By
Alycia O'Dell

An estimated 52.9 million people in the US live with mental illness; the prevalence of mental illness among women is about twice that of men. Yet, many women receive inadequate support due to a lack of gender-specific mental health resources. Organizations around the world are working to ensure women have access to resources that address their unique mental health needs. So we had to ask: what are the best charities for women’s mental health?

The best charities for women’s mental health are SeekHer Foundation and StongMinds. Charities such as Postpartum Support International and Here for the Girls Inc. support those facing mental health issues associated with medical diagnoses unique to women.

Whether you want to help women in marginalized communities access mental healthcare, support new mothers battling postpartum depression, or foster the mental health of tomorrow’s female leaders, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities for women’s mental health 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 Mental Health Have in Common

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

The majority operate primarily throughout the US and Canada, but some support women’s mental health internationally.

Many of these charities help women facing the two most common mental health issues: depression and anxiety. Others focus on less prevalent issues such as addiction recovery, post-traumatic stress disorder, and perinatal mental health.

Some offer direct support through individual and group therapy, while others operate behind the scenes through advocacy and education.

Yet, they all share a common goal; to support women’s mental health.

These Are the 9 Best Charities for Women’s Mental Health in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for women’s mental health (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.)

SeekHer Foundation: Bridging the Gender Gap of Mental Health

The SeekHer Foundation is a charitable project supported by the Social Good Fund, which receives a 94% rating for Finance and Accountability from Charity Navigator. The fund also holds the GuideStar Silver Seal for Transparency.

“When we power more women, we power more good.”

The SeekHer Foundation

The SeekHer Foundation pinpoints challenges that impact women’s mental health and identifies actionable solutions through advocacy campaigns, research, and funding support. Their body image campaign involves collaboration with health care providers, educators, and mentors to promote body inclusivity among young women. Their self-care advocacy campaign provides resources for women to prioritize their wellness.

Since their founding, the SeekHer Foundation has provided mental health resources and self-care tools to over 3,600 students and connected over 212,000 women with wellness resources. For example, in 2021, they launched SeekHer Shift, a survey initiative that engaged over 1,100 women across the US. It identified the most pressing challenges to women’s mental health to guide future support efforts.

You can donate to the SeekHer Foundation via their website. You can also host a school fundraiser, start a giveback initiative, or apply to be a SeekHer Scholar.

StrongMinds: Innovating Mental Health Care for Women in Africa

Charity Navigator gives StrongMinds a 100% rating for Finance and Accountability. GuideStar gives the charity a platinum rating for transparency. 

“When you invest in mental health, you invest in human resilience.”

StrongMinds

StrongMinds treat depression in African women by providing group talk therapy sessions. In these sessions, they provide women with a safe space to discuss triggers and solutions and connect with other women suffering from depression. To ensure that their model is sustainable and cost-effective, StrongMinds trains members of local communities, including former clients, to lead sessions on their own.

Since their inception, StongMinds has treated more than 121,000 women for depression in Uganda and Zambia. 86% of those reported being depression-free six months after treatment. Amid the height of COVID-19 restrictions, StrongMinds launched its teletherapy initiative to serve over 7,800 women remotely. To date, the charity has raised $7,252,778 to support its efforts.

You can make a monetary donation to StrongMinds via their website. You can also start a fundraiser.

The Loveland Foundation: Increasing Access to Mental Health Resources for Women of Color

According to their financial report, The Loveland Foundation dedicated 81% of their total donations directly to their therapy fund.

“We are becoming the ones we’ve been waiting for.”

The Loveland Foundation

The Loveland Foundation supports women of color and their mental health by increasing access to culturally competent therapy. The Loveland Therapy Fund provides recipients with monetary vouchers to receive therapy from providers who specialize in minority mental health. Recipients also have access to online support groups. The charity also builds cultural competence among their network of providers by offering continuing education courses addressing the needs of the black community. 

Since their inception, The Loveland Foundation has remained dedicated to supporting the mental health of women of color. For example, in 2021, their Loveland Therapy Fund provided over 5,000 women with more than 51,900 hours of therapy, and 284 women participated in group sessions – with a network that includes 1,196 therapists, 460 of whom participated in continuing education through the charity. In the same year, the charity reached over 22 million users through their social media awareness campaigns.

You can support The Loveland Foundation by donating, or starting a fundraiser via your social media profile. 

Postpartum Support International: Prioritizing Perinatal Mental Health

Charity Navigator gives Postpartum Support International a 94% rating for Finance and Accountability. GuideStar gives the charity a platinum rating for transparency.

“You are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.”

