An estimated 43% of working-age adults are underinsured, meaning that they may be unable to afford unexpected significant or long-term medical expenses. In addition to financial barriers, some people struggle to access medical care due to disparities in healthcare like race or socioeconomic status. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to help people get the medical attention they need. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for assisting with healthcare?

The best charities that assist with healthcare are the HealthWell Foundation and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Charities such as the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation and The DONNA Foundation provide patients battling long-term illness with financial support to offset the cost of treatment.

Whether you want to help ensure equitable access to treatment for those suffering from chronic disabilities, provide vaccinations against preventable diseases for children in developing countries, or alleviate the cost of room and board for a family traveling for cancer treatment, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities that assist with healthcare are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to donate. 

Here’s What All the Best Charities That Assist with Healthcare Have in Common

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

They operate primarily throughout the US and Canada, but some assist with healthcare internationally.

Many of these charities provide financial support to underinsured patients and their families. Others offer resources to help patients battling chronic or life-altering conditions to navigate their treatment journey.

Some focus on helping people with specific conditions, like breast cancer or eating disorders, while others serve anyone in need of medical support.

Yet they all share a common goal: to assist with healthcare and ensure as many people as possible can access the medical attention they need.

These Are the 9 Best Charities That Assist With Healthcare in 2024

Below are our favorite charities for assisting with healthcare (you can click on their link to directly jump to their section in this article):

Best Charities That Assist With Healthcare

HealthWell Foundation

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

The DONNA Foundation

World Vision

Project HEAL

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

The Loveland Foundation`1

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

HealthWell Foundation: Bridging the Financial Gap to Healthcare

The HealthWell Foundation was founded in 2003 to help underinsured or financially vulnerable people access quality healthcare. Today, they are the leading independent nonprofit dedicated to eliminating financial barriers to healthcare.

Charity Navigator gives the HealthWell Foundation a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“When health insurance is not enough.”

HealthWell Foundation

The HealthWell Foundation alleviates the financial burden of medical care by providing grants to assist with costs such as prescription copays, surgeries, and pediatric treatment. They offer grants through their Disease Funds, and grants are awarded to individual applicants based on eligibility. For example, their Pediatric Assistance Fund is open to parents of children living with chronic or life-altering conditions and covers biologic therapies and other treatment-related costs. 

Since their founding, the HealthWell Foundation has awarded 1,117,805 grants to help financially vulnerable people access quality healthcare. For instance, they have provided over $2.7 billion in copayment assistance and helped more than 727,000 patients afford their medications. In 2021 alone, the Pediatric Assistance Fund assisted 1,174 children living with chronic or life-altering conditions. And, in the same year, they launched the COVID-19 Frontline Health Care Workers Behavioral Health Fund to help cover the cost of prescriptions, counseling services, and other costs needed to manage COVID-19-related behavioral health issues.

You can donate to the HealthWell Foundation via their website. You can also keep up to date with their work and achievements by following the charity on their social media pages. 

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Advancing Research to Advance Cures

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital was founded in 1962 by Danny Thomas as a way to give back to communities after he found success as an entertainer. Today, the organization is a leading force in the understanding and treatment of childhood diseases.

Charity Navigator gives St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Silver Seal of Transparency. 

“No child should die in the dawn of life.”

St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital assists with healthcare for children battling a range of diseases by providing life-changing medical services free of charge. They offer direct treatment to children with life-threatening diseases, including experimental or specialized treatment for children who have not responded to standard care. They also provide resources to families at all stages of treatment. In addition, they fund research to understand diseases and develop breakthrough cures and treatments. They also offer training to future clinicians and biomedical researchers.

Since their founding, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital has helped to push the overall survival rate for childhood cancer from 20% to over 80%. They provide direct treatment to more than 8,600 children across the US annually, most of whom are treated on a continuing outpatient basis and are part of ongoing research programs. And, the charity’s international initiative, St. Jude Global Alliance has grown to 127 institutions in 57 countries.

