According to the Bertelsmann Stiftung Country Report (2022), 7.36% of the Taiwanese population is relatively impoverished. In other words, the poverty rate in Taiwan is relatively low. The low rate may be due to Taiwan’s strict definition of poverty. However, there is a cultural significance that expresses the value of well-being in humanity. For example, many members of Taiwanese society follow Confucianism, a set of philosophies that honors community and compassion for those in suffering and facing difficult times. Culture could explain why there are many organized and well-funded charities operating in Taiwan.  

Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation

The first of the charities operating in Taiwan is the Hondao Senior Citizen’s Welfare Foundation, which prioritizes the senior citizen community that is either living alone or experiencing the mental and physical challenges that come with aging. As of 2025, 20% of the Taiwanese population is age 65 or older, making Taiwan a “super-aged society.” Hondao is a key charity operating in Taiwan, prioritizing the growing elderly population dilemma by providing an accessible support network and services to the numerous aging individuals. Since Hondao’s development in 1995, it has developed 40 programs for older people. Every year, the organization impacts the lives of at least 10,000 senior citizens. In 2021, the organization provided disability assistance and daycare to 265,587 elders.

Homeless Taiwan Association

The Homeless Taiwan Association began in 2011 with a group of social workers from multiple eastern Asian countries. This charity operating in Taiwan strives to change the way poverty and homelessness are addressed. The Homeless Taiwan Association primarily fights for policies that will provide housing for people experiencing homelessness. Currently, the organization has 21 bed housing in four locations. Every year, the association is able to make a lasting impact on 30 to 50 individuals experiencing homelessness.  

The nonprofit understands that receiving public homeless housing is a challenging task, which is why the Homeless Taiwan Association runs the Hidden Taipei program to change the stigma surrounding the homeless population. Hidden Taipei offers guided tours by people who have experienced homelessness or are currently homeless. It’s a win-win for the tour guide and tourist. Guides earn 60% of the tour’s cost and change lives by sharing their life stories, while tourists listen, reflect and take in the cityscapes.

The Ark Association

The Ark Association’s mission is to bring love and care to every corner of Taiwan. Founder (and current Chairperson) Winny Wen began her journey in service work and volunteerism by dedicating her time to long-term care facilities. In 2014, the Ark Association originated. Today, the Ark Association truly touches lives in every corner of Taiwan by assisting multiple vulnerable groups. It mobilizes youth volunteers to help marginalized families, people without housing, older adults and rural areas. 

Specifically, the Ark Association is developing bathing centers that offer hygiene education for the homeless and delivering hot meals to individuals with unstable housing. Furthermore, the Ark Association is expanding outside of Taiwan by taking on school building projects in Nangquien, Qinghai and Cambodia.

Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation

In 1987, Taipei Women’s Rescue Foundation (TWRF) originated. Its original purpose was to protect and support women who were victims of prostitution to Japanese soldiers during WWII. Today, the organization continues to help those victims through legal counseling and therapy options. Now, TWRF has broadened its support to domestic violence victims and to human trafficking victims. 

In 2005, 600,000 to 800,000 people in Taiwan were trafficking victims, and of that number, 50% were minors. From that point onward, TWRF began training volunteers to rescue underage sex trafficked victims. Continuing, TWRF also advocated for victims by contributing to lobbying. The TWRF has accomplished developing the “Children’s Welfare Act” and the “Youth’s Sexual Transaction Prevention Act” in order to protect these victims. Today, Taiwan’s trafficking in Persons Report reveals that the trafficking victims has significantly lowered to 279, thanks to organizations such as TWRF.

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity is dedicated to giving care to children with disabilities or special needs. The nonprofit offers a variety of resources for children with disadvantages to be raised in a safe, encouraging environment. According to the Taiwan Health and Welfare Report of 2023, 51,043 individuals between the ages of 0 – 17 have disability certificates. 

The Taiwan Love and Hope International Charity has a childcare development center that teaches music classes, gym activities, parent-child bonding activities and parent education lessons. Currently, the charity operates two group homes, a childcare center with therapy options and an emergency shelter that offers 24-hour access.

Looking Ahead

Charities operating in Taiwan are enriching lives one person at a time. These examples of charities demonstrate how Taiwanese culture is rooted in compassion. 

– Mireya Aguilar

Mireya is based in Layton, UT, USA and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

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