Everyone deserves the right to live peacefully and without harm. However, many people are forced to flee their homes or live in unstable conditions due to violence and war. And with so many charities working to safeguard affected communities and reduce conflict, we had to ask: What are the best charities that promote global peace?

The best charities that promote global peace are Mercy Corps, Kids for Peace, and the Peace Development Fund. These charities advocate for peace and security through their peacebuilding programs and support services. They also tackle ongoing violence and safeguard communities affected.

Whether you want to join a peacebuilding movement, fundraise for international peace projects, or learn more about global peace initiatives, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that promote global peace are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Promote Global Peace Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission and dedication toward promoting global peace.

They have good transparency ratings and impressive track records of implementing international peace programs. They also believe in promoting the wellbeing of communities affected by conflict.

These charities are all committed to achieving global peace and resolving disputes without the use of violence. They work with local organizations and communities to build capacity, strengthen relationships, and encourage more social cohesion.

Yet, they all share the same goal of promoting global peace.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Promote Global Peace in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that promote global peace (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Promote Global Peace

Mercy Corps

Kids for Peace

Peace Development Fund

Peace Brigades International

Saferworld

Peace Direct

Seeds of Peace

CARE International

International Alert

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

Mercy Corps: Reducing Conflict Through Education and Training

Mercy Corps was founded in 1979 to respond to the conflict and humanitarian crisis in Cambodia. They eventually expanded their work to provide peacebuilding support and aid to other countries around the globe, particularly those affected by natural disasters and armed conflict. Today, they operate in over 40 countries, offering peace solutions and conflict resolution.

Mercy Corps has an Accountability and Transparency score of 90 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. Based on annual reports, they have continuously spent approximately 86% of their yearly income on their programs and services. 

“We work to transform the norms, attitudes, and institutions that enable conflict.”

Mercy Corps

Mercy Corps works to minimize conflict and instability by providing support and assistance to communities in their target countries. They strive to promote civic engagement by empowering youth in their communities so that they can be activists for peace. They also offer aid to vulnerable communities impacted by conflict, instability, and insecurity.

With their peacebuilding projects alone, Mercy Corps has reached nearly 5 million people. For example, in 2019, they impacted 300,000 people in Myanmar with their conflict reduction projects. And in 2018, they trained over 80 community leaders to resolve conflicts peacefully in Iraq. They also established 10 local projects to empower youth to create more social understanding and cohesion.

You can contribute to Mercy Corps by donating directly through their website. You can also show your support by volunteering with them, or by fundraising on their behalf. Other ways of supporting their work include signing one of their petitions to promote peace, or by making a gift in someone’s honor.

Kids for Peace: Encouraging Children To Be Advocates for Peace

Kids for Peace was founded in 2006 by Jill McManigal and Danielle Gram to encourage kids to be peacemakers and positive forces for change. They worked with children to learn more about other cultures and to develop ways to give back to the community. They went on to foster relationships with other communities before expanding their work internationally. Since then, they have established chapters across more than 120 countries of kids working together to advocate for peace. Their headquarters are based in Carlsbad, California.

Kids for Peace has an outstanding Finance and Accountability score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For example, in 2020, they spent almost 80% of their income on their programs. 

“To empower kids to create peace through hands-on service, global friendships and thoughtful acts of kindness.”

Kids for Peace

Kids for Peace organizes and hosts community projects and programs that promote peace, positive change, and cross-cultural friendships. They achieve this through their kindness challenges and peace pledges, while working in their communities to help others. They supplement learning materials and resources to community leaders and educators to encourage peace. They also foster relationships with international communities in order to provide more support and assistance in developing peace.

Since their founding, Kids for Peace has engaged more than 15 million youth around the globe with their peacebuilding efforts. They’ve carried out over 750,000,000 acts of kindness, and have delivered more than 10,000 peace packages. They have also built 2 peace centers and 3 playgrounds. And in 2020, they ensured nearly 7,600 people in Kenya had access to clean drinking water. 

You can contribute to Peace for Kids by donating through their website. You can show your support by joining a local Peace for Kids chapter, or by starting a new chapter in your local community. You can also check out their online shop and purchase some branded gear that promotes their peacebuilding work.

Peace Development Fund: Funding Grassroots Organizations for Peace

The Peace Development Fund (PDF) was founded in 1981 by a group of activists to fund grassroots organizations with their peacebuilding initiatives. Their first grants went to small organizations working in Central America. They went on to support other peacebuilding initiatives around the world, such as working with community organizations in Mexico and Haiti. Today, their headquarters are based in Amherst, Massachusetts. 

