Nursing is seen as the most ethical profession in the United States. There are around 27 million nurses worldwide, making up 50% of the overall global health workforce. However, reports show that nurses are underpaid, undervalued, and face a larger gender pay gap than in other professions, and approximately 38% of nurses face burnout every year. Charities can help ease the mental and financial burden that many nurses go through. So we had to ask: What are the best charities to support nurses?

The best charities to support nurses are the American Nurses Foundation, the Florence Nightingale Foundation, and the Burdett Trust for Nursing. Other charities, such as The DAISY Foundation, Cavell, and IntraHealth International, work tirelessly to support nurses across the globe.

Whether you want to fund new nursing research, provide life-changing financial aid, or support nurses going through mental health issues, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities to support nurses are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities to Support Nurses 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.

All of these charities believe that nurses should have support networks and financial aid when going through tough times, and have access to educational resources. 

Whether they support nurses through grants, education, or therapy, these charities work to lift up nurses and highlight nursing as a profession.

Yet, they all share the same goal of supporting nurses. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities to Support Nurses in 2024

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

Best Charities to Support Nurses

American Nurses Foundation

Florence Nightingale Foundation

Burdett Trust for Nursing

The DAISY Foundation

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

Cavell

Royal College of Nursing Foundation

IntraHealth International

(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 Nurses Foundation: Advocating for Nurses and Transforming Healthcare

The American Nurses Foundation was founded in 1955, as an affiliate branch of the American Nursing Association, to be a hub of research, education, and charitable support for nurses across the United States. Today, they elevate the profession of nursing and aim to evolve the practice to transform health and healthcare around the world.

The American Nurses Foundation has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To achieve a healthy world through the power of nursing.”

American Nurses Foundation

The American Nurses Foundation advocates for and champions nurses across the world. For example, their Wellbeing Initiative gives nurses a voice on their own mental health and offers free or discounted counseling support. Additionally, their Pulse on the Nation’s Nurses survey has given insight into many facets of nursing life, from workplace feedback, mental wellness, and innovation, to the impact of COVID-19. Beyond this, they support nurses with their Coronavirus Response Fund, their free Healthy Nurse program, and their Stress and Burnout Prevention Program.

Since their founding, the American Nurses Foundation has impacted hundreds of thousands of nurses globally. For example, in 2022 alone, 677,000 nurses participated in their Wellbeing Initiative, and the foundation gained over 36,000 new members. They also received over $2.7 million in donations and distributed $3.1 million in grants to nurses. On top of this, their Reimagining Nursing Initiative granted over $14 million to 10 bold new projects developed and led by nurses to transform nursing for improved access, care, and outcomes for all.

You can donate directly to the American Nurses Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by organizing a fundraiser, or by donating stocks.

Florence Nightingale Foundation: Supporting Nurses and Midwives

The Florence Nightingale Foundation was formed in 1934, by the International Council of Nurses to honor the legacy of world-famous nurse Florence Nightingale. Today, they support nurses and midwives to improve care and save lives across the globe. 

According to their financial report, the Florence Nightingale Foundation spent 95.2% of their income on charitable activities and 4.8% on raising funds.

“Florence was the founder of modern nursing and of course, many great nurses across the world have been celebrated since. May we all continue their legacies. May we all have the passion she had to change health and care.”

Florence Nightingale Foundation

The Florence Nightingale Foundation supports nurses and midwives to develop the personal and leadership skills they need to improve care, save lives, and promote well-being across the world. To achieve these goals, they offer leadership programs, scholarships for nurses and midwives, and influence policy as a think tank. Furthermore, their Nightingale Frontline Support Service offers a psychological safe space for nurses.

The Florence Nightingale Foundation reaches thousands of nurses and midwives every year. By 2027, they aim to reach over a million people in these professions. For example, in 2021, they reached over 150,000 people, with over 9,200 people accessing their leadership development program. 58% of these people were from an ethnic minority background. Furthermore, 100% of attendees of the Nightingale Frontline Support Service described it as a confidential, safe space.

You can donate directly to the Florence Nightingale Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by funding a grant, or by organizing a fundraiser.

Burdett Trust for Nursing: Offering Charitable Grants to Nurse-Led Projects

The Burdett Trust for Nursing was founded in 2002 in the UK, in honor of Sir Henry Burdett, who established the Royal National Pension Fund for Nurses. Today, the charity is an independent trust supporting projects to empower nurses.

According to their financial report, the Burdett Trust for Nursing spent 95.9% of their expenditure on charitable activities and the remaining 4.1% on raising funds. 

