Top Rated Charities Benefiting Children in the United States
One of the best ways to support children is to support the church. A life begun in the arms of the church enables children to find a relationship with God that is foundational for a meaningful and joyful life no matter what else a child may face. Church offers more opportunities for trustworthy adult relationships than an average life can offer, and gives children many mentors and friends of different ages. Church life provides safe and healthy activities and means of service. A child is blessed by the church and the church is blessed by children.
However, the church can only do so much. We love kids and know that we fall far short of being able to meet all of their needs. The following organizations are top rated by Charity Watchdog groups and meet many of the safety, emotional and physical needs of children and families.
American Humane Association- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, this organization is focused on preventing abuse and neglect of children, as well as animals.
Child Find of America- Rated as A+ on CharityWatch, Child Find locates missing children, prevents child abduction, and helps to mediate in cases of parental abduction.
Children's Defense Fund- Rated as A on CharityWatch, Children's Defense Fund's mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
Children's Health Fund- Rated as A on CharityWatch, CHF is committed to providing health care to the nation's most medically underserved children through the development and support of innovative, comprehensive primary care programs, reducing the impact of public health crises on vulnerable children and promoting the health and well-being of all children.
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, this charity collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children- Rated as B+ on CharityWatch, NCMEC serves as the nation's clearinghouse on issues related to missing and sexually exploited children.
Prevent Child Abuse America- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, Prevent Child Abuse America works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide. They advocate for the existence of a national policy framework and strategy for children and families while promoting evidence-based practices that prevent abuse and neglect from
ever occurring.
ChildFund International (formerly Christian Children's Fund)- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, ChildFund International helps deprived, excluded and vulnerable children living in poverty have the capacity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities and promotes societies whose individuals and institutions participate in valuing, protecting and advancing the worth and the rights of children. They do their work through direct child sponsorship, and you can sponsor children directly in the United States.
Children International- Rated B+ on CharityWatch, this organization is to bring real and lasting change to children living in poverty. In partnership with contributors, we reduce their daily struggles, invest in their potential, and provide them with the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and prepared to succeed and contribute to society.
Save the Children- Rated A+ on CharityWatch, Save the Children coordinates child sponsorship for children in America and around the world.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America- Rated A+ on CharityWatch, Big Brothers, Big Sisters carefully matches at-risk youths with caring, adult role models. Research proves that children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America- Rated A- on CharityWatch, Boys and Girls Clubs programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys and Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow-all while having fun.
Girls, Inc.- Rated A on CharityWatch, Girls, Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Research-based curricula, delivered by trained, mentoring professionals in a positive all-girl environment equip girls to achieve academically; lead healthy and phsyically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Junior Achievement- Rated B+ on CharityWatch, JA's volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12 grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential.
4H- Rated A on CharityWatch, 4-H is the nation's largest youth development and empowerment organization, reaching more than 7 million 4-H youth in urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards and rural farming communities fueled by university-backed curriculum, 4 H'ers engage in hands-on learning activities in the areas of science, healthy living, and food security.
Scholarship America- Rated A+ on CharityWatch, Scholarship America's mission is to mobilize America, through scholarships and educational support, to make post-secondary success possible for all students. They do this through core programs and businesses that support students in their education journey.
CEDARS- Rated A on CharityWatch, CEDARS help children who have been abused, neglected, and homeless achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an educational program that helps C and D students improve their chances of getting into college. Students, most of whom are underpriveleged, can begin the program as early as the fourth grade. They work with specially trained teachers and tutors to learn organizational and study skills and develop critical thinking abilities. Ninety-five percent of AVID graduates go to college, and 85% remain enrolled in college after two years.
Canines for Disabled Kids- This organization provides assistance dogs to children under age 12 who are autistic or have hearing or physical disabilities. Since its inception, CDK has placed over 90 assistance dogs. In addition to helping with the daily tasks of life, these assistance dogs provide companionship to the children and help them develop confidence and responsibility.
CASA- (Court-Appointed Special Advocates)- when a judge began using trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. CASA now has 59000 volunteers in over 900 areas and serves 243000 abused and neglected children. They research the background of an assigned case, speak on behalf of children in the courtroom, and represent the child's best interests throughout the case.
