Currently there are thousands of NGO's or non-governmental agencies operating in brazil, and several in rio de janeiro.

Some of the most common activities performed by these organizations include teaching English or another foreign language, environmental programs, community development, health care, sports programs, art programs, and building homes, schools, or entire communities.

appropriately, there is also a volunteer work visa called visto para serviço voluntário or visto de assistência social for those individuals wishing to provide services or technical assistance to charitable or religious organizations without a contract or employment relationship.