9 Best Charities Impacting Developing Countries (Complete 2024 List)

9 Best Charities Impacting Developing Countries (Complete 2024 List)

By
Eniola Adeeko

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There are 152 developing countries in the world, comprising 85% of the world’s population. Many developing nations grapple with inadequate infrastructure, unprecedented health and economic crises, and low productive capacity. As a result, many charities are working hard to eradicate poverty, improve health care, and strengthen the economies of developing countries. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for developing countries?

The best charities impacting developing countries are BRAC and World Vision. Charities like Concern Worldwide, World Hope International, and Oxfam International support underprivileged individuals in developing countries with livelihood programs, access to clean water, and adequate healthcare.

Whether you want to create economic empowerment projects in third-world countries, provide safe drinking water in developing nations, or advocate for policies that alleviate poverty in developing countries, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for developing countries are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities Impacting Developing Countries Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission and achievements in fighting poverty and promoting economic development in developing countries.

They operate worldwide, from Asia to Africa, giving people in some of the world’s poorest areas access to food, clean water, and emergency relief services. 

Some of these charities focus on providing free medical assistance and increasing access to quality health care. Others offer livelihood programs to help disadvantaged people in developing countries earn an income.

Yet they all share the same goal of helping developing countries.

These Are the 9 Best Charities Impacting Developing Countries in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for developing countries (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.)

1

BRAC: Creating Opportunity for People to Realize Their Potential

Logo for BRAC
The Story of BRAC

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Their transparency & ratings:

BRAC USA is an affiliate of BRAC and has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We act as a catalyst, creating opportunities for people living in poverty to realize their potential.”

BRAC

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What they do:

BRAC adopts an economic approach to tackling social issues and inequality in developing countries. They do this by creating self-sustaining cause-driven business entities that solve developing nations’ social challenges. They also invest in socially-responsible companies that help empower people and communities in developing countries grappling with poverty, illiteracy, disease, and social injustice. In addition, they lift people out of poverty in developing countries by equipping them with tools that allow them to participate actively in strengthening their nation’s economy. They also provide health and nutrition services, safe drinking water, and legal support to underprivileged people in developing countries.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their inception, BRAC has worked to reduce poverty in developing countries by boosting their economies and supporting underprivileged individuals. For example, in 2021, they distributed $4.5 billion in loans to strengthen small businesses, thus reaching 5.4 million underprivileged families in developing countries. They also assisted over 65 million people, particularly those in developing countries, to access health and nutrition services. In addition, they engaged nearly 3 million youth in developing nations in income-generating activities to reduce unemployment. They also provided legal assistance to over 1.5 million individuals in vulnerable areas, particularly in developing countries.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to BRAC through their website. You can also partner with them to eradicate poverty worldwide.

2

World Vision: Empowering People Out of Poverty

Logo for World Vision
2022 Impact Video | World Vision USA

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Their transparency & ratings:

World Vision has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We are an organization working to help communities lift themselves out of poverty. For good.”

World Vision

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What they do:

World Vision is dedicated to supporting people in developing countries. They do this by partnering with pharmaceutical companies to deliver medication to children and their families in the poorest countries. They also combat hunger in developing countries by distributing emergency food aid during crises. Furthermore, they boost food security by helping communities increase agricultural productivity through improved seeds and farming practices. In addition, they bring clean water to vulnerable communities, schools, and healthcare facilities. They also improve access to education for underprivileged children by training teachers and equipping students with the tools needed to excel in school.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their inception, World Vision has grown into a global organization with over 34,000 people in nearly 100 countries, helping underprivileged people in developing countries. For example, in 2022, they assisted 31.1 million disaster survivors, refugees, and internally displaced people in some of the most vulnerable areas worldwide. They also created access to clean water for 3 million people in developing countries. In addition, they distributed over 156,000 metric tons of food to nourish hungry children and their families in underdeveloped nations.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to World Vision through their website. You can also contribute to the organization by starting a fundraiser or volunteering at a warehouse to sort and package donated items. In addition, you can support them by shopping for a cause.

3

Concern Worldwide: Ending Extreme Poverty, Whatever It Takes

Logo for Concern Worldwide
We are Concern Worldwide

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Their transparency & ratings:

Concern Worldwide US is an affiliate of Concern Worldwide with a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We want to help people living in extreme poverty achieve major improvements in their lives which last and spread without our ongoing support.”

