By
Olivia Lopez

First responders play an integral part in defending the public’s health and wellbeing. First responders undergo rigorous training and many sacrifice their safety to protect others. And with so many charities providing support to first responders, we had to ask: What are the best charities for first responders?

The best charities for first responders are the Gary Sinise Foundation, Operation Gratitude, and Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation. These charities provide mental and physical support services to first responders. They also honor fallen first responders and offer aid to their families.

Whether you want to say ‘thanks’ to your local first responders, fundraise for a first responders agency, or offer support to those on the frontlines, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for first responders are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities for First Responders Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission and transparency ratings.

These charities operate across the US and honor both active, veteran, and volunteer first responders.

They raise awareness of the many sacrifices that first responders make in order to keep others safe, and advocate for the mental and physical wellbeing of frontline workers. 

Yet, they all carry out programs and services that are designed to show appreciation to first responders, and directly benefit them. They also support first responders’ families. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities for First Responders in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for first responders (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

(At the end of this article we’ll also share our six-step approach on how you can select the best charity to support.)

Gary Sinise Foundation: Empowering All First Responders 

The Gary Sinise Foundation has an impressive 4-star rating and an Accountability and Transparency score of 100 out of 100, both from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, showcasing their commitment to the wellbeing of the country’s first responders. For example, in 2019, they spent nearly 89% of their income on unique programming for first responders, members of the military, and veterans.

“To serve and honor America’s defenders, veterans, first responders, Gold Star families and those in need.”

Gary Sinise Foundation

The Gary Sinise Foundation offers educational, entertaining, and wellness programs that empower first responders, members of the military, veterans, and their families. They deliver one-of-a-kind services to meet the individual needs of the country’s defenders, including developing smart homes for wounded service members, and providing mental health retreats and counseling for those struggling after their service. 

Since their inception, the Gary Sinise Foundation has reached thousands of heroes with their specialized programs. For example, they have provided 74 specially adapted smart homes to wounded defenders. They have modified more than 60 homes and donated 43 mobility devices for the country’s defenders in the most need. In conjunction with their home and mobility programs, they have also delivered more than 500,000 meals to the nation’s defenders, including first responders. 

You can contribute to the Gary Sinise Foundation by making a donation through their website. You can also start a local fundraiser to promote their causes and raise funds for their programs. 

Operation Gratitude: Giving Thanks To First Responders

Operation Gratitude holds a 4-star rating and an Accountability and Transparency score of 100 out of 100, both from Charity Navigator. They also have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For example, in 2020, approximately 93% of their income was spent on their programs.

“To honor our military, veterans, and first responders through hands-on volunteerism.”

Operation Gratitude

Operation Gratitude aims to uplift and honor first responders by providing thoughtful care packages to those serving on the frontlines. They also strive to bring awareness to the work first responders take on.

Operation Gratitude has reached more than 700 first responder departments across the US with hundreds of thousands of care packages successfully delivered. For example, in 2020, they impacted more than 16,000 first responders with their care services. In the same year, they also supported over 164,000 first responders attending to health crises in the US.

You can contribute to Operation Gratitude by donating through their website. You can also show your support by volunteering to write letters to first responders, or by making homemade gifts and paracord bracelets.

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Supporting the Nation’s First Responders

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation maintains an impressive 4-star rating, and an Accountability and Transparency score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They have a high Financial score of 97 out of 100, also from Charity Navigator. For example, in 2019, approximately 93% of their income was spent on their programming and services. 

“To honor our military and first responders who continue to make the supreme sacrifice of life and limb for our country.”

Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers

The Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation honors first responders who have died during their service. They also provide substantial support to the victims’ families by giving them mortgage-free homes, and by paying off any existing mortgages that could cause them insecurity or instability.

Since their inception, the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation has provided hundreds of mortgage-free homes to the families of fallen first responders. They have successfully delivered homes across more than 15 US states. For example, in 2020, they provided nearly 250 mortgage-free homes to victims’ families. They have also reached more than 500,000 people with their mobile 9/11 exhibit. 

