By
Diana Stancu

Today, more than 100 million people in the US have some form of liver disease. In addition, cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease, is a leading cause of mortality across the world. Furthermore, liver cancer is the most rapidly growing cause of cancer deaths in the US, with doubled death rates since 1980. Fortunately, charities worldwide are working to improve patients’ life quality and advance innovative treatments to bring much-needed cures. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that combat liver diseases?

The best charities that combat liver diseases are the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation and the Global Liver Institute. Other charities, like the American Liver Foundation and the Hepatitis B Foundation advance liver disease treatments and patient support nationwide.

Whether you want to help improve current treatments and understanding of liver diseases, ensure that patients receive vital social and medical support, or advocate for public awareness of liver health, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that combat liver diseases are all about, how they work, and what would be your best way to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Combat Liver Diseases Have in Common

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

They operate all over the world, from North America to Asia, improving the health and outcomes of liver patients. 

Most of the charities below fight to advance treatments for various types of liver diseases. For this, they fund scientific and social research projects to gain knowledge of risk factors and early symptoms.

In addition, they aid liver patients and caregivers through support groups and educational libraries to improve their psychological wellness. Furthermore, they lead advocacy campaigns to improve the federal funding and social support of liver disease patients.

Yet, through different means, all the charities share the same goal of combating liver disease by improving patient well-being and seeking vital cures.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Combat Liver Diseases in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that combat liver diseases (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.)

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation: Knowledge, Practice, Cure 

Their impact and transparency ratings:

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“We believe tomorrow’s cures for liver disease need funding today. The future of hepatology starts here.”

American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation

The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation fights for a world free of liver disease by investing in innovative hepatology research. For this, they run the Research and Career Development Awards program that distributes research grants to scientists to improve treatments and seek a cure for liver diseases. Furthermore, their Emerging Liver Scholars program offers educational and professional development in hepatology for medical residents to help advance the field of study. The charity also runs the Tomorrow’s Cures campaign to increase research funding and public awareness of liver conditions.

To date, The American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation has invested more than $57 million in 1,670 medical grants to advance current liver disease treatments. For example, they have funded 164 research awards worth more than $27,5 million in total. In addition, they have awarded 514 career development scholarships worth $27 million to over 300 scholars. Moreover, all scholarship recipients have become certified liver surgeons and pathologists. Also, in 2021, they financed 56 awards for researchers and scholars in the field of liver diseases. 

You can donate to the American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases Foundation on their website. You can also support them through corporate giving or by shopping with AmazonSmile.

Global Liver Institute: It All Starts With a Patient

The Global Liver Institute has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We want liver health awareness to be universal and for liver disease to take its proper place on the global public health agenda.”

Global Liver Institute

The Global Liver Institute advocates with governments for improved research funding, organ transplantation, and patient support for communities affected by liver disease. In addition, they run an advocacy program for patients, caregivers, and hepatologists to promote liver health and push for effective treatments. Moreover, they lead councils to raise stakeholder awareness of liver cancer and other liver diseases, such as pediatric or rare liver conditions. In addition, their Liver Central site provides support and education for liver cancer patients. They also organize public awareness campaigns, like OctoberIs4Livers and International NASH Day, to unite the global community of liver patients.

Since their founding, the Global Liver Institute has continued to serve liver patients worldwide. For example, in 2021, their liver cancer support programs reached over 280 million individuals worldwide. In the same year, they launched the first nutrition app for people living with liver-related diseases. Moreover, their advocacy program helped over 200 participants from 36 states and 15 countries. Furthermore, they launched the Liver Action Network to advance international liver policy changes, representing 40 states, 2 countries, and 11 liver advocacy organizations.

You can donate to the Global Liver Institute on their website. You can also contribute by buying their merchandise or participating in their educational events.

American Liver Foundation: Your Liver. Your Life. 

The American Liver Foundation has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Bronze Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Our mission is to promote education, advocacy, support services and research for the prevention, treatment and cure of liver disease.”

The American Liver Foundation

The American Liver Foundation offers information about all types of liver diseases, as well as a map of how liver damage progresses. They also advise on healthy diets and medication use to manage liver conditions. In addition, they fund vital clinical trials while connecting patients with palliative care providers and a specialized helpline. Furthermore, they aid caregivers with disease management resources and organize online support groups for patients. They also advocate for increased federal research funding and improved treatments for liver disease while investing in scientific grants to improve disease outcomes. 

