Nearly 1 in 2 women feel negative about the way they look. Furthermore, 24% of men and adolescents express concern over their muscularity and leanness. Negative body image is associated with feelings of shame, depression, and anxiety. It can also lead to serious medical issues, like eating disorders and obesity. Furthermore, weight-based discrimination and negative depictions of obesity in the media can exacerbate a person’s struggle with body image. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to promote body positivity and end weight-based discrimination. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities that advance body positivity and acceptance?

The best charities that advance body positivity and acceptance are the Obesity Action Coalition and the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance. Charities such as the Hance Family Foundation and Girls Inc. work to advance body positivity by fostering self-esteem in girls and young women.

Whether you want to help ensure equitable access to treatment for those suffering from obesity, help connect a struggling teen with a body-positive mentor, or participate in a social media campaign celebrating all bodies, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that advance body positivity and acceptance are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to donate. 

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Promote Body Positivity Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, impact, and transparency ratings, and achievements. They operate primarily throughout the US and Canada, but some advance body positivity and acceptance internationally.

Many of these charities focus on giving young girls the tools they need to maintain a positive body image. Others fight for the inclusion of diverse body types in the media. Some work to ensure treatment equity, while others offer those struggling with body image a chance to connect with peers for support. Yet, they all share a common goal: to advance body positivity and acceptance for all.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Advance Body Positivity and Acceptance in 2023

Below are our favorite charities that promote body positivity:

• Obesity Action Coalition
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance
• Hance Family Foundation 
• Girls Inc.
• National Eating Disorders Association
• SeekHer Foundation
• Child Mind Institute
• Project HEAL
• Global G.L.O.W.

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

Obesity Action Coalition: Fighting for those Affected by Obesity

The Obesity Action Coalition was founded in 2005 by Joe Nadglowski, Kristy Kuna, and James Zervios as the first organization dedicated solely to the needs of those affected by obesity. Today, the charity is the leading voice for obesity in the US, fighting to improve the lives of people with obesity and related conditions.

Their impact and transparency ratings: Charity Navigator gives the Obesity Action Coalition a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold Seal of Transparency. 

“Together, we can make a better world for those affected by obesity.”

Obesity Action Coalition

What they do: The Obesity Action Coalition advances body positivity by working to change public perception of obesity and eliminate weight bias. For example, their OAC Bias-free Image Gallery reduces negative depictions of obesity in the media by providing a gallery of stock images featuring positive portrayals of obesity that are free for anyone to access and use. Furthermore, their Resource Library contains an abundance of information on topics related to body image and weight bias, including children’s self-esteem, weight stigma and gender, and internalized weight bias. And, they encourage people to take action to eliminate weight-based discrimination with their Weight Bias Reporting Tool.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the Obesity Action Coalition has fought to eliminate the stigma surrounding obesity and advance body positivity through education, awareness, and action. For example, in 2021 alone, they disseminated more than 100,000 pieces of educational materials and hosted more than 2,500 participants from around the world at their virtual education events. That same year, they lobbied Congress to support the Treat and Reduce Obesity Act, which would expand Medicare’s coverage of obesity and eating disorder treatment, including therapy to improve body image. Furthermore, in 2022, they participated in the production of the movie “The Whale”, ensuring the accurate and respectful representation of the realities of living with severe obesity.

National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Creating Opportunity for Big-Bodied People

The National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance was founded in 1969 by Bill Fabrey to reduce weight-based discrimination after his wife experienced negativity because of her weight. Today, they are the world’s longest-running organization dedicated to ending the stigma surrounding obesity and ensuring equality for all bodies.

Their impact and transparency ratings: GuideStar gives the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance a Gold Seal of Transparency. 

“Equality at every size.”

National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance

What they do: The National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance promotes body positivity and acceptance through advocacy, education, and support. For example, their website features resources that help larger-bodied people thrive, such as tips for self-care, a list of helpful apps, and a directory of weight-neutral healthcare providers. Furthermore, in 2021, they launched Fat Liberation Month, a month-long celebration of the fat community aimed at promoting body acceptance. And, their advocacy program, Equality at Every Size, provides education and support to help end size discrimination.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the National Association for the Advancement of Fat Acceptance has become a leading voice representing the interests of the fat community. For example, they drafted a brochure for legislators detailing weight-based discrimination and calling on them to create laws protecting the rights of fat people. Furthermore, in 2022, they published a study on weight bias in the media, the results of which will be used to bolster future advocacy efforts.

Ways to contribute: You can donate to the National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance via their website. You can also join their advocacy efforts by contacting your local legislators about ending weight-based discrimination.

