Top NGOs in Vietnam: Organizations Driving Change at The Grassroots

Vietnam is experiencing rapid growth, but challenges like poverty, limited access to education, and climate-related disasters continue to impact many communities. Nonprofit organizations in Vietnam are stepping up to bridge these gaps, driving meaningful change at every level. In fact, more than 396 foreign and local NGOs in Vietnam are actively addressing issues ranging from healthcare and education to women’s rights and environmental sustainability.

In this blog, we spotlight some of the most impactful organizations in Vietnam. These are groups transforming lives through grassroots efforts and nationwide initiatives. Whether you’re looking to volunteer, donate, or simply learn more, this guide offers valuable insights into the nonprofit landscape shaping a better future for Vietnam. All featured organizations have been vetted by Goodera for their impact, transparency, and community credibility.

List of the Top NGOs in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to a wide variety of mission-driven organizations uniquely positioned to support local communities and address urgent challenges. This curated list showcases NGOs in Vietnam that are creating a lasting impact through education programs, environmental conservation, healthcare initiatives, and contributing to economic development.

1. Keep Vietnam Clean & Green (KVCG)

Focus Area(s): Environmental Sustainability
Primary Beneficiary: Environment

‍Keep Vietnam Clean & Green is a Vietnamese NGO focused on tackling Vietnam's growing litter crisis. Through hands-on clean-up drives, educational outreach, and sustainability workshops, KVCG promotes environmental responsibility from classrooms to communities. It also provides impactful opportunities for individuals looking to volunteer in Vietnam, engaging them directly in grassroots environmental action. 

Since expanding nationally, the organization and its wider movement have organized numerous clean-up campaigns across major cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, and Can Tho, collaborating with 50+ partner organizations and mobilizing thousands of volunteers. As one of the most active non-governmental organizations in Vietnam working in environmental advocacy, they’ve mobilized thousands of volunteers to build a cleaner, greener future.

2. MANTA Sail Training Center

Focus Area(s): Environmental Sustainability
Primary Beneficiary: Fishing Communities, Environment

MANTA is a unique Vietnamese NGO blending environmental conservation with watersports. Based in Nha Trang, they train local fishermen as watersports instructors, providing both an alternative income and environmental education. This creative approach helps protect Vietnam’s coastlines while uplifting livelihoods. They also create opportunities for those looking to volunteer in Vietnam, especially in community-driven conservation and skill-building initiatives. It’s a standout example from the list of NGOs in Vietnam working at the intersection of community and conservation.

3. Blue Dragon

Focus Area(s): Child Protection, Education, Anti-Trafficking, Social Welfare

Primary Beneficiary: Vulnerable Children & Youth

Founded in 2003, Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation works to protect and empower children in crisis across Vietnam. The organization rescues victims of human trafficking, provides shelter and education, and supports long-term recovery and reintegration. It also offers meaningful opportunities for those looking to volunteer in Vietnam, allowing individuals to directly contribute to transforming lives. 

Since its founding, Blue Dragon has rescued over 1,700 trafficked children and women, supported tens of thousands of individuals through education and social programs, and helped thousands of families access stable housing and livelihoods. With a strong on-ground presence, Blue Dragon has helped thousands of children and families escape extreme poverty, access education, and build stable, independent futures.

4. Caritas Da Lat

Focus Area(s): Community Upliftment, Healthcare
Primary Beneficiary: Low-Income Communities

‍Caritas Da Lat supports those on the margins of society, including the elderly, people with disabilities, and rural farmers. Their sustainable agriculture programs and microcredit initiatives have helped hundreds become financially self-sufficient. They also offer meaningful opportunities for individuals looking to volunteer in Vietnam, enabling hands-on involvement in community development initiatives. As a Vietnamese NGO, they are known for their holistic approach to development and deep ties to local communities.

5. Center for Sustainable Development Studies (CSDS)

Focus Area(s): Environmental Sustainability
Primary Beneficiary: Environment, Youth

‍CSDS is one of the leading NGOs in Vietnam focusing on climate resilience, youth leadership, and community development. Founded in 2009, they offer youth exchange programs, volunteer opportunities, and support initiatives around environmental protection. Since its inception, CSDS has engaged thousands of young people through volunteer programs, international exchanges, and capacity-building workshops, while partnering with local and global organizations to drive sustainability initiatives across multiple provinces. Their work bridges global perspectives with local needs, making them a valuable contributor among non-government organizations in Vietnam.

