There are estimated to be around 22 million health care workers in America. Burnout has long been an issue for healthcare workers which has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Over 86% of all healthcare professionals now experience anxiety and exhaustion. Charities are working hard to relieve the pressure on our health care workers. So we had to ask: What are the best charities to support healthcare workers?

The best charities to support healthcare workers are Project Hope and MedShare. Charities such as the American Nurses Foundation and the Physicians Foundation do amazing work advocating for the rights and well-being of our frontline healthcare workers.

Whether you want to ensure every healthcare worker has access to high-quality medical equipment, fund the training and support of new medical professionals, or protect the mental health of our frontline workers, there is a charity for you. Keep reading to learn more about what the best charities to support healthcare workers are all about, how they work, and what your best way would be to make a contribution.

Here’s What All the Best Charities to Support Healthcare Workers Have in Common

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

They operate all over the world, from North America to Africa, supporting the healthcare workers that serve their communities.

Many of the charities on this list focus their efforts on providing medical supplies and equipment to healthcare professionals in underdeveloped countries. Others focus their attention on giving frontline medical workers the power to improve their own work environment through advocacy and support.

Yet they all share the same goal; to improve the lives of the people that save ours.

These Are the 9 Best Charities to Support Healthcare Workers in 2024

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

Best Charities to Support Healthcare Workers

The Physicians Foundation

Project Hope

MedShare

American Nurses Foundation

MacMillan Cancer Support

IntraHealth International

Doctors Worldwide

Entertainment Industry Foundation

Touch Foundation

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

The Physicians Foundation: Empowering Physicians in America

The Physicians Foundation was founded in 2003 by a group of physicians after they won a substantial settlement against private third-party insurers. Since then, the charity has grown to become a leading voice for physicians across America. 

According to their financial report, the Physicians Foundation spent 83% of their expenditure on grants and programs, and 17% on administrative costs. The charity also has a 100% Encompass rating for finance & accountability from Charity Navigator.

“Empowering physicians to lead in the delivery of high-quality health care.”

The Physicians Foundation

The Physicians Foundation empowers physicians to lead in the delivery of high-quality care in America by providing grants that seek to improve the healthcare system. Through the Physicians Foundation Center for the Study of Physician Practice and Leadership, the charity is exploring the challenges faced by physicians so they can formulate effective practice models to improve services to patients. In addition, they have launched the Vital Signs campaign to tackle physician suicide. 

To date, the Physicians Foundation has awarded $49 million in grants to universities, hospital systems, and medical society foundations. In 2020, the foundation invested $2 million into advancing physician leadership and granted nearly $1 million to support the mental well-being of physicians. 

You can donate to the Physicians Foundation through the Great NonProfits website. You can also support the charity by signing up to join their email list. 

Project Hope: Giving Power Back to Local Health Care Workers

Project Hope was founded in 1958 by Dr. William B. Walsh after he witnessed the horrendous health conditions in the South Pacific during World War II. Today, the charity is dedicated to bringing hope and health to underserved communities around the world. 

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

“We empower health care workers facing the world’s greatest health crises to build resilient communities and a healthier, more equitable world.”

Project Hope

Project Hope is tackling the global shortage of healthcare professionals by ensuring all health workers have the knowledge and skills they need to serve their communities. They particularly focus their efforts on impoverished and remote villages in Africa and Latin America. The charity also runs regular online and in-person mental health and resilience training courses for healthcare workers to normalize support systems that are often overlooked in clinical settings. 

Since their founding, Project Hope has trained over 2 million medical professionals and provided more than $2 billion worth of medicines and supplies to 150 countries around the globe. In 2020, the charity reached 1.4 million people through their healthcare services and helped 170,000 people affected by disasters and humanitarian crises. 

You can donate directly to Project Hope through their website. You can also support the charity by volunteering or by setting up a fundraising event. 

MedShare: Strengthening Healthcare Systems Around the Globe

MedShare was founded in 1998 by A. B. Short and Bob Freeman to tackle the environmental threat of discarded medical supplies by donating them to underserved countries. Today, the charity is a global humanitarian organization that is improving healthcare systems to ensure all communities receive adequate care. 

MedShare holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar as well as a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“Dedicated to improving the quality of  life of people, communities, and our planet by sourcing and directly delivering surplus medical supplies to communities in need.”

MedShare

MedShare helps to improve health system capacity and drives sustainability by delivering surplus medical supplies from America to remote communities around the world. Through their Biomedical Equipment Training & Repair Service, the charity provides quality, functioning equipment and biomedical engineering training to healthcare workers in underdeveloped countries, including the equipment required for the early detection and treatment of preventable maternal and child health issues. 