“Continuing to support nurse-led projects, working independently and with our funding partners to improve patient care.”

The Burdett Trust for Nursing

The Burdett Trust for Nursing offers charitable grants to support nurses and to better the healthcare system. Their grants offer up to £100,000 to nurse-led initiatives. Moreover, their Nursing Now Challenge creates leadership development opportunities for nurses and allows healthcare professionals around the world to connect. Additionally, they hold a healthcare symposium and honor nurses in their Burdett Nursing Awards. 

Since their founding, the Burdett Trust for Nursing has continued to impact nurses around the world. For example, their Nursing Now Challenge has created leadership development opportunities for 100,000 nurses and midwives in more than 150 countries. Furthermore, they have offered over $65.2 million in grants to nurse-led initiatives. Moreover, in partnership with the University of Edinburgh and King’s College London, the Burdett Trust for Nursing has agreed to support four fellowship bursaries each year, for two nurses from the UK, and two international nurses.

You can donate directly to the Burdett Trust for Nursing through their website. You can also keep up to date with the trust by subscribing to their newsletter or following them on social media. 

The DAISY Foundation: Honoring Compassion in Nursing

The DAISY Foundation was founded in 1999 by the family of J. Patrick Barnes who died from complications of the autoimmune disease Idiopathic Thrombocytopenia Purpura (ITP). DAISY is an acronym for Diseases Attacking the Immune System. Today, they honor nurses around the world in J. Patrick Barnes’ name. 

The DAISY Foundation has a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The DAISY Foundation expresses gratitude to Nurses with programs that recognize them for the extraordinary compassionate, skillful care they provide patients and families.”

The DAISY Foundation

The DAISY Foundation offers a number of awards and grants to support nurses. A few of the awards they offer include the Extraordinary Nurses, Nurse Leaders, Lifetime Achievements, and Faculty Awards. Their grants fund research, health equity, and medical missions. DAISY Award winners receive reduced tuition at Chamberlain University College of Nursing, networking opportunities, and mental wellbeing support.

Since their founding, the DAISY Foundation has received over 2.5 million nominations for their awards, and has honored over 210,000 nurses from over 6,000 healthcare organizations and nursing schools. Overall, they have awarded nurses from 39 countries and territories, and given more than $800,000 in grants for research, evidence-based practice projects, and medical missions.

You can donate directly to The DAISY Foundation through their website. You can also keep up to date with the foundation by following them on social media. 

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing: Advancing Nursing and Supporting Students

The Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing, known as Sigma, was founded in 1922 by six students of the Indiana University Training School for Nurses. The charity was set up to advance the nursing profession as a science and support nursing students. Today, Stigma is the second largest nursing organization in the world. 

Sigma has a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“Sigma is an international community of nurses, dedicated to the advancement of knowledge, teaching, learning, and service through the cultivation of communities of practice, education, and research.”

Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing

The Sigma Theta Tau International Honour Society of Nursing promotes nursing as a profession and highlights the leadership and service in the field, to improve healthcare worldwide. For example, they fund nursing research, offer grants, and offer online continuous professional development courses for nurses. As well as this, they offer leadership and career development programs to support nursing professionals and allow their careers to thrive. Sigma also release a number of publications for their members, such as the Journal of Nursing Scholarship, and Nursing Centered.

Today, the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing has over 100,000 members residing in over 100 countries across the world. There are around 600 chapters at more than 700 institutions of higher education. Every year, Sigma contributes over $200,000 to nursing research through grants, scholarships, and other awards. In addition, their Journal of Nursing Scholarship is one of the most widely-read healthcare journals. 

You can donate directly to the Sigma Theta Tau International Honor Society of Nursing through their website. You can also support the charity by becoming a member, or by purchasing books or merchandise from their shop.

National Council of State Boards of Nursing: The Collective Voice of Nursing Regulation

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing was founded in 1978 by a group of dedicated individuals to strengthen the licensing and regulation of nurses to ensure safe nursing care. Today the charity promotes public trust in nursing through data, policy, and innovation.

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing has a perfect 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“NCSBN empowers and supports nursing regulators in their mandate to protect the public.”

National Council of State Boards of Nursing

The National Council of State Boards of Nursing offers a variety of publications, papers, videos, webinars, and other resources presenting in-depth information that contributes to the body of nursing knowledge. They also developed the NCLEX exams, which are seen as the preeminent nursing examinations. In addition, they offer Continuing Education (CE) courses and an International Centre for Regulatory Scholarship Advanced Leadership Institute.