Hance Family Foundation: A Legacy of Self-Love 

The Hance Family Foundation was founded in 2009 by Warren and Jackie Hance to raise girls’ self esteem and to honor their three young daughters who were killed in a car accident. Today, they operate programs that help girls around the world build their confidence, independence, and self-esteem.

Their impact and transparency ratings: Charity Navigator gives the Hance Family Foundation a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Learn to Rise.”

The Hance Family Foundation

What they do: The Hance Family Foundation advances body positivity and acceptance through Self-Esteem Rising, their suite of programs aimed at enhancing self-esteem in girls of all ages. For example, their Beautiful Me educational program teaches girls to think about themselves with confidence and greater insight, with the curriculum including ideas like internal and external beauty, and fostering body-positive thoughts. Furthermore, their Confidence Club program builds on the concepts of Beautiful Me, with a more intensive focus on self-awareness and relationships. And, their website contains free resources to help parents, caregivers, and teachers foster social-emotional learning in their children, with topics such as managing difficult emotions and confident decision-making.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the Hance Family Foundation has grown from a local non-profit offering 3 scholarships to an international organization impacting over 161,621 girls in 15 countries. In 2022 alone, 39,193 people participated in a Self-Esteem Rising program. The same year, their social-emotional learning lesson plans and activities were downloaded 21,505 times.

Ways to contribute: You can donate to the Hance Family Foundation via their website. You can also get involved by purchasing items from their shop or volunteering.

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.

Their impact and transparency ratings: 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.

What they do: Girls Inc. advances body positivity through services and programs that help girls ages 5-18 develop into healthy, educated, and independent women. They encourage mental wellness, including a healthy body image, by creating environments in which girls feel safe discussing their issues with trained mentors, peers, and counselors. And, they utilize evidence-based programming to address girls’ physical and mental health. For example, their Mind + Body Initiative helps girls develop healthy habits in areas essential to whole health, including physical activity, body image, and stress management.

What they’ve achieved: 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. And, for example, 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.

Ways to contribute: 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.

National Eating Disorders Association: Turning Suffering into Healing

The National Eating Disorders Association was formed in 2001 as a merger between Eating Disorders Awareness and Prevention and the American Anorexia Bulimia Association; the two largest and longest-standing eating disorder organizations in the world. Today, the charity is the largest nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting those affected by negative body image and eating disorders.

Their impact and transparency ratings: Charity Navigator gives the National Eating Disorder Association a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver Seal of Transparency. 

“Feeding hope.”

National Eating Disorders Association

What they do: The National Eating Disorders Association advances body positivity and prevents eating disorders through resources and campaigns that promote healthy body image. For example, their annual social media campaign, #NoDietDay, encourages the rejection of diet culture and celebrates the importance of body acceptance. As another example, their eating disorder prevention program, The Body Project, is a group-based intervention that helps high school and college-aged women develop healthy body image and self-esteem. And, their website contains information and resources on cultivating body acceptance, including tips for media self-care and steps to improve body image.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the National Eating Disorders Association has helped millions of people suffering from eating disorders and negative body image to find the help and support they need. For example, in 2019 alone, their NEDAwareness Week campaign reached over 303.4 million people via social media, and more than 145,000 people completed their Eating Disorders Screening Tool. Furthermore, in 2023, they launched Body Acceptance Week, which provides resources, education, and support for those experiencing body dissatisfaction. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate to the National Eating Disorders Association via their website. You can also get involved by participating in a NEDAWalk event in your community or by becoming a group support facilitator for The Body Project.

SeekHer Foundation: Bridging the Gender Gap of Mental Health

The SeekHer Foundation was founded in 2021 by Monica Mo. After suffering a mental breakdown, Mo recognized the need for an organization that focused on mental health issues unique to women. Today, the foundation supports women’s mental health through advocacy and empowerment.

Their impact and transparency ratings: The SeekHer Foundation is a charitable project supported by the Social Good Fund, which receives a 94% rating for Finance and Accountability from Charity Navigator. The fund also holds the GuideStar Silver Seal for Transparency.

“When we power more women, we power more good.”

The SeekHer Foundation

What they do: The SeekHer Foundation pinpoints challenges that impact women’s mental health and identifies actionable solutions through advocacy campaigns, research, and funding support. They promote body positivity through various campaigns and partnerships. For example, they fundraise to support body image programs in schools through their #MyBodyCan fundraisers, in partnership with Athleta and WellSeek. In addition, their SeekHer Scholars program provides body-inclusive mentorships and trainings for the next generation of mental health professionals.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the SeekHer Foundation has provided mental health resources and self-care tools to over 3,600 students and connected over 212,000 women with wellness resources, including those that advance body positivity. For example, in 2021, they launched SeekHer Shift, a survey initiative that engaged over 1,100 women across the US. It identified the most pressing challenges to women’s mental health to guide future support efforts.