Communities in School- Rated four stars on Charity Navigator, this is a dropout prevention program that connects community resources with student needs. Specific services this group offers include mentoring, counseling, vision screening, day care, job training, and gang prevention. CIS operates at 2,500 schools in 32 states, reaching 1.9 million kids annually.
KaBOOM!- Rated four stars by Charity Navigator, KaBOOM! has helped build more than 400 playgrounds, skate parks, ice rinks, and athletic fields in low-income areas around the United States since 1995. They have also helped renovate thousands of other play areas and provide training and expertise for communities that want to build their own playgrounds.
March of Dimes- an organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938 as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, the original mission of the March of Dimes was to find a vaccine for polio and to care for polio victims. Since that initial success, it has also been instrumental in developing newborn screening tests, identifying healthy habits for pregnant women, pioneering fetal surgical techniques, and working to reduce premature births. (warning, Charity Navigator only rates this charity two stars)
My Stuff Bags Foundation- Over 300,000 abused, abandoned, and neglected children across America are removed from dangerous home environments each year. They often arrive at crisis centers and foster homes with few, if any, personal belongings. Rated four stars by Charity Navigator, the "My Stuff Bags Foundation" seeks to give these children comfort and hope by providing them with a My Stuff Bag full of things they need to help them settle in their new environments, such as clothes, toys, toiletries, stuffed animals, and a security blanket. My Stuff Bags has provided bags to more than 320,000 children in 49 states since it began in 1998. Their goal is to have a bag for every child removed from his or her home.
North American Council on Adoptable Children helps find permanent, loving homes for children once considered unadoptable or hard to place. They may be school-aged children, many of whom have physical, mental, or emotional difficulties. They also help adults through the pre-adoption process and provide support to adoptive families.
Ronald McDonald House Charities- Receiving four stars from Charity Navigator, Ronald McDonald House seek to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. They are probably most well known for their Ronald McDonald houses that provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Shriners Hospitals for Children- Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals that provide care for children up to the age of 18 who have orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. The children are cared for in a family-centered environment at no charge, regardless of financial need. Rated three stars by Charity Navigator.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- treats children with serious illnesses. It includes a research facility dedicated to raising the survival rate for many diseases. Rated three stars by Charity Navigator.
Other Charities that Affect the Lives of Children
The Partnership at drugfree.org- Together with parents, we advocate for better and more effective treatment for teens in trouble, and with the help of volunteers, scientists, donors and sponsors, we are working to solve the problem of teen substance abuse.
National Alliance to End Homelessness- The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on the issue of homelessness. The Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective policy solutions. The Alliance works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help communities achieve their goal of ending homelessness. They provide data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and education the public and opinion leaders nationwide.
Week of Compassion- the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. We seek to equip and empower disciples to alleviate the suffering of other through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and the promotion of mission opportunities.
Bread for the World- Rated A on CharityWatch, Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's leaders to end hunger at home and abroad.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- This is the nation's leading organization for bringing together people across communities and backgrounds to understand and prevent suicide, and to help heal the pain it causes individuals, families, and communities who have been personally touched by suicide are the moving force behind what they do. They are rated A by CharityWatch.
Mental Health America- Rated A- by CharityWatch, Mental Health America is the nation's leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives.
National Military Family Association- This organization fights for benefits and programs that strengthen and protect Uniformed Services Families and reflect the Nation's respect for their service. It is rated A by CharityWatch.
Futures without Violence- A four star rated charity by Charity Navigator, Futures without Violence works for ground-breaking education programs, national policy development professional training programs, and public actions designed to end violence against women, children and families around the world.
One of the best ways to support children is to support the church. A life begun in the arms of the church enables children to find a relationship with God that is foundational for a meaningful and joyful life no matter what else a child may face. Church offers more opportunities for trustworthy adult relationships than an average life can offer, and gives children many mentors and friends of different ages. Church life provides safe and healthy activities and means of service. A child is blessed by the church and the church is blessed by children.
However, the church can only do so much. We love kids and know that we fall far short of being able to meet all of their needs. The following organizations are top rated by Charity Watchdog groups and meet many of the safety, emotional and physical needs of children and families.
American Humane Association- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, this organization is focused on preventing abuse and neglect of children, as well as animals.
Child Find of America- Rated as A+ on CharityWatch, Child Find locates missing children, prevents child abduction, and helps to mediate in cases of parental abduction.