Since their founding, the National Council of State Boards of Nursing has introduced a Nursing Licensure Compact scheme, which means that nurses can hold a license and practice in all NLC states, thus making nursing more accessible. Currently, 41 jurisdictions are part of the NLC. Moreover, in 2020, the NCSBN joined the COVID-19 Vaccine Education and Equity Project and ensured that their NCLEX exams remained operational during the lockdowns, so that new nurses were able to join the workforce.

The best way to support the National Council of State Boards of Nursing is by signing up as a member. Otherwise, you can stay up to date by signing up to their newsletter or following them on social media.

Cavell: Supporting Nurses and Midwives During Difficulties

Cavell was founded in 1917 in memory of Edith Cavell, who was executed after helping around 200 Allied soldiers escape from German-occupied Belgium in World War I. Today, they support nurses, midwives, and healthcare assistants suffering from personal or financial hardship.

According to their financial report, Cavell spent 81% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 19% on fundraising.

“When the nursing and midwifery family is going through tough times, Cavell gives help.”

Cavell

Cavell works to tailor a free package of support to any healthcare worker who is seeking assistance, including nurses. They offer emotional support, advice on maximizing benefits, help signpost to specialist services, and can provide rapid one-off grants and emergency funding. For example, they cover small costs such as travel expenses to medical appointments, or the money needed to fix essential appliances. They also provide life-changing aid, such as helping a family flee domestic abuse. Furthermore, they have set up the Cavell Support Hub to offer more emotional aid and financial advice to nurses.

Since their founding, Cavell has offered vital support to countless nurses. For example, in 2022, they saw a 200% increase in demand for their services, with 94% of the nurses helped by Cavell saying that the support they received positively affected their mental health. In addition, 80% of working nurses said that Cavell helped them get back to, or stay in, work.

You can donate directly to Cavell through their website. You can also support the charity by fundraising, or by playing their Health Service Charity Lottery.

Royal College of Nursing Foundation: Supporting Nurses, Improving Care

The Royal College of Nursing Foundation was founded in 2010 by the Royal College of Nursing to support nurses and improve the health and wellbeing of the public. Today, the charity financially aids some of the most vulnerable people in nursing and creates opportunities for nurses to complete their education.

According to their financial report, The Royal College of Nursing Foundation spent 65% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 35% on fundraising.

“The RCN Foundation is committed to supporting and strengthening nursing and midwifery to improve the health and wellbeing of the public.”

The Royal College of Nursing Foundation

The Royal College of Nursing Foundation supports nursing and midwifery in three main ways. Firstly, they provide grants for education and individuals going through hardship. They also fund nursing-led projects in priority areas and champion nursing by raising the profile and public understanding of the profession. Some of their research projects include leadership in nursing, wellbeing in nursing, children and young people’s mental health, and learning disability nursing.

Since their founding, the Royal College of Nursing Foundation has supported nurses and midwives, many of whom are facing financial difficulty. For example, in 2022 alone, they awarded 873 healthcare workers with grants, totaling over $352,500. As well as this, they helped their clients identify more than $2 million of unclaimed benefits. They also supported 255 people with education grants totaling $438,000. 95% of education grant recipients stated that the award helped them gain competence in their field.

You can donate directly to The Royal College of Nursing Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by fundraising for them, or by volunteering.

IntraHealth International: Supporting the Future of Healthcare Workers

IntraHealth International was founded by Pape Gaye at the University of North Carolina to support healthcare workers and improve healthcare for women and their families. Today, they support nurses and strengthen global healthcare systems.

IntraHealth International has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“We believe everyone everywhere should have the health care they need to thrive. That’s why we work every day to improve the performance of health workers around the world and strengthen the systems in which they work.”

IntraHealth International

IntraHealth International supports healthcare workers around the globe, including nurses. For example, they work to strengthen healthcare systems, promote gender equality in healthcare, provide digital training and education, and build capacity in healthcare leadership and management roles. They have also helped to create the Community Health Impact Coalition, and the Frontline Health Workers Coalition, to change global policy to support nurses and provide funding for universal health coverage and climate resilience.

Today, Intrahealth International reaches nurses in over 100 countries. For example, in 2022 alone they supported 174,067 healthcare workers in 5,189 healthcare facilities. In 3,380 facilities, IntraHealth offered mentoring, coaching, or supervision. They also provided 289,271 items of personal protective equipment, such as masks, to healthcare workers such as nurses. 

You can donate directly to IntraHealth International through their website. You can also keep up to date with the charity by signing up for their newsletter or by following them on social media.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities to support nurses. 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 supporting nurses – 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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