Health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Unfortunately, many people experience barriers to quality healthcare, such as high cost of care, inadequate insurance coverage, and lack of availability of culturally-competent services. And, these barriers often disproportionately affect members of certain populations, like racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty. Luckily, organizations around the world are working to eliminate disparities in healthcare. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for health equity?

The best charities that fight for health equity are March of Dimes and the American Heart Association. Charities such as St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation work to ensure that all people facing deadly diseases have access to life-saving care.

Whether you want to help ensure equitable access to treatment for those suffering from eating disorders, help an older adult make the most of their insurance benefits, or fund research to better understand the root causes of health inequity, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that fight for health equity are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a donation. 

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Fight for Health Equity 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 combat health equity disparities internationally.

Many of these charities fight for health equity by focusing on providing financial assistance to those in need. Others provide resources for healthcare providers to analyze and address their own biases.

Some work to break the cycle of poverty for the health of future generations, while others advocate for policies that increase access to quality care for marginalized populations.

Yet, they all share a common goal: to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to achieve optimal health.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Fight for Health Equity in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that fight for health equity (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Fight for Health Equity

March of Dimes

American Heart Association

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

UNICEF

National Council on Aging

National Institute for Children’s Health Quality

Project HEAL

Save the Children

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

March of Dimes: Health Equity for Mothers and Babies

March of Dimes was founded in 1938 as the National Foundation for Infantile Paralysis by Franklin D. Roosevelt in response to the Polio epidemic. Today, they are the leading organization dedicated to the health of all mothers and babies, no matter their race or financial status.

Charity Navigator gives the March of Dimes a 2-star rating due to the amount of money they spend on their programs. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Fighting for the health of all moms and babies.”

March of Dimes

March of Dimes fights for health equity for all mothers and babies through research, education, and advocacy. For example, through their Mom and Baby Action Network, they unite cross-sector stakeholders at national, state, and local levels to address factors that drive inequity, like economic insecurity and disconnected communities. As another example, they offer continuing education courses that help healthcare providers identify and mitigate implicit bias in maternity care. Furthermore, they advocate for policies that increase access to quality care in underserved communities through their Mamagenda for #Blanketchange campaign.

Today, March of Dimes is a leading force in the fight for health equity for all mothers, babies, and children. For example, in 2020, they received the American Hospital Association’s Award of Honor for their efforts to advance health equity through their implicit bias training, which has been offered to more than 35,000 healthcare providers in over 30 states. Furthermore, in 2021, they supported the American Rescue Plan Act, which extends postpartum Medicaid coverage for up to 12 months, ensuring that mothers can continue to access vital services after birth. And, their largest fundraiser, March for Babies, has generated over $1.8 billion to support their mission since 1970.

You can donate to March of Dimes via their website. You can also volunteer locally or create your own fundraiser.

American Heart Association: Ensuring Quality Cardiovascular Care for All

The American Heart Association was founded in 1924 by a group of 6 cardiologists to conduct research into prevention strategies and treatments for heart disease. Today, they are an international organization dedicated to improving heart health and reducing cardiovascular-related fatalities, as well as tackling healthcare inequality.

Charity Navigator gives the American Heart Association a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Life is why.”

American Heart Association

The American Heart Association fights for health equity by identifying and removing barriers to high quality cardiovascular healthcare. In 2019, as part of their Live Fierce, Stand for All initiative, they announced their 10 commitments: bold actions they are taking to reduce disparities in cardiovascular healthcare by 2024. For example, they pledged to invest $100 million in new research programs and grants focused on science-based solutions to health inequities and structural racism. Furthermore, they are working to improve Medicaid expansion for under-resourced populations and rural communities. In addition, they are promising a new digital learning platform with courses on reversing structural racism and equitable healthcare delivery.

Since their founding, the American Heart Association has positively impacted the heart health of millions of people around the world, investing more than $5 billion in research since 1949 and contributing to a 15.1% reduction in deaths from heart disease since 2018. They have made significant strides toward their health equity goals: for example, they fulfilled their first commitment two years ahead of schedule by investing more than $114 million in new research to improve health equity. And, as part of their eighth commitment, they launched the Intelligo Professional Learning Hub in 2022, which includes free courses on improving health equity.

You can make a one-time donation to the American Heart Association via their website, or register to give monthly. You can also support the charity by volunteering or participating in an event in your local community.

