Racial inequality in the US has resulted in a $16 trillion economic loss over 20 years, due to hiring, wage, and service discrimination. Black families are twice as likely as white families to have no wealth and the homeownership gap is now even larger than it was in the 1960s. As a result, nonprofit organizations are advocating for racial equality and equity worldwide. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for racial justice globally?

The best charities that fight for racial justice globally are Amnesty International and Minority Rights Group International. Charities like Anti-Slavery International, American Civil Liberties Union, and Cultural Survival promote racial equality worldwide.

Whether you want to increase awareness about racial injustice, advocate for the rights of minorities, or eradicate discrimination, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that fight for racial justice globally 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 Racial Justice Globally Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their impact in fighting racial injustice. They strive to eliminate racism and discrimination worldwide.

Many of these charities focus on protecting people of color, Indigenous Peoples, and minority communities from racial profiling and inequality. Other charities provide free legal services to systemic racism and discrimination.

Yet, they all share a common goal of fighting for racial justice globally. 

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Fight for Racial Justice Globally in 2024

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

Best Charities That Fight for Racial Justice Globally

Amnesty International

Minority Rights Group International

Anti-Slavery International

American Civil Liberties Union

Cultural Survival

Race Forward

Equal Justice Initiative

Center for Constitutional Rights

Southern Poverty Law Center

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

Amnesty International: Fighting for a World Where Human Rights Are Enjoyed by All

Amnesty International was founded in 1961 by Peter Benenson in London to obtain amnesty for prisoners of conscience worldwide. Today, the charity is a global movement inspiring people to unite and fight for freedom and racial justice. 

Amnesty International has a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Only when the last prisoner of conscience has been freed, when the last torture chamber has been closed, when the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a reality for the world’s people, will our work be done.”

Amnesty International

Amnesty International promotes racial justice by exposing human rights violations and discriminatory acts worldwide. For example, they defend the rights of indigenous peoples in all regions of the world who face discrimination and marginalization by campaigning for local and international laws to protect their lands, cultures, and livelihoods. They also support them in legal battles to reclaim their ancestral lands.

Since their inception, Amnesty International has become a global movement of 10 million people working in 150 countries to prevent racial inequality and discrimination. They have also published over 40 annual reports detailing racial injustice and other human rights violations worldwide, with recommendations for governments and non-governmental organizations. In addition, they have received several awards, including the 1977 Nobel Peace Prize and the 1978 UN Human Rights Award.

You can donate directly to Amnesty International through their website. You can also assist them by joining their campaign to end discrimination against native Bidun children in Kuwait.

Minority Rights Group International: Working to Secure the Rights of Minorities and Indigenous Peoples

Minority Rights Group International was created in 1969 by David Astor to defend oppressed minorities worldwide. Today, they are an international non-governmental organization fighting for racial justice globally by protecting the rights of disadvantaged minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide.

Their impact and transparency ratings: According to their financial report, Minority Rights Group International spent 81% of their total income on charitable activities.

“We are the leading global organization working for and with ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities, and indigenous peoples worldwide.”

Minority Rights Group International

Minority Rights Group International advances racial justice globally by campaigning to recognize the rights of minority and indigenous communities. For example, they advocate at the national, regional, and international levels to ensure that governments and international agencies respect and promote minority and indigenous peoples’ rights. They also fight for racial justice by offering legal support to protect minorities and indigenous peoples under international law. In addition, they raise awareness about racial equity by training and coaching on different facets of minority and indigenous peoples’ rights.

Since their founding, Minority Rights Group International has worked with over 150 partners across 60 countries to promote peaceful coexistence and racial equality. For example, in 2022, they trained 1,426 activists on minority rights and racial equality. They also made 339 field visits to communities across Hungary, Serbia, Croatia, and Bulgaria to raise awareness about non-discrimination legislation. In addition, they produced 18 publications of comprehensive information on racial injustice and the situation of minorities and indigenous peoples worldwide.

You can donate directly to Minority Rights Group International through their website. You can also assist the charity by fundraising.

Anti-Slavery International: Fighting for Freedom from Slavery

Anti-Slavery International was established in 1839 by Thomas Clarkson and Thomas Fowell Buxton to dismantle the systems that exploited people’s freedom because of their skin color. Today, they work with the oppressed to help end systemic inequality and bring freedom and justice to all people worldwide.

