Charities come in all shapes and sizes, with most focusing on serious causes like health, hunger, and education. But some organizations embrace the unusual, quirky, or downright weird in their efforts to make the world a better place. From protecting endangered species to promoting creative hobbies, these funny and weird charities might make you smile—and inspire you to give back in an unconventional way.
Here’s a list of some of the most entertaining and bizarre charities that tackle unique causes.
1. The Penguin Foundation (Australia)
The Penguin Foundation focuses on saving little penguins by creating tiny sweaters for them! When penguins are affected by oil spills, the sweaters help keep them warm and prevent them from preening (ingesting toxic oil) until they can be cleaned. These tiny knitted outfits are both practical and adorable, making this charity one of the cutest around.
Mission:
- Protect little penguins from environmental hazards like oil spills.
- Raise awareness about penguin conservation.
Why It’s Unique:
People can knit sweaters for penguins, turning a cozy hobby into a life-saving contribution for the environment.
2. Mustaches for Kids
Mustaches for Kids is a charity that invites men to grow mustaches for a good cause. Participants raise money for children’s charities while sporting their best (and often ridiculous) facial hair. The idea is simple: grow a mustache, raise funds, and have some fun while supporting organizations that help children.
Mission:
- Raise money for children’s charities like the Make-A-Wish Foundation and DonorsChoose.
Why It’s Unique:
Mustaches for Kids combines humor and philanthropy, encouraging participants to grow quirky mustaches while making a difference.
3. Bat Conservation International
Bats might be misunderstood, but Bat Conservation International is dedicated to protecting these nocturnal creatures. Bats play a crucial role in pollination, pest control, and maintaining ecosystems, but many species are endangered. The organization works to conserve bat populations, their habitats, and educate people on the importance of these flying mammals.
Mission:
- Protect and conserve the world’s bat populations.
- Educate the public on the importance of bats in ecosystems.
Why It’s Unique:
Bats don’t always get the love they deserve, and this charity’s work focuses on saving these vital, yet often creepy, creatures.
4. The Clown Care Unit (Big Apple Circus)
The Clown Care Unit, part of the Big Apple Circus, sends professional clowns to hospitals to entertain and cheer up sick children. The goal is to bring laughter, joy, and a bit of silliness to kids undergoing medical treatment, making their hospital stays more bearable.
Mission:
- Bring joy and laughter to hospitalized children through professional clown performances.
Why It’s Unique:
The idea of medical clowns might sound strange, but laughter has been shown to help with healing and reduce stress—making this a feel-good (and slightly silly) cause.
5. Tall Clubs International Foundation
If you’re on the taller side, Tall Clubs International Foundation might be the charity for you. This organization promotes awareness about issues affecting tall people, from ergonomic furniture to social perceptions. They also provide scholarships for tall students (over 6’2″ for men and 5’10” for women) pursuing higher education.
Mission:
- Provide scholarships to tall students and raise awareness about height-related issues.
Why It’s Unique:
It’s a niche charity that focuses on supporting people whose height has been both a blessing and a challenge, and scholarships based on height certainly make this foundation stand out.
6. Movember Foundation
Every November, men around the world grow out their mustaches for the Movember Foundation, a charity that raises awareness and funds for men’s health issues like prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. The concept is simple: grow a mustache, start conversations, and collect donations.
Mission:
- Improve men’s health through awareness and fundraising campaigns focused on cancer and mental health.
Why It’s Unique:
The quirky concept of men growing mustaches each November for a serious cause has helped raise millions of dollars while keeping the fundraising process lighthearted and engaging.
7. The Laughter Foundation
The Laughter Foundation is a charity that believes laughter can help alleviate the stress of difficult situations. They focus on spreading joy and humor through various programs, including Stand Up for Homelessness, which uses comedy to raise awareness and support for the homeless population.
Mission:
- Provide relief and support through laughter and comedy.
- Raise funds for homeless shelters and programs through humor-based events.
Why It’s Unique:
Using comedy to tackle serious issues like homelessness is both unusual and inspiring, proving that laughter really can be the best medicine.
8. Free the Lobsters
Free the Lobsters is an animal rights organization that advocates for the humane treatment of lobsters and other crustaceans. Their mission is to raise awareness about the cruelty of cooking lobsters alive and promote more humane alternatives, while also supporting the protection of lobster habitats.
Mission:
- Promote humane treatment and protection of lobsters.
- Raise awareness about ethical seafood practices.
Why It’s Unique:
Saving lobsters from the pot might seem a little strange, but the cause draws attention to broader issues of animal welfare and sustainability in the seafood industry.
9. International Association for the Preservation of Zyzzyx Beetles
This quirky organization is dedicated to protecting one of the world’s most obscure species—the Zyzzyx beetle, a desert-dwelling insect native to the southwestern United States. While little known, these beetles play an important role in the ecosystem, and this charity works to preserve their habitat.
Mission:
- Protect the endangered Zyzzyx beetle and its habitat.
Why It’s Unique:
The Zyzzyx beetle may not be a household name, but this charity’s work highlights the importance of protecting even the most obscure species in our ecosystems.
10. The Critter Connection
The Critter Connection is a non-profit dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned guinea pigs. While dogs and cats often get the spotlight in rescue work, this charity focuses on these small, furry creatures, ensuring they find loving homes.
Mission:
- Rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome abandoned and neglected guinea pigs.
Why It’s Unique:
Focusing solely on guinea pigs sets this rescue apart, and they provide a vital service for these overlooked pets.
Quick Reference Table: Funny and Weird Charities
| Charity | Mission | Why It’s Unique |
|---|---|---|
| The Penguin Foundation | Knit sweaters to protect penguins affected by oil spills | Cute and effective conservation effort for penguins |
| Mustaches for Kids | Raise funds for children’s charities by growing mustaches | Combines quirky facial hair with fundraising |
| Bat Conservation International | Protect endangered bat species and their habitats | Saving misunderstood creatures essential to ecosystems |
| Clown Care Unit (Big Apple Circus) | Bring joy to hospitalized children through clowning | Using clowns to improve children’s hospital experiences |
| Tall Clubs International Foundation | Provide scholarships and advocacy for tall individuals | Offers scholarships based on height and height awareness |
| Movember Foundation | Raise awareness for men’s health through mustache-growing | Combines health advocacy with a fun, lighthearted approach |
| The Laughter Foundation | Use humor to raise awareness for homelessness | Tackles serious issues like homelessness with comedy |
| Free the Lobsters | Advocate for humane treatment and protection of lobsters | Focuses on the ethical treatment of crustaceans |
| Preservation of Zyzzyx Beetles | Protect the endangered Zyzzyx beetle and its desert habitat | Dedicated to conserving an obscure insect species |
| The Critter Connection | Rescue and rehome abandoned guinea pigs | Focused on rescuing and rehabilitating guinea pigs |
These funny and weird charities may tackle some unconventional causes, but their impact is real. Whether you want to knit sweaters for penguins, save lobsters, or grow a mustache for men’s health, there’s a unique way for everyone to give back and have a little fun along the way!