas operates both domestically and internationally, promoting the protection of human rights and dignity for all, regardless of race or religion.

UNHCR

The UNHCR office in Prague was established in 1992, coinciding with the Czech Republic’s accession to the 1951 Refugee Convention and its 1967 Protocol. Its primary aim is to assist in developing a robust and independent asylum system that aligns with international standards and laws for assessing applications for international protection. 

UNHCR achieves this through its own legal advisory programs, and educational initiatives, and by supporting the work of non-governmental, non-profit organizations. The Prague office functions as part of the UNHCR’s regional representation, headquartered in Budapest.

Friends of the Earth Czech Republic

Friends of the Earth Czech Republic, founded in 1989, has been actively advocating for environmental solutions across various areas, including energy, forests, mining, waste, and agriculture, along with general environmental policy. Currently, the organization’s key focus areas are energy policy and the Sumava National Park.

With around 40 staff members, volunteers, and 10 local groups, the organization combines several strategies to achieve its goals. These include lobbying, grassroots mobilization, research, empowering local communities, and providing public information. The group works to expose harmful corporate practices, advise communities, draft new environmental laws, inform consumers, and research alternative solutions. Through these efforts, Friends of the Earth Czech Republic plays a crucial role in advancing environmental protection and promoting sustainable policies in the country.

Greenpeace

Greenpeace is an independent global environmental organization, active in 55 countries for over 50 years. It advocates for environmental protection through non-violent means, addressing global issues like climate change, ocean conservation, forest protection, and sustainable agriculture. 

Greenpeace promotes solutions that ensure a healthy future for current and future generations. To maintain independence, it does not accept donations from governments, political parties, or corporations, relying solely on individual supporters. Key goals include advancing renewable energy, preserving biodiversity, promoting disarmament, eliminating nuclear weapons, and creating safe, sustainable alternatives to harmful chemicals and practices in agriculture and manufacturing.

AIESEC

AIESEC is a global, non-political, independent, not-for-profit organization dedicated to empowering young people to discover and develop their leadership skills. Founded to address world issues, AIESEC is led by youth passionate about leadership and management. The organization promotes inclusivity, refusing to discriminate based on color, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or social origin. 

Since its inception, AIESEC has engaged over 1,000,000 young individuals, providing them opportunities to participate in meaningful projects. Members gain practical experience and focus on self-development, fostering a sense of global citizenship and leadership among youth.