In the US, over half a million Black or African American babies are born every year, accounting for about 15% of all children, African-American youth face unique challenges like systemic racism, healthcare and educational inequities, and disproportionate rates of economic insecurity throughout their childhoods. Fortunately, organizations across the US are working to improve the quality of life for African American children to help them thrive. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for African American Youth?

The best charities for African American Youth are the National Black Child Development Institute and National Urban League. Charities like the Thurgood Marshall College Fund and the United Negro College Fund ensure that African American youth have the tools they need to access higher education.

Whether you want to help raise awareness of racially-based biases and disparities, ensure every African American child has access to a good education, or simply empower African American youth to stand up for their rights, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for African American Youth are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to donate.

Here’s What All the Best Charities For African American Youth Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, transparency ratings, and achievements. Many operate throughout the US on a national level, but some utilize local affiliates to better serve the needs of individual African American communities.

Many of these charities fight to make sure that African American Youth don’t miss out on higher education due to financial constraints. Others work to ensure that Black children receive quality education as early as possible. 

Some provide mentorship to help at-risk youth choose a positive lifestyle, while others advocate for policies to dismantle systemic racism. 

Yet, they all share a common goal; to improve the quality of life for African American Youth and create a more equitable future.

These Are the 9 Best Charities for African American Youth in 2024

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

Best Charities For African American Youth

National Black Child Development Institute

National Urban League

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

United Negro College Fund

100 Black Men of America

YMCA

Girls Inc

Common Ground Foundation

Fresh Air Fund

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

National Black Child Development Institute: Creating a More Equitable Future for Black Children

The National Black Child Development Institute was founded in 1970 by the Black Women’s Community Development Foundation in the wake of the civil rights movement in the US. Today, they are one of the leading national organizations committed to the creation of an equitable, just, and joyful future for Black and African American and their families.

Charity Navigator gives the National Black Child Development Institute a 4-star rating. 

“Mobilize communities and ignite movements for the health, safety, and well-being of Black children and families.”

National Black Child Development Institute

The National Black Child Development Institute empowers individual communities to best serve Black and African American children, with a specific focus on early learning and advocacy. Their National Village Network offers various programs to support Black child development based on the needs of the community. For example, their Philadelphia chapter facilitates Child Development Associate training and certification to ensure daycares serving African American children are equipped to deliver a quality early childcare experience. In addition, their Atlanta chapter developed the Lifted Voices project to eliminate racial bias in organizations, including schools. 

Since their founding, the National Black Child Development Institute has enhanced the quality of life for millions of Black children across the US. For example, in 2014, members of their Seattle chapter successfully advocated bringing college courses to the African American students at the Green Hill School. And, in 2021, they assisted in the publishing of the Black Child National Agenda, which highlights the status of Black children in America and provides policy recommendations for a brighter future. 

You can donate to the National Black Child Development Institute via their website. You can also contribute by purchasing a membership, shopping their collection of branded merchandise, or by volunteering with a local affiliate.

National Urban League: Empowering Communities. Changing Lives.

The National Urban League was founded in 1910 to advance the civil rights of African Americans. Today, they are the oldest and largest community-based movement dedicated to elevating the standard of living for African Americans and other underserved minority groups. 

Charity Navigator gives the National Urban League a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold rating for transparency. 

“Uplifting and empowering African Americans since 1910.”

National Urban League

The National Urban League helps African American children achieve economic self-reliance through programs that promote education, workforce development, health, and quality of life. For example, their Project Ready initiative provides access to support, services, and opportunities that are not always available in urban classrooms. Furthermore, Project Ready: STEAM gives students academic and experiential support to increase their understanding of and interest in science, technology, engineering, arts/agriculture, and math. In addition, their Project Wellness program empowers African Americans by providing resources on issues like disease prevention and navigating inequities in the healthcare system.

The National Urban League operates a network of 92 affiliate offices in 37 US states, serving over 300 African American communities. Since 2013, they have impacted the lives of over 22 million people across all of their programs, with more than 3 million benefiting from education services. And, in 2022, their Urban Youth Pathways program helped more than 2,200 vulnerable youth, including African Americans, to prepare to enter the workforce.

You can donate to the National Urban League via their website. You can also contribute by volunteering to be a mentor, purchasing branded merchandise, or joining their digital community.

Thurgood Marshall College Fund: Support for Black Students and Universities

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund was founded in 1987 by Dr. N. Joyce Payne to ensure that every child has access to a good education. Today, they are the largest organization exclusively representing the Black College Community today.

Charity Navigator gives the Thurgood Marshall College Fund a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum rating for transparency. 

“Changing the world… one leader at a time.”

