Discover 10 charities that change children’s lives

UNICEF USA is a humanitarian charity that helps children in crisis. The charity advocates for children all over the world, whether it’s providing fresh food and water or responding to natural disasters. UNICEF USA uses donations to protect kids in high-conflict zones with hygiene, education, and mental health support.

Shriners Hospitals for Children provides specialty pediatric care for kids ages 18 and younger, no matter their ability to pay medical bills. Some conditions that Shriners Hospitals for Children treats are skin disorders, spinal cord injuries, and burn care. This organization puts donations towards patients’ treatments and innovative research.

Boys and Girls Clubs of America aims to empower young people to reach their full potential, discover their purpose, and thrive. The organization seeks to provide a safe, positive, inclusive environment for all youth and teens to learn and grow. Its programs are focused on academics, health, and leadership, and led by caring mentors and volunteers. Boys & Girls Clubs currently support more than 3 million youth across the country.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital treats children who are battling cancer and life-threatening diseases. The nonprofit’s mission is to provide care to every child and family in need, regardless of their race, ethnicity, religion, or financial position. Your donation goes towards cancer treatment and research to find a cure.

Founded in 1972, Prevent Child Abuse America has been helping families for over 50 years. It advocates safe spaces for kids to thrive physically and mentally. The organization focuses on neglect and abuse prevention through research, awareness, and home visits. PCAA believes in nurturing relationships that create healthy communities. The charity has helped over 100,000 children and made 900,000 home visits. It also contributes valuable research and influences public policy.

STOMP Out Bullying is the leading national anti-bullying and cyberbullying organization for kids and teens in the U.S. Funds raised for the organization go towards assisting students in need of help and at risk of suicide. Funds also support the HelpChat Crisis Line, in-school education, changing the culture, and other prevention programs.

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City is a youth mentorship organization that helps youth achieve their full potential. The organization utilizes funds to train mentors and volunteers to guide and encourage kids through life.  Programs include community-based mentoring, workplace mentoring, and college coaching.

Starlight Children’s Foundation is dedicated to bringing happiness to vulnerable children in hospitals across the country. Its programs are focused on bringing joy, comfort, and distraction at a time that can feel overwhelming and isolating. Programs also extend to support family and caregivers.

The Children of Fallen Patriots Foundation provides educational support and grants to military children who lost a parent in the line of duty. While government programs exist to support these families, the charity estimates the average funding gap for each child is $25,000. The organization provides college or trade school scholarships, educational assistance, career guidance, and a community that supports them. The charity supports dependent children (including biological, adopted, or stepchildren) of fallen servicemembers who died while fighting for the United States. To date, the charity has supported more than 3,800 children and provided $78 million in scholarships and educational support.

Founded in 1981, the charity has spent almost 45 years building brighter futures for San Diego’s current and former foster children. It supports youth from early childhood in foster care through to adulthood, helping children heal, grow, and thrive. Each year, they support more than 3,000 youth through educational, mentoring, and life skills programs.