Ways to contribute: You can donate to the SeekHer Foundation via their website. You can also host a school fundraiser, start a giveback initiative, or apply to be a SeekHer Scholar.

Child Mind Institute: Mental Health in the Developing Brain

The Child Mind Institute was founded in 2009 by Dr. Harold Koplewiscz to increase access to diagnosis and treatment for children with mental health and learning challenges after he experienced poor mental health treatment as a child. Today, they are the leading independent non-profit in children’s mental health.

Their impact and transparency ratings: Charity Navigator gives the Child Mind Institute a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Reaching struggling kids wherever they are.”

Child Mind Institute

What they do: The Child Mind Institute advances body positivity by providing resources for parents and families on mental health conditions related to body image in children. For example, their Family Resource Center includes information on Body Dysmorphic Disorder and eating disorders, and helps parents understand how to support their struggling child. And, they educate parents on how to cultivate a healthy body image in their children, with strategies including modeling body comfort and building resilience. Furthermore, their School and Community Programs provide workshops directly to students to improve overall mental health.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, the Child Mind Institute has treated more than 13,110 patients, over 75% of whom received services for free or at a reduced cost. Their Healthy Brain Network has included more than 5,510 participants and the data has been cited in more than 1,289 research articles. In 2021 alone, more than 17 million people visited the organization’s website for free, evidence-based resources on children’s mental health.

Ways to contribute: You can donate to the Child Mind Institute via their website. You can also register to participate in an event by attending or becoming a sponsor.

Project HEAL: Ensuring Treatment Equity at Every Size

Project HEAL was founded in 2008 by Liana Rosenman and Kristina Saffran, who met while receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa as teenagers. They set up the organization to provide other sufferers with the resources they need to heal. Today, they are committed to providing access to quality eating disorder treatment for members of marginalized populations, including those facing weight discrimination.

Their impact and transparency ratings: Charity Navigator gives Project HEAL a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“We open doors to healing for those who the system fails.”

Project HEAL

What they do: Project HEAL advances body positivity and acceptance by providing equitable eating disorder treatment for those struggling to access quality care, including those facing weight-based discrimination. For example, their Clinical Assessment Program provides free, impartial, and culturally competent screenings to anyone in the US at risk for an eating disorder, regardless of factors like weight, age, or sexual identity. Furthermore, their Treatment Placement Program provides beneficiaries with extended treatment within their HEALers Circle network of providers at little to no cost. And, their blog provides readers with a variety of first-hand experiences from people struggling with body acceptance or weight discrimination within the eating disorder community.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, Project HEAL has improved treatment equity for thousands of people across the US seeking access to treatment for eating disorders, including those facing weight-based discrimination. For example, in 2021, they provided over $2 million in free treatment services to underserved populations. Furthermore, in 2020, they formalized a partnership with the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders to merge their peer-support services, allowing them to help even more people improve their body image.

Ways to contribute: You can donate to Project HEAL via their website, or buy some of their body-positive merchandise. You can also get involved by becoming a Project HEAL Ambassador, or by volunteering.

Global G.L.O.W.: Empowering Girls for Change

Global G.L.O.W. was founded in 2012 by Kylie Schuyler to help empower girls living in poverty. Today, the organization provides innovative mentorship programs and services to girls living in vulnerable communities around the world.

Their impact and transparency ratings: GuideStar gives Global G.L.O.W. a Gold Seal of Transparency. 

“Igniting the power of girls as a force for global transformation.”

Global GLOW

What they do: Global G.L.O.W. partners with schools, community centers, and non-governmental organizations to provide girls living in impoverished communities with opportunities for mentorship and peer-to-peer support. They advance body positivity by promoting self-empowerment, mental and physical health, and advocacy in their programs. For example, their flagship program, GLOW Club, gives girls a safe out-of-school environment to discuss issues affecting them, such as societal beauty standards and body image, with peers and mentors. Furthermore, their Healthy Glow program educates and mentors girls to address barriers to their mental and physical health.

What they’ve achieved: Since their founding, Global G.L.O.W. has helped thousands of girls grow into confident, self-aware adults. In 2022 alone, they operated programs in 26 countries, reaching 15,000 girls. 