To date, the American Liver Foundation has provided more than $26 million in research funding to over 850 scientists and physicians in the field of liver disease. Furthermore, in 2021, their patient support group served 5,400 members while their public awareness campaigns reached 2,000 individuals. In the same year, over 5,600 patients used their helpline to get advice from health professionals. Moreover, 300 of their public advocates from over 30 states joined 75 virtual legislative meetings to campaign for improved patient outcomes. In addition, they invested over $1,3 million in supportive services for patients and $1,4 million in public and professional education about liver diseases.

You can donate to the American Liver Foundation on their website. You can also contribute by volunteering, advocating, or starting a Facebook Fundraiser. In addition, you can participate in one of their fundraising sports events. 

Hepatitis B Foundation: Researching a Cure

The Hepatitis B Foundation has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“We are dedicated to finding a cure and improving the quality of life for those affected by hepatitis B worldwide.”

The Hepatitis B Foundation

The Hepatitis B Foundation offers information on vaccine efficiency and a toolkit for the newly diagnosed. They also connect child and adult patients with vital clinical trials and run social research projects to better understand the impact of hepatitis B. In addition, they lead programs that fight patient discrimination to increase their opportunities. Moreover, they connect patients with the Hep B Community and the Hep B Online Support Group to improve their mental well-being. They also fight to improve treatments by funding research projects and running a national patient advocacy movement.

Since their inception, the Hepatitis B Foundation has continued to offer critical support to liver patients. For example, in 2021, they invested nearly $4,4 million in 10 research projects from 23 scientists to advance treatments. In the same year, they offered $2,5 million in support services to improve patient outcomes. In addition, their patient advocacy movement reached over 1,000 organizations across 29 cities and 22 states. They also launched the B Heppy podcast to raise awareness of patient struggles, with 20 episodes and 2,800 listeners in 700 cities and 100 countries. Furthermore, in 2013, their advocacy campaigns made hepatitis B a protected condition under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

You can donate to the Hepatitis B Foundation on their website. You can also contribute by subscribing to their newsletter or participating in their awareness events. 

Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation: Committed to Finding a Cure

The Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We envision a world where all people with fibrolamellar carcinoma will be diagnosed early, treated effectively and hopefully cured.”

The Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation

The Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation offers patients critical information on the available treatment options for FLC. They also fight to advance research and develop effective medicine leading to a cure for the disease. For this, they fund scientific projects and collaborate with both physicians and patients to support clinical trials and gain insight into the risk factors and early symptoms of FLC. In addition, they give patients the opportunity to create a supportive community through one-on-one patient mentorship and Facebook groups. They also organize various community events and interactive webinars to unite patients and decrease loneliness. 

Since their founding, the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation has invested over $11 million in research projects to advance toward a cure for fibrolamellar carcinoma. For example, in 2021, they funded nearly $2 million in grants towards 33 scientific projects from 47 medical and educational institutions across the US. In the same year, they collaborated for the funding of 8 types of clinical trials to gain knowledge of efficient treatment options and risk factors for FLC. 

You can donate to the Fibrolamellar Cancer Foundation on their website. You can also support them by volunteering, becoming an FCF Ambassador, or buying their fibrolamellar calendar. 

PSC Partners Seeking a Cure: Together in the Fight, Whatever It Takes

PSC Partners Seeking a Cure has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Together, we are creating a world where a PSC diagnosis comes with a cure.”

PSC Partners Seeking a Cure

PSC Partners Seeking a Cure provides patients and caregivers with support groups that create a sense of community, and resources on how to improve their life quality. They also organize mentorship programs for those impacted by PCS and run an educational library to increase public awareness. In addition, they encourage patients to participate in clinical trials to improve the quality of treatments and medicine for PCS. Furthermore, they fund promising PCS-related research projects by awarding grants to scientists across the US. They also lead annual conferences to unite patients with health professionals and share the latest research on the disease.

Since their inception, PSC Partners Seeking a Cure has remained committed to advancing research toward a cure for PSC. For example, in 2020, they awarded 97 research grants worth nearly $4,1 million to 13 liver scientists worldwide. In the same year, they helped 1,800 PSC patients to provide disease-specific data to researchers and advance their work. They also invested over $330,000 in supportive and educational programs for the PSC patient community. Furthermore, in 2022, they launched the PSC Partners International Collaborative Research Network to unite the efforts of liver scientists worldwide.

You can donate to PSC Partners Seeking a Cure on their website. You can also get involved by volunteering or advocating online. In addition, you can participate in their educational events or buy their merchandise. 