Concern Worldwide

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What they do:

Concern Worldwide addresses specific causes of extreme poverty in developing countries. They do this by implementing livelihood programs in some of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable places to equip people to earn a sustainable living. They also train volunteers to screen children in developing countries for common illnesses, like malnutrition, and equip them to provide essential treatment or clinic referrals. In addition, they provide humanitarian assistance in developing nations affected by disasters to save lives and reduce suffering. They also teach farmers in poor communities about climate-smart agricultural practices to help them increase their productivity and adjust to climate change.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, Concern Worldwide has continued to support disadvantaged people in developing countries. For example, in 2021, they provided humanitarian assistance to nearly 18 million people in developing countries and other conflict-affected areas worldwide. They also reached over 11 million people through health interventions in some of the most vulnerable communities. In addition, they equipped over 5 million people in developing countries to generate a steady income to support themselves and their families.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to Concern Worldwide through their website. You can also contribute to the charity by volunteering or fundraising.

4

World Hope International: Opportunity, Dignity, and Hope

Logo for World Hope International
Introduction to World Hope International

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Their transparency & ratings:

World Hope International has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Silver Seal of Transparency with GuideStar.

“We work with vulnerable and exploited communities to alleviate poverty, suffering, and injustice.”

World Hope International

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What they do:

World Hope International empowers local communities in developing nations to prevent and respond to the sexual exploitation of children and provide therapeutic care to survivors. They also partner with organizations to provide safe drinking water and sanitation facilities to communities in developing countries. In addition, they work with schools to give educational assistance to underprivileged students in developing countries. They also create economic empowerment projects that teach women skills for earning a living. Furthermore, they collaborate with the Female Cancer Foundation to provide free cervical cancer screening in some of the poorest communities in Africa. 

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their inception, World Hope International has helped disadvantaged and oppressed people and communities in developing countries. For example, in 2021, they sensitized over 750,000 people about human trafficking and cared for over 1,200 trafficking survivors in developing countries. They also provided clean drinking water to almost 88,000 individuals in vulnerable communities in developing nations. In addition, they taught over 40,000 people about solid waste management in 10 communities in Liberia. They also increased access to education for over 5,800 children in developing countries through improved school structures and the provision of school supplies. 

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to World Hope International through their website. You can also assist them by sponsoring a child in a developing country to receive access to education. In addition, you can support the charity by starting a fundraiser.

5

Oxfam International: The Future Is Equal

Logo for Oxfam International
What is Poverty?

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Their transparency & ratings:

Oxfam US is an affiliate of Oxfam International with a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We are a global movement of people fighting inequality to end poverty and injustice.”

Oxfam International

⚒️

What they do:

Oxfam International is committed to eliminating injustice, poverty, and inequality. They do this by teaching local farmers in developing countries about sustainable techniques to boost productivity. They also deliver life-saving assistance to those affected by natural disasters and conflicts in developing countries. In addition, they provide large-scale water supply systems and essential sanitation facilities in developing countries to promote hygiene. They also support campaigns for health and education and partner with organizations that work with governments on innovative ways to reach women and girls in developing nations.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their inception, Oxfam International has assisted over 15 million individuals in 90 countries, including developing nations. For example, in 2021, they provided wash facilities to over 266,000 people in refugee camps in Bangladesh. In addition, they trained 1,000 community leaders to increase awareness and access to sexual and reproductive rights for 250,000 women and girls in underdeveloped nations in Africa. They also worked with the UN Refugee Agency to build a sewage treatment plant for 150,000 refugees in Bangladesh. Furthermore, they partnered with local organizations to provide clean water, sanitation, hygiene facilities, and cash vouchers for essentials to nearly 100,000 people in developing countries in the Middle East.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to Oxfam International through their website. You can also join their campaign to stop violence against women in disadvantaged communities. In addition, you can support them by volunteering or participating in their trailwalker challenge to fundraise for them. 

6

The Borgen Project: Downsize Poverty

Logo for The Borgen Project
What is The Borgen Project?

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Their transparency & ratings:

The Borgen Project received a 4-star rating with a perfect score of 100% from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We fight extreme poverty.”