You can contribute to the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation by donating directly through their website. You can show your support in other ways too, including hosting an event to fundraise for them, or by purchasing some branded merchandise via their online shop. 

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation: Aiding First Responder Agencies

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has a 4-star rating and a Financial score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“To impact the lifesaving capabilities, and the lives, of local heroes and their communities.”

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation

Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation Inc. delivers innovative tools and resources to first responder agencies in the US. They supply financial support and equipment that help agencies respond to disasters and emergencies quicker and more efficiently. They also offer tools that empower first responders, and keep them safe while on the job. 

Since their founding, Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation has expanded to serve first responders in 49 US states, including Puerto Rico. For example, in 2020, they provided 13 rescue boats, 75 thermal imaging cameras, and 433 sets of bunker gear to first responder agencies across the country. 

You can contribute to Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation by donating directly through their website.

Concerns of Police Survivors: Uplifting the Survivors of Fallen Officers

Concerns of Police Survivors maintains a 4-star rating and an Accountability and Transparency score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They have also earned a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For example, in 2020, they spent over 75% of their income on peer support, benefits assistance, and their programs. 

“Rebuilding shattered lives of survivors and co-workers affected by line-of-duty deaths.”

Concerns of Police Survivors

Concerns of Police Survivors provides support and resources to surviving children, spouses, and other family members of fallen first responders, especially law enforcement members, who died in the line of duty. They aim to help survivors rebuild their lives by offering financial and emotional assistance through their hands-on program, counseling program, and scholarship program.

Since their founding, Concerns of Police Survivors have reached more than 50,000 survivors of fallen law enforcement members. They have also hosted more than 170 training sessions across 9 US states educating first responder agencies on police trauma and wellbeing. In 2020, they awarded scholarships to 55 family members of law enforcement officers who passed away while in the line of duty. 

You can contribute to Concerns of Police Survivors by donating through their website. They also welcome in-kind donations and vehicle donations to support their programs and services.

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: Remembering Fallen Firefighters 

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation holds an impressive 4-star rating, and an Accountability and Transparency score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.  

“To honor and remember America’s fallen fire heroes.”

National Fallen Firefighters Foundation

The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation honors fallen firefighters through remembrance programs and dedicated services to their families. They uplift and empower the families impacted by firefighter fatalities through scholarship programs and community outreach. They also provide direct assistance to agencies across the country that have experienced the impacts of losing first responders.

Since their founding, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation has reached hundreds of families of firefighters with their programs and services. For example, in 2020, they enlisted support to send over 4,000 remembrance cards to the families of fallen firefighters. In the same year, their volunteers helped file more than 490 applications for the Justice’s Public Safety Officers’ Benefit, which helps families in the aftermath of a firefighter’s fatality. Their assistance benefited agencies that had over 120 first responder fatalities in total.

You can contribute to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation by downloading a donation form from their website, and mailing it to the address listed. You can also show your support by starting a fundraiser on their behalf, or by purchasing some branded gear from their online shop.

First Responder Support Network: Providing Critical Support for First Responders

First Responders Support Network holds a Finance and Accountability score of 80 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For example, in 2019, they spent nearly 81% of their income on their programs and services.

“To provide first responders and their families tools to reduce the effects of traumatic stress and develop resiliency.”

First Responders Support Network

The First Responder Support Network offers trauma and stress relief resources to first responders and their families. They deliver these resources through tailored retreats and programs that target unique trauma first responders may encounter through their line of work. 

Since 2001, the First Responder Support Network has reached more than 1,500 first responders with their trauma treatment programs. They rely heavily on the support from first responder peers and volunteers who have delivered more than 54,000 hours of work annually. They’ve also expanded their reach to serve communities in more than 6 US states, including Arizona and Indiana.

You can contribute to the First Responder Support Network by donating through their website. You can also show your support by volunteering with them as a chaplain, SOS peer, and much more.

First Responders Children’s Foundation: Delivering Financial Aid to First Responders’ Families

First Responders Children’s Foundation holds a Finance and Accountability score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.  

“To provide financial support to children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.”

