Charitable giving is a noble and rewarding way to support the causes that matter to you. But with so many charities to choose from, how do you know the most effective, efficient, and trustworthy ones?
Forbes has compiled a list of top charities based on their private donations, total revenue, fundraising efficiency, charitable Commitment, and donor dependency. Read on to learn more about each charity and how they are making a positive change in the world.
Feeding America
- Total Revenue – $4.36 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 99%
- Charitable Commitment – 98%
Feeding America is a charity working to end hunger in the U.S. It was founded in 1979 by John Van Hengel, who also created the first food bank in the world. Feeding America works with over 200 food banks, 60,000 food pantries, and 4.5 million volunteers providing food and resources to more than 46 million people annually.
Good 360
- Total Revenue – $2.688 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 100%
- Charitable Commitment – 100%
Good 360 is a charity that distributes donated goods to people in need. It was founded in 1983 by Alan Weissburg, who wanted to create a more efficient way of connecting excess products with non-profits. Good 360 has a network of over 90,000 non-profits, 400 corporate donors, and thousands of volunteers who help deliver goods to communities affected by disasters, poverty, and other challenges.
United Way Worldwide
- Total Revenue – $3.512 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 88%
- Charitable Commitment – 85%
United Way Worldwide is a global network of communities that connects partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders to improve health, education, and economic mobility. It is one of the largest charities in the world, with 1,800 local affiliates in over 40 countries and territories. United Way advances the common good in communities worldwide by working on the building blocks for a good life – health, education, and economic mobility.
St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
- Total Revenue – $3.298 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 84%
- Charitable Commitment – 70%
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility in Memphis, Tennessee. It was founded in 1962 by entertainer Danny Thomas to advance cures for pediatric catastrophic diseases, particularly leukemia and other cancers. St. Jude focuses on finding cures for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. They provide the best possible care for patients while conducting groundbreaking research to improve treatments worldwide.
Direct Relief
- Total Revenue – $2.271 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 100%
- Charitable Commitment – 99%
Direct Relief, a non-profit humanitarian organization, delivers medical assistance and supplies to populations impacted by poverty or crises. It operates in all 50 states and more than 90 countries and has a mission to improve the health and lives of people without regard to religion, politics, or ability to pay. It was founded in 1948 by William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant, and has since grown into one of the largest and most efficient charities in the world.
Salvation Army
- Total Revenue – $2.009 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 88%
- Charitable Commitment – 83%
Salvation Army is a Christian church and a charitable organization that works in more than 90 countries. It was founded by William and Catherine Booth in London in 1865. It aims to help people who are poor, homeless, or in need of medical care. It also conducts research and education on social issues. It uses military ranks and symbols to organize its members and activities. It is known for its brass bands, red kettles, and thrift stores. It is one of the largest and most respected charities in the world.
Habitat for Humanity International
- Total Revenue – $2.359 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 90%
- Charitable Commitment – 82%
Inspired by their Christian beliefs and time at Koinonia Farm, a community of radical generosity and service, Millard and Linda Fuller founded Habitat for Humanity International in 1976. Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization that assists people in building and upgrading their homes. It operates in over 90 countries and has helped over 3 million people worldwide. It helps people build and improve homes with volunteers and donations. It also aids disaster victims with shelters, repairs, and new houses.
Goodwill Industries International
- Total Revenue – $7.625 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 99%
- Charitable Commitment – 79%
Goodwill Industries International is an organization that supports people in enhancing their lives through job placement and career development. It has over 90 countries where it runs its programs and services. It provides free career counseling, skills training, résumé prep services, thrift shopping, and job placement opportunities. It also advocates for housing rights and policies that promote access to decent and affordable shelter for everyone.
Americares
- Total Revenue – $1.36 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 99%
- Charitable Commitment – 98%
Americares is a health-focused charity that helps people in need of medicine, medical supplies, and health programs. It works in over 90 countries to address poverty, disasters, and crises. Since 1979, it has given more than $17 billion in aid. It is based in Connecticut, USA, and has offices and warehouses in many other countries.
Samaritan’s Purse
- Total Revenue – $1.301 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 95%
- Charitable Commitment – 86%
Samaritan’s Purse is a non-profit Christian organization that provides emergency relief and development assistance to people in need worldwide. It was started in 1970 by Bob Pierce, a Baptist pastor. Some ongoing ministries of Samaritan’s Purse include Disaster Relief, World Medical Mission, Children’s Heart Project, Turn on the Tap, Operation Heal our Patriots, and Operation Christmas Child. This organization works in more than 100 countries.
YMCA Of The USA
- Total Revenue – $7.857 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 89%
- Charitable Commitment – 85%
YMCA of the USA, a member of the global YMCA movement, serves 21 million people of all ages and backgrounds through 2,700 local associations and 10,000 branches. Its mission is to “strengthen communities through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.” It has 19,000 employees and 600,000 volunteers and operates about 10,000 service sites nationwide. According to Forbes magazine, the YMCA of the USA is one of the most prominent non-profit organizations in the U.S. based on the number of donations it receives from the public.
Boys And Girls Clubs of America
- Total Revenue – $2.6 B
- Fundraising Efficiency – 88%
- Charitable Commitment – 79%
BGCA is an organization that offers after-school activities for youth in the U.S. It has more than 4,000 local groups and 10,000 locations that reach over 21 million kids and teens. Its goal is to help them become successful, compassionate, and accountable members of society. BGCA was started in 1860 by three women in Hartford, Connecticut, who wanted to give boys who wandered the streets a better option.