Postpartum Support International

Postpartum Support International promotes awareness, prevention, and treatment of mental health issues during and after pregnancy. They provide direct support through online support groups and peer-to-peer mentorship. Their PSI HelpLine offers basic information, support, and resources around the clock, and their provider directory connects women to qualified mental health professionals in their area. They also advocate for increased research and funding for perinatal mental health.

Since their founding, Postpartum Support International has provided continued support for new mothers suffering from mental health issues. For example, in 2021, their PSI HelpLine utilized 65 volunteers to respond to 17,000 calls, emails, and texts, and their online group therapy reached 11,285 parents. They also spearheaded Mind The Gap, an initiative to increase research and funding for perinatal mental health. Their annual fundraiser, Climb Out of the Darkness, raised $178,654 across 134 events and 1,000 participants around the world.

You can support Postpartum Support International by donating, becoming a member, or volunteering. You can also participate in a Climb Out of the Darkness event.

She Recovers Foundation: Uniting Women in Recovery

GuideStar gives the She Recovers Foundation a Gold rating for transparency. The foundation is also an official supporter of the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers.

“When one woman heals, she can heal the world.”

She Recovers Foundation

The She Recovers Foundation is a lifeline organization providing support services online and in communities throughout the US and Canada for women affected by substance abuse. Their online services include group meetings, workshops, and yoga classes. The charity also hosts in-person retreats and conferences, and trains women to become trauma-informed recovery coaches and yoga teachers.

The She Recovers Foundation consists of more than 325,000 active members. Their in-person workshops, retreats, and conferences have been attended by over 2,200 women, their in-person support groups reach about 495 women per month, and their online support groups reach about 140 women per day. In addition, the charity has also trained over 100 women to be recovery coaches and more than 25 women to be trauma-informed yoga instructors. 

You can support the She Recovers Foundation by donating, volunteering, or raising awareness on your social media platforms. 

House of Ruth: Empowering Women to Rebuild Their Lives

House of Ruth receives 4 stars from Charity Navigator and earns GuideStar’s Platinum Seal of Transparency.

“Hope starts here.”

House of Ruth

House of Ruth provides shelter and support for women’s mental health through their Counseling Center, which provides free psychotherapy to women healing from trauma. They address trauma-related responses such as depression, anxiety, self-destruction, and low self-esteem. Therapists help women establish goals for the future, and connect them with resources in the community to ensure success after the program.

Since their inception, House of Ruth has provided counseling for vulnerable women in need. For example, in 2021, House of Ruth’s Counseling Center provided 2,053 one-on-one counseling sessions with licensed mental health therapists. 254 women participated in group sessions and 144 women participated in individual sessions. House of Ruth’s counselors also conducted 16 outreach sessions with partner organizations, helping them understand how to better serve and support women in need.

You can support House of Ruth by donating, volunteering, or donating stock or mutual funds. You can also provide material items from their wish list or donate a vehicle.

National Alliance on Mental Illness: Raising Awareness and Providing Resources

Charity Navigator gives the National Alliance on Mental Illness a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum rating for transparency. 

“Changing the mental health conversation, together.”

National Alliance on Mental Illness

The National Alliance on Mental Illness improves the lives of those with mental illness and their families through advocacy, education, support, and public awareness. They raise awareness of the disproportionate impact of mental illness on population sub-groups by compiling and distributing reports, including those focused on women. Their education program features classes for people with mental illness as well as stakeholders such as family members, significant others, and providers. They also provide peer support to those seeking guidance and resources via their 24-hour HelpLine.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness is a grassroots mental health organization that helps those affected through a network of over 600 affiliates and 49 state organizations across the US. For example, in 2021, their annual fundraiser, NAMIWalks Your Way, raised $13.1 million across 122 events with over 40,000 participants nationwide and they distributed $3.5 million in grants to advance the work of their network. In the same year, charity was also cited by federal legislators more often than any other mental health organization.

You can donate to the National Alliance on Mental Illness via their website. You can also contribute by registering to participate in NamiWalks Your Way or volunteering to work on the HelpLine.

Girls Inc: Fostering the Mental Health of Tomorrow’s Women

Charity Navigator gives Girls Inc. a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum rating for transparency. 

“Inspiring all girls to be strong, smart, and bold.”

Girls Inc.

They help girls ages 5-18 develop into healthy, educated, and independent women through mentorship, pro-girl environments, and evidence-based programming. They encourage mental wellness by creating environments in which girls feel safe discussing their issues with trained mentors, peers, and counselors. The charity also advocates for policies that prioritize women’s mental health, with a particular focus on marginalized communities such as women of color, women from low-income communities, and LGBTQ+ people.

Girls Inc. operates as a network of non-profit organizations at over 1,500 sites in 350 cities across the US and Canada, through which they serve more than 130,000 girls each year. And, for example, in 2021, they were awarded $10 million for their Project Accelerate, which aims to expand the power and influence of women in the workplace by 2030.

