Skateboarding gets a bit of a bad rap sometimes. Ask around and you’ll still hear the old clichés… rebels, rule-breakers, slackers, troublemakers. But scratch the surface and you’ll find something completely different.

Because despite the stereotypes, many skaters are using their platform and their boards to make the world a better place.

Here are three incredible skateboard charities doing just that:

🛹 1. The Skatepark Project (Tony Hawk Foundation)

Founded by the Birdman himself, The Skatepark Project helps build free, high-quality skateparks in underserved communities across the US. Why? Because skateparks save lives.

Studies show that when cities invest in public skateparks, youth crime goes down and community engagement goes up. These parks become safe spaces for self-expression, physical activity and belonging, especially for young people who might not feel at home in traditional sports.

So far, the foundation has funded over 600 parks and counting. That’s a serious impact.

💪 2. Exposure Skate

Exposure Skate is a nonprofit on a mission to empower women, girls, and non-binary skaters on and off the board.

Through contests, clinics and community projects, they create platforms where skaters of all genders can thrive. But they also go one step further: linking skateboarding with compassion and service. Exposure regularly organises fundraising and outreach efforts that benefit survivors of domestic violence and other vulnerable groups.

It’s a reminder that skating isn’t just about tricks, it’s about community, inclusion, and lifting each other up.

🧠 3. The Ben Raemers Foundation

Ben Raemers was one of the UK’s most beloved pro skaters. His death in 2019 sent shockwaves through the skateboarding world and sparked a vital conversation about mental health.

The Ben Raemers Foundation was set up to honour his legacy and make sure no skater suffers in silence. They create educational content, offer suicide prevention training, and work with some of the biggest names in skating to speak out about their mental health journeys.

Their message? It’s okay to struggle. It’s brave to speak up. And help is out there.

Skateboarding with purpose

These organisations are proof that skateboarding can be a force for real, lasting change. Whether it’s building spaces, breaking down barriers, or opening up difficult conversations, skaters around the world are using their experiences to help others, and to make the world a bit more kind, connected and inclusive.

So next time someone tells you skateboarding’s just a hobby or a phase, point them here.

Because skateboarding doesn’t just build skills it builds movements.