In the Czech Republic, a number of charities operate to assist with development, emergency aid and combating extreme poverty around the globe. Based in a high-income country, these organizations work both internationally and in local impoverished communities. Here are five charities operating in the Czech Republic.

1. People in Need

People in Need is one of the most prominent charities in the Czech Republic. Šimon Pának, a leader in the student movement of the 1989 Velvet Revolution, founded the organization in 1992.

People in Need strives to provide humanitarian aid both in the Czech Republic and internationally. It combats poverty by addressing the root causes of the problem, including a lack of access to education, minimal resources and discrimination. According to its website, the organization “targets the roots of these problems and remove them with the cooperation of the people affected to remove them.”

People in Need aids both those in emergency situations, such as conflict and natural disasters and provides enduring support for the poor. Over 30 years, it has worked to provide education and counseling to help poor families rise socially and financially. Its Humanitarian and Development Section carries out projects in 31 countries and aids hundreds of thousands of people, providing both immediate emergency relief and education for long-term poverty relief.

2. Caritas Czech Republic

Caritas Czech Republic focuses internationally, specifically in countries where war and natural disasters have caused significant damage. Established in 2004, it has contributed to 34 projects in Ethiopia, Gaza, Georgia, Iraq, Moldova, Mongolia, Syria, Turkey, Ukraine and Zambia. 

In 2024, Caritas Czech Republic worked to provide health care and psychosocial support in Gaza for 5,000 people, in order to aid the impoverished during a time of intense conflict. As well as this, in the same year, they introduced Zambian farmers to modern farming methods and solar irrigation systems, helping them to produce more food and in a more efficient way.

3. Care Czech Republic

CARE formed its Czech Republic branch in 2019. An organization originally founded in the United States, t first started work in Czechoslovakia in 1945, distributing 170,000 CARE packages between 1946 and 1950. After vacating the country during communist rule, CARE returned to the Czech Republic in 2007.

As of 2024, CARE has instituted 12 projects in six countries: Ukraine, Syria, Yemen, Ethiopia, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Recent projects include rebuilding schools in Moravia after flooding in 2024.

CARE focuses its efforts on women and girls, advocating for gender equality in countries around the world. The Mastercard Strive Czechia is a project in the Czech Republic that supports small entrepreneurs, mostly women.

4. ADRA Czech Republic

ADRA Czech Republic is part of an international network of charities in more than 100 countries. The Seventh-day Adventist Church founded ADRA in the United States in 1956, and established its Czech branch in 1991.

While ADRA was originally domestically focused, it began helping internationally during the floods in Moravia in 1997. Since 2006, it has focused on global development education, advocating for the discussion of global issues in schools both in the Czech Republic and in other countries.

The European Commission awarded ADRA with the EU Humanitarian Partnership Certificate for 2021 to 2027. This makes it eligible for EU funding.

5. Mary’s Meals Czech Republic

Mary’s Meals provides meals for children at schools in impoverished communities in the Czech Republic. It provides meals for 3 million children, many of whom receive no other food throughout the day.

Not only does this organization feed children but the free meal encourages children to go to school and receive an education. This prepares them for a more successful future. In this way, the problem of hunger is solved with both immediate and long-term solutions. 

Looking Ahead

From feeding children to responding to natural disasters, these charities address a multitude of issues relating to global poverty. These five charities operating in the Czech Republic highlight the country’s commitment to helping impoverished people build better futures.

– Julia Cholerton

Julia is based in Gig Harbor, WA, USA and focuses on Technology and Solutions for The Borgen Project.

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