Thurgood Marshall College Fund

The Thurgood Marshall College Fund provides resources and financial support to students in their member-schools network. This consists of 53 publicly-supported Historically Black Colleges and Universities, Predominantly Black Institutions, and medical and law schools. For example, they provide opportunities for paid internships with their broad network of strategic partners. They also award scholarships to Black students in need. Furthermore, they work to improve the lives of Black and African Americans through policy and advocacy. For example, the Dr. N. Joyce Payne Center for Social Justice is devoted to researching how to address social injustices facing society.

Since their founding, the Thurgood Marshall College Fund has awarded more than $300 million to its member schools and students to support Black and African American students. For example, in 2020 alone, they distributed over $5.3 million in scholarships, reducing the financial burden for 1,806 students, 94% of whom identified as Black or African American. And, their efforts contributed to the FUTURE Act, which was signed into law in 2019 and secured over $2.55 billion in permanent funding for the Black College Community and other Minority Serving Institutions.

You can donate to the Thurgood Marshall College Fund via their website. You can also get involved by registering to participate in events, utilizing their Advocacy Toolkit, or investing in a program.

United Negro College Fund: Enhancing African American Higher Education

The United Negro College Fund was founded in 1944 to increase the number of African American college students and graduates. Today, they are the oldest and most successful African American higher education assistance program in the US.

Charity Navigator gives the United Negro College a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver rating for transparency. 

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”

United Negro College Fund

The United Negro College Fund helps African American students and Historically Black Colleges and Universities through financial support and advocacy. For example, they award more than 10,000 scholarships and internships to Black and minority students annually. Furthermore, their Institute for Capacity Building provides direct and technical support to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Predominantly Black Institutions. They also advocate for local and federal policies that remove barriers to higher education and promote college readiness within the African American Community.

Since their founding, the United Negro College Fund has helped more than 500,000 students earn their college degrees, including African Americans. Furthermore, their 37 member schools educate more than 50,000 students each year, and their graduates account for over 17% of all bachelor degrees earned by African American students. And, in 2015, their advocacy efforts contributed to an increase of $32 million in federal funding for Historically Black Colleges and Universities and other minority-serving institutions.

You can donate to the United Negro College Fund via their website. You can also contribute by registering to participate in events, or by volunteering with a local affiliate.

100 Black Men of America: Education and Empowerment

100 Black Men of America was founded in 1986 by a group of African American men to improve living conditions within their communities. Today, they are recognized as the top African American-led youth mentorship organization in the US.

Charity Navigator gives 100 Black Men of America a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver rating for transparency. 

“What they see is what they’ll be.”

100 Black Men of America 

100 Black Men of America provides critical youth development services for underprivileged African American youth across the US and abroad. Their Four for the Future Program highlights 4 focus areas crucial to youth-development: mentorship, education, health and wellness, and economic empowerment, and implements programs to help youth thrive. For example, they operate Wallet Wise, a free financial education program, to promote economic empowerment. They also developed Health Care 2.0, which provides African American youth with the education and tools they need to advocate for their own health. And, their National Scholarship Program gives mentees a chance at financial aid as they pursue higher education.

Since their founding, 100 Black Men of America has positively impacted the lives of over 125,000 Black and African American youth in the US and abroad. Their network has grown to include 98 local chapters, with each operating to suit the needs of their communities. Furthermore, in 1994, they established Collegiate 100 as auxiliary chapters on college campuses, and Emerging 100 as an auxiliary for young professionals in 2010. 

You can donate to 100 Black Men of America via their website. You can also reach out to your local chapter to inquire about membership, program information, and volunteer opportunities.

YMCA: Strengthening Individuals and Communities

The YMCA was founded in 1844 by George Williams to create a supportive community network for young men who were struggling with personal challenges. Today, the charity is the leading non-profit dedicated to strengthening individuals and communities, including African American Youth, across America. 

Charity Navigator gives the YMCA a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum rating for transparency. 

“When communities are forgotten, the Y remembers.”

YMCA 

The YMCA operates programs, services, and initiatives that empower young people, including African American Youth, to reach their full potential. For example, their Achievers Program provides resources to Black and other minority youths to promote college and career readiness. They also offer scholarships to deserving high school seniors. Additionally, their Youth-Led Solutions Initiative brings together youths from around the world to develop solutions to global issues, like sustainability, development, and equality. And, some YMCA locations partner with Head Start programs to provide early learning opportunities and child care for children in underserved communities.