Children's Defense Fund- Rated as A on CharityWatch, Children's Defense Fund's mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.
Children's Health Fund- Rated as A on CharityWatch, CHF is committed to providing health care to the nation's most medically underserved children through the development and support of innovative, comprehensive primary care programs, reducing the impact of public health crises on vulnerable children and promoting the health and well-being of all children.
Marine Toys for Tots Foundation- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, this charity collects new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted.
The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children- Rated as B+ on CharityWatch, NCMEC serves as the nation's clearinghouse on issues related to missing and sexually exploited children.
Prevent Child Abuse America- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, Prevent Child Abuse America works to ensure the healthy development of children nationwide. They advocate for the existence of a national policy framework and strategy for children and families while promoting evidence-based practices that prevent abuse and neglect from
ever occurring.
ChildFund International (formerly Christian Children's Fund)- Rated as A- on CharityWatch, ChildFund International helps deprived, excluded and vulnerable children living in poverty have the capacity to become young adults, parents and leaders who bring lasting and positive change to their communities and promotes societies whose individuals and institutions participate in valuing, protecting and advancing the worth and the rights of children. They do their work through direct child sponsorship, and you can sponsor children directly in the United States.
Children International- Rated B+ on CharityWatch, this organization is to bring real and lasting change to children living in poverty. In partnership with contributors, we reduce their daily struggles, invest in their potential, and provide them with the opportunity to grow up healthy, educated, and prepared to succeed and contribute to society.
Save the Children- Rated A+ on CharityWatch, Save the Children coordinates child sponsorship for children in America and around the world.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of America- Rated A+ on CharityWatch, Big Brothers, Big Sisters carefully matches at-risk youths with caring, adult role models. Research proves that children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters programs are more likely to improve in school and in their relationships with family and friends, and less likely to skip school or use illegal drugs or alcohol.
Boys and Girls Clubs of America- Rated A- on CharityWatch, Boys and Girls Clubs programs and services promote and enhance the development of boys and girls by instilling a sense of competence, usefulness, belonging and influence. Boys and Girls Clubs are a safe place to learn and grow-all while having fun.
Girls, Inc.- Rated A on CharityWatch, Girls, Inc. inspires all girls to be strong, smart, and bold through life-changing programs and experiences that help girls navigate gender, economic, and social barriers. Research-based curricula, delivered by trained, mentoring professionals in a positive all-girl environment equip girls to achieve academically; lead healthy and phsyically active lives; manage money; navigate media messages; and discover an interest in science, technology, engineering, and math.
Junior Achievement- Rated B+ on CharityWatch, JA's volunteer-delivered, kindergarten-12 grade programs foster work-readiness, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy skills, and use experiential learning to inspire students to dream big and reach their potential.
4H- Rated A on CharityWatch, 4-H is the nation's largest youth development and empowerment organization, reaching more than 7 million 4-H youth in urban neighborhoods, suburban schoolyards and rural farming communities fueled by university-backed curriculum, 4 H'ers engage in hands-on learning activities in the areas of science, healthy living, and food security.
Scholarship America- Rated A+ on CharityWatch, Scholarship America's mission is to mobilize America, through scholarships and educational support, to make post-secondary success possible for all students. They do this through core programs and businesses that support students in their education journey.
CEDARS- Rated A on CharityWatch, CEDARS help children who have been abused, neglected, and homeless achieve safety, stability, and enduring family relationships.
Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) is an educational program that helps C and D students improve their chances of getting into college. Students, most of whom are underpriveleged, can begin the program as early as the fourth grade. They work with specially trained teachers and tutors to learn organizational and study skills and develop critical thinking abilities. Ninety-five percent of AVID graduates go to college, and 85% remain enrolled in college after two years.
Canines for Disabled Kids- This organization provides assistance dogs to children under age 12 who are autistic or have hearing or physical disabilities. Since its inception, CDK has placed over 90 assistance dogs. In addition to helping with the daily tasks of life, these assistance dogs provide companionship to the children and help them develop confidence and responsibility.
CASA- (Court-Appointed Special Advocates)- when a judge began using trained community volunteers to speak for the best interests of abused and neglected children in court. CASA now has 59000 volunteers in over 900 areas and serves 243000 abused and neglected children. They research the background of an assigned case, speak on behalf of children in the courtroom, and represent the child's best interests throughout the case.
