If you’re looking for a way to give back and make a difference, donating to a nonprofit charity organization is a great option. Non-profit organizations are dedicated to promoting a social cause or preventing social issues, all while being exempt from certain taxes. But with so many charities out there, it can be tough to choose where to donate your time and money. In this post, we’ll be going through a list of nonprofit charities worth knowing about.
How do you tell if a nonprofit is a 501c3?
Before we dive into the list, let’s briefly discuss how you can tell if a nonprofit is a 501(c)(3) organization. A 501(c)(3) organization is a non-profit organization that is exempt from federal income tax. To qualify for this exemption, the organization must be organized and operated exclusively for religious, charitable, scientific, literary, or educational purposes.
So how can you check if a nonprofit organization is a 501(c)(3)? The easiest way is to use the IRS nonprofit search tool, which allows you to check if an organization is exempt from federal income tax.
Charity Organizations List
Now, without further ado, here are 20 nonprofit charities worth checking out:
1. American Red Cross
The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization that provides emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education in 190 countries. The organization was founded in 1881 by Clara Barton and is headquartered in Washington D.C. The American Red Cross provides services such as blood donation, disaster relief, support to military families, and health and safety training.
2. United Way Worldwide
United Way is a global nonprofit organization that advocates for education, health, and financial stability. The organization was founded in 1887 and is located in Alexandria, Virginia. United Way advances the common good by creating opportunities for all, focusing on education, income, and health.
3. Feeding America
Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. The organization works with a network of food banks to distribute food to individuals and families facing hunger. Feeding America was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois.
4. Habitat for Humanity International
Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that builds affordable housing for individuals and families in need. The organization was founded in 1976 and is headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Habitat for Humanity has helped build or repair over 800,000 houses and has served over 4 million people worldwide.
5. The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy is a conservation organization that works to protect lands and waters around the world. The organization was founded in 1951 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. The Nature Conservancy focuses on protecting and preserving important natural areas, restoring and managing marine and freshwater systems, and reducing the impact of climate change.
6. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is a pediatric treatment and research facility that specializes in childhood cancers and other life-threatening diseases. The hospital was founded in 1962 and is located in Memphis, Tennessee. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital is dedicated to providing care for children regardless of their ability to pay.
7. World Wildlife Fund
The World Wildlife Fund is an international conservation organization that works to protect endangered species and their habitats. The organization was founded in 1961 and is headquartered in Washington D.C. The World Wildlife Fund focuses on conserving forests, oceans, freshwater, and wildlife around the world.
8. The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army is a Christian organization that provides social services to those in need. The organization was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in London, England. The Salvation Army operates food banks, homeless shelters, disaster relief services, and addiction treatment centers around the world.
9. UNICEF USA
UNICEF USA is a nonprofit organization that supports UNICEF’s efforts to protect the rights and wellbeing of every child. The organization was founded in 1947 and is located in New York, New York. UNICEF USA works to provide clean water, nutrition, education, and health care to children in need around the world.
10. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America
Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is a youth mentoring organization that matches adult volunteers with children facing adversity. The organization was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Tampa, Florida. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America works to facilitate positive relationships and help children reach their full potential.
11. Boys & Girls Clubs of America
Boys & Girls Clubs of America is a youth development organization that provides after-school programs and services to help children succeed. The organization was founded in 1860 and is located in Atlanta, Georgia. Boys & Girls Clubs of America focuses on academic success, healthy lifestyles, and good character and citizenship.
12. Doctors Without Borders
Doctors Without Borders is an international medical humanitarian organization that delivers emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusion from health care. The organization was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
13. Oxfam America
Oxfam America is a global organization that works to end poverty, hunger, and social injustice. The organization was founded in 1970 and is located in Boston, Massachusetts. Oxfam America focuses on issues such as inequality, climate change, and women’s rights.
14. Make-A-Wish Foundation
Make-A-Wish Foundation is a nonprofit organization that grants wishes to children with life-threatening medical conditions. The organization was founded in 1980 and is located in Phoenix, Arizona. Make-A-Wish Foundation has granted over 450,000 wishes worldwide.
15. The Michael J. Fox Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation is a nonprofit organization that funds research for Parkinson’s disease. The organization was founded in 2000 and is located in New York, New York. The Michael J. Fox Foundation is committed to finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease through research and support.
16. World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization that provides emergency aid and community development to individuals and communities in need. The organization was founded in 1950 and is headquartered in Federal Way, Washington. World Vision works in more than 100 countries to help children, families, and communities reach their full potential.
17. American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a nonprofit organization that works to build healthier lives, free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke. The organization was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The American Heart Association focuses on cardiovascular research, professional education, and advocacy for public health.
18. Save the Children
Save the Children is a humanitarian organization that works to improve the lives of children around the world. The organization was founded in 1919 and is located in Fairfield, Connecticut. Save the Children provides education, health care, protection, and disaster relief services to children in need.
19. Rotary International
Rotary International is a global network of 1.2 million neighbors, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who come together to make positive, lasting change in communities at home and abroad. The organization was founded in 1905 and is headquartered in Evanston, Illinois. Rotary International focuses on six areas of focus, including promoting peace, fighting disease, and supporting education.
20. National Alliance on Mental Illness
The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a nonprofit organization that provides education, support, and advocacy for individuals and families affected by mental illness. The organization was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia. The National Alliance on Mental Illness works to raise awareness about mental illness and reduce the stigma surrounding it.
Conclusion
Choosing a nonprofit charity to donate to can be overwhelming, but we hope this list has provided you with some ideas for organizations worth supporting. Remember to do your research and make sure the organization is legitimate and aligns with your values before donating.
Is there a difference between a charity and nonprofit organization?
One final point to clarify before we wrap up – is there a difference between a charity and nonprofit organization? While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is a slight difference. A nonprofit organization is any organization that is exempt from federal income tax, whereas a charity is a type of nonprofit organization that is specifically focused on helping others. So all charities are nonprofit organizations, but not all nonprofit organizations are charities.
Nonprofit 990 Lookup
If you want to find more information about a nonprofit organization, you can use the nonprofit 990 lookup tool. This tool allows you to view a nonprofit organization’s financial information, including their revenue, expenses, and assets.
Non-profit Organizations Examples
If you’re curious about other nonprofits that are making a difference, here are a few examples:
- Amnesty International
- American Cancer Society
- ASPCA
- Best Friends Animal Society
- International Rescue Committee
- Sierra Club
- The Trevor Project