According to their financial report, Anti-Slavery International spent 85% of their income fighting for the oppressed and eradicating systems of racial inequality.

“We want to help end the systemic inequality that hampers efforts to bring freedom and justice for everyone, everywhere, always.”

Anti-Slavery International

Anti-Slavery International works to eliminate all forms of slavery and the systems that enable modern slavery. They do this by investigating and exposing cases of slavery and supporting local initiatives to secure freedom for the oppressed. They also campaign for more effective implementation of national and international laws against slavery, discrimination, and racism.

Since their founding, Anti-Slavery International has addressed racial inequality gaps and human rights violations across the world. For example, in 2022, they supported 2,000 migrant workers to address 113 workplace grievances, including racial injustice, resolving 64% of the issues. They also assisted 100 children with completing six months of vocational training to help them earn a living and close the economic gap created by racism and discrimination.

You can donate directly to Anti-Slavery International through their website. You can also support them by joining their movement to eliminate racism and slavery worldwide. 

American Civil Liberties Union: Defending the Rights of All People Worldwide

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) was founded in 1920 by a small group of civil rights activists to defend people’s constitutional rights following World War I. Today, they are an organization fighting for people whose rights have been denied based on race.

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

“We strive to dismantle systemic racism and repair centuries of harm inflicted on communities of color.”

American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union protects people facing discrimination because of their race. For example, they file class-action lawsuits challenging discrimination against Indigenous Americans in education, voting, and the child welfare system. They also advocate for better laws and policies to ensure racial equity in Artificial Intelligence systems, particularly in employment, housing and credit. In addition, they support affirmative action to promote racial diversity and guarantee equal opportunities for all people, irrespective of race.

Since their inception, the American Civil Liberties Union has become an organization comprising over 1.7 million civil rights activists. Their staff attorneys collaborate with 2,000 volunteer attorneys to handle nearly 2,000 cases annually, particularly those relating to racial justice. For example, in 2021, they filed a class-action lawsuit on behalf of 5 Indian nations and 18 individual plaintiffs challenging the state of Montana’s failure to fulfill its mandate to teach public school students the culture of Native Americans in Montana in consultation with local tribes.

You can donate directly to the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) through their website. You can also support them by joining their campaign against discriminatory laws. In addition, you can contribute to the ACLU by purchasing from their online shop.

Cultural Survival: Advancing Indigenous Peoples’ Rights and Cultures Worldwide

Cultural Survival was created in 1972 by David and Pia Maybury-Lewis in response to the opening up of the Amazonian and South American hinterlands and their drastic effects on Indigenous inhabitants. Today, the charity promotes racial justice globally by defending the rights of indigenous people.

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

“We advocate for Indigenous Peoples’ rights and support Indigenous communities’ self-determination, cultures and political resilience.”

Cultural Survival

Cultural Survival advances racial equality globally by empowering and supporting Indigenous Peoples to advocate for their rights. For example, they support Indigenous development projects by providing small grants to grassroots Indigenous-led organizations, collectives, and traditional governments. They also offer grants that enhance community efforts to ensure the sustainability of Indigenous community-controlled media. In addition, they promote access to equal opportunity for all through workshops for Indigenous peoples, especially women and youth, on topics such as leadership, human rights, and Indigenous community media.

Since their founding, Cultural Survival has fought for racial justice globally by protecting the rights of Indigenous Peoples. For example, in 2022, they celebrated a milestone of $1 million provided in small grants directly to Indigenous communities and organizations to support their projects. They have also supported 238 projects in 38 countries through small grants. In addition, they have awarded 227 grants to community radios and other community media outlets in 24 countries.

You can donate directly to Cultural Survival through their website. You can also support the charity by purchasing from their online shop.

Race Forward: Advancing Racial Justice in Our Policies, Institutions, and Culture

Race Forward was established in 1981 by Gary Delgado to advance racial justice. Today, they work with communities to challenge structural racism and build a just, multiracial, democratic global society.

Race Forward has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“In partnership with communities, organizations, and sectors, we build strategies to advance racial justice in our policies, institutions, and culture.”

