How to Make an Impact Today
Looking for a meaningful way to give back? Whether you want to support veterans, advance cancer research, protect animals or help families in need, there are countless organizations doing life-changing work across the country. Let's look at some of the best charities to donate to so you can find the right match for your donations.
1. Wounded Warrior Project
Wounded Warrior Project provides free programs for physical and mental health, career counseling and adaptive sports for veterans. It’s one of the most well-known veteran charities in the U.S. Their mission is to support injured U.S. military veterans and service members.
2. American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society funds groundbreaking research. They provide free lodging for patients during treatment and offer a 24/7 helpline. It’s one of the best charities to donate to for those passionate about curing cancer.
3. Best Friends Animal Society
Best Friends Animal Society operates a no-kill sanctuary in Utah and partners with shelters across the U.S. to boost adoption rates and animal care. The work they do aims to end the killing of cats and dogs in shelters across America.
4. Feeding America
Feeding America is the nation’s largest hunger-relief organization. They reach over 46 million people every year through a network of 200+ food banks. Their mission is to end hunger in the U.S. by supporting food banks nationwide.
5. St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
St. Jude’s never charges families for treatment, travel, housing or food, allowing kids to receive top-tier care regardless of their family’s ability to pay. Their work aims to not only treat, but defeat, childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases.
6. The Trevor Project
The Trevor Project offers 24/7 phone, chat and text support to LGBTQ+ youth facing mental health challenges and discrimination. Their work provides crisis support and suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youths across the entire country.
7. Charity: Water
Charity:Water uses 100% of public donations to directly fund clean water projects. They provide GPS and photo updates for every funded project, so you can see the impact your donation makes. The organization works to bring clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries.
8. The Nature Conservancy
The Nature Conservancy protects millions of acres of land and has projects in all 50 states, working on climate change, biodiversity and sustainable agriculture. Donations made to this organization will back their mission of conservating lands and waters on which all life depends.
9. Homes For Our Troops
Homes for Our Troops builds mortgage-free, accessible homes that give veterans greater independence and quality of life. They remove barriers to affordable living accessibility through their work. Donations help severely injured post-9/11 veterans access programs and help.
10. Ronald McDonald House Charities
Ronald McDonald House Charities run programs that keep families close during medical treatment, reducing stress and financial strain. Their mission is to support families with children in hospitals by providing free lodging and other resources.
Make a Donation Today
The best charities to donate to aren’t just the ones with big names—they’re the ones making a measurable difference. Whether your heart is with veterans, kids, animals or public health, there’s an organization that fits your values and your giving goals.
Before you donate, check sites like Charity Navigator or GuideStar to see ratings, financial transparency and program impact. A little research goes a long way toward making sure your donation has the biggest possible impact.