Nuclear weapons were first developed in the 1940s, and ever since, there has been a growing, global voice calling for the end of these devastating weapons, which can potentially cause mass destruction. Around two-thirds of Americans believe that no country should be allowed to have nuclear weapons. Furthermore, many global charities campaign for world peace, which cannot be achieved with the threat of nuclear weapons hanging over us. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for nuclear disarmament?

The best charities that fight for nuclear disarmament are Global Zero, Nuclear Age Peace Foundation, and the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons. Other charities such as the Ploughshares Fund, Beyond Nuclear, and the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament work towards a nuclear-free world.

Whether you want to support anti-nuclear projects, reduce nuclear power, or raise awareness of the damages of nuclear warfare, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that fight for nuclear disarmament 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 Fight for Nuclear Disarmament Have in Common

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

They operate all over the world, from North America to Europe. And they all share the same goal of the disarmament of nuclear weapons. 

Whether they fight through governmental campaigning, protest, or education programs, these charities work towards reducing and eliminating nuclear warfare.

Yet, all of these charities believe that a world free from nuclear weapons would be a more peaceful place. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Fight for Nuclear Disarmament in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that fight for nuclear disarmament:

Best Charities That Fight for Nuclear Disarmament in 2024

Global Zero

Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

Ploughshares Fund

Beyond Nuclear

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War

Los Alamos Study Group

The Nuclear Threat Initiative

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

Global Zero: A Movement to Eliminate Nuclear Weapons Entirely

Global Zero was set up in Paris in 2008, by over 100 political, civic, and military leaders to raise awareness of the threat of nuclear warfare. Today, the charity is a global initiative working towards a nuclear weapon free world.

Global Zero has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“A World Without Nuclear Weapons”

Global Zero

Global Zero builds awareness and creates public education resources on the dangers of nuclear warfare. They do this by mobilizing activists in their communities, as well as within governments and across social media to call for an end to nuclear weapons. Furthermore, their Global Zero Action campaign is a 10-year framework designed to achieve a legally-binding agreement among the world’s 9 nuclear-armed countries to phase out nuclear weapons by 2045. 

Today, Global Zero is a network of 300 movement leaders, including politicians, diplomats, and military leaders, all working towards global nuclear disarmament. For example, in 2021, they consulted with various stakeholders in the nuclear field and recruited experts from 25 prominent organizations to expand their reach. Since their founding, their anti-nuclear campaigns have reached millions of people, as well as their breakthrough documentary ‘Countdown to Zero’. 

You can donate directly to Global Zero through their website. You can also support the charity by signing their petition to avoid nuclear chaos or by joining their Global Movement as an activist.

Nuclear Age Peace Foundation: Educating and Advocating for a Nuclear Free World

The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation was founded in 1982 by peace activists David Krieger and Frank K. Kelly to create a world free from nuclear threats. Today, the charity is recognized as a Peace Messenger Organization by the UN, dedicated to achieving a just, peaceful, and sustainable world.

The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. The charity also has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.  

“We educate, advocate, propose, and pursue denuclearizing actions with the intention of achieving a just and peaceful world, free of nuclear weapons”

Nuclear Age Peace Foundation

The Nuclear Age Peace Foundation attends United Nations meetings to push and refine the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, and lobby those who have not yet joined the treaty. They also organize events to educate and advocate for the treaty, such as their Nuclear Dangers Virtual Series, as well as lobby elected officials, and collaborate with senators and representatives. Furthermore, they educate and encourage individuals to write to or call their politicians to make a change. 

Since their founding, the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation has remained dedicated to their goal of achieving a nuclear free world. For example, thanks to their campaign efforts, 122 nations have now adopted the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Furthermore, in 2014, they launched Nuclear Zero lawsuits which forced the US Federal District Court to confront the injustice caused by US nuclear programs on the Marshall Islands.

You can donate directly to the Nuclear Age Peace Foundation through their website. You can also keep up to date with the work of the charity by signing up to their mailing list or by following them on social media

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons: Exposing the Truth About Nuclear Weapons

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons was founded in 2007 to mobilize civil society to support the abolishment of nuclear weapons worldwide. Today, the charity is one of the leading global organizations working to stigmatize, prohibit, and eliminate nuclear weapons.

According to their financial report, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons spent 43% of their income on campaigning activities and 30% on personnel expenses. 

“Our work to focus political and public attention on the humanitarian consequences of nuclear weapons, our work to prohibit nuclear weapons has never resonated so much with the public as right now.”