Race Forward

Race Forward seeks to eliminate systemic racism and promote social inclusiveness at all levels of society. For example, they established the Mass Freedom Initiative and the Policy Innovation Lab to address mass incarceration, criminalization of people of color, and immigration humanity. They also equip people through racial equity training workshops to effectively talk about racism and address systemic racism in their practice. In addition, through the Government Alliance on Race and Equity and the Federal Initiative to Govern for Racial Equity, they help governments integrate racial equity into their policies and systems.

Since their founding, Race Forward has worked hard to advance racial justice. For example, in 2021 and 2022, they contributed over $2 million to support about 40 organizations promoting racial equality. Also, in 2020, they distributed $100,000 in funds to families and communities of color to support them with emergency housing and food.

You can donate directly to Race Forward through their website. You can also support the charity by working with them to eradicate racial inequality.

Equal Justice Initiative: Challenging Racial and Economic Injustice

The Equal Justice Initiative was founded in 1989 by Byran Stevenson to provide legal representation to those illegally convicted, unfairly sentenced, or abused in state jails and prisons. Today, they advance racial justice by working with communities marginalized by poverty and discouraged by unequal treatment.

The Equal Justice Initiative has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. 

“To challenge racial and economic injustice, and to protect basic human rights for the most vulnerable people in society.”

Equal Justice Initiative

The Equal Justice Initiative is committed to changing the narrative about race. For example, they educate the public about racial equality through reports, an awareness calendar, and short films exploring the history of racial injustice. They also run the Legacy Museum and the National Memorial for Peace and Justice to create new spaces, markers, and memorials that address the legacy of slavery, lynching, and racial segregation.

Since their inception, the Equal Justice Initiative has worked hard to eliminate racial bias and discrimination against the poor. For example, in 2022, they hosted an Educational Summit, which brought together nearly 200 teachers and educational leaders focused on improving education about the history of racial injustice. Also, in 2018, they launched The National Memorial for Peace and Justice as a tribute to African Americans who lost their lives due to racial injustice. The memorial attracted over 400,000 visitors in its opening months alone.

You can donate directly to the Equal Justice Initiative through their website. You can also support them by visiting the Legacy Museum to learn more about racial injustice. In addition, you can contribute to this non-profit organization by purchasing from their online shop.

Center for Constitutional Rights: Fighting for Justice for All

The Center for Constitutional Rights was established in 1966 by William Kunstler and Arthur Kinoy to fight structural racism and gender oppression. Today, they are a nonprofit legal and advocacy organization dedicated to fighting for racial justice.

The Center for Constitutional Rights has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“We fight for a world without oppression where people can achieve justice and guarantee the rights of all.”

Center for Constitutional Rights

The Center for Constitutional Rights advances racial justice by defending the rights of minorities. They do this by providing free legal services to minorities and immigrants without access to justice. They also challenge and campaign against local and federal discriminatory policing, profiling, racial injustice, and torture of minorities. 

Since their founding, the Center for Constitutional Rights has spent decades fighting xenophobia, settler colonialism, and racist oppression. For example, in 2020, they ensured the passage of the Safer New York Act to hold the New York police accountable for brutality and anti-Black policing.

You can donate directly to the Center of Constitutional Rights through their website. You can also support them by volunteering.

Southern Poverty Law Center: Fighting Hate. Seeking Justice.

The Southern Poverty Law Center was founded in 1971 by Morris Dees and Joseph Levin Jr. to advance the civil rights movement. Today, they continue to fight for the most vulnerable and discriminated against members of society, including minorities, immigrants, asylum-seekers, and detainees.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To protect the rights of immigrants and their children to ensure they are treated with dignity and fairness.”

Southern Poverty Law Center

The Southern Poverty Law Center fights racial injustice to ensure everyone is treated with dignity and fairness. They do this by providing legal representation to help those experiencing discrimination get justice. They also work to reveal abuse and discrimination in the immigration system against minorities and file lawsuits against such abuses. In addition, they advocate for a fairer deportation process and work to reunite immigrant families.

Since their founding, the Southern Poverty Law Center has become a network of over 100 lawyers and advocates providing pro bono legal services to minorities across 4 immigration detention centers in the US. For example, in 2019, they filed a lawsuit against the American Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to represent 100 Latin American workers detained based on their perceived ethnicity and immigrant status.

You can donate directly to the Southern Poverty Law Center through their website. You can also contribute by starting a fundraiser for the organization.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that fight for racial justice globally. 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 racial justice globally – 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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