In the US alone, 1 in every 18,000 people suffer from some form of albinism. In other parts of the world, this increases to 1 in every 3,000 people. Alongside the health challenges that come with these conditions, such as a higher risk of skin cancer and vision problems, people with albinism and other skin disorders also suffer from discrimination and hate crimes, particularly in Africa. Fortunately, charities are working to improve the well-being of people with albinism and hypopigmentation to improve their life prospects. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for albinism and hypopigmentation?

The best charities for albinism and hypopigmentation are Under The Same Sun and Standing Voice. Other charities such as the Dermatology Foundation and the Vision for Tomorrow Foundation also focus on improving health conditions that commonly affect people with albinism through research.

Whether you want to ensure that every person with albinism or hypopigmentation feels empowered to take control of their lives, dispel the myths that surround these conditions, or invest in research to improve the health concerns of people with albinism, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for albinism and hypopigmentation 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 Albinism and Hypopigmentation Have in Common

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

They operate all over the world, from North America to Africa, providing support to people with albinism and hypopigmentation.

Many of the charities on this list focus their efforts on ending discrimination against people with albinism through education and advocacy. Others focus their attention on improving health outcomes for people with albinism and hypopigmentation through research and medical aid. 

Some of the charities on this list also offer refuge and educational resources to people with albinism and hypopigmentation to improve their career prospects.

Yet, they all share the same goal; to ensure every person with albinism and hypopigmentation feels safe, valued, and empowered. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities for Albinism and Hypopigmentation in 2025

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

Best Charities For Albinism and Hypopigmentation

Under the Same Sun

Standing Voice

Vision for Tomorrow Foundation

Beyond Suncare

National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation

Engage Now Africa

Dermatology Foundation

SHADE

British Skin Foundation

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

Under the Same Sun: Helping People With Albinism Overcome Deadly Discrimination

Under the Same Sun was founded in 2008 by Peter Ash and Vicky Ntetema to empower people with albinism after Vicky’s BBC report in 2008 broke the story of the fatal attacks on persons with albinism in Tanzania. Today, the charity is passionately committed to ending discrimination against people with albinism across Africa. 

According to their financial report, Under the Same Sun spent 50% of their expenditure on grants, 29% on management, and 18% on advertising and fundraising efforts. 

“Through education and advocacy, we are working towards a future where people with albinism can take their place throughout society.”

Under the Same Sun

Under the Same Sun fights for the rights of people with albinism through advocacy and education initiatives to prevent harmful discrimination. For example, through their Education and Career Program, they provide people with albinism with access to high-quality education so each individual can realize their own potential in a safe environment. Students and graduates are also offered guidance on job search training and higher education options, as well as regular vision and skin screening tests. In addition, the charity promotes human rights practices that are inclusive of people with albinism in the African Union and internationally. 

Since their founding, Under the Same Sun has protected, empowered, and cared for over 400 students with albinism. This work has resulted in more than 100 graduates from their Education and Career Program, as well as the formulation of 53 albinism support groups across 7 countries. In addition, thanks to their advocacy efforts, the charity has helped to pass 8 UN and 4 African Union resolutions calling for the protection of the human rights of people with albinism. For example, in 2022, the charity safely reunited 10 children with albinism with their families and supported 3 survivors of discriminatory attacks in getting prosthetics and other necessary surgeries. 

You can donate directly to Under the Same Sun through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming an advocate or fundraising. 

Standing Voice: Defending the Rights of People With Albinism in Africa

Standing Voice was founded in 2013 by British documentary filmmaker and photographer Harry Freeland to defend the rights of people with albinism in Africa after his documentary on the subject went global. Today, the charity is an international organization working to improve the lives of people with albinism in Tanzania and Malawi. 

According to their financial report, Standing Voice spent 74.3% of their expenditure on charitable activities, 15.1% on fundraising, and 10.5% on other expenses. 

“We amplify the voices of people with albinism, giving them tools to build their own futures.”

Standing Voice

Standing Voice acts as a platform for people with albinism to speak out about their struggles and better their lives. For example, their localized advocacy efforts across Malawi and Tanzania influence policy and service development to end discrimination against people with albinism. Furthermore, through their Skin Cancer Prevention Program, they run a network of skin care clinics to provide medical support to people with albinism and also deliver low vision care through their network of optometry services. In addition, their Umoja Training Center (UTC) acts as a community space for people with and without albinism to develop business skills and form positive relationships. 

Since their founding, Standing Voice has provided 5,978 people with albinism with regular supplies of sunscreen to reduce their cancer risk across 21 regions of Tanzania. They now operate over 150 cancer clinics in Tanzania and Malawi and have trained 18 optometrists to improve vision care. In addition, their advocacy efforts have reached people across 29 African countries with 93 awareness events. On top of that, their Umoja Training Center has provided 56 people with business training and helped to set up 26 new businesses. 

