Now, more than ever, is a time to reflect and consider what we can give. How can we help others and make a difference? If you’d like to make a financial donation to a worthy organization, but aren’t quite sure where to start, we’ve compiled a verified list of non-profits to help make the decision easier. If you are unable to contribute financially at this point in your life, your time is valuable too! Many of these organizations have local volunteer opportunities so you can get involved and help directly. From the war against hunger and homelessness to suicide prevention and animal welfare, there’s a cause worthy of your compassion. 

1. Save the Children:

Founded over a century ago, This organization believes that every child deserves a future by striving to keep children healthy, safe and educated. They offer humanitarian support to children in the US, and around the world in those hard to reach places where the suffering of children might have gone unnoticed.

2. World Central Kitchen

WCK has provided over 30 million meals to hungry people across the globe. As COVID-19 continues to threaten the world, this organization has teamed up with local restaurants, in hundreds of cities, to safely provide meals (while also helping to provide jobs for restaurant staff). From the tropical cyclone in Mozambique to devastating floods in Nebraska, WCK is dedicated to providing emergency food relief to those in need.

3. The Trevor Project

Founded in 1998, The Trevor Project is the leading national organization dedicated to providing support, valuable research and crisis intervention to the LGBTQ community under 25. These young individuals are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers. Confidential support is available 24/7 via talk, text or chat. Text START to 678-678 to connect with a trained specialist.

4. National Allegiance to End Homelessness

Homelessness is not a temporary crisis. It is deeply rooted within our cities, even if it is out of your line of sight. Not out of mind, however, the Alliance connects with federal and local partners to find solutions and carry them out within communities. Their work helps to provide housing, collect data and improve government policies through education.

5. American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

The AFSP offers support to anyone affected by suicide. Their mission is to save lives through scientific research, public education and advocating for public policies regarding mental health and suicide prevention. There are many opportunities to get involved with your local chapter, available in all 50 states. If you are in a crisis in need of support, The Crisis Text Line is there for you 24/7. Text TALK to 741741.

6. Center for Reproductive Rights

This organization strives for a world where quality reproductive care is guaranteed. Where women have the right to marry and decide when, and if, to have children without pressure  and/or discrimination as a basic human right. They focus on rights associated with access to contraceptives, safe abortions, assisted reproduction, maternal health and more. They help empower women to make the decisions that affect their lives.

7. American Humane

Founded in 1877, American Humane focuses their efforts on animal welfare and safety from natural disasters all the way to the farm. They are known for their “no animals were harmed” program which ensures the safety of animals in the movies. This organization offers programs aimed at animal rescue, humane treatment of farm animals, military service animals, conservation and more.

8. Action Against Hunger

It’s fair to say we can all agree, hunger around the world needs to end. Action Against Hunger has been saving the lives of malnourished children around the world for over 40 years. They work towards building the infrastructure in local communities to increase the capacity of their healthcare system. This organization also promotes access clean water, healthcare and an end to deadly diseases.

9. Direct Relief

Direct relief’s humanitarian efforts reaches all 50 US states and over 80 countries. Established in 1948, they center on providing medical care and improving the health of people affected by natural disasters, emergencies and poverty. Some of the areas Direct Relief focuses on include maternal care, disease prevention, diabetes care, trauma-informed care and more.

10. Vitamin Angels

Vitamin Angels partners with organizations across the world to fill in the gaps of nutritional care. Limited resources in many places means women and children aren’t getting the vitamins they need. This organization aims to reduce the infant mortality rate with their prenatal vitamins to ensure moms have healthy pregnancies. Their efforts also include fighting the effects of vitamin A deficiencies, de-worming and nutritional counseling.  

Thank you for considering our top pick charities to donate to! We are not affiliated with these organizations in any way, we just want to spread the word of their missions and make a difference. Please share our article this holiday season so we can all help make our world a better place for everyone