Globally, about 719 million people live in poverty. And that number is expected to rise as humanitarian crises compound around the world. For example, nearly 100 million people became impoverished as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and it is estimated that climate change may push an additional 132 million people into poverty by 2030. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to help those living in poverty and break the cycle for future generations. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities impacting global poverty?

The best charities that impact global poverty are CARE and UNICEF. Charities such as World Vision and Save the Children provide children and families with the resources they need to survive and thrive.

Whether you want to improve the future education prospects of impoverished children, construct community centers in impoverished areas, or help vulnerable families break the cycle of poverty, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for impacting global poverty are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to contribute. 

Here’s What All the Best Charities Impacting Global Poverty Have in Common

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

The majority of these charities are based in the US, but they all operate internationally to impact global poverty.

Many of these charities utilize a child sponsorship model to support the needs of individual children and families. Others focus their efforts on guiding entire communities out of poverty. 

Some seek to end generational poverty by supporting entrepreneurs to build and sustain local economies, while others focus on providing opportunities through education. 

Yet, they all share a common goal: to eradicate poverty around the world.

These Are the 10 Best Charities Impacting Global Poverty in 2024

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

Best Charities Impacting Global Poverty

CARE

UNICEF

World Vision

Save the Children

Life for Relief and Development

Food for the Hungry

Children International

Compassion International

Zoe Empowers

Doctors Without Borders

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

CARE: Tackling Poverty from Every Angle

CARE was founded in 1945 as the Cooperative for American Remittances to Europe to send food and rations from America to Europe immediately following World War II. Today, CARE stands for Cooperative Assistance and Relief Everywhere, and they work around the world to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice.

CARE holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We seek a world of hope, inclusion, and social justice, where poverty has been overcome and all people live with dignity and security.”

CARE

CARE utilizes a community-based approach that tackles poverty from every angle. For example, their education programs provide community-specific solutions to students facing barriers to quality education, with a particular focus on adolescent girls. As another example, their Markets Programs promote changes in value chains that benefit marginalized families, like their Krishi Ushto program, which helps farmers in Bangladesh access resources to provide better and more consistent products. Furthermore, they work with impoverished communities in climate-sensitive regions to become resilient in the face of the global climate crisis.

Since their founding, CARE has impacted the lives of millions of people living in poverty around the world. For example, in 2022 alone, they worked in 111 countries, reaching over 174 million people through over 1,600 programs. And, in the same year, they launched a $250 million comprehensive emergency response to help families impacted by the global hunger crisis driven by COVID-19, regional conflicts, and climate change.

You can donate to CARE via their website. You can also support the charity by joining their advocacy efforts or attending an event.

UNICEF: For Every Child in Danger

UNICEF was founded in 1946 by the U.N. Relief Rehabilitation Administration to help children in the aftermath of World War II. Today, they are one of the world’s most widespread social welfare organizations.

UNICEF USA holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“For every child, every opportunity.”

UNICEF

UNICEF works at national, regional, and global levels to help countries measure and address child poverty in all its dimensions. They do this by partnering with the World Bank to produce global statistics about child poverty to guide policymakers and support the expansion of programs, such as universal child benefits. They also chair the Global Coalition to End Child Poverty, which raises awareness to accelerate global efforts to end child poverty. In addition, they provide direct aid through healthcare, nutrition, and education initiatives.

Since their founding, UNICEF has changed the lives of millions of children living in poverty. For example, in 2022 alone, 356.3 million children benefited from their malnutrition prevention programs, and 77.9 million were vaccinated against measles. In the same year, they helped 37.9 million out-of-school children access education and helped 26 million people gain access to at least basic sanitation services. And, they have worked with over 100 countries to accurately measure child poverty, and develop actionable plans to end it.

You can donate directly to UNICEF through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing items from their online shop or by volunteering.

World Vision: Bringing Hope to Children Around the World

World Vision was founded in 1950 by Robert Pierceto to support Christian mission services for families impacted by crises in East Asia. Today, the charity is the largest international non-governmental organization committed to improving the lives of impoverished families in Asia and beyond.

World Vision holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Pulling up the roots of poverty and planting the seeds of change.”

World Vision

World Vision works to free families from poverty by promoting economic empowerment in underserved communities. They focus on improving the economic well-being of individual households by educating parents and community leaders on sustainable financial practices and by providing resources for economic development. For example, they provide microloans to entrepreneurs in impoverished communities to start or grow their businesses. The money used to pay off those loans is funneled back into the community to fund more loans. 

