Giving Back to Those in Need
Choosing where to donate can feel overwhelming. With thousands of nonprofits across the U.S., each claiming to make an impact, how do you know which ones truly maximize your contribution? The answer often lies in a mix of transparency, program effectiveness, efficiency and alignment with your personal values.
Below, we highlight eight of the most reputable and impactful charities in the United States. Each of these organizations has been consistently praised for their financial stewardship, direct community impact and ability to make every dollar count. Keep reading to learn more about charities to donate to in the United States.
1. Direct Relief
Direct Relief is one of the most respected humanitarian organizations in the U.S. and globally. Founded in 1948, the charity provides medical aid to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies. Direct Relief specializes in rapid disaster response—sending critical supplies like medicines, vaccines and protective gear to communities struck by hurricanes, wildfires, earthquakes and pandemics.
One of the most impressive aspects of Direct Relief is its logistics capacity. It operates sophisticated, solar-powered warehouses that can move supplies across the globe within hours. In 2023 alone, the organization delivered over a billion dollars’ worth of medical support. For donors who want to see tangible impact in times of crisis, Direct Relief is a top choice.
2. Semper Fi & America’s Fund
Supporting veterans and their families is a priority for many Americans, and Semper Fi & America’s Fund has emerged as one of the most effective charities in this space. Established in 2003, the organization provides immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to wounded, ill and injured service members and their families.
Unlike some large veterans’ charities that have been criticized for high overhead costs, Semper Fi & America’s Fund spends nearly 94% of its budget directly on programs. This efficiency has earned it perfect scores from independent watchdogs like Charity Navigator. For those seeking to give back to the military community with confidence, this charity is a standout.
3. Fistula Foundation
Though not as widely known as some large American charities, the Fistula Foundation has a remarkable reputation for effectiveness. It focuses on funding surgeries for women suffering from obstetric fistula, a debilitating childbirth injury prevalent in developing countries.
Why include it on a U.S. list? Because American donors power its success. The foundation is based in California and has received strong endorsements from leading voices in philanthropy such as Nicholas Kristof and Peter Singer. In 2023, philanthropist MacKenzie Scott made a substantial donation, further validating its impact. If you want your donation to transform lives at a deeply personal level, the Fistula Foundation is worth considering.
4. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (via ALSAC)
St. Jude is a household name for good reason. Since its founding in 1962, the hospital has become a leader in pediatric cancer research and treatment. Families never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing or food—ensuring that children can focus solely on healing.
The fundraising arm, ALSAC (American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities), channels billions into St. Jude’s groundbreaking work. Donations support both individual patients and global research initiatives that have significantly improved survival rates for childhood cancers. When you give to St. Jude, you’re not just supporting treatment—you’re investing in hope for children worldwide.
5. Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC)
Every year, thousands of families must travel far from home to seek specialized care for their sick children. RMHC provides them with a “home away from home" through its network of Ronald McDonald Houses and Family Rooms. These facilities offer comfortable lodging, meals and emotional support—all at little or no cost.
The charity also runs mobile care units, bringing medical services directly into underserved communities. By focusing on family-centered care, RMHC alleviates both the financial and emotional burdens of long-term hospital stays. It’s an excellent option for donors passionate about supporting families during their toughest times.
6. GiveWell–Recommended Cost-Effective Charities
For donors who want to maximize measurable impact, GiveWell is an invaluable resource. This nonprofit doesn’t run programs itself. Instead, it identifies and rigorously evaluates charities that save or improve lives most effectively. Many of its top recommendations—such as the Against Malaria Foundation or programs distributing deworming medication—focus on global health.
While international in scope, these charities depend heavily on American donors. GiveWell’s detailed analysis gives confidence that each dollar can generate immense impact, often measured in lives saved or illnesses prevented. If effectiveness is your top priority, starting with GiveWell’s list is highly recommended.
7. CharityWatch & Charity Navigator Top-Rated Charities
Sometimes the best approach is to consult trusted rating platforms. Charity Navigator and CharityWatch both evaluate nonprofits based on factors like transparency, financial efficiency and accountability. High scorers include a wide range of U.S. organizations such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), Earthjustice and The Conservation Fund.
These platforms empower donors to align their giving with personal passions—whether that’s civil rights, environmental sustainability, or community development—while ensuring their chosen nonprofits use funds responsibly.
8. Feeding America and Save the Children
Hunger and child welfare remain pressing issues in the United States. Feeding America, the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization, operates a nationwide network of food banks serving millions of families annually. Its scale allows it to turn each donated dollar into several meals.
Meanwhile, Save the Children works both internationally and within the U.S., providing educational programs, nutrition and emergency relief for vulnerable children. Both organizations rank among Forbes’s top charities by revenue and impact. Supporting them ensures that basic human needs—food, shelter, education—are met for those most at risk.
Make a Donation Today
When deciding where to donate, ask yourself: What causes resonate most with me? Whether it’s disaster relief, veterans’ support, children’s health or fighting hunger, there are trustworthy charities delivering results in every category.
No matter your choice, supporting charities to donate to in the United States ensures your generosity will translate into real, lasting change.