International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons

The International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons works with a network of like-minded organizations to end the threat of nuclear weapons worldwide. They do this by holding peace symposiums to spread awareness about dangerous events associated with the use of nuclear weapons, such as the Hiroshima disaster. Moreover, they run rallies, campaigns, and awareness marches, both locally and globally, to encourage the public to take a stand against the threat of nuclear weapons. 

Today, the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons partners with over 650 organizations in 110 countries to fight for nuclear disarmament. Furthermore, they were awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for their work drawing attention to the catastrophic humanitarian consequences of any use of nuclear weapons and their ground-breaking efforts to achieve a treaty-based prohibition of such weapons. Thanks to the advocacy efforts of the charity, the treaty has now gained the support of over 68 parties and 91 signatories.

You can donate directly to the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their campaigns, or by volunteering. In addition, you can stay up to date with the work of the charity by following them on social media.

Ploughshares Fund: A Grantmaking Foundation Preventing the Use of Nuclear Weapons

The Ploughshares Fund was created in 1981 by nuclear disarmament activist and philanthropist Sally Lilienthal to work towards a safe and secure future free from the threat of nuclear weapons. Today, they are the only grantmaking fund focused solely on reducing nuclear weapons.

The Ploughshares Fund has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. The charity also has a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Supporting the most effective advocates and organizations in the world to reduce and eventually eliminate the danger posed by nuclear weapons.”

Ploughshares Fund

The Ploughshares Fund makes grants to organizations and individuals that are creating policies or activities that aim to eliminate nuclear threats. Some of their grantees include the Arms Control Association, the British American Security Information Council, and the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists. They also release educational resources, such as overviews of the Biden Administration’s Nuclear Posture Review, and on the New Nuclear Arms Race to inspire motivation and a move towards a safer world.

Since their founding, the Ploughshares Fund has awarded over $100 million in grants, making them the biggest nuclear weapon-focused philanthropic foundation in the US. In addition, they helped secure the Iran Deal, supported the 1996 treaty to ban nuclear tests, and stopped the development of new nuclear weapons, like the ‘bunker buster’.

You can donate directly to the Ploughshares Fund through their website. In addition, you can stay up to date with the work of the charity by following them on social media, or by signing up to their newsletter.

Beyond Nuclear: Working for a World Without Nuclear Power and Nuclear Weapons

Beyond Nuclear was founded in 2007 by Linda Clare Pentz Gunter, in Maryland, to spread awareness and education about nuclear weapons and power to the public, government officials, and the media. Today, they are dedicated to moving humanity toward a world beyond nuclear.

Beyond Nuclear has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. The charity also has a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Helping to ensure a safer, greener and more just world for all.”

Beyond Nuclear

Beyond Nuclear hosts frequent classes to spread education about nuclear issues, with accessible fees on a sliding scale, as well as scholarships. Additionally, they have a wide array of free resources, including newsletters, handbooks, reports, and talking points to help educate people about nuclear war and nuclear power. Moreover, they frequently work with BIPOC and indigenous communities disproportionately impacted by nuclear issues. They also hold interviews with experts to spread the word.

Since their founding, Beyond Nuclear has passionately advocated for an end to nuclear weapons. For example, in 2022, they blocked a legal decision which would have approved 20-year license renewals on 4 nuclear reactors. This increased their media presence, with national television and radio coverage. They have also resisted both private and federal consolidated interim storage facilities (CISF) for highly radioactive waste. Furthermore, the charity succeeded in passing a law in Texas to ban high-level radioactive waste importation.

You can donate directly to Beyond Nuclear through their website. In addition, you can stay up to date with the work of the charity by following them on social media, or by accessing their free educational resources.

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament: One of the World’s Oldest Nuclear Disarmament Organizations

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament (CND) was founded in 1957 in Britain by Bertrand Russell to raise awareness of the dangers of nuclear weapons. Today, the charity is a global organization vocally campaigning for nuclear disarmament and a more peaceful world.

According to their financial report, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament spent 72% of their income on campaigning activities, membership, and fundraising, with the remaining 28% going towards support costs and taxes.

“CND campaigns non-violently to rid the world of nuclear weapons and other weapons of mass destruction and to create genuine security for future generations.”

Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament

The Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament works to end the use of nuclear weapons through advocacy. For example, they utilize their nuclear ban communities to push for a nuclear-free world and rally to scrap Britain’s nuclear weapons. Beyond their campaigns, they have regional groups across the UK, that are involved in uncovering details about nuclear installments, as well as protesting and spreading awareness to the public.

Since their founding, the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament has continued to be a leading force towards nuclear disarmament. For example, they were part of the collective that campaigned for a global ban of nuclear weapons at the United Nations. This treaty went into effect in January 2021, and the work towards this earned CND, and many other international nuclear disarmament charities, a Nobel Peace Prize.

