NPOs function mostly as philanthropic intermediaries, as foundations are granted more autonomy than other social organizations.

Foundations in China are subject to the jurisdiction of both the Regulations on Registration and Administration of Association (1998) and the Measures for Administration of Foundations enacted in 1988. Currently, the newly drafted Regulations on Registration and Administration of Foundations arunder examination of the State Council. During the 30-year period of the planned system, there were no foundations in China.

The first foundation in China, the Children and Teenager's Fund, was created in 1981. Since then, about 1,800 foundations have been emerging across the whole country. Among them, less than 100 are at national level. Almost all Chinese foundations are fundraising and operating, rather than grantmaking.

Many Chinese nonprofit organizations are staffed by volunteers. The Chinese Association of Youth Volunteers, which is affiliated with the Chinese Communist Youth League, is one of the most influential volunteer groups in the country. Founded in 1994, the CCYL has played increasing role in China's social life. It currently has 31 provincial associations, 738 prefecture and city associations, and the ability to mobilize 100 million youth volunteers.

Among the major organizations in China are:

China Children and Teenagers' fund [1]
Development of Chinese children and teenagers, in areas such as education and health care

The Soong Ching-Ling Foundation [2]
Development of Chinese children and teenagers, in areas such as education, health care, and poverty eradication
 
China Disabled Persons' Foundation [3]
Aid to handicapped people

Amity foundation [4]
Rural development, education and health care, social welfare, poverty eradication, etc

China Population Welfare Foundation [5]
Population, social welfare, women and children, poverty eradication, etc.

China Medical Foundation [6]
Health care

The Overseas Chinese Economic and Cultural of China Foundation
Education and social welfare

China International Medical Foundation
Medicine, health care, and education

China Women's Development Foundation [7]
Women's education and health care, poverty eradication, and disaster relief

China Foundation for Poverty Alleviation
Poverty eradication, rural development, education, and health care

China Youth Development Foundation [8]
Development of Chinese children and teenagers, in areas such as education and health care

China Foundation of Consumer Protection [9]
Consumer protection and goods examination

Chinese Financial Education Development Foundation
Financial research, education, and training

China Environmental Protection Foundation [10]
Research, education, training, advocacy, and other activities concerning environmental protection

China Friendship Peace and Development Foundation
Foreign friendship and exchange