June is Pride Month — a month that reminds us of courage, compassion and chosen family. We look to the LGBTQIA+ movement for fighting for the right to belong and take note of other non-profits for doing the same for different communities.
Here are six of them — including three we are proud to call TOHP partners.
1. Metro Manila Pride | Philippines | Building belonging through visibility
A 100% volunteer-run organization, Metro Manila Pride has organized the country’s biggest Pride march since 2016. But the work extends far beyond June — they run year-round programs in human rights education, cultural work, and policy advocacy, pushing for a Philippines where LGBTQIA+ Filipinos can live dignified lives free from discrimination. Volunteer applications open ahead of each Pride season; follow @mmprideorg for calls.
2. Oogachaga | Singapore | Building belonging through counselling
Since 1999, Oogachaga has been Singapore’s most established LGBTQ+ counselling and support agency — a steady, unflashy presence offering affirming professional services for queer Singaporeans, their partners, and their families. They run a WhatsApp helpline that also reaches LGBTQ+ folks in Indonesia, Brunei, and Malaysia, plus initiatives like “My Family Matters” for parents learning to love their kids well. Volunteer or donate at oogachaga.com.
3. Empowered Families Initiative (EFI) | Singapore (TOHP Partner) | Building belonging through trust
EFI flips the usual social support script: instead of focusing on needs, they invest in the plans of lower-income Singaporean families. Through Access Grants, Savings Matching (1:2 up to $1,200), and Peer Support Networks, families set their own goals — a home business, education, debt clearance — and become collaborators, not clients. A $3,300 investment per family has led to 21% income growth and 100% of debts cleared. Get involved at empoweredfamiliesinitiative.com.
4. MINDS (Movement for the Intellectually Disabled of Singapore) | Singapore (TOHP Partner) | Building belonging through inclusion
Since 1962, MINDS has walked alongside persons with intellectual disability and their families in Singapore — through special education, adult learning, employment programs, residential services, and caregiver support. Today they serve nearly 10,000 clients across more than 20 hubs island-wide, building a future where every person with ID lives with purpose and dignity. Volunteer, donate, or shop their social enterprise products at minds.org.sg.
5. Tenaganita | Malaysia | Building belonging through protection
Since 1991, Tenaganita has stood beside refugee women, migrant workers, and trafficking survivors in Malaysia — many of whom are invisible to the legal system. They run a 24-hour hotline, legal aid clinic, and safe shelters, and partner directly with refugee-led community organizations from Myanmar. Volunteer roles include legal interns, translators, and shelter support. Visit tenaganita.net to apply or donate.
6. Liwanag at Dunong | Philippines (TOHP Partner) | Building belonging through solidarity
“Light and Knowledge” — the name says it all. Liwanag at Dunong works in solidarity with the Aeta community, one of the Philippines’ indigenous peoples, championing Edukasyon Para Sa Lahat (education for all) and Kaunlaran Para Sa Lahat (progress for all). Beyond classroom support, they centre Aeta voice and cultural dignity — belonging that doesn’t ask anyone to shrink themselves to fit in. Follow @liwanagatdunong to volunteer, donate, or sponsor a child’s learning.
Know a non-profit or social impact builder that deserves a spot on this list? Tell us. Send us a message — we want to know about the quieter heroes building belonging in your corner of the world.
