By
Olivia Lopez

Every year in the month of March, women around the world gather to celebrate women’s achievements and promote women’s rights. The movement has achieved great strides in gender equality over the years, however, there is still a long way to go. For example, 42% of women in the US still experience gender discrimination at work. Luckily, charities around the world are paying homage to Women’s History Month and furthering its cause. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for Women’s History Month?

The best charities for Women’s History Month are the Malala Fund and the American Civil Liberties Union. Other charities such as Girls Not Brides and the Institute for Women’s Policy Research focus on specific issues affecting women such as gender discrimination and underage marriages.

Whether you want to join a women’s movement for Women’s History Month, remember influential women who’ve helped advance women’s rights, or fundraise for Women’s History Month, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for Women’s History Month are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities for Women’s History Month Have in Common

The charities on this list were chosen based on their mission, transparency ratings, and impact on progressing women’s rights.

They also commit to projects, campaigns, and programs that raise awareness of women’s issues during Women’s History Month. 

All of the charities below operate to empower women from all backgrounds and promote women’s rights in different capacities.

Yet they all advocate for women’s social, political, and economic equality, and all have the same goal of contributing to women’s movements that honor women during Women’s History Month.

These Are the 9 Best Charities for Women’s History Month in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for Women’s History Month (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

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

Malala Fund: Champions for Girls’ Education and Safety Worldwide

The Malala Fund currently holds a 4-star rating and a perfect Accountability and Finance score of 100% out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“To amplify girls’ voices and ensure that every girl has access to twelve years of free, safe, quality education.”

Malala Fund

The Malala Fund works to impact local policies in their target countries that hinder girls from completing secondary education. They currently provide educational programs and services to empower school girls in 10 countries, including Brazil, Nigeria, and Turkey. For example, in Bangladesh, they offer grants to influence schools and national decision makers to formulate a gender inclusive and digitally oriented secondary education system through their CAMPE program. They also deliver capacity-building resources to local activists, called Malala Fund Champions, who work to uplift women through equal access to education. 

Since their founding, the Malala Fund has invested in over 17 million girls with their education support programs. Furthermore, from 2017-2019, they sponsored training for 85 teachers in Turkey to better fulfill the needs of Syrian refugee students – with an estimated 11,714 schoolgirls receiving support as a result. And in 2021, they supported 81 Malala Fund Champions that worked on the ground to increase education rights for girls.

You can contribute to the Malala Fund during Women’s History Month by donating through their website. You can also start a fundraiser to increase support within your community and raise awareness for girls’ education.

American Civil Liberties Union: Protectors of Women’s Civil Rights

The American Civil Liberties Union currently holds a 4-star rating and an impressive overall score of 96% out of 100 from Charity Navigator. They also have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“During Women’s History Month, the ACLU celebrates our many and distinguished accomplishments advancing women’s rights and our ongoing efforts to achieve equality and justice for all women.”

American Civil Liberties Union

The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) defends and promotes women’s civil rights in the US through system equality, litigation, and social change. They campaign for equality by highlighting civil rights injustices and challenging discriminatory legislation that hinders women from having full and equal rights in American society. For example, they have partnered with We Testify to launch a storytelling series to spotlight abortion and women’s rights to make their own choices. They also advocate for other gender-specific issues and rights through their Women’s Rights Project (WRP).

Since their inception, the American Civil Liberties Union has amassed more than 4 million member activists across the country to fight for civil rights, including women’s rights. For example, in 2020, they won a landmark case in the Supreme Court, which overturned a ruling that someone could be fired based on their gender identity. Furthermore, in 2021, they blocked 20 abortion bans and restrictions across the country, and intervened in another 6 civil cases to protect trans rights. Today, they celebrate Women’s History Month by honoring the founder of their Women’s Rights Project, Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, and by getting involved in monumental women’s rights litigation. 

You can contribute to the American Civil Liberties Union during Women’s History Month by donating directly through their website. You can also donate over the phone, or sign up for a monthly membership to make regular contributions. 

ActionAid International: Defenders of Women’s Rights in Conflict and Crisis

ActionAid USA, the organization’s US branch, has a 4-star rating and an overall score of 90% from Charity Navigator. They currently hold a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“We work to achieve social justice and gender equality, and to eradicate poverty.”