You can donate directly to Standing Voice through their website. You can also support the charity by fundraising or attending one of their awareness events. 

Vision for Tomorrow Foundation: Empowering People With Low Vision

The Vision for Tomorrow Foundation was founded in 2006 by Susan Ballis and Wendy Baum to improve the lives of people with low vision after Susan’s own child received an albinism diagnosis and Wendy’s son was diagnosed with aniridia. Today, the charity conducts research to improve outcomes for children with low vision, including those with albinism and aniridia. 

The Vision for Tomorrow Foundation holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“We fund research for better treatments or prevention of conditions associated with aniridia and albinism.”

Vision for Tomorrow Foundation

The Vision for Tomorrow Foundation actively supports research into the prevention and treatment of vision issues associated with albinism by establishing relationships with leading researchers and offering grants to support the most promising research projects. The charity also provides a wealth of information on their website for people diagnosed with albinism or aniridia, as well as their families. Furthermore, they provide one-on-one support to people recently diagnosed with albinism or aniridia through their volunteer helpline. 

Since their founding, the Vision for Tomorrow Foundation has continued to support the most promising research in vision conditions associated with albinism and aniridia. For example, in 2022, they funded groundbreaking foundational research in PAX–6 gene expression in eye development to better understand albinism and aniridia. In the same year, they supported first-of-its-kind research to understand initial steps in eye formation. Furthermore, in 2021, they helped to form the non-profit Aniridia North America, to serve and support aniridia patients across North America. 

You can donate directly to the Vision for Tomorrow Foundation through their website. You can also keep up to date with the work of the charity by signing up to receive their latest news. 

Beyond Suncare: Health and Dignity for All People With Albinism

Beyond Suncare was founded in 2009 by Lorea Bagazgoitia and Mafalda Soto to provide better skin care to people with albinism in Africa. Today, the charity continues their mission to reduce the risk of skin cancer in people with albinism through education and medical care. 

According to their financial report, Beyond Suncare spent 77% of their expenditure on field projects, 18% on administration, and 5% on fundraising. 

“We go beyond sun protection to ensure that no person with albinism dies unnecessarily from skin cancer.”

Beyond Suncare

Beyond Suncare provides medical care to people with albinism who are at risk of developing skin cancer by training local health professionals, establishing skin care clinics, and formulating sunscreen products specifically for people with albinism across Africa. They also run education and awareness events on the challenges faced by people with albinism and promote people with albinism who have overcome their struggles to become athletes and activists to empower the albinism community. 

Since their founding, Beyond Suncare has supported and provided medical care to over 4,000 people with albinism across Africa, resulting in a 60% reduction in solar damage to the skin and precancerous lesions. Participants in their programs also reported a 98% improvement in self-confidence. Furthermore, the charity has created the first sunscreen specifically designed for people with albinism.

You can donate directly to Beyond Suncare through their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or becoming a member. 

National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation: Where People With Albinism Can Find Acceptance

The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) was founded in 1982 by Janice Knuth to unite people with albinism. Today, the charity provides support and information to members of the albinism community as well as people with hypopigmentation. 

The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“To provide a place where people with albinism and their families in the US and Canada can find acceptance, support, and fellowship.”

National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH)

The National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) supports people with albinism and hypopigmentation throughout their lives. For example, they run virtual support groups to bring the community together to share their feelings. In addition, through their New Parent Program, the charity offers a trained parent liaison volunteer to every newly diagnosed family who provides continued support and information, as well as a range of NOAH Workshops. Furthermore, they support and promote new research to better understand albinism and offer an iPad assistance program to ensure every child with albinism has access to the technology they need to thrive in education. 

Since their founding, the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) has remained dedicated to providing information and opportunity to people with albinism and hypopigmentation. For example, they have published more than 100 issues of their Albinism InSight magazine, helping people with albinism navigate the many aspects of living, from health and relationships to education, as well as publish multiple articles for medical professionals. In addition, they have written and published 2 books to support families who have children with albinism or hypopigmentation. 

You can donate directly to the National Organization for Albinism and Hypopigmentation (NOAH) through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or setting up a fundraiser. 

Engage Now Africa: Heal, Rescue, Lift

Engage Now Africa was founded in 2000 by Bob and Lynette Gay to provide humanitarian aid to impoverished communities in Africa after they took a trip to Kenya and were shocked at the conditions they saw. Today, the charity provides resources, training, and education to communities in Africa to empower individuals, including those with albinism.

Engage Now Africa holds the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To heal, rescue, and lift our brothers and sisters in Africa.”

Engage Now Africa

Engage Now Africa works to end poverty, discrimination, and other detrimental causes of suffering across Africa, including the challenges faced by people with albinism. For example, they work with Ghana’s Education Service and Health Service to organize community sensitization and educational events in local communities to facilitate acceptance and understanding of people with albinism. They also raise awareness in churches and schools to dispel the myths surrounding albinism and hypopigmentation. In addition, their advocacy efforts extend to communities in the Greater Accra, Northern, Volta, and Eastern regions through their social media channels. 