You can donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital via their website. You can also participate in a fundraiser or volunteer at a chapter in your community.

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: A Legacy of Hope

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation was founded in 2005 by Liz and Jay Scott in memory of their daughter, Alex. Before her death in 2004, Alex operated a lemonade stand to raise money for pediatric cancer. Today, the organization continues their mission to change the lives of children and families living with cancer.

Charity Navigator gives Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Fighting childhood cancer, one cup at a time.”

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation

Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation assists with the healthcare of children with cancer by funding research, raising awareness, and supporting and empowering families. For example, their ALSF Grant Program funds cutting-edge research into all facets of pediatric cancer, from early diagnosis to treatment. Moreover, their Childhood Cancer Data Lab initiative seeks to accelerate cancer research by streamlining access to existing data. The charity also supports families of children with cancer through their Travel for Care program, which offsets the costs of traveling for treatment, and their Super Sibs program, which offers comfort and encouragement to siblings.

Since their founding, Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation has raised over $250 million to fight childhood cancer and improve healthcare. They have funded more than 1,000 projects at 150 institutions across the US and Canada. For example, in 2021, their Travel for Care program helped over 400 families and their Super Sibs program reached more than 1,900 siblings of children with cancer.

You can donate to Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation via their website. You can also volunteer locally or participate in an event.

The DONNA Foundation: Navigating the Journey Together

The DONNA Foundation was founded in 2003 by Donna Deegan who, during her own battle with breast cancer, realized the need for assistance for others fighting the disease. Today, the organization funds research and provides emotional and financial healthcare support to people affected by breast cancer.

Charity Navigator gives The Donna Foundation a 79% rating for Finance and Accountability. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum rating for transparency. 

“One Destination: to finish breast cancer.”

The Donna Foundation

The DONNA Foundation provides emotional support and financial assistance to people affected by breast cancer and also funds groundbreaking research to fight the disease. For example, their financial support program, The DONNA CareLine, is staffed by insurance and case-management experts who help patients overcome financial obstacles that impact their care. They also promote a sense of community for breast cancer survivors and patients by hosting events that bring them together. For example, the DONNA Morning Mixer is a social group where breast cancer patients and caregivers come together for conversation and support.

Since their founding, The DONNA Foundation has helped thousands of families through their journeys with breast cancer. For example, they helped secure over $4.2 million in financial services and debt relief across more than 15,600 families. In addition, they invested more than $3.3 million in research to end breast cancer and improve healthcare.

You can donate to The DONNA Foundation via their website. You can also register to participate in a 5k or marathon, or host a fundraiser.

World Vision: Bringing Health to Children Around the World

World Vision was founded in 1950 by Robert Pierce to support Christian mission services for families impacted by crises in East Asia. Today, the charity is the largest international non-governmental organization committed to improving the healthcare of impoverished children in Asia and beyond.

Charity Navigator gives World Vision a 4-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“Pulling up the roots of poverty and planting the seeds of change.”

World Vision

World Vision works with communities, donors, partners, and governments to assist with providing healthcare to children living in poverty. They support children’s health by focusing on issues common in underserved communities, such as malnourishment and preventable disease. They also provide goods and services directly. For example, they provide bed nets to protect children from Malaria and train local health workers and families in prevention. In addition, their Healthy Timing and Spacing of Pregnancies initiative educates women and families on the benefits of delaying pregnancy to achieve the healthiest outcomes. 

Since their founding, World Vision has directly contributed to the improved health of millions of children. For example, in 2021, they reached 33.5 million people with disease prevention training, treatment, and support. In the same year, they provided 163,172 metric tons of food supplies to help nourish children and families, and supported and trained over 184,000 community health workers in 46 countries. Within 10 years, they equipped 28.4 million people with lasting access to clean water.

You can donate to World Vision via their website. You can also support the charity by sponsoring a child.