You can donate to Girls Inc. via their website. You can also contribute by registering to participate in events, shopping with partnered vendors, or donating a vehicle.

Here for the Girls Inc: Supporting Young Women with Breast Cancer

Charity Navigator gives Here for the Girls Inc. an 80% rating for Finance and Accountability. GuideStar gives the charity a platinum rating for transparency. 

“Our mission: to improve the lives of young women affected by breast cancer.”

Here for the Girls Inc.

Here for the Girls Inc. provides support to young women living with breast cancer through programs and services that encourage emotional healing. Becoming a member is free, and members can access resources such as peer support groups led by trained facilitators, workshops and educational seminars, and social engagement opportunities. Individual support is available to women in need of extra assistance. The charity also hosts annual events that raise awareness and funds.

Since their founding, Here for the Girls inc. has remained passionate about emotionally supporting women with breast cancer. For example, in 2020, Here for the Girls Inc. assisted 1,490 women, with 625 receiving individualized support. They host three major fundraising events annually: a golf tournament, a 5K run, and a gala.

You can donate to Here for the Girls inc. via their website. You can also contribute by registering to participate in events, volunteering, or sponsoring their annual publication, A Calendar to Live By.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for women’s mental health. 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. Familiarise 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 mental health – 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:

Sources

• National Institute of Mental Health: Statistics
• Psychiatric Times: Women’s Mental Health
• SeekHer: About Us
• SeekHer: 2021 Annual Report
• Social Good Fund: Home
• Charity Navigator: SeekHer
• GuideStar: SeekHer
• SeekHer: Body Image
• SeekHer: Self-care Advocacy
• SeekHer: SeekHer: Shift Report
• SeekHer: Donate
• SeekHer: Ways to Give
• SeekHer: Apply to Become a SeekHer Scholar
• StrongMinds: Home
• StrongMinds: History
• Charity Navigator: StrongMinds
• GuideStar: StrongMinds
• StrongMinds: Our Model
• StrongMinds: Our Impact
• StrongMinds: 2022 Q1 Report
• StrongMinds: Donate
• StrongMinds: Start a Fundraiser
• Postpartum Support International: Home
• Charity Navigator: Postpartum Support International
• GuideStar: Postpartum Support International
• Postpartum Support International: Online Groups
• Postpartum Support International: Peer Mentorship
• Postpartum Support International: PSI HelpLine
• Postpartum Support International: Provider Directory
• Postpartum Support International: 2021 Annual Report
• Postpartum Support International: Donate
• Postpartum Support International: Join
• Postpartum Support International: Volunteer
• Postpartum Support International: Climb Out of the Dark
• The Loveland Foundation: About
• The Loveland Foundation: 2021 Annual Report
• The Loveland Foundation: The Loveland Therapy Fund
• The Loveland Foundation: Donate
• She Recovers: About
• GuideStar: She Recovers
• National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers: She Recovers
• She Recovers: Together Online
• She Recovers: Critical Conversations
• She Recovers: Yoga
• She Recovers: Retreats
• She Recovers: Events
• She Recovers: Coaching
• She Recovers: Teaching
• ​​House of Ruth: Home
• Charity Navigator: House of Ruth
• GuideStar: House of Ruth
• House of Ruth: Counseling Center
• House of Ruth: Additional Resources
• House of Ruth: 2021 Annual Report
• House of Ruth: Donate
• House of Ruth: Volunteer
• House of Ruth: Stocks and Mutual Funds
• House of Ruth: Wish List
• House of Ruth: Car Donation
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: Home
• Charity Navigator: National Alliance on Mental Illness
• GuideStar: National Alliance on Mental Illness
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: Women and Depression
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: 2021 Annual Report
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: Donate
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: Get Involved
• National Alliance on Mental Illness: HelpLine
• Girls Inc.: Our History
• Charity Navigator: Girls Inc.
• GuideStar: Girls Inc.
• Girls Inc.: What We Do
• Girls Inc.: 2021 Annual Report
• Girls Inc: Project Accelerate
• Girls Inc.: Donate
• Girls Inc.: Events
• Girls Inc.: Shopping
• Girls Inc.: Car Donation
• Here for the Girls Inc.: About Us
• Charity Navigator: Here for the Girls Inc.
• GuideStar: Here for the Girls Inc.
• Here for the Girls Inc.: Member Services
• Here for the Girls Inc.: Become a Member
• Here for the Girls Inc.: 2020 Annual Report
• Here for the Girls Inc.: Donate
• Here for the Girls Inc.: Volunteer
• Here for the Girls Inc.: A Calendar to Live By