As gun violence continues to harm families all across America, the number of people impacted has consequently increased as well. Every year, over 117,000 people are injured by firearms, and it is estimated that gun violence results in over $229 billion in economic losses annually. Connecting survivors with the appropriate resources is vital to their healing, as well as fighting to prevent future victims from being traumatized. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that help victims of gun violence?

The best charities that help victims of gun violence are Everytown for Gun Safety, Survivors Empowered, and Giffords. Other charities like Victims First focus on getting aid directly to survivors, while the Darren B. Easterling Center helps to heal both the victims and perpetrators of gun violence.

Whether you want to directly support resources for victims of gun violence, organizations that amplify the stories of survivors, or charities that actively fight to prevent future violence, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that help victims of gun violence are all about, how they work, and what the best way would be for you to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Help Victims of Gun Violence Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their constant commitment to helping all victims of gun violence, their transparency, and the role they perform in the gun violence prevention movement. 

Many of their operations and goals grow more ambitious every year as the issue of gun violence grows larger. 

These charities strive to help victims of gun violence in different ways, from direct financial aid to assistance in medical, mental health, or funeral expenses, to teaching survivors leadership skills that can help prevent future victims. 

Yet they all work toward a common goal: to care for those who have been harmed by gun violence and to help prevent gun violence before it strikes.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Help Victims of Gun Violence in 2024

Below are our favorite charities that help victims of gun violence (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Help Victims of Gun Violence

Everytown for Gun Safety

Survivors Empowered

Giffords

Victims First

Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices

Brady

Newtown Action Alliance

The Unbreakable Organization

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence

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

Everytown for Gun Safety: Reducing Gun Violence in America

Everytown for Gun Safety was established in 2013 when Mayors Against Illegal Guns and Moms Demand Action for Gun Sense in America joined together to empower and advocate for survivors to reduce gun violence. Today, they are the largest gun-safety advocacy organization in America with nearly 10 million members.

Everytown for Gun Safety holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator with an 85% transparency rating. They also hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“The Survivor Network connects survivors to each other, amplifies the power of survivor voices, offers trauma-informed programs, provides information on direct services, and supports survivors who choose to become advocates.”

Everytown for Gun Safety

Everytown for Gun Safety offers a range of services to connect gun violence survivors with trauma-therapy resources, amplify survivors’ stories, and empower them to become advocates for the gun violence prevention movement. For example, the Everytown Survivor Network connects survivors with each other and with trauma-informed programs to aid their healing after experiencing gun violence. They also support survivors who decide to become advocates through programs like Moments That Survive, which shares the firsthand stories of survivors of gun violence. 

Everytown for Gun Safety has successfully amplified the voices of gun violence survivors through campaigns such as the Wear Orange Campaign which encourages Americans who want to end gun violence to wear the color orange on National Gun Violence Awareness Day. They also host an annual event during National Gun Violence Survivors Week to shine a light on survivors who are underrepresented in the national dialogue. To directly help survivors, they also operate Everytown Law which litigates cases on behalf of individuals or communities impacted by gun violence. 

You can donate directly to Everytown for Gun Safety via their website. Other ways to help include joining a local chapter of Moms/Students Demand Action, or joining the Gun Sense Action Network to place calls directly to potential voters and volunteers.

Survivors Empowered: Your Soft Place to Land

Survivors Empowered was founded in 2012 by Sandy and Lonnie Phillips to help gun violence survivors access recovery resources and tell their stories. They were formed after the Phillips’ daughter, Jessica, was killed during the Aurora, Colorado movie theater shooting the same year. Their reach has grown over the years and now offers a network of trauma therapists, trauma response experts, and, most importantly, a place for survivors of gun violence to connect and heal together. 

Survivors Empowered holds a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Our mission at Survivors Empowered is to empower survivors of violence to use their stories to create a reduction in violence that we all desire.”

Survivors Empowered

Survivors Empowered connects survivors of gun violence with support services such as trauma therapy and mindfulness classes to aid healing. Significantly, their programs are managed by other survivors who understand the unique needs of those who have experienced gun violence. They also operate their Rapid Response Team which seeks to help communities get the appropriate care they need immediately following a mass shooting. 

Since their inception, Survivors Empowered has strived to be a resource for victims of gun violence to heal and learn from. For example, in 2022, they partnered with Giffords to create the free Survivor’s Toolkit, which, in their own words, is “meant to guide survivors of gun violence through the pain of the first few weeks following a shooting.” Also, in 2023, they successfully lobbied to pass Jessi’s Law in Colorado which allows lawsuits to be filed against reckless firearms producers and dealers under the Colorado Consumer Protection Act. 