The Borgen Project

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What they do:

The Borgen Project raises public and political awareness of ways to improve living standards in poor and developing countries through their online and community presence. They do this by meeting with US leaders to build support for life-saving legislation and effective poverty-reduction programs that affect underdeveloped nations. They also mobilize people to make alleviating poverty in developing countries and the rest of the world a political priority. In addition, they teach basic advocacy skills that allow citizens to communicate with their government to eradicate poverty and support those in developing countries.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, The Borgen Project has supported poverty-eradication legislation to improve the quality of life in developing countries. For example, in 2022, they supported the Global Malnutrition Prevention and Treatment Act passed by the US Congress, which helps to advance policies and programs to prevent and treat malnutrition worldwide, including in developing countries. In addition, in 2016, they supported the Electrify Africa Act, which has provided access to electricity for over 58 million people in developing countries in Africa, leading to the development of local economies and a reduction in global poverty.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to The Borgen Project through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or sending an email to the US Congress to protect funding for the world’s impoverished through the International Affairs Budget.

7

She’s the First: Every Girl Has the Right to Choose Her Own Future

Logo for She’s the First
Meet She's the First

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Their transparency & ratings:

She’s the First has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We fight for a world where every girl can choose her own future.”

She’s the First

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What they do:

She’s the First is committed to protecting and empowering girls worldwide, particularly in developing countries. They do this by equipping and funding local organizations, including those in developing countries, to support underprivileged girls to get quality education. Their campus chapters, campaigns, and toolkits mobilize youth to fight for girls’ rights in developing nations and worldwide. In addition, they train, mentor, and fiscally sponsor young women in developing countries who started projects to serve girls in their communities.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their establishment, She’s the First has reached almost 149,000 girls annually in 42 countries, including developing nations, through their projects. For example, in 2021, they reached over 147,000 girls through their programs and 105,000 girls through their campus campaigns worldwide, especially in developing countries. They also trained over 33,000 girls in developing countries to advocate for their rights in their families, communities, and societies.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to She’s the First through their website. You can also contribute to the charity by joining their campus campaign for global education equality and girls’ rights worldwide. In addition, you can join their campaign for the Global Girls’ Bill of Rights worldwide.

8

InterCare: Providing Medical Aid for Africa

Logo for InterCare
Ibrahim tells his story of how Inter Care saved his life

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their financial report, InterCare spent 89.3% of their income on charitable activities and 5.6% on raising funds.

“We want to save lives and alleviate suffering by providing surplus medical resources to rural partner health units in sub-Saharan Africa.”

InterCare

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What they do:

InterCare is dedicated to reducing suffering and saving lives in developing countries across Africa. They do this by collecting surplus healthcare goods and medicines from pharmaceutical companies and healthcare professionals in the UK. Then, they ship regular consignments of these medical supplies to healthcare units in developing countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their founding, InterCare has sent over $21 million worth of medical aid to Sub-Saharan Africa, benefiting around 11 million people. Today, they work with over 100 healthcare units to provide quality medical aid in developing African countries. For example, in 2021, they sent a container packed full of 100% donated surplus medical supplies worth more than $187 to healthcare facilities in Sierra Leone.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to InterCare through their website. You can also support the charity by sending your unwanted items to InterCare to be recycled. This process raises funds for vulnerable communities in Sub-Saharan Africa.

9

Self Help Africa: Investing to End Poverty

Logo for Self Help Africa
Two ways of looking at Africa

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Their transparency & ratings:

According to their financial report, Self Help Africa spent 92% of their income on programs, 6.4% on raising funds, and 1.6% on governance. 

“Investing in an economically thriving and resilient rural Africa.”

Self Help Africa

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What they do:

Self Help Africa financially supports small businesses run by local people in developing countries across sub-Saharan Africa. They strengthen their economies by linking small-scale farmers with large corporate groups and markets to increase productivity and sales. In addition, they help vulnerable households adapt to climate change in developing countries in Africa through their DISCOVER initiative. They also work to improve the outreach of vital financial services in other developing countries in Africa.

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What they’ve achieved:

Since their inception, Self Help Africa has continued to empower individuals in 17 developing countries in Africa. For example, in 2019, they positively impacted 2.5 million people through 32 locally-run projects. This has resulted in increased production for 275,741 households and improved access to financial services for 265,018 families. The charity also implemented 352,044 diversified farming systems across Africa to help locals in developing countries deal with climate change.

Ways to contribute:

You can donate directly to Self Help Africa through their website. You can also assist the charity by supporting one of their campaigns or joining one of their awareness events

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for developing countries. 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 many 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 choose and contribute to, we are sure 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 developing countries – based on the causes that matter most to you.

Stay impactful,

Illustration of a signature for Eniola

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:

The way we think about charity is dead wrong | Dan Pallotta

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