Roughly 13 million people worldwide have PTSD in any given year, with 1 in 13 people developing the condition at some point in their lives. While most people associate PTSD with wartime trauma, it can affect anyone who has suffered a traumatic event. Yet, PTSD is still misunderstood and surrounded by stigma, preventing sufferers from seeking support. Fortunately, charities around the world are working to support PTSD sufferers and ensure they get the help they need. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that support PTSD sufferers?

Around 10 million animals die from abuse or cruelty every year in the US alone—that’s 1 animal every minute. Factory farming practices, the wildlife trade, and cruelty to companion animals all contribute to this alarming figure. Fortunately, charities around the world are working to improve animal welfare standards and protect all animals from abusive environments. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that help abused animals?

From cognitive impairment and physical disability to old age and homelessness, millions of adults around the world are considered vulnerable. These individuals rely either partially or completely on others for care but also deserve to live with dignity and autonomy. Fortunately, organizations around the world remain dedicated to supporting vulnerable adults, promoting economic opportunity, independent living, and respect. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for vulnerable adults?

Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death in children. And, leukemia is the most common form of childhood cancer, with up to 4,000 children diagnosed each year in the US alone. While several risk factors increase a child’s likelihood of diagnosis, the exact cause of childhood leukemia remains unknown. Fortunately, research, awareness, and advocacy efforts by charities have led to improved treatment outcomes for children battling leukemia, but the search for a cure continues. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that combat childhood leukemia?

Wildlife habitat across the globe is disappearing at a rate of 5,760 acres every day. As a result, just 4% of the mammals living in the world are wild animals. And ocean wildlife is faring no better, with just 4% of our oceans being protected and millions of marine animals dying every year from plastic pollution. Fortunately, charities around the world are working tirelessly to save wild animals from the threat of extinction. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that protect wild animals? 

There are around 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic in our oceans, with 100 million marine animals dying from plastic pollution every year. 80% of global marine pollution comes from untreated sewage, agriculture runoff, and discarded pesticides, which has caused 50 marine dead zones around the world. Fortunately, charities are fighting to save the oceans that sustain all life on Earth. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that help clean up our oceans?

From intimate partner violence and child abuse to human trafficking, millions of people around the world experience abuse each year. In the US alone, over 12 million cases of intimate partner abuse are documented each year and over 30% of women reported impaired functioning as a result. Furthermore, the cycle of abuse often spans generations, with about 30% of abused or neglected children becoming abusive parents and 66% becoming abused spouses or partners. Fortunately, organizations around the world assist victims in escaping and overcoming abuse to break this cycle. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for abuse victims?

Veganism is a philosophy and way of living which seeks to end animal exploitation. Vegans avoid animal products in food, clothing, beauty products, and entertainment, for ethical, environmental, or health reasons. A vegan diet has just 30% of the environmental impact of a meat-heavy diet, so it is an achievable way to make a positive sustainable change in your own life. Many charities champion the benefits of veganism, raising awareness, and making the movement more accessible across the globe. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that promote veganism?

Perimenopause and menopause affect over 1 billion women worldwide. Yet, more than 90% of women were never taught about menopause in school and 60% only began researching the condition after they started getting symptoms. Despite progress made in recent years, perimenopause and menopause are still seen as taboo topics, with many women feeling isolated and helpless as they go through the transition. Fortunately, charities are working hard to dispel the myths surrounding menopause and support women to feel more empowered. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities for perimenopausal and menopausal women?

Under certain circumstances, small oceanic disturbances can develop into catastrophic hurricanes. And, while certain aspects can be anticipated, like the storm’s general path, the extent of the destruction isn’t as predictable. For example, most hurricane-related deaths are caused by sudden storm surges and flooding. Moreover, hurricanes cause billions of dollars worth of damage each year, which is especially devastating for already vulnerable communities in hurricane-prone areas. Fortunately, organizations are helping communities to prepare and recover from hurricanes. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that provide hurricane relief?

Homelessness is a rapidly increasing social issue, with over 653,000 people in the US living on the streets. In addition, during recent years, the number of unhoused individuals has increased by 12%. What’s more, 31% of homeless people have a serious mental illness, while nearly 50% of them have at least one comorbidity, from depression to cardiovascular disease. Fortunately, charities nationwide are fighting to provide critical housing services and support people throughout their journey to owning a home. So we had to ask: What are the best charities providing shelter for the homeless?

Parkinson’s is the second-most common neurodegenerative disease, affecting over 10 million individuals worldwide. The number of Americans with Parkinson’s is expected to increase to 1.2 million by 2030, as every 6 minutes someone in the US is diagnosed with the condition. What’s more, healthcare costs for patients, including medication, surgery, and caregiving services, can add up to more than $140,000 each year. Fortunately, charities are fighting to help patients regain their dignity and advance research to free them from the condition. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that combat Parkinson’s disease?

In the US alone, about 750,000 pregnancies occur in women under the age of 20 each year. Among low and middle-income countries globally, that number is close to 21 million. Regardless of where they live, young mothers face a host of challenges compared to their older counterparts, including increased risks of homelessness, maternal and infant mortality, and depression. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to ensure that young mothers have the resources they need to thrive. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities that support young mothers?

The number of endangered species recorded by IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) has more than doubled within the last seven years. Of the 160,000 species that have been assessed, around 43,000 are now threatened with extinction. Indeed, we are heading into a mass extinction event caused by habitat loss, wildlife crime, and climate change. However, charities are determined to reverse the damage and save our endangered wildlife. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for endangered animals?