Ways to contribute: You can donate to the Global G.L.O.W. via their website. You can also start a fundraiser or subscribe to their newsletter.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that promote body positivity. 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. These 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.
• Donate a percentage of your online purchases. If you bought anything on sites like Amazon lately, you’d find a prompt asking you to donate to your favorite charities through their Amazon Smile program. You can set this up so that your chosen charities will get a fraction of your online purchases.
• 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 promoting body positivity – 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

• Break Binge Eating: Body Image Statistics 2022
• Obesity Action Coalition: Home
• Charity Navigator: Obesity Action Coalition
• GuideStar: Obesity Action Coalition
• Obesity Action Coalition: Bias-free Image Gallery 
• Obesity Action Coalition: Resource Library
• Obesity Action Coalition: Healthy Body, Healthy Minds, A Happy Child
• Obesity Action Coalition: Weight Stigma and Gender
• Obesity Action Coalition: Internalized Weight Bias
• Obesity Action Coalition: Advocacy
• Obesity Action Coalition: Weight Bias Reporting Tool
• Obesity Action Coalition: 2021 Annual Report
• Obesity Action Coalition: The Whale
• Obesity Action Coalition: Donate
• Obesity Action Coalition: Join the Community
• Obesity Action Coalition: Take Action
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Home
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: History
• GuideStar: National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Fat Self-Care
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Other Resources
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Fat Liberation Month
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Equality at Every Size
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Case for Legislation
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Fat Bias in the News
• National Association to Advance Fat Acceptance: Donate
• Hance Family Foundation: Home
• Charity Navigator: Hance Family Foundation
• GuideStar: Hance Family Foundation
• Hance Family Foundation: Self-Esteem Rising: Home
• ​​Hance Family Foundation: Self-Esteem Rising: Beautiful Me
• Hance Family Foundation: Self-Esteem Rising: Confidence Club
• Hance Family Foundation: Self-Esteem Rising: Online Resources
• Hance Family Foundation: About Us
• Hance Family Foundation: Self-Esteem Rising: 2022 Annual Report
• Hance Family Foundation: Donate
• Hance Family Foundation: Self-Esteem Rising: Shop
• Hance Family Foundation: Volunteer
• Girls Inc.: Our History
• Charity Navigator: Girls Inc.
• GuideStar: Girls Inc.
• Girls Inc.: What We Do
• Girls Inc.: 2021 Annual Report
• Girls Inc: Project Accelerate
• Girls Inc.: Donate
• Girls Inc.: Events
• Girls Inc.: Shopping
• Girls Inc.: Car Donation
• National Eating Disorders Association: Home
• National Eating Disorders Association: Web Archive
• National Eating Disorders Association: Our Work
• Charity Navigator: National Eating Disorders Association
• GuideStar: National Eating Disorders Association
• National Eating Disorders Association: Screening Tool
• National Eating Disorders Association: Helpline
• National Eating Disorders Association: Provider Map
• National Eating Disorders Association: NEDAWalk
• National Eating Disorders Association: NEDAwareness Week
• National Eating Disorders Association: 2019 Annual Report
• National Eating Disorders Association: Merger Press Release
• National Eating Disorders Association: Donate
• National Eating Disorders Association: The Body Project
• SeekHer: About Us
• SeekHer: 2021 Annual Report
• Social Good Fund: Home
• Charity Navigator: SeekHer
• GuideStar: SeekHer
• Well Seek: My Body Can
• SeekHer: Body Image
• SeekHer: Apply to Become a SeekHer Scholar
• SeekHer: SeekHer: Shift Report
• SeekHer: Donate
• SeekHer: Ways to Give
• The Child Mind Institute: Home
• The Child Mind Institute: About Us
• Charity Navigator: Child Mind Institute
• GuideStar: Child Mind Institute
• The Child Mind Institute: Resources
• The Child Mind Institute: School and Community
• The Child Mind Institute: The Center for the Developing Brain
• The Child Mind Institute: Healthy Brain Network
• The Child Mind Institute: Autism Center
• The Child Mind Institute: Our Impact
• The Child Mind Institute: 2021 Annual Report
• The Child Mind Institute: Donate
• The Child Mind Institute: Sponsorship
• Project HEAL: Home
• Charity Navigator: Project HEAL
• GuideStar: Project HEAL
• Project HEAL: Clinical Assessment Program
• Project HEAL: Treatment Placement Program
• Project HEAL: HEALers Circle
• Project HEAL: Blog
• Project HEAL: Body Acceptance
• Project HEAL: Weight Discrimination
• Project HEAL: 2021 Annual Report
• Project HEAL: 2020 Annual Report
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: Home
• Project HEAL: Donate
• Project HEAL: Merchandise
• Project HEAL: Become an Ambassador
• Project HEAL: Volunteer
• Global G.L.O.W.: Home
• GuideStar: Global G.L.O.W.
• Global G.L.O.W.: GLOW Club
• Global G.L.O.W.: Healthy Glow
• Global G.L.O.W.: Our Impact
• Global G.L.O.W.: Donate
• Global G.L.O.W.: Start a Fundraiser
• Global G.L.O.W.: Newsletter