Communities in School- Rated four stars on Charity Navigator, this is a dropout prevention program that connects community resources with student needs. Specific services this group offers include mentoring, counseling, vision screening, day care, job training, and gang prevention. CIS operates at 2,500 schools in 32 states, reaching 1.9 million kids annually.
KaBOOM!- Rated four stars by Charity Navigator, KaBOOM! has helped build more than 400 playgrounds, skate parks, ice rinks, and athletic fields in low-income areas around the United States since 1995. They have also helped renovate thousands of other play areas and provide training and expertise for communities that want to build their own playgrounds.
March of Dimes- an organization dedicated to improving the health of babies by preventing birth defects, premature birth, and infant mortality. Founded in 1938 as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis, the original mission of the March of Dimes was to find a vaccine for polio and to care for polio victims. Since that initial success, it has also been instrumental in developing newborn screening tests, identifying healthy habits for pregnant women, pioneering fetal surgical techniques, and working to reduce premature births. (warning, Charity Navigator only rates this charity two stars)
My Stuff Bags Foundation- Over 300,000 abused, abandoned, and neglected children across America are removed from dangerous home environments each year. They often arrive at crisis centers and foster homes with few, if any, personal belongings. Rated four stars by Charity Navigator, the "My Stuff Bags Foundation" seeks to give these children comfort and hope by providing them with a My Stuff Bag full of things they need to help them settle in their new environments, such as clothes, toys, toiletries, stuffed animals, and a security blanket. My Stuff Bags has provided bags to more than 320,000 children in 49 states since it began in 1998. Their goal is to have a bag for every child removed from his or her home.
North American Council on Adoptable Children helps find permanent, loving homes for children once considered unadoptable or hard to place. They may be school-aged children, many of whom have physical, mental, or emotional difficulties. They also help adults through the pre-adoption process and provide support to adoptive families.
Ronald McDonald House Charities- Receiving four stars from Charity Navigator, Ronald McDonald House seek to create, find, and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children. They are probably most well known for their Ronald McDonald houses that provide a home away from home for families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals.
Shriners Hospitals for Children- Shriners Hospitals for Children is an international health care system of 22 hospitals that provide care for children up to the age of 18 who have orthopedic conditions, burns, spinal cord injuries, and cleft lip and palate. The children are cared for in a family-centered environment at no charge, regardless of financial need. Rated three stars by Charity Navigator.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital- treats children with serious illnesses. It includes a research facility dedicated to raising the survival rate for many diseases. Rated three stars by Charity Navigator.
Other Charities that Affect the Lives of Children
The Partnership at drugfree.org- Together with parents, we advocate for better and more effective treatment for teens in trouble, and with the help of volunteers, scientists, donors and sponsors, we are working to solve the problem of teen substance abuse.
National Alliance to End Homelessness- The National Alliance to End Homelessness is a leading voice on the issue of homelessness. The Alliance analyzes policy and develops pragmatic, cost-effective policy solutions. The Alliance works collaboratively with the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to build state and local capacity, leading to stronger programs and policies that help communities achieve their goal of ending homelessness. They provide data and research to policymakers and elected officials in order to inform policy debates and education the public and opinion leaders nationwide.
Week of Compassion- the relief, refugee and development mission fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada. We seek to equip and empower disciples to alleviate the suffering of other through disaster response, humanitarian aid, sustainable development, and the promotion of mission opportunities.
Bread for the World- Rated A on CharityWatch, Bread for the World is a collective Christian voice urging our nation's leaders to end hunger at home and abroad.
American Foundation for Suicide Prevention- This is the nation's leading organization for bringing together people across communities and backgrounds to understand and prevent suicide, and to help heal the pain it causes individuals, families, and communities who have been personally touched by suicide are the moving force behind what they do. They are rated A by CharityWatch.
Mental Health America- Rated A- by CharityWatch, Mental Health America is the nation's leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives.
National Military Family Association- This organization fights for benefits and programs that strengthen and protect Uniformed Services Families and reflect the Nation's respect for their service. It is rated A by CharityWatch.
Futures without Violence- A four star rated charity by Charity Navigator, Futures without Violence works for ground-breaking education programs, national policy development professional training programs, and public actions designed to end violence against women, children and families around the world.