Since their founding, the YMCA has served over 13 million people, including Black and African American youth, in more than 10,000 communities across the US. And, their commitment to racial equality predates the American Civil War: the first YMCA to serve the African-American community was established in 1853, 10 years before the institution of slavery was officially abolished. Furthermore, their youth development programs have impacted several influential African American leaders, including Martin Luther King Jr, Thurgood Marshall, and Vernon Jordan.

You can donate directly to the YMCA through their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or by participating in one of their community programs. 

Girls Inc: Fostering the Mental Health of Tomorrow’s Women

Girls Inc. was founded in 1864 in Waterbury, Connecticut, to support girls and young women who had left their rural hometowns for work after the Civil War. Today, the charity focuses on creating safe environments for girls to develop into healthy, confident, and independent women, including African Americans.

Charity Navigator gives Girls Inc. a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum rating for transparency. 

“Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Girls Inc. 

Girls Inc. helps girls, including Black and other girls of color, develop into healthy, educated, and independent women. For example, their #BlackGirlFuture initiative is a network-wide social media campaign that highlights racially-based biases and disparities facing black girls and identifies ways to eliminate them. Furthermore, they encourage Black girls’ mental wellness through mentorship, pro-girl environments, and evidence-based programming, providing them with a safe space to discuss their issues and develop solutions. The charity also advocates for policies that prioritize women with a particular focus on marginalized communities such as women of color, women from low-income communities, and LGBTQ+ people.

Girls Inc. operates as a network of non-profit organizations at over 1,500 sites in 350 cities across the US and Canada, through which they serve more than 130,000 girls each year, 40% of whom identify as Black. Furthermore, in 2021, they were awarded $10 million for their Project Accelerate, which aims to expand the power and influence of women in the workplace by 2030.

You can donate to Girls Inc. via their website. You can also contribute by registering to participate in events, shopping with partnered vendors, or donating a vehicle.

Common Ground Foundation: Mentoring Future Leaders

The Common Ground Foundation was founded in 2012 by Academy Award-winning artist, actor, and author Dr. Mahalia Hines to inspire youth through mentorship. Today, they are a network of mentors, instructors, parents, and volunteers dedicated to helping African American youth realize their full potential.

Charity Navigator gives the Common Ground Foundation a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver rating for transparency. 

“Finding purpose. Pursuing dreams.”

Common Ground Foundation 

The Common Ground Foundation empowers Black and African American youth to become community leaders through their youth development programs. For example, their Dreamers and Believers Program provides mentorship and college and career readiness education to high school students, as well as opportunities to participate in fine arts. As another example, their Window of Opportunity Program helps students transition into their freshman year of high school. And, their Alumni Program provides continued mentorship and support to high school graduates as they pursue higher education.

Since their founding, the Common Ground Foundation has served more than 500 students and Alumni, including African Americans. They maintain a 100% high school graduation rate for their participants, 84% of whom have gone on to attend a four-year college.

You can donate to the Common Ground Foundation via their website. You can also contribute by sponsoring scholarships for graduates, or providing job or internship opportunities. 

Fresh Air Fund: Bringing the Outdoors to City Kids

The Fresh Air Fund was founded in 1877 by Reverend Willard Parsons to give impoverished New York City children a vacation in the country. Today, they continue to provide life-changing summer activities to youth to improve the well-being of children from impoverished communities, including African Americans.

Charity Navigator gives the Fresh Air Fund a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver Seal of Transparency. 

“Because a summer can last a lifetime.”

Fresh Air Fund

The Fresh Air Fund promotes the social, emotional, and physical well-being of inner-city children, more than half of whom identify as Black or African American, by providing them with free summer experiences. For example, their sleepaway camps offer a fully immersive summer camp experience in a country setting. Moreover, their Fresh Air Summer Spaces program hosts supervised activities such as obstacle courses and arts and crafts at outdoor locations within New York City. In addition, their Fresh Air Family Wellness program allows families to bond on overnight trips outdoors.

Since their founding, the Fresh Air Fund has improved the health and well-being of more than 1.8 million children, 55% of whom identify as Black or African American, through outdoor activities and sports. For example, in 2021 alone, 90% of participants reported that the Fresh Air Fund helped them feel more active and healthy, and 85% felt more confident. In the same year, 99% of Fresh Air Family Wellness participants reported feeling more connected as a family after their experience. 

You can donate to the Fresh Air Fund via their website. You can also volunteer your time, or attend a fundraising event.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for African American youth. 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. Familiarise 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 a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial 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 African American youth – 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

• The Annie E. Casey Foundation: Total births by race and ethnicity in United States
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• Girls Inc.: Home
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• Common Ground Foundation: Home
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• Fresh Air Fund: Home
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• Fresh Air Fund: Attend a Fundraiser