Project HEAL: Ensuring Treatment Equity

Project HEAL was founded in 2008 by Liana Rosenman and Kristina Saffran, who met while receiving treatment for anorexia nervosa as teenagers. They set up the organization to provide other sufferers with the resources they need to heal. Today, they are committed to assisting members of marginalized populations with gaining access to quality healthcare.

Charity Navigator gives Project HEAL a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Platinum Seal of Transparency. 

“We open doors to healing for those who the system fails.”

Project HEAL

Project HEAL helps people who might typically struggle to receive healthcare to gain access to quality treatment for eating disorders, specifically members of the LGBTQ+, BIPOC, and other marginalized communities. For example, their Clinical Assessment Program provides free, impartial, and culturally competent screenings to anyone in the US who believes they might be suffering from an eating disorder. Furthermore, their Treatment Placement Program provides beneficiaries with extended treatment within their HEALers Circle network of providers at little to no cost. And, they provide cash assistance when needed, as well as Insurance Navigation.

Since their founding, Project HEAL has improved healthcare equity for thousands of people across the US seeking access to treatment for eating disorders. For example, in 2021, they provided $2,031,236 in free treatment services to underserved communities. Furthermore, in 2020, they formalized a partnership with the National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders to merge their peer-support services, allowing them to help even more people suffering from eating disorders.

You can donate to Project HEAL via their website. You can also get involved by becoming a Project HEAL Ambassador, or by volunteering.

Ronald McDonald House Charities: Caring for Sick Children and their Families

Ronald McDonald House Charities was founded in 1984 to provide homes-away-from-home for families of children with long-term health issues that require regular hospital visits. Today, they are a global network dedicated to assisting and supporting children and their families as they navigate their healthcare journey.

Charity Navigator gives Ronald McDonald House Charities a 4-star rating. They are also an accredited charity with the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance.

“We believe that when families are together, they cope better.”

Ronald McDonald House Charities

Ronald McDonald House Charities enable, support, and facilitate family-centered healthcare for children. They do this through their three core programs. For example, their Ronald McDonald House programs provide families with room and board near their hospitalized child without incurring the cost of hotels and food. In addition, their Ronald McDonald Family Room programs offer comfortable hospitality rooms inside hospitals. Furthermore, their Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs bring medical and dental care to children in underserved communities. 

Since their founding, Ronald McDonald House Charities has supported millions of children and families across 62 countries through 685 core programs. For example, in 2021, they provided over 1.8 million overnight stays, saving families more than $504 million in lodging costs. Today, at least one core program operates at 90% of all children’s hospitals worldwide.

You can donate to Ronald McDonald House Charities via their website. You can also host a fundraiser or volunteer at a chapter in your community.

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation: A Legacy of Hope

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation was founded in 1982 by Nancy G. Brinker to support breast cancer patients after her sister, Susan G. Komen lost her battle with the disease. Today, they are the world’s largest nonprofit source of funding for the fight against breast cancer.

Charity Navigator gives Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation a 3-star rating. GuideStar gives the charity a Gold rating for transparency. 

“Where the end of breast cancer begins.”

Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation

The Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation assists breast cancer patients through research, community health, global outreach, and advocacy. For example, the charity funds research into the most aggressive and deadly forms of breast cancer, such as metastatic breast cancer, to promote better understanding and treatment. Furthermore, they work to eliminate disparities in health equity by funding community grants that support programs serving low-income, minority, and uninsured women in high-risk areas. They also advocate for policies that ensure access to high-quality care across populations. 

Since their founding, Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation has invested nearly $1.1 billion in breast cancer research, financing more than 2,700 studies and over 500 clinical trials. This has resulted in more than 3,000 discoveries and advancements in breast cancer care. They have also invested more than $2.3 billion in patient support services, serving millions of patients in over 60 countries. And, their Center for Public Policy works to secure more than $1 billion for breast cancer research and safety net programs at federal and state levels each year.