6. Chicken Minds

Focus Area(s): Education
Primary Beneficiary: Students

‍Chicken Minds is a youth-led Vietnamese NGO that prepares ninth-grade students for the highly competitive tenth-grade entrance exams. Volunteers and mentors, who once faced the same challenges, now coach students through workshops, practice tests, and personalized support. It’s a grassroots organization from the list of NGOs in Vietnam that truly understands the local education system from within.

Since its launch, the organization has supported hundreds of students across multiple cohorts, with many participants gaining admission into top public high schools. Their model has also mobilized a growing network of student volunteers and peer mentors, creating a strong cycle of giving back within the education community.

7. ECO Vietnam Group (EVG)

Focus Area(s): Community Upliftment
Primary Beneficiary: Disadvantaged Communities

‍EVG partners with rural villages and ethnic minorities to bring essential services, vocational training, and infrastructure improvements. Their efforts include building libraries, installing water systems, and hosting summer schools. As a non-governmental organization in Vietnam, they play a vital role in improving access to resources for underserved communities.

8. Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Association (HCWA)

Focus Area(s): Education
Primary Beneficiary: Children

HCWA is a nonprofit social organization that protects and empowers children across Ho Chi Minh City. With programs focused on health, education, and child rights, this Vietnamese NGO works closely with local authorities to ensure that no child is left behind. Their initiatives have reached thousands, making them one of the more established non-government organizations in Vietnam.

One inspiring example of how companies are partnering with NGOs in Vietnam is TikTok’s employee volunteer food drive, facilitated by Goodera. The event brought together 73 employee volunteers who assembled and donated meal kits filled with essential food items like breakfast cereal, tinned soup, fruits, iced tea, spreads, and ready-to-eat rice.

9. YUU Organization

Focus Area(s): Arts and Culture
Primary Beneficiary: Children, Youth

YUU is a nonprofit youth organization working to build confidence, cultural awareness, and civic responsibility among Vietnamese youth. Through storytelling, arts education, and outreach to ethnic minority communities, they help bridge cultural divides. Their creative programs make them a standout on any list of NGOs in Vietnam focused on youth empowerment.

10. Breast Cancer Network Vietnam (BCNV)

Focus Area(s): Healthcare
Primary Beneficiary: Women

BCNV is the country’s most prominent nonprofit focused on breast cancer awareness, early detection, and survivor support. With public education campaigns, support groups, and free screening initiatives, this Vietnamese NGO is helping to change how communities talk about and treat breast cancer. Their work has reached over 50,000 women across Vietnam.

11. GreenViet

Focus Area(s): Environmental Sustainability
Primary Beneficiary: Environment

Advancing biodiversity protection and sustainability through community-led initiatives in Vietnam

GreenViet works on biodiversity conservation across Vietnam’s Central Highlands. Their team conducts scientific research, hosts eco-education programs, and advocates for policy change to protect endangered species and forest habitats. As a leading name among environmental NGOs in Vietnam, they’re helping secure a greener future for the next generation.

12. Catalyst for Change Vietnam

Focus Area(s): Women’s Safety and Economic Empowerment
Primary Beneficiary: Women, Marginalized Communities

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‍Catalyst for Change Vietnam is a locally led nonprofit working to empower women and marginalized groups through education, economic opportunities, and advocacy. Their programs focus on addressing gender-based violence, supporting survivors, and improving livelihoods through vocational training and small business support. As one of the more innovative non-governmental organizations in Vietnam, they collaborate closely with community partners to create sustainable, long-term change for women across the country.

This list of NGOs in Vietnam is not exhaustive, but rather, just a starting point. Each Vietnamese NGO featured here is addressing urgent needs and building stronger, more resilient communities. 

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Ready to Support NGOs in Vietnam? Let’s Get You Started

Now that you’ve explored some of the most inspiring nonprofits driving change across Vietnam, it’s time to take the next step.

At Goodera, we connect socially conscious brands like yours with a global network of top nonprofits. These are volunteering experiences designed to be meaningful for your teams and impactful for communities. From Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City, our partnerships with leading NGOs in Vietnam ensure that your efforts support grassroots needs where they matter most.

Whether you're planning an in-person event or engaging remote employees, we’re here to help you create a volunteering journey that inspires your people and empowers local communities.

Let’s bring your brand’s purpose to life.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How many nonprofit organizations operate in Vietnam?

