The Academia do Bacalhau is a non-profit civic association involved in philanthropic activities. The first academy was established in Johannesburg within the Portuguese community. Today, there are various Academia do Bacalhau branches in many cities and continents. Each academy includes the name of the city it belongs to, for example, Academia do Bacalhau de Luanda. Fundraising is typically achieved through dinners where cod (bacalhau) is served. The symbols of the Academia do Bacalhau are its flag and the bell.