The Peace Development Fund has a 4-star rating and a Financial score of 97 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“To be a key “go-to” foundation on issues of peace, human rights, social justice and environmental protection.”

Peace Development Fund

The Peace Development Fund works to build peace by promoting cohesion between people and their communities. They issue grants to grassroots organizations and encourage them to represent the socio-economic needs of their communities to achieve long-term peace. 

Since their founding, the Peace Development Fund has reached more than 2,000 grassroots organizations with their funding and support. For example, in 2021, they supplied funding and resources to more than 20 organizations to enhance peace initiatives in their communities. They have also provided training to over 3,000 people in the US and Mexico on ways to strengthen their peacebuilding capacities.

You can contribute to the Peace Development Fund by donating via their website. You can also make a charitable donation in honor of someone else, or as a gift to celebrate others.

Peace Brigades International: Strengthening Communities Through Peace

Peace Brigades International was founded in 1981 by a group of peace advocates to resolve conflicts without the use of violence. They began implementing their work and mission by carrying out their first project in Nicaragua in 1983. They expanded their projects throughout other Latin American countries experiencing conflict, including El Salvador and Guatemala. Since then, they’ve carried out work in other regions too, including parts of Africa and Asia.

Peace Brigades International holds a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. For example, in 2020, they spent nearly 91% of their income on their peacebuilding programs and projects. 

“PBI envisions a world in which people address conflicts non violently, where human rights are universally upheld and social justice and intercultural respect have become a reality.”

Peace Brigades International

Peace Brigades International delivers capacity-building tools and resources to ensure conflicts are resolved in a peaceful, non-violent manner. They work to protect vulnerable communities in their target countries and support local human rights defenders. They also advocate for the protection of human rights defenders working in conflict zones or unstable conditions. 

Since their founding, Peace Brigades International has assisted with peacebuilding projects in over 10 countries. For example, in 2020, they reached more than 206,000 people with their projects and services. In the same year, they also hosted 582 capacity-building sessions to empower people in their local communities, and support 54 local organizations in their target countries. 

You can contribute to Peace Brigades International by donating through their website. You can also sign up to become a volunteer in the field and provide direct assistance to their communities. 

Saferworld: Developing Peace Through Activism and Outreach

Saferworld was founded in 1989 as an independent research organization to advocate for policies on arms control. They eventually expanded their work to respond to conflicts around the globe, and set up programming in Kenya and countries in the Western Balkans, before establishing programs across more than 10 countries. Today, their headquarters are based in London, United Kingdom. They also have international hubs in Nairobi, Beijing, Washington DC, and Brussels, to oversee their regional projects.

Saferworld has a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar – showcasing their dedication to international peace. They regularly publish reports on their financial standing and indicate that approximately 88% of all funds received go towards their programs. They also receive funding from various high-profile donors, including the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), the European Commission, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“To prevent violent conflict and build safer lives.”

Saferworld

Saferworld implements programming to safeguard people affected by conflict. They strive to empower vulnerable communities to be forces of change and sustain peace. In addition, they work to increase national and international security through research and policy reforms, and advocate for vulnerable communities directly impacted by conflict. 

Since their inception, Saferworld has helped hundreds of people with their programs and services. For example, from 2019-2020, they reached more than 3,000 community members to tackle safety and security issues. And from 2018-2019, they issued several micro-grants to communities in Yemen, which helped provide humanitarian assistance to 58,614 people. In Tajikistan, they also supported 30 grassroots organizations in reaching 45,000 people to promote security and peace.

You can contribute to Saferworld by donating through their website. You can also browse through the projects your donation will support, to see where your money goes and the communities you’ll be helping.

Peace Direct: Safeguarding People Affected by Conflict

Peace Direct was founded in 2004 by Scilla Elworthy to provide peacebuilding tools and resources to grassroots organizations and communities. Since their founding in London, Peace Direct has contributed to peacebuilding efforts across the globe and in more than 25 countries. Today, they work in 13 countries in Africa and Asia to minimize violence and empower communities to achieve sustainable peace. 

Peace Direct holds an impressive Finance and Accountability score of 93 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. For example, in 2019, they spent approximately 87% of their income on their programs and services. 

“Dedicated to supporting local people to stop war and build lasting peace in some of the world’s most fragile countries.”

Peace Direct

Peace Direct strives to improve the livelihoods and wellbeing of people living in conflict zones. They achieve this by tackling forms of discrimination and violence, and advocating justice for victims of violence. They implement peacebuilding initiatives and carry out groundbreaking research to combat violence. They also track peacebuilding projects in conflict zones to monitor their progress.

