Giving back. It’s something we all strive to do, but trying to find the best charity or non-profit to support can be daunting. We want to be sure our funds support organizations that use our funds wisely and are doing good in the world.
The best charity you can support is the one whose cause is close to your heart AND one that you feel impacts the world is the best way possible. Educate yourself on the options by learning more about…
Charities that Support the Military Community
America’s Mighty Warriors– “America’s Mighty Warriors is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit corporation that honors our troops, the fallen and their families with programs that improve quality of life, resiliency and recovery. Funds donated allow us to offer programs that help those who served and families of the fallen through HBOT, Gold Star Respite and more.”
The Battle Buddy Foundation– “We help service disabled combat veterans re-integrate themselves back into society by providing them with the help they need. Oftentimes that help is a highly skilled and trained service dog.”
Fallen Not Forgotten– “Fallen Not Forgotten, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization founded by members of the military along with family and friends, looking to help other families of the military as they work through their next chapters in life. We look to accomplish this by providing educational scholarships and assistance.”
G.I. Josie– “G.I. Josie, Inc., is dedicated to saving and improving the lives of single women veterans and their children by supplying affordable housing in a ranch setting and offering animal interaction as well as other non-clinical therapies in order for them to mitigate as well as eradicate the suffering and suicides which arise from the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Military Sexual Trauma incurred as a result of their service in the United States Military.”
Headstrong– “With the help and direction of top clinicians in the country, Headstrong developed a comprehensive treatment program for post 9/11 veterans dealing with PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, addiction, anxiety and depression, trauma, grief and loss, and anger management.”
Hope for the Warriors– “We believe those touched by military service can succeed at home by restoring their sense of self, family, and hope. Nationally, Hope For The Warriors provides comprehensive support programs for service members, veterans, and military families that are focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement, and connections to community resources.”
Keystone Warriors– “Keystone Warriors seeks to honor the daily sacrifices made by the brave men and women in all branches of the United States Military, but specifically those wounded on or after September 11, 2001. Keystone Warriors aids Wounded Warriors by raising public awareness and seeking the publics support for programs and services that assist Wounded Warriors.Funds donated to Keystone Warriors are used to support local post-9/11 veterans and their families located in or with ties to Pennsylvania.”
National Military Family Association– “Our Association is the “go to” source for Administration Officials, Members of Congress, and key decision makers when they want to understand the issues facing our families. They know we have “boots on the ground” with military families and understand better than anyone that “military families serve, too.” Through the support and programs we provide, and our respected voice on Capitol Hill, at the Pentagon and Veterans Administration, our Association always looks out for the families who stand behind the uniform and for those who serve.”
Semper Fi Fund– “Proven. Effective. Immediate. We provide financial assistance and lifetime support to post-9/11 combat wounded, critically ill and catastrophically injured service members and their families.”
Support Military Spouses– “To applaud the brave military wives and husbands who shoulder responsibilities of family, employment, finances, wounded warrior care, and the honoring of fallen heroes. Our mission is achieved through patriotic volunteers, committed partners, and programs that educate and show appreciation for the sacrifice, patriotism and selflessness of military spouses.”
Warrior Expeditions– “Following in Earl Shaffer’s footsteps and in recognizing the therapeutic effects of long distance outdoor expeditions, Warrior Expeditions created the Warrior Hike, Warrior Bike, and Warrior Paddle programs which are designed to help veterans transition from their wartime experiences.”
TAPS– The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) offers compassionate care to all those grieving the loss of a military loved one. Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.
Warfighter Made– “We adapt, and customize a combat wounded Veteran’s vehicle, so they can continue doing the things they enjoy, while their vehicle reflects their individual personality.”
Warrior Research– “As an organization we want to mentor, empower, and support our veteran families through research, film, referral, direct service support, and advocacy. A significant part of our vision is to identify the current and changing needs of our military and their families.”
Wingman Foundation– “The Wingman Foundation is proud to support the Naval Aviation community and their families by ensuring that a fallen aviator’s sacrifice is never forgotten. We do this by providing critical post-mishap financial relief, funding memorials and remembrance ceremonies, sharing their stories, and offering scholarships in their honor. The Wingman Foundation is humbled to work directly with the families involved in most cases.”
Warfighter Made– “We adapt, and customize a combat wounded Veteran’s vehicle, so they can continue doing the things they enjoy, while their vehicle reflects their individual personality.”
Charities that Support Children
Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation– “The Children’s Neuroblastoma Cancer Foundation (CNCF) is a non-profit national health organization committed to finding a cure for neuroblastoma.”
Ainsley’s Angels– In addition to ensuring everyone can experience endurance events, Ainsley’s Angels of America aims to build awareness about America’s special needs community through inclusion in all aspects of life. Serving as advocates to providing education and participating as active members in local communities, we believe everyone deserves to be included.”
Families in Arms– “Our mission is to give families of children with Autism, the opportunity to create memories that go far beyond the walls of therapy.”
National Center for the Missing and Exploited Children– “As the nation’s clearinghouse & comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization, NCMEC leads the fight against abduction, abuse, and exploitation – because every child deserves a safe childhood.”
Operation Underground Railroad– “We’ve gathered the world’s experts in extraction operations and in anti-child trafficking efforts to bring an end to child slavery. O.U.R.’s Underground Jump Team consists of former CIA, Navy SEALs, and Special Ops operatives that lead coordinated identification and extraction efforts. These operations are always in conjunction with law enforcement throughout the world.”
PRAI– “PRAI is committed to raising funds for important research projects that will advance our understanding of neurological disorders and their relationship to the immune system. These walks and runs will allow us to do just that.”
St. Baldrick’s Foundation– “By working closely with leading pediatric oncologists, we determine the most promising research to fund and create funding priorities to make the greatest impact for children with cancer.”
Stella’s Girls– “Stella’s Girls, Inc. is a nonprofit organization committed to developing and preparing young women across the globe to become leaders of their communities.”
Talk About Curing Autism– “Talk About Curing Autism (TACA) is a national non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to educating, empowering and supporting families affected by autism. For families who have just received the autism diagnosis, TACA aims to speed up the cycle time from the autism diagnosis to effective treatments. TACA helps to strengthen the autism community by connecting families and the professionals who can help them, allowing them to share stories and information to help improve the quality of life for people with autism.”
Other Charities
Donate Life– “Donate Life America is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization leading its national partners and Donate Life State Teams to increase the number of donated organs, eyes and tissue available to save and heal lives through transplantation while developing a culture where donation is embraced as a fundamental human responsibility.”
Puppies Behind Bars– “Puppies Behind Bars (PBB) trains prison inmates to raise service dogs for wounded war veterans and explosive detection canines for law enforcement. Puppies enter prison at the age of eight weeks and live with their inmate puppy-raisers for approximately 24 months. As the puppies mature into well-loved, well-behaved dogs, their raisers learn what it means to contribute to society rather than take from it.”
The Tanzie Project– “Our mission is to bring awareness and support to saving the forgotten, homeless pets of Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as in other areas of the Balkan Peninsula.”
Still don’t know which charity to give to?
There are tools you can use to help you find the charity that is right for you. Charity Navigator can help you find a charity that supports causes that are close to your heart as well as help you see where your donated funds are going. Donating can be easy, too. Many charities allow you to make recurring donations via their website. If they are Combined Federal Campaign certified and you are a federal employee, you can have your monthly donations taken directly from your paycheck. Supporting your charity while shopping is simple, too. Check to see if your charity is part of Amazon Smile, and each time you shopm Amazon Smile will donate 5% of your purchase total towards your selected charity.
Do you have a special charity that you love to support? Share it with us in the comments below!