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Life-Saving Services, Free of Charge

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas as a way to give back to communities after he found success as an entertainer. Today, the organization is a leading force in the understanding and treatment of childhood diseases, working to combat health inequality.

Charity Navigator gives St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver Seal of Transparency. 

“No child should die in the dawn of life.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude Children’s Hospital fights for health equity for children battling a range of diseases by providing life-changing medical services free of charge. They offer direct treatment to children with life-threatening diseases, including experimental or specialized treatment for children who have not responded to standard care. And, their programs promote culturally competent treatment to ensure that no family is excluded from the decision making process. For example, their Patient Family-Centered Care Program uses patient and family knowledge, beliefs, and cultural backgrounds to improve care planning and delivery. In addition, they offer training to future clinicians and biomedical researchers on a myriad of subjects, including health equity and treatment bias. 

Since their founding, the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital has remained committed to the health of all children, regardless of race, religion, or financial status, helping to push the overall survival rate for childhood cancer from 20% to over 80%. For example, in 1958, they launched the first comprehensive study of sickle cell disease and its impact on the African-American population. Moreover, in 1962, they opened the first fully integrated hospital in the southern US.

You can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via their website. You can also participate in a fundraiser or volunteer at a chapter in your community.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: A Legacy of Hope

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker to support breast cancer patients after her sister, Susan G. Komen lost her battle with the disease. Today, they are the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer.

Charity Navigator gives the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold rating for transparency. 

“Where the end of breast cancer begins.”

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation fights for the health equity of those with breast cancer through community health initiatives, global outreach, and advocacy. For example, their primary health equity initiative, Stand for H.E.R.- A Health Equity Revolution takes a multi-faceted approach to eliminating disparities in late-stage diagnosis and mortality rates between black and white women, especially in low-income, metropolitan areas. Furthermore, they work to increase access to culturally competent services by offering free patient navigation training to professionals working with black patients, and increasing access to genetic counseling and testing services. In addition, they advocate for policies that ensure access to high-quality care across populations. 

Since their founding, the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has invested more than $2.3 billion in patient support services, serving millions of patients in over 60 countries. For example, in 2022 alone, they invested over $7.7 million in community health programs to remove barriers to care in underserved communities. In the same year, they endorsed the Improving Social Determinants of Health Act, which addresses the social, economic, and environmental factors that drive health inequity.

You can donate to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation via their website. You can also fundraise through one of their events, such as a race or walk, or a pickleball tournament. In addition, you can join their advocacy efforts.

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 most widespread social welfare organizations in the world, dedicated to promoting health equality for all.

Charity Navigator gives UNICEF a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold Seal of Transparency. 

“For every child in danger.”

UNICEF

UNICEF fights for health equity by working with local governments and partners to strengthen healthcare systems in impoverished and underserved communities. For example, they provide essential training and resources to frontline professionals in underserved communities. Additionally, they collaborate with local policymakers to develop cultural and age-appropriate health protocols to better care for newborns, children, and adolescents. Furthermore, they improve existing supply chains to ensure that healthcare professionals have the tools they need by working with private companies to develop quality, affordable medicines and equipment. And, they partner 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.

Since their founding, UNICEF has changed the lives of millions of children living in poverty. For example, in 2021, they provided nutrition services to 336 million children worldwide and treated 5.5 million children for wasting due to malnutrition. In the same year, they procured $7.2 billion in supplies and services to strengthen fragile healthcare systems. They also 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.

National Council on Aging: Equitable Aging Matters

The National Council on Aging was formed in 1950 by the National Social Welfare Assembly in response to the rising cost of healthcare and mandatory retirement. Today, they continue to champion the needs of every person as they age. 

Charity Navigator gives the National Council on Aging a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold Seal of Transparency. 

“Aging with dignity shouldn’t be a stroke of luck.”

National Council on Aging

The National Council on Aging fights for health equity for the elderly by providing resources, tools, best practices, and advocacy to ensure that every person can age with health and financial security. For example, their BenefitsCheckUp tool connects older adults with benefits programs that can help them pay for vital healthcare services, like doctor visits and prescription medicine. As another example, their Age Well Planner is a free assessment that provides older adults with a personalized collection of resources, like tips for fall prevention and expert advice on utilizing MediCare. And, they engage in political advocacy to promote equitable healthcare for older Americans.