To date, MedShare has collected over $240 million worth of life-saving medical supplies and delivered them to 105 countries and territories in need. This has ensured that over 828,000 health professionals are fully equipped to serve their communities. In addition, the charity has provided biomedical training and support to over 7,000 healthcare professionals in 18 underdeveloped countries around the world. 

You can donate directly to MedShare through their website. If you work in the healthcare industry you can also support the charity by donating surplus medical supplies. Alternatively, you can attend one of their awareness events or volunteer for the charity.

American Nurses Foundation: Reimagining Nursing

The American Nurses Foundation was founded in 1955 as the research, education, and charitable branch of the American Nurses Association. Today, the charity is committed to supporting nurses and improving healthcare for all.  

The American Nurses Foundation holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 3-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“A healthy world through the power of nursing.”

American Nurses Foundation

The American Nurses Foundation works to elevate the nursing profession on a global scale in order to transform the healthcare system. They do this by providing Nursing Research Grants to researchers that are addressing important issues surrounding the practice of care and the role nurses can play in healthcare inequalities. Through their American Nurse Project, the charity has launched an award-winning book and documentary designed to raise the voices of nurses across America. 

Since their inception, the American Nurses Foundation has fought for the rights of the 4 million registered nurses across America. In 2020, the charity provided $2.35 million in grants to over 2,000 nurses experiencing financial hardship throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. In the same year, the charity supported over 49,500 nurses through their mental wellness programs. 

You can donate directly to the American Nurses Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by getting involved in one of their advocacy campaigns.

MacMillan Cancer Support: Supporting Healthcare Workers and Their Cancer Patients

MacMillan Cancer Support was founded in 1911 by Douglas MacMillan after his own father passed away from cancer. Today, the charity is the UK’s leading source of cancer support, dedicated to providing training and support to health professionals around the globe. 

According to their financial report, MacMillan Cancer Support spent 60.4% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 39.6% on raising funds. 

“We provide physical, emotional, and financial support to people living with cancer.”

MacMillan Cancer Support

MacMillan Cancer Support acts as an online information hub and support service for healthcare professionals working with cancer patients and their families. They do this by providing free cancer information booklets as well as a variety of emotional and financial support options for healthcare workers and their patients. They also fund pilot studies and services to help professionals offer new, innovative ways to deliver the most effective care to their patients. 

Since their inception, MacMillan Cancer Support has remained dedicated to providing vital support to healthcare professionals and their patients living with cancer. In 2020, they invested $28.5 million in grants to 6,400 nurses, over 900 support workers, and more than 1,500 allied health professionals. In the same year, they also set up a MacMillan emotional and wellbeing hub to provide tools and support for healthcare professionals and the cancer workforce.  

You can donate directly to MacMillan Cancer Support through their website. You can also assist the charity by supporting one of their campaigns or by joining their online community. 

IntraHealth International: Because Health Workers Save Lives

IntraHealth International was founded in 1979 by lifelong health worker advocate Pape Amadou Gaye to strengthen local non-profits. Today, the charity is a global organization committed to improving the performance of health care workers and strengthening the systems in which they work. 

IntraHealth International holds the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity also has a 100% Encompass rating for finance & accountability from Charity Navigator.  

“Creating a world where everyone has the health care they need to thrive.”

IntraHealth International

IntraHealth International works with governments, businesses, technologists, and activists to improve the performance of healthcare workers around the world. They have launched numerous digital tools to support the people at the center of our healthcare system. These include their innovative iHRIS software which helps professional leaders to track, manage, and plan their workforce. In addition, the charity works as an advocacy organization to influence healthcare policies and urge investment into frontline health workers in low-income countries. 

To date, IntraHealth International has provided vital support to health care workers in over 100 countries around the globe. In 2020, the charity reached 449,600 health workers which resulted in safer births for 491,083 mothers and the performance of 939,753 additional HIV tests in the most impoverished communities. 32 countries now use their innovative iHRIS software to manage their health workforces. 

You can donate directly to IntraHealth International through their website.

Doctors Worldwide: Improving the Provision of Medical Care in Underdeveloped Countries

Doctors Worldwide was founded in 2001 by a group of international medics to help impoverished communities develop, build, and sustain effective healthcare services. Today, the charity is committed to ensuring every individual has access to quality health care. 

According to their financial report, Doctors Worldwide spent 98.7% of their expenditure on charitable activities and 1.3% on raising funds. 

“We serve communities in need so that they can build healthier and happier futures.”

Doctors Worldwide

Doctors Worldwide delivers quality medical care and support to vulnerable communities across Africa, Asia, and Central America through their numerous healthcare projects. The charity also provides professional mentoring in leadership and operational strategies to medical organizations and healthcare facilities so they can provide the very best care for all of their patients. Through their Malawi Maternity Project, Doctors Worldwide is building and scaling up maternal care services to reduce mother and child deaths. 

