30 of the Best Charities to Donate to on GoFundMe (2024)

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| 4 min read Crowdfunding

If you’ve decided that you want to financially support a cause that’s close to your heart, the next step is finding a legitimate nonprofit that will use your funds to make a lasting impact. But sorting through dozens of nonprofits to verify their credibility might take hours. Doing good shouldn’t be hard, which is why we’ve rounded up the 30 of the best charities to donate to. Whether you’re looking for charities that help communities or charities doing environmental work—and everything in between—our list has a nonprofit for almost every cause.

These charities have been selected based on GoFundMe platform activity. Additionally, all charities on this list also have at least a 70% rating on Charity Navigator

1. Best animal charity to donate to: ASPCA

With a history dating back to 1866, The ASPCA has been caring for animals both large and small, wild and domesticated. Your donations help animals find shelter, urgent care, and forever homes. The organization also focuses on promoting bonds between animals and humans.

2. Best cancer charity to donate to: Cancer Research Institute

The Cancer Research Institute funds research on immunotherapy treatment for all types of cancer. Its programs include training for emerging cancer researchers, clinical research, and public education initiatives. The organization puts 88 cents out of every dollar donated toward its programs.

3. Best Asian American charity: Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC, Inc.

Founded in 1991, the AAJC has dedicated its mission to support the advancement of civil and human rights for the Asian American community. Through their advocacy, they have pushed for changes that impact the Asian American community as well as equity for other groups.

4. Best charity that supports civil liberties: ACLU

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 and has worked to protect the right and liberties of all individuals that are guaranteed by the Constitution and laws of the United States. The organization has strived to protect individuals and communities for over a century and has continued to make a lasting impact in the lives of many who have been impacted by injustice.

5. Best emergency relief charity to donate to: Direct Relief

Looking to support charities doing emergency relief? Direct Relief is one of the best charities to donate to during emergency relief efforts. During the Covid-19 pandemic It used its worldwide distribution and resources to provide medical aid such as PPE and vaccines to hospitals and facilities in the US and globally. Additionally, this charity has supported over 500 health facilities and organizations with over $74.5 million in grants.

6. Best social justice charity to donate to: The Social Justice Collaborative

The Social Justice Collaborative works directly with low-income migrants and migrant families to get the legal aid they deserve. As countless migrants flee dangerous situations in their home countries and seek asylum at our borders, organizations like these need your support.

7. Best veterans charity to donate to: Wounded Warrior Project

The Wounded Warrior Project is well known to support veterans in need. Since its inception in 2003, the organization has dedicated its resources to providing extensive care and services to men and women who have been injured while serving their country. From mental health services to independence and career services, the organization has helped countless veterans get back on their feet.

Explore our full list of best Veterans charities to donate to on GoFundMe

8. Best women’s health charity to donate to: Planned Parenthood Federation of America

Planned Parenthood is known nationwide as one of the leading organizations in protecting women’s health and access to crucial services. The organization has also been crucial in protecting access to abortion services in the United States. Through their work, women continue to have access to life-saving services and healthcare.

9. Best education charity to donate to: PURE

Founded in 2016, People for Urban and Rural Education (PURE), has been dedicated to providing quality education to marginalized communities all over the world. The organization has focused its work on education, girl child, indigenous communities, shelter homes, and more in order to make a lasting impact in affected communities.

10. Best disaster relief charity to donate to: American Red Cross

For over 100 years, the American Red Cross has served an important role in helping Americans after major disasters. During times of crisis and especially in the aftermath of natural disasters, the American Red Cross has provided shelter, food, water, and basic needs for victims. It’s through their dedication that people impacted by disasters can begin to recover and move forward from such events.

11. Best Alzheimer’s charity to donate to: The Alzheimer’s Association

The Alzheimer’s Association aims to fight and cure Alzheimer’s disease from all sides. Donations fund Alzheimer’s research and clinical trials and help connect individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s to care in their communities. The organization also advocates for Alzheimer’s research nationally and at the state level.