Since their founding, World Vision has improved the lives of millions of children living in poverty. For example, in 2022, they disbursed $706 million in microloans to almost 1 million borrowers in 28 countries, improving the lives of 4.7 million children and 1.3 million employees. In the same year, they provided 156,226 metric tons of food supplies to help nourish impoverished families and supported and trained over 180,000 community health workers around the world. Furthermore, 89% of the children they have treated for malnourishment since 2013 have made a full recovery.

You can donate to World Vision via their website or fund a microloan. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child.

Save the Children: Ensuring a Healthy Start

Save the Children was founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb to end the suffering of children impacted by World War I in Europe. They were the first global organization dedicated to serving children’s needs and today, they are a global leader in helping families overcome poverty.

Save the Children holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“All children deserve a healthy start in life.”

Save the Children

Save the Children works to end the cycle of poverty by ensuring communities have the resources they need to provide children with a healthy, educational, and safe environment. Through their health and nutrition programs, they help communities create and maintain sustainable food sources. For example, their Food Security and Livelihoods Program educates farmers on how to improve productivity to feed hungry children. Furthermore, their education programs emphasize the importance of early learning. For example, in rural US communities, they promote kindergarten readiness through KinderBoost, a two-week program that familiarizes children and families with the school environment. 

Since their founding, Save the Children has changed the lives of over 1 billion children. For example, in 2022 alone, they helped 118 million children in 116 countries become safer, healthier, and better educated. In the same year, they provided more than $165 million in cash and voucher assistance to strengthen social safety nets by providing income support, stimulating local economies, and mitigating risks to children. And, they helped pass the Global Food Security Act, securing $5 million in emergency food assistance.

You can donate to Save the Children via their website. You can also support the charity by participating in a fundraiser, volunteering, or sponsoring a child.

Life for Relief and Development: Emergency Relief, Long-Term Solutions

Life for Relief and Development was founded in 1992 in California by a group of Arab and Muslim Americans in response to the post-Gulf War humanitarian crisis in Iraq. Today, they are one of the largest US-founded Muslim-American humanitarian relief organizations.

Life for Relief and Development holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Where there is life, there is hope.”

Life for Relief and Development

Life for Relief and Development provides humanitarian support to impoverished communities around the world, regardless of race, religion, or cultural background. For example, their international health projects help make healthcare affordable and accessible through initiatives like donating medicine and equipment, building hospitals, and supporting humanitarian doctors. As another example, their Clean Water projects provide communities with safe water by installing wells and water purification systems. The charity also helps communities rebuild after crises through programs such as Refugee Assistance, Community Development, and Family Assistance.

Since their founding, Life for Relief and Development has distributed over $550 million in humanitarian services, impacting more than 20 million people in 55 countries around the world. In 2021, they distributed over $10 million in health programs, including a new ambulance for use in Bangladesh, and 6 humanitarian hearing aid trips. 

In 2023, they distributed 3,333 hot meals, 1,100 warm blankets, and 230 hygiene packages to families struggling through the Hamas-Israeli War.

You can donate directly to Life for Relief and Development through their website. You can also support the charity’s mission by volunteering or fundraising.

Food for the Hungry: Strengthening Communities to End Poverty

Food for the Hungry was founded in 1971 by Dr. Larry Ward to help children dying of starvation. Today, they combat poverty in 19 countries, providing vital resources such as food, clean water, and medical aid.

Food for the Hungry holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“Turning adversity into impact.”

Food for the Hungry

Food for the Hungry works with communities to create and implement sustainable solutions to poverty. In addition to providing life-saving resources such as food, medical aid, clean water, and sanitation to children and families directly, they also set communities up to thrive once they leave. For example, they provide vocational and agricultural training, promote financial literacy, and help establish savings groups so entrepreneurs can borrow money. They also help communities learn to respond to and withstand crises such as natural disasters and conflict through their Shared Resilience Approach.

Since their founding, Food for the Hungry has remained dedicated to ending poverty in some of the hardest-to-reach places on earth.  For example, in 2022 alone, they reached nearly 10 million people across more than 3,500 communities in 18 countries experiencing extreme poverty. In the same year, 356,751 people benefitted from their water, sanitation, and hygiene initiatives, while participants in their Savings and Farmers groups generated over $10 million in assets to provide for their families.

You can donate directly to Food for the Hungry through their website. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child or by purchasing items from their gift catalog, such as hygiene kits and livestock.

Children International: Sponsoring Children, Enriching Communities

Children International was founded in 1936 as the Holy Land Christian Mission, to distribute food baskets to vulnerable families in Bethlehem and Jerusalem. Today, they are a top-rated humanitarian organization, helping children around the world to overcome poverty.

Children International holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Bringing people together to end poverty for good.”