To date, Doctors Worldwide has impacted 3.7 million lives across 24 countries. In 2022, the charity provided training and educational support to 203 medical healthcare workers, including 66 clinical leaders who benefited a further 2,915 clinical staff members. They also rehabilitated and provided staff support to 73 clinics and hospitals across 7 countries.

You can donate directly to Doctors Worldwide through their website. You can also support the charity by fundraising or by volunteering.

Entertainment Industry Foundation: Saving Lives By Harnessing the Strength of the Entertainment Industry

The Entertainment Industry Foundation was founded in 1942 by four Hollywood legends, including Humphrey Bogart, to raise money for the most pressing humanitarian crises. Today, the charity mobilizes the influential voices of creative talents to support health care workers and raise awareness of national and global issues. 

The Entertainment Industry Foundation holds the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar as well as a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“We serve as a gateway to giving for the entertainment industry.” 

Entertainment Industry Foundation

The Entertainment Industry Foundation creates and supports groundbreaking campaigns around the world through the influential voices of the entertainment industry. They also provide grants to organizations in order to raise awareness of critical issues such as the state of healthcare around the world. Their current projects include creating employment pathways for people with disabilities and their Stand up to Cancer Initiative which is funding new, innovative cancer treatments.

Since their inception, the Entertainment Industry Foundation has raised over $1 billion to tackle the world’s global health issues by supporting more than 200 charities every year. Thanks to the work of the charity, celebrities and corporations have raised over $1 million to support health care workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

You can donate directly to the Entertainment Industry Foundation through their website. You can also assist the charity by supporting one of their awareness campaigns.

Touch Foundation: Strengthening Healthcare in Sub-Saharan Africa

The Touch Foundation was founded in 2004 by Lowell Bryan to address the healthcare crisis in Tanzania. Today, the charity is dedicated to strengthening the healthcare system in Sub-Saharan Africa to build stronger, more resilient communities. 

The Touch Foundation holds the Gold Seal of Transparency from GuideStar. The charity also has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator.

“Providing better access to care and improving the quality of local health systems in Sub-Saharan Africa.”

Touch Foundation

The Touch Foundation plans and implements programs to improve the healthcare system in Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in Tanzania. To tackle the severe shortage of healthcare workers, the charity has set up an impactful training program and medical school in the country. They are also working to improve maternal health care through their m-mamma program.

To date, the Touch Foundation has trained over 6,000 new healthcare workers and housed a further 900 students in new dormitories through their Treat & Train Clinical Education Program. Their graduates have treated over 620,000 patients and decreased maternal deaths in Tanzania by 27%.

You can donate directly to the Touch Foundation through their website. You can also support the charity by joining one of their virtual awareness events.

How Can You Select the Best Charities to Support?

The charities on the list are, we deem, the best charities to support healthcare workers. 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 support healthcare workers – 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

• United States Census Bureau: Who are our healthcare workers?
• Mental Health America: The Mental Health of Healthcare Workers in Covid-19
• The Physicians Foundation: Home page
• The Physicians Foundation: Annual Report 2020
• Charity Navigator: The Physicians Foundation
• The Physicians Foundation: Grants
• The Physicians Foundation: Center for the Study of Physician Practice and Leadership
• The Physicians Foundation: Physician Leadership
• The Physicians Foundation: Vital Signs
• The Physicians Foundation: Our History
• Great Nonprofits: The Physicians Foundation
• The Physicians Foundation: Connect with Us
• Project Hope: Home page
• GuideStar: Project Hope
• Charity Navigator: Project Hope
• Project Hope: Training Healthcare Workers
• Project Hope: Africa
• Project Hope: Americas
• Project Hope: Protecting Mental Health
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• Project Hope: Volunteer
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• MedShare: Home page
• GuideStar: MedShare
• Charity Navigator: MedShare
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• MedShare: Biomedical Equipment Training & Repair Service
• MedShare: Maternal & Child Health
• MedShare: Donate
• MedShare: Donate Medical Supplies
• MedShare: Join Us!
• MedShare: Volunteer
• American Nurses Foundation: Home page
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• American Nurses Foundation: Nursing Research Grants
• American Nurses Foundation: The American Nurse Project
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• MacMillan Cancer Support: Home page
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• MacMillan Cancer Support: Online Community
• IntraHealth International: Home page
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• IntraHealth International: Digital Health
• iHRIS: Home page
• IntraHealth International: Policy & Advocacy
• Frontline Health Workers Coalition: Home page
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• Doctors Worldwide: Home page
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• Entertainment Industry Foundation: Home page
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• Entertainment Industry Foundation: NBA All-Star Joel Embiid makes significant contribution to #FirstRespondersFirst
• Entertainment Industry Foundation: Modelo commits $500,000 to #FirstRespondersFirst
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• Touch Foundation: Home page
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• Touch Foundation: Donate
• Touch Foundation: Take Action