You can donate directly to Survivors Empowered via their website. You can also make a purchase from their online store.

Giffords: Courage to Fight Gun Violence

Giffords was founded in 2013 by a former member of Congress, and gun violence survivor, Gabby Giffords, to advocate on behalf of victims of gun violence and to fight for stricter gun regulations in order to reduce gun violence. Today, Giffords has expanded their reach by partnering with other nonprofits like Survivors Empowered to offer aid to all survivors of gun violence. 

The most financially active branch of Giffords, the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, has a 4-star rating on Charity Navigator, with a 100% transparency rating. They also hold a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Centering the stories of those who have been most impacted by gun violence is essential to our work.”

Giffords

Giffords primarily helps survivors of gun violence by connecting them with resources for healing, giving them opportunities to share their stories and get involved in the gun violence prevention movement, and fighting in the courts on behalf of victims. They also support legislation that helps survivors to get access to community resources and legislation that helps authorities confiscate firearms of potential re-offenders. 

Giffords has worked with survivors to develop programs that help them through the initial shock and subsequent trauma following an act of gun violence. For example, in 2022, Giffords, together with Survivors Empowered, created the Survivors Toolkit, which is a free resource to both aid survivors in healing from their trauma, and to educate them on how to become gun violence prevention activists if they so choose. They have also successfully supported legislation in Colorado that, when passed in 2023, expanded the use of Extreme Risk of Protection Orders to temporarily confiscate weapons from individuals in crisis. 

You can donate directly to Giffords via their website. You can also volunteer to join their Action Network and vote for pro-gun control leaders if you are eligible to vote in your state. 

Victims First: Dedicated to Helping Victims of Mass Casualty Crime

Victims First was founded by Anita Busch following the 2012 Aurora movie theater shooting to ensure that future victims of mass casualty events would have easy access to charitable donations intended to help them. Since then, they’ve responded on the ground to mass shootings in Newtown, Parkland, Orlando, Uvalde, and more to protect survivors from revictimization.

Victims First holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, their highest rating.

“100% of what is donated to the National Mass Shooting Victims’ Fund goes directly to mass shooting victims/survivors.”

Victims First

Victims First’s main goals are to educate communities and elected officials on best practices to aid survivors of a mass casualty event, and to raise funds that go directly to survivors. 100% of funds donated to their National Mass Shooting Victims’ Fund go directly to survivors of gun violence, unlike some past community nonprofits that have been formed in the wake of mass casualty events claiming to donate 100% of donations.

Since their founding, Victims First successfully established funds that sent 100% of contributions directly to victims of the Sandy Hook shooting in 2012, the Boston Marathon bombing in 2013, and the Orlando Pulse nightclub shooting in 2016. They also established the National Compassion Fund, which quickly establishes 100% transparent victims’ funds wherever tragedy strikes alongside local fundraising. 

You can donate directly to Victims First via their website. You can also spread the word about their important work on social media using their designated hashtags.

Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices: Trauma-Informed Solutions to Support Communities of Color 

The Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices was founded by Lisa D. Daniels who was inspired by her own experiences healing from the murder of her son, Darren, in 2012. The center strives to reduce the impact of gun violence and mass incarceration in communities of color, and today has multiple programs to help both victims and perpetrators recover from their trauma.

The Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices holds a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“None of us are the worst thing we’ve ever done or experienced.”

Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices

The Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices has trauma-informed programs that help adults and children who have been hurt by gun violence, as well as programs for young men making their reentry into society following incarceration. For example, their I Am Enough program is a group therapy model that services women of color recovering from loss related to violence or incarceration. They also operate the “Street Law Revolution” Youth Empowerment Workshop to teach young men of color their rights when interacting with police, and the You Matter program that aids reentry for men who have served lengthy sentences. 

As they have grown, the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices has established research partnerships with major universities such as the Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and has been financially endorsed through government grants to increase their programs’ reach. A partnership with the Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities also helps fund other community-driven trauma therapy programs throughout Chicago via seed grants.

You can donate directly to the Darren B. Easterling Center for Restorative Practices via their website.

Brady: Take Action, Not Sides

Brady was established in 1974 as the “National Council to Control Handguns” by Dr. Mark Borinsky to combat gun violence in America after he was robbed at gunpoint. Then, in 2000, the charity was renamed Brady in honor of former Secretary of State Jim Brady and his wife Sarah who were instrumental in passing their namesake Brady Bill. Today, the charity uses its vast legal experience to help victims of gun violence receive justice in the courts while they fight for new laws to prevent future violence.

Brady holds a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator and a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“Brady. More than a name, it’s a movement.”