You can donate directly to the Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament through their website. In addition, you can become a member, or purchase anti-nuclear merchandise from their online shop.

International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War: Healthcare Workers Campaigning for A More Peaceful World

The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War was founded in 1980 by a group of doctors including Dr. Bernard Lown, to highlight the medical effects of nuclear warfare. Today, they continue to mobilize people in the health sector to rally for nuclear disarmament.

The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. 

“Physicians charged with responsibility for the lives of their patients and the health of the community must begin to explore a new province of preventive medicine, the prevention of nuclear war.”

The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War

The International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War hosts world conferences every few years, uplifting international speakers to raise awareness of nuclear weapons. These are opportunities to connect with their worldwide anti-nuclear community, hold youth panels, workshops, and provide opportunities for engagement. They also have regular talks and events, such as their Climate and Nuclear Webinars, or Health Justice Galas. Furthermore, they have developed medical education courses on the topic of peace through health, as well as a Youth Engagement team.

Since their founding, the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War has fought passionately for nuclear disarmament. For example, in 2013, they campaigned successfully to pass the Armed Trades Treaty. Furthermore, they won a Nobel Peace Prize in 1985, making them one of only 8 anti-nuclear advocacy organizations to do so. In addition, they founded the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which also went on to receive a Nobel Prize. 

You can donate directly to the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War through their website. In addition, you can sign up to their email newsletter, or connect with other activists in their Facebook group.

Los Alamos Study Group: A Fact-Based Campaign to Reduce Nuclear Warfare

The Los Alamos Study Group was founded in 1989 by Greg Mello, as a non-partisan, factual organization to discuss nuclear policy and campaign for nuclear disarmament. Today, they continue to hold frequent public meetings, and Capitol Hill briefings, to call for an end to nuclear weapons.

The Los Alamos Study Group has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. The charity also has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The Study Group’s principled and broadly-informed voice is more important than ever as our society attempts to navigate through unprecedented political, environmental, and social upheaval.”

Los Alamos Study Group

The Los Alamos Study Group holds public workshops and educational programs about the threat of nuclear warfare for young people. This charity has technical, legal, and public education expertise, and campaigns for their local New Mexico community, as well as the global movement. Moreover, they hold many briefings at Capitol Hill, and have facilitated hundreds of public meetings about nuclear issues worldwide, and in Los Alamos.

Since their founding, the Los Alamos Study Group has become a global movement dedicated to ending the use of nuclear weapons. For example, they have successfully blocked major nuclear warhead infrastructure projects at Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL). In 2011, they were also named one of the nation’s “top 10 small green groups” and one of 11 “favorite groups” in 2013 by Counterpunch. Moreover, they have been covered by the national press, and been interviewed on hundreds of radio and TV programs.

You can donate directly to the Los Alamos Study Group through their website. There is also the option to become a sustaining donor, or you can support the charity by donating stock.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative: Reducing Nuclear and Biological Threats

The Nuclear Threat Initiative was founded in 2001 by former U.S. Senator Sam Nunn and philanthropist Ted Turner to create real-world solutions to biological and nuclear threats. Today, the charity is a global security organization focused on nuclear disarmament to protect humanity.

The Nuclear Threat Initiative has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. The charity also has a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“To transform global security by driving systemic solutions to nuclear and biological threats imperiling humanity.”

Nuclear Threat Initiative

The Nuclear Threat Initiative raises awareness and advocates to make creative solutions to reducing nuclear weapons. For example, their Global Nuclear Policy Program aims to reduce and eliminate the risk of nuclear warfare by encouraging international communication. Some of their other programs include, the Euro-Atlantic Security Leadership Group, the Global Enterprise to Strengthen Non-Proliferation and Disarmament, and the Regional Leadership Networks to Reduce Nuclear Risk. Moreover, they collaborate with governments and organizations, to achieve these goals, and end the threat of nuclear weapons for good. 

Since their inception, the Nuclear Threat Initiative has worked to create a world safe from the potential global catastrophe associated with nuclear weapons. For example, in 2010, they produced a documentary called ‘Nuclear Tipping Point’, which premiered at Universal Studios and was screened by President Obama at the White House. Moreover, in collaboration with The Economist, they developed the NTI Index, which specifies the nuclear security conditions of 176 countries.

You can donate directly to the Nuclear Threat Initiative through their website. In addition, you can stay up to date with the work of the charity by taking part in their events or signing up to their newsletter.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that fight for nuclear disarmament. 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 nuclear disarmament – 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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