First Responders Children’s Foundation

The First Responders Children’s Foundation provides financial support and education funding to the surviving children of first responders who have lost their lives during the line of duty. They provide bereavement assistance to the first responders’ families, and raises awareness of their sacrifices through programs, fundraisers, and community events.

Since their inception, the First Responders Children’s Foundation has reached nearly 530,000 surviving children with their services. They have also delivered financial aid to another 232,000 families of first responders. For example, in 2019, they provided 44 college scholarships to children of first responders, and in 2020, they paid for 174 funerals of fallen emergency response providers.

You can contribute to the First Responders Children’s Foundation by donating through their website. You can also attend some of their many events held throughout the year. They also have an online shop, where you can purchase attire to show your support for first responders.

All Clear Foundation: Improving the Lives of First Responders

All Clear Foundation holds a Gold Seal of Transparency from Guidestar. They also receive funding support from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to help develop their programs.

“To improve the overall wellbeing and longevity of those who serve our communities in times of need.”

All Clear Foundation

All Clear Foundation strives to prolong the life expectancy and mental wellbeing of first responders. They provide a range of support services to eliminate the stress and isolation that many first responders encounter while on the job. They also empower first responders to create healthy work-life balances.

Since their founding, All Clear Foundation has trained more than 330 first responders with their Responder Strong mental wellness program. They have helped improve the mental health of 130 students from the program. They also work with more than 15 facilities across their target states that offer treatment and support for first responders. 

You can contribute to the All Clear Foundation by donating directly through their website. 

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for first responders. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing the progress a charity makes in reaching its targets, the chances are not making positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. The charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in a lot of local and grassroots programs. You can help by taking on and organizing the program in your local area.
• Help their fundraising efforts. You can spread the word about the charity in your workplace, school, church, etc., and hold creative fundraising drives on social media or offline within your small circles.
• Share their stories. Most charities have compelling stories that you can share with your audience to attract more people to the cause.

Final Thoughts

Now it is up to you to select the charity that resonates most with you. And whichever charity you end up choosing and contributing to, we are sure that they will immensely appreciate your support. Hopefully, the information within this article has made this selection process a bit easier for you to support charities dedicated to first responders – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

PS: Finally, I want to leave you with a thought-provoking TED talk from Dan Pallotta, a leading philanthropic activist and fundraiser, about what is wrong with the way we think about charities – and what we can do about it:

Sources

• Gary Sinise Foundation: Biography
• Gary Sinise Foundation: Our History
• Charity Navigator: Gary Sinise Foundation
• GuideStar: Gary Sinise Foundation
• Charity Navigator: Gary Sinise Foundation
• Gary Sinise Foundation: Our Mission
• Gary Sinise Foundation: Mental Wellness
• Gary Sinise Foundation: By the Numbers
• Gary Sinise Foundation: Donate
• Gary Sinise Foundation: Online Fundraisers
• Operation Gratitude: About
• YouTube: Operation Gratitude
• Charity Navigator: Operation Gratitude
• GuideStar: Operation Gratitude
• Operation Gratitude: Financials
• Operation Gratitude: First Responder Care Pouch Program
• Operation Gratitude: Impact Report 2020
• Operation Gratitude: Donate
• Operation Gratitude: Volunteer
• Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Stephen’s Story
• CBS News: Man Walks More Than 500 Miles to Honor Brother, Victims of 9/11: “There Are So Many”
• Charity Navigator: Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation
• Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Fallen First Responder Home Program
• Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Annual Report 2019
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• Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Donate
• Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Host an Event
• Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation: Official Online Store
• Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation: About Us
• YouTube: Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
• Charity Navigator: Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
• GuideStar: Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation
• Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation: Help Them Save Lives
• Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation: Donate
• Concerns of Police Survivors: Bylaws Concerns of Police Survivors
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• Concerns of Police Survivors: Fundraising
• National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: Annual Report 2020
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• National Fallen Firefighters Foundation: About Us
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• First Responders Children’s Foundation: 2020 Impact Report
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• All Clear Foundation: About
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• All Clear Foundation: All Clear Foundation Awarded $2M HRSA Grant
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