Brady

Brady helps survivors of gun violence through their pro bono legal services, as well as through their extensive lobbying efforts to rein in the gun industry. For example, Brady Legal has taken on cases on behalf of individuals and communities that have been harmed by gun violence, as well as filing suits directly against gun manufacturers and dealers. They also develop evidence-informed programs to advocate for at the local and national levels. 

Since their inception, Brady has filed over 250 lawsuits in 40 states on behalf of victims of gun violence, resulting in over $50 million in verdicts and settlements. They have also filed suits against major manufacturers such as Smith & Wesson, and secured victories against firearms dealers whose negligence resulted in violence. 

You can donate directly to Brady via their website. And you can join a local Brady Chapter to work in your community.

Newtown Action Alliance Foundation: We Are All Touched by Gun Violence

The Newtown Action Alliance Foundation was founded in 2013 by residents of Newtown, CT, following the Sandy Hook mass shooting as an all-volunteer grassroots organization with a focus on changing the culture around guns in America and empowering victims to transform their tragedy into action. Today, they have expanded their reach beyond Connecticut, hosting fundraisers and vigils all across the country on behalf of victims of gun violence.

The Newtown Action Alliance holds a Silver Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“Our mission is to achieve the steady and continuous reduction of gun violence through legislative and cultural changes.”

Newtown Action Alliance

The Newtown Action Alliance supports candidates and policies that work to reduce gun violence and hosts community events to empower survivors and concerned citizens to fight to end gun violence. For example, they’ve endorsed gun-safety candidates at both the national and state level by supporting presidential candidates and gubernatorial candidates. They also promote programs such as The Campaign to Keep Kids Safe, which encourages communities to host gun buyback events.

The Newtown Action Alliance has launched several gun safety campaigns including the Campaign Against Assault Weapons, a successful campaign to enact universal background checks, and the Campaign to #KeepKidsSafe from Unsecured Guns which led to the passing of Ethan’s Law in 2022. Their efforts also resulted in Dick’s Sporting Goods taking a stand and hiring a firm to lobby Congress for gun reform measures.

You can donate directly to the Newtown Action Alliance Foundation via their website. You can also volunteer to work in your community, or at events all over the country.

The Unbreakable Organization: You Are Unbreakable

The Unbreakable Organization was founded in 2019 by Brittany Sinitch to directly help individuals and communities heal after becoming victims of gun violence. As a survivor of gun violence herself, Brittany has expanded the charity to help survivors across the country find what is “unbreakable” about them and help affected students to fulfill their college dreams. 

The Unbreakable Organization holds a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar, their highest ranking.

“The Unbreakable Organization supports individuals and communities who’ve been impacted by gun violence in the aftermath of tragedy.”

The Unbreakable Organization

The Unbreakable Organization’s primary activities include working with mental health professionals to provide care to communities following acts of gun violence and raising money to support their Unbreakable Scholarship for students impacted by gun violence. When meeting directly with survivors of gun violence, they strive to create a safe space where survivors can begin to heal from their trauma together.

Since being established, The Unbreakable Organization has helped establish safe spaces in schools such as Lake Mary High School, and in 2020, their Unbreakable video project helped give a voice to individuals affected by gun violence. They also established the Unbreakable Book Club to build another safe space for discussion, and have gifted the Unbreakable Scholarship to eight students. 

You can donate directly to The Unbreakable Organization via their website.

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence: Elevating Stories of Gun Violence

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence was founded in 2021 by three public school teachers, two of whom survived school shootings, in an effort to amplify the voices of educators to end gun violence. Today, they spread the stories of teachers, counselors, and other school staff from around the country to mobilize voters to support common-sense gun legislation reform. 

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence holds a Silver Seal of Transparency from Guidestar.

“Elevating stories to impact and pass local, state, and federal gun violence prevention legislation and to help change the culture of gun violence.”

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence’s main activities include publishing the stories of educators and other school staff who have been hurt by gun violence to amplify their voices, and to teach educators how to be activists in their communities and fight for safer schools. For example, their Teachers Unify Podcast compiles the stories of teachers who have been impacted by gun violence to share their experiences and perspective. They also offer opportunities for teachers to learn how to be community organizers and lead their communities in demanding action on gun violence.

Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence has over 1,800 members who they have spoken at events for the Just Majority campaign, in which they partnered with over 30 other advocacy organizations. The founders and their stories have also been featured in interviews with Time Magazine and The Washington Post. 

You can donate directly to Teachers Unify to End Gun Violence via their website. You can also volunteer your story if you are an educator or other school staff member.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities that help victims of gun violence. 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 helping victims of gun violence – 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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