World Hepatitis Alliance: Fighting for a World Free From Viral Hepatitis

According to their financial report, the World Hepatitis Alliance spent 57% of their total income on educational and research campaigns, 19.5% on volunteering activities, 10% on communications, and 9% on equipment and overheads. 

“We fight to harness the power of people living with viral hepatitis to achieve its elimination.”

World Hepatitis Alliance

The World Hepatitis Alliance fights for hepatitis elimination across global health systems while increasing the visibility of patients to motivate action by decision-makers. For this, they run advocacy campaigns to overcome social stigma and encourage early diagnosis, in stages where the disease can be reversible. They also finance treatments for Hepatitis C in developing countries like Nigeria, India, and Cambodia. In addition, they organize webinars, summits, and conferences worldwide to help their partners implement hepatitis-fighting plans. They also run the global movement NOhep and the awareness event World Hepatitis Day to accelerate progress toward a cure. 

Today, the World Hepatitis Alliance has a global network of 314 organizations fighting against viral hepatitis in 100 countries worldwide. For example, in 2016, their efforts alongside the World Health Organization urged 194 governments to pledge to eliminate hepatitis by 2030. Furthermore, in 2021, their World Hepatitis Day campaign reached over 500 million people from 40 countries on social media platforms. In the same year, they launched the Hepatitis Can’t Wait campaign to highlight the urgent need for action on viral hepatitis.

You can donate to the World Hepatitis Alliance on their website by partnering with them as an individual or corporation. You can also contribute by subscribing to their newsletter or following their Facebook and Twitter accounts. 

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation: For Our Children

According to their financial report, the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation spent 50% of their total income on emotional support and activities for patients, 36% on educational and awareness campaigns, 10% on fundraising activities, and 4% on research projects. 

“We are here for every young person and family affected by childhood liver disease.”

Children’s Liver Disease Foundation

The Children’s Liver Disease Foundation provides supportive sections for young people and family members affected by liver disease, with inspirational guides to improve their well-being. In addition, the charity aids patients with supportive services and peer-led networks, as well as an educational hub with information about the liver. Furthermore, they fund clinical and social research projects to better understand the impact and necessary treatments of childhood liver disease. They also run campaigns to increase government and social support for liver donation and liver disease prevention, giving a voice to child patients nationwide. 

Since their founding, the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation has funded over $10 million in scientific grants to support both liver researchers and affected families. In addition, in 2017, they developed the Yellow Alert campaign to help physicians detect early signs of liver disease in newborn babies. Furthermore, in 2021, they distributed 19,500 Yellow Alert resources, including 16,000 leaflets and 800 medical packs for hospitals. In the same year, their supportive services reached nearly 4,000 child patients and family members. They also supplied individuals and hospitals with over 5,800 liver education leaflets for children and 60 transplant storybooks. 

You can donate to the Children’s Liver Disease Foundation on their website. You can also contribute by volunteering or fundraising. In addition, you can begin a corporate partnership or buy their merchandise. 

British Liver Trust: Pioneering Liver Health

According to their financial report, the British Liver Trust spent 77.3% of their total income on charitable activities and 22.7% on fundraising events. 

“Liver disease is the big killer that no one is talking about. We can change the future of liver disease and liver cancer through prevention and research.”

British Liver Trust

The British Liver Trust provides educational libraries for liver patients and health professionals, including guides for liver health and afflictions. They also offer patients an online liver community and physical support groups, as well as a nurse-led helpline. In addition, they campaign with legislators for better and more equitable services for people with liver disease. Furthermore, they fund research projects to advance treatments and involve patients in the design and leadership of liver research. Moreover, their Love Your Liver Campaign raises public awareness of the major risk factors that can cause liver damage and encourage those at risk to get tested.

Today, the British Liver Trust directly impacts over a million people each year across their educational and advocacy campaigns. For example, in 2021, their media coverage had a combined audience of over 888 million viewers. In the same year, their patient community reached 30,000 members, and over 13,000 people took the charity’s online liver health screener. In addition, they held 247 virtual support groups with almost 2,400 participants while their helpline received over 5,000 calls over the year. Moreover, 20,000 community members signed their petition urging the government to improve the early detection of liver disease. 

You can donate to the British Liver Trust on their website. You can also support them by joining their awareness campaigns, fundraising, or volunteering. 

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that combat liver diseases. 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 combating liver diseases – 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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