ActionAid International

ActionAid International challenges social and cultural norms that suppress women and put them at risk of violence or discrimination. For example, they provide training to empower female community leaders and offer resources to drive social change. Furthermore, they advocate for equal pay for women by lobbying for investment in gender-responsive public services around the world. They currently work in over 30 countries, including Vietnam, Liberia, Haiti, Greece, and Australia.

Since their founding, ActionAid International has responded to over 35 major disasters and emergencies and provided aid to vulnerable women affected by crises. They have also implemented numerous capacity-building programs to promote women’s rights. For example, they trained 42 women in Kenya as sustainable farmers, and improved the dietary health and livelihoods of over 4,000 women and girls in Cambodia. Moreover, in 2022, they launched fundraisers to raise money for women working on the frontlines of disasters, and provided 26 ways to support and celebrate women during Women’s History Month. 

You can contribute to ActionAid International by donating through their website to a country office near you. For Women’s History Month, you can also purchase a Gift in Action, which allows you to send a specialty gift item to women in need. 

Women for Women International: Advocates for Women’s Empowerment Everywhere

Women for Women International currently holds an Accountability and Finance score of 81% from Charity Navigator. 

“Our vision is to create a world in which all women determine the course of their lives and reach their full potential.”

Women for Women International

Women for Women International provides training, resources, and support services to women affected by conflict. For example, they educate women on their voting rights, sexual and reproductive health, mental wellbeing, and other issues to help empower them within their communities beyond war. They also celebrate Women’s History Month annually with campaigns to increase women’s empowerment and raise awareness of women’s issues.

Since their founding, Women For Women International has assisted over 500,000 women affected by war and armed conflict with their support services. For example, in 2022, they created 32 days’ worth of events to celebrate Women’s History Month. Many of these events included publishing informative videos on influential women, and sharing 10 books written by female writers to inspire change. They also continued to support Change Agents, or grassroots advocates, in more than 5 of their target countries, including Nigeria, Rwanda, and Afghanistan.

You can support Women for Women International during Women’s History Month by donating through their website. You can also show your support by sponsoring a sister, which enables you to contribute directly to an individual’s success. 

​​Global Fund for Women: Activists for Women’s Rights Movements

Global Fund for Women currently holds an overall score of 93% from Charity Navigator. 

“Celebrate women change-makers and activists who have made history and are shaping our future.”

Global Fund for Women

The Global Fund for Women provides grants and funding to grassroots women’s movements around the world. For example, they promote gender justice campaigns and offer a donation matching program to honor International Women’s Day during Women’s History Month. They also publish research and campaigns on women’s issues throughout the year. For example, their Artist Changemaker Program supports artists who use their art to promote equality for all. They particularly focus on marginalized communities such as people of color and LGBTQI+ individuals.

Since their inception, the Global Fund for Women has made a total of 12,242 grants to over 5,000 grassroots women’s movements, across 176 countries. They have also partnered with several organizations to offer funding and support for their women’s empowerment projects. For example, in 2019, they provided funding for 10,876 female leaders to end gender-based violence in their local communities. Furthermore, in 2021, they supported a Feminist Crisis Fund, which empowered partners in 4 countries, including Haiti and Afghanistan. In 2017, during Women’s History Month and to celebrate International Women’s Day, they supported 2 organizations in India and Nigeria with funding to close the digital gender gap. 

You can support the Global Fund for Women during Women’s History Month by donating directly through their website. You can also purchase their branded merchandise to support female empowerment.

National Women’s Law Center: Legal Advocates for Women’s Rights 

The National Women’s Law Center currently holds a 4-star rating and an overall score of 100% from Charity Navigator. They also have a Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar.

“We use the law in all its forms to change culture and drive solutions toward gender equity.”

National Women’s Law Center

The National Women’s Law Center engages in strategic litigation to challenge harmful gender inequalities in the courts and civil society. They also advocate for policy changes that protect and empower women, especially in schools and the workplace. Furthermore, they provide research and policy recommendations on intersectional gender inequalities impacting women in schools. 

Since their founding, the National Women’s Law Center has played a leading role in many landmark legal cases, including winning state minimum wage increases that were passed in 10 US states. Their lobbying efforts contributed to a 35% increase in female judges in US courts. They have also awarded grants to more than 15 civil society organizations to provide outreach services for survivors of assault and harassment. And to celebrate Women’s History Month in 2017, they ran a campaign that highlighted 4 stories of women’s contributions in the civil, political, and cultural space.

