Top 9 Funny & Weird Charities That You Should Know | Full List
When it comes to philanthropy, we often visualize serious causes addressing poverty, hunger, and disease. But what if we told you that there’s a whimsical side to giving back? Welcome to the realm of funny and weird charities – entities that marry humor and altruism, offering a lighthearted and refreshing perspective on helping others. From training monkeys to assist adults with mobility impairments to crafting sweaters for chilly chickens, these charities add a dash of delight to the act of making a difference.
Why does this matter to you? In an increasingly chaotic world, it’s easy to lose sight of life’s lighter side. These unique charities remind us that amidst adversity, humor, creativity, and kindness come in many surprising forms. They inspire us to view the world differently, to appreciate the eccentric, and to understand that making a difference can be as unconventional as it is impactful. Join us as we explore this delightful dimension of philanthropy that is as heartwarming as it is hilarious, and prepare to be inspired to contribute in your own unique way.
Here are Top 9 Funny & Weird Charities that you should know:
1. Shirts for a Cure
Shirt for a Cure supports women battling breast cancer by selling t-shirts designed by different rock bands. The charity was launched by Mark Beemer, a punk-rock scene photographer, following his wife’s death from breast cancer. Their unique approach of combining music, fashion, and charity makes this organization stand out
This charity sells t-shirts designed by rock bands, with proceeds going to help women fight breast cancer. It is funny and unique because it combines punk-rock culture with charity work.
2. Clean Cooking Alliance
It focuses on providing modern, safe-cook stoves to underserved communities throughout the world. Their mission addresses a critical, yet often overlooked, aspect of poverty: the lack of sanitary and safe ways to prepare food. This organization extends its aid to diverse communities, from Chinese farmers to Mayan villagers
This charity provides modern, safe-cook stoves to underserved communities around the world. It’s slightly unusual because it focuses on a specific but overlooked problem: people with food who don’t have sanitary or safe ways to prepare it.
3. Give Back Yoga Foundation
It seeks to make yoga accessible to underserved or marginalized communities. They run programs like Prison Yoga Project, Yoga of 12-Step Recovery, and yoga4cancer, among others, which aim to utilize the health benefits of yoga to improve the quality of life for many individuals
It’s a bit out of the ordinary because it uses yoga, a practice often associated with urbane hipsters, to enhance the lives of a wide range of people.
4. Monkey Helpers
Monkey Helpers, trains monkeys to assist adults with spinal cord injuries and mobility impairments. By providing ‘service monkeys’, they aim to enhance the independence of those with mobility issues
It’s a bit bizarre, yet also heartwarming, because it involves “service monkeys” aiding people with their needs.
5. Child’s Play
Child’s Play tries to alleviate the boredom of children in hospitals by providing video games and other toys. They work with 140 hospitals and use financial donations to buy new video game consoles and toys. They also provide wish lists from the kids at specific hospitals, allowing donors to send specific toys directly
It’s a bit funny because it’s all about turning a downer situation into a fun one by bringing video games into the hospital setting.
6. Patriot PAWS
Based in Rockwall, Texas, they train puppies to serve as service dogs for veterans with disabilities or post-traumatic stress disorder. They also offer a Prison Program where dogs are trained and overseen by select inmates within the Texas Department of Criminal Justice
It’s unusual but heartwarming because part of their training program involves inmates from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.
7. The Critter Connection
It is a nonprofit that rescues and rehabilitates abandoned and neglected guinea pigs. Based in Durham, Connecticut, they have rescued more than 1,800 guinea pigs, rehabilitating them and matching them with adopters through Petfinder
The concept is slightly funny due to its focus on a specific and often overlooked type of pet: guinea pigs
8. Nest
It is a nonprofit that aids artisans trying to build a business with their crafts. They offer professional fellowships, a sourcing network, and networking services and events to help artisans communicate with and learn from one another
It’s unique due to its support for “handworkers,” a group not commonly targeted by charities.
9. Longhopes Donkey Shelter
Longhopes Donkey Shelter, based in Bennett, Colorado, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and rehoming of at-risk donkeys. Established in 2000 by Kathy Dean and accredited by the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries, the shelter operates with the aim to protect donkeys from neglect, abuse, and slaughter, promoting them as companion animals that thrive in bonded pairs.
As the first U.S. donkey shelter to receive this accreditation, Longhopes operates as a 501(c)3 tax-exempt charity, managed by a non-compensated Board of Directors, and is recognized for its programs offering rescue, rehabilitation, rehoming, retirement, and end-of-life services for donkey.
It’s unusual and a bit funny due to its exclusive focus on donkeys.
Final Thoughts
As we conclude our journey through the world of funny and weird charities, we hope that you’re left feeling not only amused but also inspired. These eccentric organizations have shown us that the act of giving back isn’t confined to traditional paths. Instead, it can be as diverse, creative, and whimsical as our imaginations allow. In their unusual approaches, these charities break down barriers, reach out to diverse groups, and make a significant difference, all while putting a smile on our faces.
In essence, these charities teach us that humor and kindness can coexist, and that this powerful combination can create meaningful, transformative changes in our world. They remind us that laughter, creativity, and empathy are all vital parts of the human experience, and that these elements can be harnessed to build bridges, heal wounds, and enhance lives.
So next time you think about contributing to a cause, remember that charity isn’t always a serious business. It can be an avenue for joy, laughter, and even a bit of the bizarre. And perhaps, in your own unique way, you might find yourself inspired to make a difference that not only impacts lives but also brings a touch of humor and joy to the world. Because, after all, isn’t it beautiful to imagine a world where kindness and laughter go hand in hand?
