Types of Community and Charity Activities You Can Join Today
Looking for ways to give back but not sure where to start? The good news is that there are many different types of activities you can dive into, whether you’re interested in outreach, charities, the environment, or school clubs. Below we break down the most popular types, what they involve and how you can jump in right now.
Community Outreach Types
Community outreach isn’t a one‑size‑fits‑all effort. One type is direct service, where volunteers hand out food, clothing or run a shelter. Another is education and awareness, which means giving talks at schools or creating flyers about health and safety. A third type is community building, such as organizing neighborhood clean‑ups or local festivals that bring people together. Each type needs a different skill set – from good listening for direct service to clear presentation for education – but all create real impact.
At Holy Family Parish we run a monthly food‑bank drop‑off (direct service) and a quarterly youth‑led safety workshop (education). If you enjoy talking to people, the workshop could be your spot. If you prefer hands‑on work, the food bank is a great fit.
Charitable Trust and Non‑Profit Types
Charitable trusts come in two major flavors. A charitable remainder trust lets you keep income from an asset while the charity gets the remainder later. A charitable lead trust does the opposite – the charity receives income first, and you get the rest after a set period. Both can offer tax benefits, but they differ in timing and control.
Beyond trusts, non‑profits fall into categories like service charities (food banks, shelters), advocacy groups (environmental or human‑rights campaigns), and educational charities (scholarships, tutoring). Understanding the type helps you match your values with the right organization.
If you’re curious about setting up a trust, talk to the parish council – they have a volunteer accountant who can walk you through the basics.
Environmental Organization Types
Environmental groups also vary. Conservation NGOs focus on protecting land and wildlife, while climate action groups target carbon emissions and policy change. Community gardens blend ecology with local food production, and cleanup crews organise beach or park sweeps.
Two of the biggest names you’ll hear about are Greenpeace (high‑profile campaigns) and WWF (long‑term wildlife projects). Both offer volunteer slots, from digital outreach to on‑ground actions.
School Club Types
School clubs are a great way for young people to discover interests. Common types include sports clubs, STEM clubs, arts and drama groups, and service clubs like the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Each type teaches teamwork, leadership and specific skills.
Our parish youth group partners with local schools to run a “Leadership Club” that mixes service projects with personal development. It’s a low‑commitment way for teens to try out a new type of club.
Fun Fundraising Ideas
Fundraising isn’t just bake sales. Try a community quiz night, a charity run, or a DIY craft market. Each idea fits a different audience – quiz nights attract adults, runs get the active crowd, and craft markets draw families.
Mixing several types in one event keeps things fresh. For example, a “Green Day” could combine a park clean‑up (environmental outreach) with a bake‑sale that funds a local shelter (charitable service).
Whatever type you choose, the key is consistency. Show up regularly, bring friends, and share your experience on social media. That’s how small actions become big change.
Ready to pick a type and start? Check the parish bulletin for upcoming dates, or email the outreach coordinator to get a volunteer slot that matches your interests. The more you know about the different types, the easier it is to find the perfect fit for you and your family.
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