Since their founding, Engage Now Africa has actively engaged and positively impacted 13 million people in need across Africa, including those with albinism. For example, in 2023 alone, their sensitization and education events reached over 6,500 students and teachers in local schools across Ghana to destigmatize albinism. Also, their social media advocacy reached more than 9,000 additional individuals. Furthermore, in 2017, they launched their “I am a human being” forum in Tamale, Northern Ghana, with over 600 attendees, including 185 people with albinism.

You can donate directly to Engage Now Africa through their website. You can also support the charity through crowdfunding or by setting up a birthday fundraiser. 

Dermatology Foundation: Advance Discovery. Advance Healing.

The Dermatology Foundation was founded in 1964 by 8 leading dermatologists and scientists to improve research into skin conditions and advance care for patients, including those with hypopigmentation. Today, the charity invests in research on all skin conditions. 

The Dermatology Foundation holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Bronze Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Together we can support research that matters and ease the suffering of patients around the world.”

Dermatology Foundation

The Dermatology Foundation funds the latest, most promising research into treatments for over 50 skin conditions, including pigmentation, as well as scientists working to improve patient care. Moreover, their Diversity Research Supplement Awards enable past fund recipients to support the participation of medical students to train the next generation of dermatologists. Also, they deliver an annual clinical symposium for practitioners to deliver the most up-to-date information in the field of dermatology. Furthermore, their digital magazine, Dermatology Focused, is released quarterly to communicate the latest developments. 

Since their founding, the Dermatology Foundation has awarded over 2,568 research awards to scientists across 38 states, totaling $88.4 million to advance the field of dermatology, including pigmentation skin conditions. For example, they have funded a study investigating photoprotection efficacy to improve guidelines for testing sun protection agents that prevent sunburn in lighter-skinned individuals. Today, the Dermatology Foundation is the largest funder of research in dermatology. 

You can donate directly to the Dermatology Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by joining their Scholars Circle or their Scientific Society. 

SHADE: Love in Action

SHADE was founded in 2014 by a group of passionate Christians to improve the lives of children with albinism. Today, the charity works to provide safe educational spaces for all children with albinism and hypopigmentation in Tanzania.

SHADE holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Education and acceptance are for everyone, including people with albinism.”

SHADE

SHADE works to support children with albinism across Tanzania, where they are often persecuted, through education, advocacy, and outreach. For example, their SHADE primary school in Shinyanga offers refuge for children with albinism who face discrimination and bullying in traditional educational establishments. At the school, staff provide classes in English, math, science, art, religious education, and sports, as well as offer essential school supplies such as books, healthy food, and uniforms. Alongside the school, the charity offers a medical clinic, garden, chapel, temporary homes for children with albinism, and a resource center on their 30-acre plot. In addition, they hold regular education sessions to educate local communities on albinism.

Since their founding, SHADE has continued to provide sanctuary and support for children with albinism in Tanzania. For example, in 2023, they enrolled 151 new students at their campus in Shinyanga, as well as adding a new poultry farm and a 500-person capacity cafeteria. In the same year, 65 of their students received full or partial scholarships, small business loans, medical help, and other desperately needed aid. Moreover, through their outreach program, the charity provided 43 scholarship families with individualized support, helped establish 3 new businesses, and taught 10 young people with albinism how to raise chickens and sell eggs. 

You can donate directly to SHADE through their website. You can also support the charity by creating a fundraiser or volunteering.

British Skin Foundation: Working to Understand Skin Diseases Inside and Out

The British Skin Foundation was founded in 1996 by Matthew Patey to improve skin health through research. Today, the organization is the only UK charity that raises money to fund research into all types of skin diseases, including skin issues surrounding albinism and hypopigmentation.

According to their financial report, the British Skin Foundation spent 92% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 1% on raising funds. 

“We are dedicated to raising money for research and raising awareness of skin diseases in the wider community.”

British Skin Foundation

The British Skin Foundation offers grants to fund innovative research into the causes and treatments of various skin diseases, including those affecting people with albinism and hypopigmentation like skin cancer. They also offer an interactive map on their website to help people find local skin clinics and provide information on numerous skin conditions to educate the public through their A-Z Skinformation webpage, such as vitiligo. 

Since their founding, the British Skin Foundation has supported over 360 high-quality research projects, totaling more than $15 million, into 50 types of skin conditions, including those affecting people with albinism and hypopigmentation. They have also funded work in partnership with patient support groups like the Vitiligo Society and the National Eczema Society. In addition, their recently launched Psychodermatology Research Award funds research into the psychological effects that come with skin conditions to empower sufferers. 

You can donate directly to the British Skin Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or taking part in a challenge event.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for albinism and hypopigmentation. 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 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. 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 albinism and hypopigmentation—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:

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