Since their founding, the National Council on Aging has been a leading force in the fight for health equity for older adults. For example, in 1965, they successfully advocated for the laws that created Medicare, Medicaid, and The Older Americans Act. And, in 2022, their programs helped equip more than 24.4 million people, 93% of whom identified as low-income, with tools and resources to access equitable healthcare and financial security. 

You can donate to the National Council on Aging via their website. In addition, you can join their advocacy efforts.

National Institute for Children’s Health Quality: Collaborating for Equity

The National Institute for Children’s Health Quality was founded in 1999 by a team of pediatric and public health leaders to improve children’s healthcare, especially ambulatory pediatrics. Today, they work to bridge the gap between healthcare, public health, and communities to improve children’s healthcare.

Charity Navigator gives the National Institute for Children’s Health Quality a 4-star rating. 

“We make meaningful change. Everyday.”

National Institute for Children’s Healthcare Quality

The National Institute for Children’s Healthcare Quality addresses issues in children’s health, like health inequity, by bringing stakeholders together to design and execute programs that improve children’s access to quality healthcare. For example, they are helping create the Hemoglobinopathies National Coordinating Center to address structural and systemic barriers to care for Sickle Cell Disease, which disproportionately affects Black and Hispanic people. Furthermore, their Equity Systems Continuum Planning Grant project designs a tool to help healthcare providers evaluate and improve their health equity.

Since their founding, the National Institute for Children’s Healthcare Quality has participated in more than 80 initiatives to improve children’s healthcare, including projects that promote health equity. For example, in 2021, they published Early Childhood Health Equity Landscape, which analyzed early childhood initiatives across the US to identify and eliminate disparities in healthcare among young children. In the same year, they completed and disseminated the results of a study that identified barriers to ongoing care for Sickle Cell Disease to improve treatment outcomes. 

You can donate to the National Institute for Children’s Healthcare Quality via their website. You can also get involved by starting or funding a project.

Project HEAL: Unlocking the Doors to Eating Disorder Recovery

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.

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

Project HEAL helps people who might typically struggle to receive care to gain access to quality treatment for eating disorders, specifically members of the LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities. For example, their Clinical Assessment Program provides free, impartial, and culturally competent screenings to anyone in the US who believes they might be suffering from an eating disorder. Furthermore, their Treatment Placement Program provides beneficiaries with extended treatment within their HEALers Circle network of providers at little to no cost. And, they provide cash assistance when needed, and also offer Insurance Navigation.

Since their founding, Project HEAL has improved treatment equity for thousands of people across the US seeking access to treatment for eating disorders. For example, in 2021, they provided over $2 million in free treatment services to underserved communities. 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 suffering from eating disorders.

You can donate to Project HEAL via their website. You can also get involved by becoming a Project HEAL Ambassador, or by volunteering.

Save the Children: Ensuring a Healthy Start

Save the Children was founded in 1919 by Eglantyne Jebb in response to the impact of World War I on children in Europe. They were the first global organization dedicated solely to serving children’s needs and securing their rights. Today, they are a global leader in children’s health.

Charity Navigator gives Save the Children a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“All children deserve a healthy start in life.”

Save the Children

Save the Children fights for health equity by ensuring that high-quality health care is accessible to mothers, babies, and children living in poverty around the world. Their high-impact programs address some of the biggest threats to children’s health, including a lack of access to healthcare. For example, their Adolescent Health Program helps teens overcome barriers to reproductive healthcare by strengthening health systems. Moreover, their School Health and Nutrition Program partners with schools to improve health and nutrition, provide access to safe water, and promote lifelong healthy behaviors. Additionally, their Save the Children Action Network engages in political advocacy to promote policies that improve access to healthcare. 

Since their founding, Save the Children has changed the lives of over 1 billion children. They have helped cut the number of children dying before age 5 in half since 1990 and helped reduce the number of children with stunted growth due to malnutrition by a third since 2000. For example, in 2021 alone, they helped improve the nutrition of 10.1 million children. In the same year, their policy, advocacy, and campaigning team generated 601,000 messages to lawmakers, promoting policies that include improving health equity across the US.

You can donate to Save the Children via their website. You can also participate in a fundraiser, volunteer, or sponsor a child.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that fight for health equity. 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 fighting for health equity – 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

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