Children International

Children International works to break the cycle of generational poverty by pairing impoverished youth with financial sponsors to provide vital health, social, and educational programs. For example, their Employment Programs help ensure that children have the tools and resources to find stable, gainful employment in the formal job sector. As another example, their Empowerment Programs foster social responsibility through leadership, life skills, and employment training, giving children the confidence they need to lead their families out of poverty. Furthermore, they build and operate community centers so children have a clean, safe, and permanent place to grow and learn. 

Since their founding, Children International has helped over 1 million children in 10 countries around the world. For example, in 2022, they facilitated sponsorship for over 200,000 children and helped more than 150,000 young adults access education and employment training. In the same year, they funded over 100,000 medical and dental services, and 62,376 children and youth participated in their Emotional Well-Being Program. They have also built more than 67 community centers.

You can donate directly to Children International through their website. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child or by raising awareness via social media.

Compassion International: Helping Communities Fight Poverty

Compassion International was founded in 1952 by Reverend Everett Swanson to help South Korean orphans during the Korean War. Today, the charity saves children around the world from poverty through sponsorship.

Compassion International holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Releasing children from poverty in the name of Jesus.”

Compassion International

Compassion International pairs impoverished children with a financial sponsor, allowing them to access life-changing services. They also partner with churches in impoverished communities to provide services to children such as medical checkups, educational assistance, and nutritious meals. In addition, they help children prepare for success in adulthood through vocational training, financial literacy training, and college preparation. Also, their Compassion Survival initiative focuses on maternal and infant health to reduce infant mortality and ensure children get a healthy start in life.

Today, Compassion International provides care to more than 2.3 million children in 27 countries around the world. For example, in 2022 alone, they distributed 10.6 million family food packs and 7.6 million hygiene kits to those in need. In the same year, they provided medical interventions, like emergency surgeries, injury treatments, and trauma counseling to 1.5 million vulnerable children. And, their Compassion Survival initiative has provided life-saving interventions to more than 38,000 babies and their mothers.

You can donate to Compassion International via their website. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child or volunteering.

Zoe Empowers: Empowering Orphans to Empower Communities 

Zoe Empowers was founded in 2004 to support children during the HIV/AIDS pandemic in Zimbabwe. Today, they help impoverished orphans and youth-led families across Africa and India learn the skills they need to become self-sufficient.

Zoe Empowers holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator, as well as a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Ending extreme poverty through empowerment.”

Zoe Empowers

Zoe Empowers helps orphans and youth-led families overcome poverty by equipping them with the tools they need to live self-sufficiently. Their three-year, participant-centric empowerment program focuses on creating sustainable solutions to the detriments of poverty. For example, to ensure ongoing access to food and shelter, they teach participants about nutrition and how to grow their own food and provide support for finding secure housing. They also facilitate access to healthcare and hygiene education so participants can stay physically healthy. Furthermore, they encourage financial independence through business and financial fluency training and help participants create their own business plans. 

Since their founding, Zoe Empowers has helped more than 174,570 impoverished children from 8 countries to achieve self-sufficiency. And, their empowerment model has been proven to help break the cycle of poverty: in a 2021 study following graduates of the program, almost 100% of participants reported being able to strengthen their communities by providing assistance or employment to other orphaned or vulnerable youth.

You can donate to Zoe Empowers via their website. You can also get involved by attending a Vision Trip or joining a virtual trip.

Doctors Without Borders: Impartial Medical Aid

Doctors Without Borders was founded in 1971 in France by a group of doctors and journalists in the wake of conflict and famine in Nigeria. Today, the organization remains committed to providing emergency medical aid quickly, effectively, and impartially.

Charity Navigator gives Doctors Without Borders a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Medical care where it is needed most.” Doctors Without Borders

Doctors Without Borders provides medical intervention to vulnerable people around the world, including those living in poverty. For example, their obstetric care programs provide emergency care for pregnant women, minimizing the risk of maternal and infant mortality. As another example, they screen communities for risk of malnutrition and provide treatment to those in need. Furthermore, they provide emergency medical aid in the face of humanitarian crises by supporting local medical staff and donating medical equipment.

ince their founding, Doctors Without Borders has helped tens of millions of people in over 70 countries access high-quality health care regardless of race, religion, creed, or political affiliation. For example, in 2022 alone, they assisted in 320,700 births, including Cesarean sections, and treated 438,100 children for malnutrition. And, in 1999, they were awarded a Nobel Peace Prize for the non-discriminatory nature of their work.

You can donate directly to Doctors Without Borders through their website. You can also support the charity by attending an event or by organizing a fundraiser.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities impacting global poverty. 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 websites 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 impacting global poverty—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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