You can donate to Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation via their website. You can also fundraise through one of their events, such as a race or walk, or a pickleball tournament. In addition, you can join their advocacy efforts.

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

The Loveland Foundation was founded in 2018 by Rachel Cargle. Recognizing barriers to mental health accessibility, she created the charity to ensure equitable healthcare support for women of color. Today, the charity is dedicated to improving the mental health of women of color nationwide.

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 assists women of color and supports their mental health by increasing access to culturally competent therapy. For example, their 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. Moreover, the charity 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 healthcare 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. Today, their network 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 donate directly to The Loveland Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by starting a fundraiser via your social media profile. 

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities for assisting with healthcare. 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 if 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. 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 assisting with healthcare – 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

• PBS News: Number of Uninsured Americans Drops to an All-time Low
• Commonwealth Fund: State of US Health Insurance
• HealthWell Foundation: Home
• HealthWell Foundation: What We Do
• Charity Navigator: HealthWell Foundation
• GuideStar: HealthWell Foundation
• HealthWell Foundation: Disease Funds
• HealthWell Foundation: Pediatric Assistance Fund
• HealthWell Foundation: 2021 Annual Report
• HealthWell Foundation: Donate
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Home
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: History
• Charity Navigator: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• GuideStar: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Treatment
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Patient Resources
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Research
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Education Training
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Operating Model
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Media Tools and Facts
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Global
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Donate
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Get Involved
• St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital: Volunteer
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Our Mission and History
• Charity Navigator: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
• GuideStar: Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Where the Money Goes
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Childhood Cancer Data Lab
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Travel for Care
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Super Sibs
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: 2021 Annual Report
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Contribute
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Volunteer
• Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation: Get Involved
• The DONNA Foundation: Home
• Charity Navigator: The DONNA Foundation
• GuideStar: The DONNA Foundation
• The DONNA Foundation: Programs
• The DONNA Foundation: About
• The DONNA Foundation: Donate
• The DONNA Foundation: Marathon
• The DONNA Foundation: Host a Fundraiser
• World Vision: Home
• World Vision: Our History
• Forbes: World Vision
• Charity Navigator: World Vision
• GuideStar: World Vision
• World Vision: Nutrition
• World Vision: HIV and Infectious Diseases
• World Vision: Maternal and Newborn Health
• World Vision: Financial Accountability
• World Vision: Donate
• World Vision: Sponsor a Child
• Project HEAL: Home
• Charity Navigator: Project HEAL
• GuideStar: Project HEAL
• Project HEAL: Clinical Assessment
• Project HEAL: Treatment Placement Program
• Project HEAL: Healers Circle
• Project HEAL: Cash Assistance
• Project HEAL: Insurance Navigation
• Project HEAL: Treatment Equity
• Project HEAL: 2020 Annual Report
• National Association of Anorexia Nervosa and Associated Disorders: Home
• Project HEAL: Donate
• Project HEAL: Become an Ambassador
• Project HEAL: Volunteer
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Home
• Charity Navigator: Ronald McDonald House Charities
• BBB Wise Giving Alliance: Ronald McDonald House Charities
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: House Programs
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Family Rooms
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Care Mobile
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Our Impact
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: 2021 Annual Report
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Donate
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Fundraise
• Ronald McDonald House Charities: Volunteer
• Susan G. Komen: Home
• Susan G. Komen: Home
• Charity Navigator: Susan G. Komen
• GuideStar: Susan G. Komen
• Susan G. Komen: Health Equity
• Susan G. Komen: Our Impact
• Susan G. Komen: Advocacy
• Susan G. Komen: Donate
• Susan G. Komen: Walks and Races
• Susan G. Komen: Pickleball
• Susan G. Komen: Advocate
• The Loveland Foundation: About
• The Loveland Foundation: 2021 Annual Report
• The Loveland Foundation: The Loveland Therapy Fund
• The Loveland Foundation: Donate