Several charities in the United States are highly regarded for their transparency, financial efficiency, and impact. Here are some of the most trustworthy, based on evaluations from watchdog organizations like Charity Navigator, BBB Wise Giving Alliance, and GiveWell:
Top-Rated Charities (High Transparency & Efficiency)
Direct Relief
Focus: Provides medical aid and disaster relief globally.
Financials: 100% rating on Charity Navigator, with 99.8% of donations going to programs.
MAP International
Focus: Global health, providing medicines and health supplies.
Financials: 99%+ program spending, top-rated by Charity Navigator.
CARE
Focus: Fighting global poverty, with an emphasis on women and girls.
Financials: 90%+ goes to programs, strong accountability.
Feeding America
Focus: Hunger relief in the U.S. through food banks.
Financials: 98% program spending, top-rated by BBB and Charity Navigator.
The Trevor Project
Focus: Suicide prevention and crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth.
Financials: 85%+ to programs, strong transparency.
St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
Focus: Pediatric cancer treatment and research (families never pay for care).
Financials: High fundraising efficiency, strong donor trust.
Doctors Without Borders (MSF USA)
Focus: Emergency medical care in crisis zones.
Financials: 86% to programs, high transparency.
Scholarship America
Focus: College scholarships for underserved students.
Financials: 97% program spending, top-rated by Charity Navigator.
Highly Effective Charities (Based on Impact)
GiveWell Top Charities (Focus: Evidence-backed, cost-effective global aid):
Against Malaria Foundation
Helen Keller International (Vitamin A programs)
GiveDirectly (Cash transfers to the extreme poor)
How to Verify a Charity’s Trustworthiness
Check ratings on:
Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org)
BBB Wise Giving Alliance (give.org)
GiveWell (givewell.org) for cost-effectiveness
Look for at least 75% of funds going to programs (not overhead).
Avoid charities with excessive CEO pay or frequent scandals.