As of 2025-26, Vietnam had approximately 388 foreign NGOs registered and operating across the country, working on issues such as education, healthcare, environmental conservation, and poverty alleviation. Additionally, estimates suggest there are nearly 1,200 foreign NGOs actively engaged in Vietnam’s socio-economic development, with around 500 NGOs operating regularly in various regions.

Beyond foreign-led organizations, Vietnam has a rich ecosystem of domestic associations:

• Around 500 national-level NGOs
• Approximately 4,000 provincial-level NGOs
• 10,000 district or commune-level NGOs
• 1,800 organizations specifically focused on science, environment, health, and education
• Plus, over 140,000 community-based organizations (CBOs) working locally on social issues.

Together, Vietnam’s nonprofit sector includes a dynamic mix of local and international initiatives, offering a wide range of opportunities for volunteering, partnerships, and positive impact.

2. What are the main causes nonprofits in Vietnam are addressing?

Nonprofits in Vietnam address some of the country’s most pressing challenges. These include poverty in rural communities, access to quality healthcare and education, environmental degradation, and gender-based violence. Many also focus on sustainable development, clean water access, and youth empowerment.

3. How can I volunteer with an NGO in Vietnam?

Volunteering with a nonprofit in Vietnam is easier than ever. You can look for local initiatives or partner with Goodera. We curate meaningful volunteering experiences, both in-person and virtual, for individuals and corporate teams. Whether you're interested in teaching, environmental cleanup, or food distribution, Goodera connects you with credible organizations that align with your interests and values.

4. Are there any NGOs in Vietnam focused specifically on women and gender equality?

Yes, Vietnam is home to several impactful NGOs and nonprofits dedicated to advancing gender equality, empowering women, and protecting their rights.

Organizations like:

• The Vietnam Women’s Union (VWU) have a nationwide presence, supporting millions of women through education, health, and leadership programs.
• The Center for Studies and Applied Sciences in Gender – Family – Women and Adolescents (CSAGA) works on preventing domestic violence and promoting mental health support for women and girls in vulnerable situations.
• Hagar Vietnam provides long-term recovery services, housing, legal aid, counseling, and job training for survivors of abuse, trafficking, and exploitation.
• Mạng lưới Hành động vì Lao động Di cư (M.net), focuses on protecting the rights of women migrant workers.

Many of these nonprofits collaborate with volunteers and corporate partners to scale their impact. Through Goodera, companies can mobilize their teams to support these missions—by running donation drives, offering pro-bono expertise, or leading educational campaigns that uplift women and girls across Vietnam.

5. Which Vietnamese NGOs focus on environmental sustainability?

Vietnam has a growing network of environmental nonprofits addressing urgent issues like deforestation, plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate resilience. These organizations engage communities in conservation, advocate for policy change, and lead grassroots efforts like tree planting, coastal cleanups, and sustainable farming education.

Some of the most active nonprofits in this space include:

• GreenViet (Green Viet Center for Biodiversity Conservation): Focuses on protecting Vietnam’s rich biodiversity, especially endangered species like the red-shanked douc langur, through research and community outreach.
  
  
• CHANGE Vietnam (Center of Hands-on Actions and Networking for Growth and Environment): Runs high-impact climate campaigns on air pollution, wildlife protection, and plastic reduction, often collaborating with youth and artists.
  
  
• PanNature (People and Nature Reconciliation): Works on forest conservation, environmental governance, and advocating for indigenous land rights.
  
  
• Vietnam Zero Waste Alliance: A coalition of local organizations promoting sustainable waste practices, circular economy models, and policy advocacy.

Through Goodera, companies can partner with these organizations to drive climate action—whether it’s hosting sustainability workshops, organizing e-waste drives, or mobilizing employees for mangrove restoration or clean-up events. It’s a hands-on way to contribute meaningfully to Vietnam’s green future.

6. Can companies partner with NGOs in Vietnam for employee volunteering?

Absolutely. Many nonprofits in Vietnam welcome collaboration with businesses to drive greater social impact. Goodera makes these partnerships seamless by designing customized volunteering programs aligned with a company’s values and CSR goals. From organizing food drives to delivering digital literacy training, companies can mobilize their employees for purpose-driven impact while building team engagement and community connection.

7. Do nonprofits in Vietnam accept international volunteers?

Yes, a number of NGOs in Vietnam offer opportunities for international volunteers to get involved in areas like healthcare, teaching, environmental work, and community development. If you’re volunteering from abroad or want to support remotely, Goodera provides virtual volunteering options that allow global teams to contribute their time and skills to trusted Vietnamese nonprofits—no matter where they’re based.