12. Best LGBTQ+ charity to donate to: The Trevor Project

The ultimate goal of The Trevor Project is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ people under 25 by providing them with counseling and education. It offers young people support with trained counselors via phone, text, and online chat. Every donation has a direct impact on changing and saving the lives of LGBTQ+ youths.

13. Best environmental charity to donate to: Ocean Conservancy

The Ocean Conservancy has dedicated its mission to protecting our oceans from the greatest challenges that face it today. From engaging in important political discussions and changes to working towards a trash-free ocean, the organization is at the forefront of protecting the health and safety of our oceans.

14. Best leukemia & lymphoma charity to donate to: Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Finding a cure for blood cancer is just as important to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society as supporting those already diagnosed with cancer. This 501(c)(3) has invested close to $1.3 billion in research for clinical trials, and it also supports those already diagnosed with cancer through financial assistance, support groups, and access to live information specialists on their website.

15. Best immigration charity to donate to: RAICES

Founded in 1987 RAICES (Refugee & Immigrant Center for Education & Legal Services) has dedicated its mission to providing low-cost or free legal services to immigrants and their families.The organization has worked to ensure that the rights of immigrants and refugees are protected and their voices are heard. RAICES employs several key programs that help children and adults understand their rights upon release; and has one of the largest bond funds to help secure the release of individuals from ICE detainment.

16. Best support for domestic abuse charity to donate to: RAINN

RAINN has dedicated its’ mission to preventing sexual violence and helping survivors get the help they need. The organization also operates a helpline, chat, and provides key resources for survivors and communities looking to help victims.

17. Best border crisis charity that works with migrants: Border Angels

With the growing crisis at the US-Mexico border the role of organizations like Border Angels has grown in recent years. Their water and food drops in the deserts where migrants frequently travel through are known to be life-saving, however, this is not the only service the organization provides. Border Angels offers a variety of services that include water drops, bond programs, shelter aid, community outreach, and more.

18. Best children’s charity to donate to: Save the Children

Save the Children has existed for over 100 years and has served as advocates for children all around the world. The organization is a leader in providing programs that provide healthcare, education, and even protection for children across the world. The humanitarian work they do to provide aid to children and their families fleeing high-conflict countries is among the most valuable services Save the Children provides but is only one piece of key help they provide.

19. Best unified sports charity to donate to: Special Olympics

For over 50 years, the Special Olympics has sought to foster an inclusive environment for athletes with disabilities. Their work has opened doors for many people with disabilities, and has also opened the minds and hearts of those who work along with them for a more inclusive society. Through sports, the organization has changed the lives of many and continues to do great work for future athletes with disabilities.

20. Best charity helping end homelessness to donate to: National Alliance to End Homelessness

The National Alliance to End Homelessness wants to see a world where homelessness is a distant memory. It focuses on trying to shape federal policy and finding solutions to end homelessness, like short-term rental assistance programs and community education.

21. Best HIV/AIDS charity to donate to: AIDS United

AIDS United has worked to serve people and communities that are vulnerable or living with HIV. Through education, support programs, and advocacy, the organization is a lifeline to many that have been impacted by the HIV epidemic in the United States.

22. Best wildlife charity to donate to: World Wildlife Fund

At the forefront of climate change advocacy as well as wildlife conservation, the World Wildlife Fund has pushed for change for over 50 years. Through their funding efforts, many species and habitats have been protected from human development. As climate change becomes a bigger threat, the role of the World Wildlife Fund becomes even more important to us all.

23. Best humanitarian medical care charity: Doctors Without Borders

As an international organization, Doctors Without Borders provides medical humanitarian assistance to people with inadequate care. The organization seeks to provide maternal healthcare, malnutrition assistance, disease treatment and prevention, as well as eradication of certain diseases. Through the important work they do people in impoverished regions across the world can get the healthcare they need to live and thrive.

24. Best international aid charity to donate to: charity: water

According to charity: water, one in 10 people don’t have access to clean drinking water. The organization hopes to change these stats by bringing clean and safe drinking water to developing countries. It has already funded over 90,000 water projects around the world.

