Tanzania is acknowledged for its rich national parks like Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti. However, beyond its scenic landscapes, many citizens face significant economic hardship. As populations increase, the poverty rates also increase. In 2011, about 12.3 million Tanzanians lived in vulnerable conditions. By 2018, that number rose to 14 million. Still, recent data reveal progress—Zanzibar, for instance, recorded a 4.7% drop in poverty from 30.4% in 2014–15 to 25.7% in 2019–20. Charitable organizations have played a vital role in building community resilience and expanding access to essential services.

5 Charities Operating in Tanzania

1. Save the Children. A global humanitarian organization focused on protecting children’s rights and well-being. The charity has worked with the Tanzanian government for more than 100 years, first launching its programs in Zanzibar before expanding across the country. Its efforts prioritize nutrition services, educational access and child poverty reduction. In Tanzania, 27% of the population lacks adequate sanitation and housing, with 8% living in extreme poverty. Children represent a significant portion of this population, comprising 44.8% of those affected. Save the Children operates under three core goals: eliminating preventable child deaths, ensuring access to education and protecting children from violence. Since 2024, the program has enacted 122 policy reforms and responded to 112 emergencies.
2. Plan International. Plan International is an independent development and humanitarian organization that promotes health care, clean water access and child protection. Established in Tanzania in 1991, the organization now operates in eight regions and aims to eliminate child poverty by 2030 through policy reform and community empowerment. Plan International adheres to the U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child, which affirms children’s right to security and care. Its long-term vision is to ensure all children, especially girls, have the opportunity to thrive.
3. BAPS Charities. BAPS Charities provides essential services in health, education and nutrition. The BAPS clinic in Dar es Salaam is one of its most notable programs in Tanzania, offering free medical services to families. The clinic operates weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. Services include lab work, treatment and food distribution. Children are given safe spaces and nourishment, such as water and snacks, contributing to a warm and welcoming environment.
4. Zara Charity. Founded in 2009 by Zainab Ansell, Zara Charity is a nonprofit registered under the United Republic of Tanzania. It works to improve the lives of disadvantaged families through eco-tourism partnerships and educational support for women and orphans. Notable sponsors include Zita Tanzanian Wild Camps Ltd. and Tour Compass. Its key initiative is organizing volunteer cleanups on Mount Kilimanjaro to reduce environmental waste. Additionally, these activities provide residents, especially the underserved, with cleaner living conditions.
5. Kupona Foundation. Kupona Foundation is a U.S.-based nonprofit that partners with the Comprehensive Community-Based Rehabilitation in Tanzania (CCBRT). The organization is dedicated to strengthening Tanzania’s health care systems. Kupona has raised $7 million to support medical treatment, training and infrastructure. Furthermore, with 87% of its funds directed to programming, the organization ensures financial accountability and sustainability. Kupona’s efforts help expand access to quality care while laying the foundation for long-term development.

Looking Ahead

Tanzania continues to make progress in reducing poverty, due to the efforts of local and international charitable organizations. These five charities exemplify how targeted interventions in health, education, environmental sustainability and child protection can transform communities. Indeed, as the nation pushes toward sustainable development, the work of these charities operating in Tanzania offers a roadmap for continued growth, resilience and hope.

– Janae Bayford

Janae is based in Centennial, CO, USA and focuses on Business and Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr