Natural disasters affect 218 million people and claim 68,000 lives per year. They also cause the destruction of property, loss of financial resources, and personal injury or illness. Fortunately, charitable organizations are working to assist those affected by natural disasters worldwide by supporting them in rebuilding their lives. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that help to combat natural disasters?

The best charities that help combat natural disasters are Direct Relief and International Relief Teams. Charities like Americares, The Salvation Army, and All Hands and Hearts provide humanitarian relief to communities impacted by natural disasters. 

Whether you want to provide disaster relief to vulnerable communities, assist communities impacted by natural disasters with improved healthcare, or help disaster survivors to rebuild their lives, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities combating natural disasters 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 Help Combat Natural Disasters Have in Common

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

They operate in the US and worldwide, providing emergency relief to victims of natural disasters.

Many of these charities provide free medical aid to people and communities affected by natural disasters. Others distribute free food and emergency supplies to assist disaster survivors worldwide.

Yet they all share the same goal of combating natural disasters.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Help Combat Natural Disasters in 2024

Below are our favorite charities combating natural disasters (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Help Combat Natural Disasters\

Direct Relief

International Relief Teams

Americares

The Salvation Army

All Hands and Hearts

American Red Cross

Team Rubicon

Samaritan’s Purse

Convoy of Hope

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

Direct Relief: Healthy People. Better World.

Direct Relief was founded in 1948 by Wilhelm Julius Arthur Zimdin to help World War II survivors recover and rebuild their lives. Today, they are a global organization working to enhance the welfare of people affected by natural disasters.

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

“We work to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.”

Direct Relief

Direct Relief equips healthcare workers with resources so they can provide medical services to those affected by natural disasters. These resources include emergency medical packs, cholera treatment kits, and oral rehydration solutions. They also supply emergency prep packs filled with medication to treat conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and severe allergic reactions during hurricanes, floods, and other natural disasters.

Since their founding, Direct Relief has worked to provide medical aid in 97 countries. For example, in 2021, they spent over $1.6 billion to distribute specifically-requested medicines and medical supplies to disaster survivors and other people in need. They also supplied over 238 million daily doses of medicine to those affected by natural disasters. In addition, they made 26,616 deliveries of 4,140 tons of pharmaceuticals and medical supplies to healthcare facilities in poor and disaster-affected areas.

You can donate directly to Direct Relief through their website. You can also assist the charity by volunteering or fundraising to help victims of natural disasters.

International Relief Teams: Restoring Hope, Rebuilding Lives.

International Relief Teams was established in 1988 by Barry La Forgia to alleviate human suffering by providing humanitarian relief to those in need. Today, they provide health and other supportive services to victims of natural disasters, poverty, and neglect locally and globally

International Relief Teams holds a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“International Relief Teams alleviate the suffering caused by poverty and disaster.”

International Relief Teams

International Relief Teams offer immediate and long-term humanitarian relief to combat natural disasters in the US and worldwide. They do this by providing medical supplies and direct funding to partner organizations in affected communities. They also send out skilled volunteers to help victims to rebuild their homes following a natural disaster.

Since their founding, International Relief Teams has provided over $623 million in food, relief supplies, and medicines to natural disaster survivors and families in need. They now work with over 7,500 volunteers to provide disaster relief in 76 countries. For example, in 2022, they distributed over $12 million worth of essential medicines and medical supplies to hospitals and clinics following a humanitarian crisis in the Democratic Republic of Congo. They also delivered emergency supplies to nearly 7,500 families affected by natural disasters in Afghanistan. In addition, they made cash transfers to support 1,250 households displaced by a violent storm in Malawi.

You can donate directly to International Relief Teams through their website. You can also assist them by volunteering or giving to support earthquake relief victims in Syria.

Americares: Health Is on the Way

Americares was founded in 1979 by Robert and Alma Jane Macauley to provide medicine, clothes, and other supplies to people affected by poverty and disaster. Today, they continue to provide humanitarian relief for critical health issues and natural disasters.

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

“Americares saves lives and improves health for people affected by poverty or disaster so they can reach their full potential.” 

Americares

Americares provides emergency medical and humanitarian aid in response to floods, cyclones, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. They also train health workers in mobile health centers to identify trauma and support the most vulnerable victims. In addition, they send emergency medical teams to houses and communities to provide primary health care and referrals for specialized care following natural disasters.

Since their inception, Americares has provided high-quality medication and supplies to communities impacted by natural disasters For example, in 2022, they distributed over 14.7 million prescriptions to sick and injured people affected by natural disasters worldwide. They also delivered 5.2 million emergency supplies to support disaster survivors. In addition, they provided medicine to over 3 million people affected by natural disasters in 79 countries. They also trained about 9,600 health workers to provide improved healthcare in areas impacted by natural disasters.

You can donate directly to Americares through their website. You can also assist the charity by volunteering or partnering with them as a medical professional.

The Salvation Army: Doing the Most Good

The Salvation Army was established in 1865 by William and Catherine Booth to preach the gospel and reach out to the impoverished and disadvantaged. Today, they are a global charity responding to disasters and providing practical support to those in need.

The Salvation Army has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Our mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in his name without discrimination.”

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army works with local organizations and federal authorities to provide mobile showers, bottled water, and a clean blanket to those affected by floods, earthquakes, wildfires, and other disasters. They also provide temporary shelter and emotional and spiritual care to those in need. In addition, they work with governmental organizations to create long-term disaster recovery plans for communities affected by natural disasters.

Since their inception, the Salvation Army has assisted about 25 million people affected by poverty, neglect, and natural disasters annually. For example, in 2022, they distributed over 171 million meals to those facing hardship, unexpected crises, and natural disasters. They also provided over 7.7 million nights of shelter to those experiencing homelessness due to poverty and natural disasters. In addition, they supported over 3.8 million people with financial assistance to reduce the effects of natural disasters and poverty.

You can donate directly to the Salvation Army through their website. You can also support them by fundraising or donating goods to help those in need.

All Hands and Hearts: Response. Recovery. Resilience. Renewal.

All Hands and Hearts was founded in 2005 by David Campbell and Petra Němcová to support residents in areas affected by natural disasters. Today, they continue to address the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters.

All Hands and Hearts has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“All Hands and Hearts effectively and efficiently addresses the immediate and long-term needs of communities impacted by natural disasters.”

All Hands and Hearts

All Hands and Hearts helps communities affected by natural disasters to rebuild disaster-resilient homes and schools. They also alleviate the damage caused to community parks and spaces by planting trees, cleaning up debris, rebuilding playgrounds, and repainting public structures. In addition, they undertake Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WaSH) initiatives to improve the health of children and community members by reducing the incidence of water and sanitation-related illnesses after a natural disaster. 

Since their inception, All Hands and Hearts has helped over 1.2 million people affected by natural disasters. They now work with over 63,000 volunteers in 23 countries. They have also created more than 140 disaster-relief programs. In addition, All Hands and Hearts has helped over 117,000 children return to school and cleaned up and rebuilt over 325 schools affected by natural disasters. 

You can donate directly to All Hands and Hearts through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or fundraising on their behalf.

American Red Cross: Help Those Affected by Disasters

The American Red Cross was established in 1881 by Clara Barton to support people in need. Today, they provide disaster relief and support military and veteran families in the US and worldwide.

The American Red Cross has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors.​”

American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides free disaster relief to families and communities in need. They do this by assessing damage in impacted communities and distributing clean-up supplies to clear debris caused by floods. They also provide safe and dry temporary shelter to families affected by floods and work with them on their recovery plans. In addition, they offer first aid and emotional support to flood victims and assistance to people with disabilities.

Since their inception, the American Red Cross has responded to over 60,000 disasters yearly. For example, in 2019 and 2020, they distributed over 308,200 meals and snacks to those affected by tornadoes and floods in the Midwest. They also provided nearly 130,300 relief materials and 15,000 overnight shelters to assist disaster survivors. In addition, they supported over 17,000 people impacted by natural disasters with medical, mental health, and spiritual care.

You can donate directly to the American Red Cross through their website. You can also assist them by volunteering or by donating blood to disaster survivors in need. In addition, you can support the charity by buying merchandise from their online store.

Team Rubicon: Built to Serve

Team Rubicon was established in 2010 by a team of 8 volunteers to provide disaster relief to earthquake survivors in Haiti. Today, they are a global organization helping communities impacted by disasters.

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

“Team Rubicon is a veteran-led humanitarian organization that serves global communities, before, during, and after disasters and crises.”

Team Rubicon

Team Rubicon combats natural disasters by providing relief to communities in need. They do this by helping to clear debris and offering free rebuilding services following a natural disaster. In addition, their medical teams provide emergency medical and trauma care for chronic conditions and preventable diseases. They also organize care for more complex health situations and patient transport systems management for disaster survivors. 

Since their founding, Team Rubicon has deployed over 1.2 million hours to assist disaster-affected communities worldwide. They have also trained more than 29,765 volunteers in disaster response tactics. In addition, they provided free disaster relief services to victims affected by over 171 floods, 124 tornadoes, and 93 severe weather conditions worldwide. 

You can donate directly to Team Rubicon through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or purchasing merchandise from their online store.

Samaritan’s Purse: Helping in Jesus’ Name

The Samaritan’s Purse was founded in 1970 by Bob Pierce to meet emergency needs in crisis areas. Today, they are a global organization providing immediate support and recovery services to those affected by natural disasters and crises.

The Samaritan’s Purse has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We are a nondenominational evangelical Christian organization providing spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world.”

Samaritan’s Purse

The Samaritan’s Purse provides medical supplies and deploys disaster assistance to meet disaster victims’ needs worldwide. They also deliver emergency food kits and install community filtration systems to provide clean water to communities impacted by natural disasters. In addition, they construct transitional shelters to support those recovering from natural disasters.

Since their inception, the Samaritan’s Purse has supported natural disaster survivors worldwide. For example, in 2020, they provided relief efforts through nearly 1500 volunteers and completed clean up and recovery on 315 homes affected by floods in Michigan. Also, in 2014, they delivered humanitarian aid to 750 families in communities affected by natural disasters in Bolivia. Furthermore, their mobile medical clinic treated 904 patients in these vulnerable communities.

You can donate directly to the Samaritan’s Purse through their website. You can also assist the charity by volunteering to provide humanitarian relief to those affected by natural disasters.

Convoy of Hope: Bringing Hope to Every Area of Need

Convoy of Hope was established in 1994 by Hal, Dave, and Steve Donaldson to serve disadvantaged people. Today, they are a nonprofit disaster relief organization that provides food, supplies, and humanitarian services to impoverished or otherwise needy populations worldwide.

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

“We are a humanitarian, faith-based organization on a mission to feed the hungry and bring help and hope to communities that need it most.”

Convoy of Hope

Convoy of Hope provides disaster relief services to support those impacted by natural disasters. They do this by equipping and training local staff and volunteers to respond quickly and efficiently to natural disasters. They also stock domestic and international warehouses with relief supplies to offer ongoing support following a natural disaster. In addition, they provide resources to assist those facing long-term humanitarian crises, such as refugee displacement and drought.

Since their founding, Convoy of Hope has responded to over 625 natural disasters in the US and worldwide. For example, in 2022, they assisted over 4.5 million people affected by natural disasters. In 2021, they distributed over 17 million lbs of resources to support disaster survivors in the US. In addition, they provided relief services to over 1.1 million people impacted by natural disasters worldwide.

You can donate directly to Convoy of Hope through their website. You can also support them by volunteering or building a support kit for a disaster survivor.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities combating natural disasters. However, you may have a particular charity you want to support. Let’s look at what you can do to ensure your contribution has the most significant impact.

• Check out the charity website. Charities that are worthy of your donations are transparent in their mission and their figures. Familiarize yourself with their history, mission, and values. Their website usually is the best place to start.
• Identify the charity’s mission. Without a goal, the charity is likely to fail. If the charity’s mission isn’t clear, it’s probably worth looking for a charity that does have a clear mission. 
• Check if the charity has measurable goals. An effective charity has clear goals. You want to know your donation will help the charity reach its goals. But if it doesn’t have targets, it’s likely to fail or squander your gift. The charity should be able to account for its spending and supply evidence of the work they do.
• Assess the successes or goals the charity has achieved. You wouldn’t invest in a business if it kept missing its targets. In the same way, charities are like this too. If no one is assessing a charity’s progress in reaching its targets, the chances are they’re not making a substantial positive change.
• Check the charity’s financials and stats. Trustworthy organizations will publish financial statements and reports each year. Some might be exempt from having to do so, but they should be able to provide them to public members who are interested in donating.
• Locate sources who work with or benefit from the charity. Word of mouth and first-hand experience of a charity’s work lets you know the charity’s quality. If you’re able to do so, check out the charity for yourself or speak to someone familiar with it. This way, your donation will go to the right place. 

How Can You Best Support These Charities?

After you’ve made your decision, it’s time for you to decide on how you’d like to help the charities you’ve chosen. Check how you can help – each charity runs specific programs that have unique aims. Find out what the aim of such programs is and whether they are right for you. 

Here are a few ways you can help your chosen charity:

• Donate money. You can find donation pages on the website of most charities. Your donation can be a one-time payment, or you can set it to be deducted regularly at different intervals. You can mostly pay via credit card, but some charities also take PayPal or Bitcoin payments.
• Buy their official merchandise. Charities can also raise money by selling merchandise. So, you can support them by buying the mugs, shirts, caps, pens, pencils, and any other such items they may be selling. Ideally, you should buy as much as you can to share and spread the word about the charity’s activities.
• Engage in volunteer work. As you’ve seen from our descriptions above, some charities engage in 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 combatting natural disasters – 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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