25. Best hunger-relief charity to donate to: Feeding America

Feeding America is a leading organization in the fight against food insecurity. With a network of over 200 food banks, Feeding America has been able to help millions struggling with food insecurity. The organization also focuses its work on food rescue and rapid response during and after disasters.

26. Best hearing impaired charity to donate to: Hearing Health Foundation

The Hearing Health Foundation researches hearing loss and tinnitus with the aim of preventing these conditions for good. It also focuses on creating inclusive opportunities for those with hearing loss, tinnitus, or other hearing disorders.

27. Best mental health charity to donate to: Mental Health Collaborative

Mental Health Collaborative has dedicated its mission to providing mental health resources and education to schools, communities, and other organizations. They’ve strived to foster a new system of mental health care by focusing on preventative models rather than reactionary.

28. Best autism charity to donate to: Autism Speaks

29. Best addiction recovery charity: To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA)

To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit committed to providing hope and support for people struggling with addiction, self-injury, depression, and suicide. They work to let people know that they are not alone and they can get the help they deserve. TWLOHA has donated more than $2.6 million to treatment and recovery and has provided funding to 105 counseling practices.

30. Best childhood cancer charity: CancerFree Kids Pediatric Cancer Research Alliance

CancerFree Kids is an organization dedicated to funding new treatments for pediatric cancers. Unfortunately, pediatric cancer has a long history of being grossly underfunded, which leaves children and their families with limited options or even unsafe treatments for cancer. Through funding from organizations like CancerFree Kids, pediatric cancer research can get the much funding and attention it deserves. Most importantly, children affected by cancer can get the treatment and care they need to live cancer-free.

People who used crowdfunding to help charities

Thousands of people have used crowdfunding to support causes they’re passionate about. Here are just a few examples of people who are making a real difference.

Environmental Walk – Dawn to Dusk

Ella is organizing a fundraising walk to raise money for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy nonprofit that raises money to protect ecosystems internationally and in the US.

Ella, her friends, and interested community members plan to walk sunrise to sunset around her home of Westchester County, a suburb of New York City. On her last fundraising walk, the group trekked an impressive 27 miles. Ella has almost reached her $1000 fundraising goal, and any funds raised will go directly to the Natural Resources Defense Council.

In This Tent Together

In San Francisco, there are almost 5,200 unhoused people who live on city streets.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, organizer Chelsea Ann realized that these unhoused individuals also needed a way to safely shelter in place. In response, her team is raising money for the Coalition on Homelessness, a nonprofit that organizes homeless people to protect the rights of the homeless and fight for housing justice. The Coalition on Homelessness distributes tents to provide shelter for San Francisco residents who are unhoused. A $25 donation buys one tent. So far, the In This Tent Together team has raised over $12,500.

Dudes For Dads Fundraiser

A group of men who have either lost their dad or never had a father figure present in their lives came together to create Dudes For Dads. Their organization aims to help younger boys navigate the process of losing a father figure. Donations to their fundraiser will go to Big Brother Big Sister of the National Capital Area which serves at-risk youth through mentorship in the VA, DC, and MD areas. Since creating their GoFundMe, they’ve raised over $10,000.

Raise money for your favorite cause with charity fundraising

Looking to help further? You can multiply your support for a charity you care about by starting a charity fundraiser. It’s an easy way to make a difference.

If you’re wondering why GoFundMe is among the top charity fundraising sites, here are just a few reasons:

  • Our simple crowdfunding platform means you can set up a fundraiser in just a few minutes.
  • If you create a certified charity fundraiser, we’ll send all funds directly to your charity. There’s no need to manage any of the funds yourself.
  • We make it easy to share your fundraiser with all your contacts through email and social media.

Discover charity fundraisers on GoFundMe for inspiration, or take a look at this list of our favorite charity blog posts:

Do good by giving back to a cause you care about

Not everyone has the funds to support their favorite charity. If charitable giving isn’t in your budget, starting a fundraiser through GoFundMe can give you the opportunity to give back. Sign up to create your fundraiser today and start raising money for the best US charities.

Written by Brittany Chambers

I believe we all have the power to make a difference. Through informative and heartfelt content, I hope to create change and inspire others to give back to those who need it most.