Since their founding, Peace Direct has expanded to reach more than 28,000 people with their peacebuilding initiatives. For example, in 2019, they reached 952 children in conflict-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo. In Mali, they supported over 1,000 people with their peacebuilding efforts. They also supported 14 Peace Committees to tackle and reduce tensions in Sudan.

You can contribute to Peace Direct by donating through their website. You can also start a charity challenge to fundraise on their behalf, and raise awareness for their peacebuilding initiatives. Lastly, they welcome students to become peace ambassadors to promote their work on campuses. 

Seeds of Peace: Empowering Young People to Sustain Peace

Seeds of Peace was founded in 1993 by John Wallach to empower young people to promote peace and civil dialogue. The organization opened a recreational camp in Maine to bring together youth from various conflict-affected areas, and foster cross-cultural understanding and peace. The first group of camp attendees included 46 Israelis, Palestinians, Egyptians, and Americans. Today, their headquarters are based in New York.

Seeds of Peace holds a perfect 4-star rating and Accountability and Transparency score of 100 out of 100 from Charity Navigator. For example, in 2019, they spent nearly 62% of their income on their programs. 

“We are dedicated to the pursuit of peaceful change in communities divided by conflict.”

Seeds of Peace

Seeds of Peace advocates for peace by training youth from conflict-affected countries and empowering them to be changed for good. They assist educators from various backgrounds with peacebuilding tools and resources, and support them in their community efforts to implement peace, security, and understanding. 

Since their founding, Seeds of Peace has reached over 6,000 young people across more than 27 countries with their peace development programs. Of those, more than 250 were trained in mediation and negotiation. Over 1,000 of their program participants also received valuable training to promote peace and diplomacy. 

You can contribute to Seeds of Peace by donating through their website. You can show your support in other ways too, such as hosting a Seeds of Peace speaker at an event, or by fundraising on their behalf. 

CARE International: Combatting All Forms of Violence Against Women

CARE International was founded in 1946 as the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe, to provide aid packages to people during World War II. They continued to expand their work across continents, offering emergency aid to people affected by disasters or conflict. Today, they work to build peace by tackling gender-based violence and violence against women.

CARE International holds an impressive 4-star rating and an Accountability and Transparency score of 97 out of 100, both from Charity Navigator. They hold a Financial score of 90 out of 100, also from Charity Navigator. 

“To address – and change – the attitudes that make gender-based violence possible.”

CARE International

CARE International provides educational, social, and economic empowerment programs to communities to reduce violence, especially gender-based violence. They deliver emergency relief to vulnerable people, such as women and children, and those living in rural areas. They also advocate for policies that incorporate the needs of the country’s marginalized groups. 

CARE International has worked worldwide in more than 100 countries to reduce conflict and gender-based violence. For example, in 2015, they reached more than 800,000 people with their advocacy and services, to better support victims of gender-based violence. Then, in 2017, they reached more than 1.7 million people with their awareness-raising initiatives and programs. 

You can contribute to CARE International by donating through their website. And if you’d like to get involved directly, you can contact your country’s CARE International office to volunteer and event opportunities. 

International Alert: Creating Sustainable Peace

International Alert was founded in 1986 to promote international peace globally and within conflict-affected countries. They appointed Martin Ennals, a human rights expert, as their first Secretary General. Their earliest projects were carried out in Sri Lanka, Uganda, and the Philippines to tackle ongoing violence and safeguard communities affected. They then expanded their scope to address other conflicts in central Asia and the Middle East. Today, International Alert’s headquarters are based in London, United Kingdom.

International Alert regularly publishes financial reports to ensure transparency and ethical spending. For example, in 2020, they spent nearly 85% of their income on their programs. They also receive funding from a range of high-profile donors, including Irish Aid and the Government of the Netherlands. 

“To break cycles of violence and to build sustainable peace.”

International Alert

International Alert aims to implement sustainable peace by working in conflict areas and creating long-term solutions. They advocate for policies that promote the rights of vulnerable people, including women and children. They work in fragile communities to reduce threats of violence and strive for inclusive peace, and combat the root causes of conflict. 

Since their inception, International Alert has helped more than 187,000 people across 21 countries and territories. For example, in 2020, they carried out 258 trainings and capacity-building activities that reached over 33,000 people. Of those, nearly 17,387 were women. They reached another 73,234 people with their advocacy and outreach initiatives. They also reached over 28,000 people to encourage peacebuilding efforts through dialogue meetings. 

You can contribute to International Alert by donating through their website. You can also show your support by starting a fundraiser on their behalf, promoting their work on social media, or by signing up to their newsletter to receive updates on their work.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that promote global peace. 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. 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 global peace – 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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