You can support the National Women’s Law Center during Women’s History Month by donating directly through their website. You can also pledge your support to their various causes, including their work on economic justice, education, Title IX, and health and reproductive issues.

Equality Now: Legal Campaigners for Women’s Equality

Equality Now currently holds a 4-star rating and an overall score of 95% from Charity Navigator. 

“On International Women’s Day and across the whole of Women’s History Month, [support] our global team of human rights lawyers and policy experts who work every day to make the world a better place for women and girls.”

Equality Now

Equality Now works to achieve legal equality for women and girls, and advocates for the protection of their rights through legislation and policy changes. They provide research and tools to empower women, combat sex trafficking, and raise awareness of other harmful practices that negatively affect women and girls. For example, they published a report examining the laws surrounding online sexual exploitation with recommendations for more robust legislation. Furthermore, every year during Women’s History Month, and to celebrate International Women’s Day, they carry out campaigns that showcase women’s achievements and accomplishments.

Since their inception, Equality Now has assisted over 13,500 women and girls with legal assistance. For example, in 2019, they trained over 3,000 public officials and civil society actors, including judges, police, and activists on women’s rights issues. They also provided expert support in 15 litigation cases that challenged discriminatory laws and suppressed women’s rights. In 2021, they reached another 1,800 women with their direct services, and in 2017, for Women’s History Month, they ran a campaign series that highlighted inspiring women and their accomplishments. Then, in 2022, they partnered with 4 corporate brands to raise awareness of women’s issues for International Women’s Day. 

You can support Equality Now during Women’s History Month by donating directly through their website. You can also purchase Equality Now merchandise, and gear created for International Women’s Day to sport throughout Women’s History Month.

Institute for Women’s Policy Research: Enhancing the Lives and Rights of Women 

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research currently holds a 4-star rating and an overall score of 95% from Charity Navigator. They also have a Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. 

“To continually produce high quality research on women and families around the country and around the world.”

Institute for Women’s Policy Research

The Institute for Women’s Policy Research aims to reform employment discrimination against women, reduce gender inequality in professional industries, and promote the rights of women in the workforce. They also research women’s economic rights and publish reports on policy changes for US state and federal governments. For example, through their Status of Women in the States Project, they publish timely data and analysis on the health, social, and economic wellbeing of women in the US to drive conversations and action for change. 

Since their founding, the Institute for Women’s Policy Research has remained committed to improving gender equality. For example, they helped raise wages for over 1,000 female nurses in New York. They also mobilized over 400 activists in Colorado to challenge gender-discriminatory laws. In addition, their Status of Women in the States Project helped to create special funding for women’s rights programs in over 15 states. And in 2017 for Women’s History Month, they published a series of “Facts That Matter” to raise awareness of women’s economic and social contributions.

You can contribute to the Institute for Women’s Policy Research during Women’s History Month by sending a donation directly through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their campaigns.

Girls Not Brides: Advocates for Girls’ Rights and Protections

According to their financial report, Girls Not Brides spent 98.4% of their income on charitable activities. 

“If we are to achieve a gender-equal future for all girls, we must collectively address the root causes of child marriage, and end it together.”

Girls Not Brides

Girls Not Brides partners with grassroots organizations across the globe to put an end to underage marriages and other harmful practices that affect girls. They have partnerships and coalitions that spread across 24 different countries–including Nepal, Uganda, Zimbabwe, and the Netherlands–and work on programs that empower young girls to enable them to reach their potential. For example, through their Child Marriage Atlas, they provide comprehensive data on child marriage around the world in order to identity trends and formulate effective management plans.

Since their founding, Girls Not Brides has reached nearly 5,000 people annually in more than 30 countries with their workshops, advocacy, and training programs. For example, in 2020, they trained 132 people in Mozambique to coordinate and implement a new law to address child marriage. In the same year, they provided further training to 20 child protection officials and 29 municipal authorities in Togo about harmful practices against girls. And to celebrate International Women’s Day during Women’s History Month in 2022, they highlighted the impactful work of 6 female activists working to achieve gender equality. They also sponsored the Power to Girls campaign, which encouraged over 50 commitments and actions for girls’ rights. 

You can contribute to Girls Not Brides by donating through their website. You can also support one of their campaigns, or dedicate your wedding to ending harmful practices against young women.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for Women’s History Month. 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 Women’s History Month – 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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