Ways to give back to Glasgow during your visit

Glasgow's Museums

Glasgow Life operates museums, libraries, culture centres and sport facilities throughout the city. Some of their most popular attractions include Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Riverside Museum and the Burrell Collection. They also host a number of cultural events throughout the city such as Glasgow International and Celtic Connections. You can donate directly on-site at any of their attractions, or by visiting Glasgow Life.

Glasgow Necropolis

Glasgow Necropolis is a must-see attraction that you can visit whilst exploring the Cathedral Precinct. The site is maintained by Friends of Glasgow Necropolis, a registered charity that also conducts historical research to improve our understanding of the city’s heritage. They offer free tours of the necropolis - with donations encouraged to help them continue their work. Plan your visit at Glasgow Necropolis.

Ramshorn Graveyard

You can undertake a similar tour with Friends of Ramshorn Graveyard. This is a smaller site in the Merchant City, packed with history about graverobbers, sugar lords and the tobacco industry. As with the Necropolis, tours are free with donations encouraged. See a table of upcoming tours at Ramshorn Graveyard.

Provan Hall

Next to Glasgow Fort shopping centre is Provan Hall. This house and garden is packed with history - from Mary, Queen of Scots to the Titanic. The well-kept interiors allow visitors to step back in time to the 16th Century, with the gardens offering an ideal picnic spot. They also have a number of exhibits - including one about folklore and witchcraft in Scotland. You can donate to Provan Hall on-site, which helps them maintain the site and deliver workshops for local schools. More info at Provan Hall.

The Tall Ship Glenlee

Over in the west end, the Tall Ship Glenlee is another well-preserved historic attraction in the city. The 129 year old ship was built on the Clyde to serve as a cargo ship between Britain and Australia. It later became a sail training ship for the Spanish Navy before being returned to the Clyde in the 1990s. There’s a small fee to visit which contributes to the upkeep of the ship, as well as proceeds from the on-board café. Learn more at the Tall Ship Glenlee.

The Waverley

Just across the Clyde you will find the Waverley - the last seagoing paddle steamer in the world. The ship first launched in 1946 and offers trips from Glasgow to the Clyde Coast during the summer and autumn, before heading on larger excursions across the UK the rest of the year. Fares and donations help preserve this unique piece of Scottish heritage. Learn more at Waverley Excursions.

Invisible Cities

Invisible Cities train people who have been affected by homelessness to deliver tours of their city. They offer three tours in Glasgow - showcasing the people of the city, our maritime legacy, and alternative stories. This isn’t just a great way to support a local social enterprise, you’ll also gain unique insights into life in Glasgow. Learn more at Invisible Cities.

Radical Glasgow

You can also discover Glasgow’s political history - shaped by generations of protest and social change - with Radical Glasgow. Upcoming tours showcase the city’s migrants, revolutionary history and queer stories. You can also head slightly off the beaten path and learn more about the Gorbals. More info at Radical Glasgow.

The Mackintosh Tearooms

The Mackintosh Tearooms date back to 1903 and are an important part of Glasgow history. Designed by iconic architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the tearooms were opened during the temperance movement to offer an alcohol-free social space to local residents. The beautifully preserved interiors function as a working tea room today, and also host a small exhibition and learning activities throughout the year. Pick up an afternoon tea to help preserve this iconic attraction. Learn more about entry prices, menus and direct donations at National Trust for Scotland.

Social Bite

Social Bite is a pioneering Scottish charity established to tackle homelessness across the country. They offer food, homes and jobs to people who have experienced homelessness. You can support their work by visiting Social Bite Sauchiehall Street.

Launch Coffee

In the west end, Launch Coffee offers a wide selection of drinks, baked goods and toasties. Profits help fund Launch Foods, a registered charity who aim to tackle child poverty in the city by providing free meals to those most in need.

Gathering Ground

In north Glasgow, Gathering Ground is a one-of-a-kind concept that aims to bring together diverse communities and welcome marginalised voices. They aim to unite people through good food, community projects and events. It’s a great spot for those looking for something a little off-the-beaten-path. Grab a bite to eat and take a coffee to go on a sunny day to enjoy a walk along the canal. If you want to give back directly during your trip you can also learn more about volunteering opportunities at Gathering Ground.

Roundabout by Merry Go Round

Visiting as a family? You can rent baby and children’s equipment when you get here with Roundabout by Merry Go Round. These include high chairs, cots and prams - reducing how much space you need to give up for packing. Learn more at Roundabout. Merry Go Round, who run the initiative, also have a shop selling low-cost baby items in the southside. This funds their other initiatives to offer free essentials for local families and reduce isolation. You can find more details at Merry Go Round.

ApparelXChange

If you’re looking for something more central, ApparelXChange sells pre-loved kids clothes at a discount. Profits fund free clothing for local children and educational programmes for schools and policy-makers around sustainability and the circular economy. You can buy and donate kids clothing in store, and buy before you arrive at ApparelXChange.

Glad Rags

The Glad Foundation operates the Glad Rags thrift store in the southside as well as the Glad Café. Profits help them deliver music workshops and lessons to local kids. Learn more at Glad Rags. You can learn about other second hand shopping experiences in Glasgow at vintage and pre loved shopping.

Locavore

Self-catering visitors to the southside and west end can pick up organic groceries at Locavore. They are a social enterprise that operates a local veg box scheme and tackles inequalities in the food system. Learn more about their shops and work at Locavore.

Point A Hotel

Since 2024, Point A Hotel has partnered with Right There to support vulnerable people through the cost-of-living crisis. Their funding directly supports people who have experienced homelessness in Glasgow. Learn more about this partnership and their sustainability work at Point A.

Manorview Hotels

Manorview Hotels operate the Manorview Foundation offer a warm, safe space and hot meals to those experiencing poverty in Greater Glasgow. They also deliver a Christmas party with gifts, food and a visit from Santa for kids experiencing poverty every year. You can volunteer directly with them at Manorview Foundation. You can also learn more about their hotels in Busby, Johnston, Giffnock and elsewhere in the West of Scotland at Manorview Hotels.

You can also donate directly to a number of organisations across the city to ensure Glasgow remains a vibrant and exciting place for local residents and other guests well into the future.

Glasgow Women's Library

Glasgow Women’s Library is the only accredited museum in the UK dedicated to women’s history. There is a museum on-site and a lending library dedicated to women’s stories and achievements. They also offer a number of programmes to support women across Glasgow. You can offer a direct donation or pick something up from their gift shop on-site, or donate online at Glasgow Women’s Library.