Alycia O'Dell

Alycia loves to research and write about organizations that invest in the health and welfare of marginalized communities. She holds a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis and works with children with autism. Outside of work, she is a new mom to twins and loves helping them learn and explore.

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Illustration of sports equipment

9 Best Charities That Promote Sports (Complete 2023 List)

From obesity prevention to improved socialization, the benefits of sports participation are plentiful and critically important to people of all ages. Engaging in sports has been linked to improved focus, decreased anxiety and depression, and increased confidence. Yet for some athletes, like those with disabilities or those from low-income families, sports are inaccessible. Fortunately, organizations around the world are dedicated to ensuring everyone has a chance to play. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that promote sports?

Illustration of a basketball behind a youth's feet

9 Best Charities That Promote Youth Sports (Complete 2023 List)

Youth participation in sports has been shown to improve physical and mental health. For example, it has been linked to improved academic performance, decreased anxiety and depression, and increased confidence. Yet for some kids, like those with disabilities or those from low-income families, sports are inaccessible. Fortunately, organizations around the world are dedicated to ensuring all children are given the same opportunities in sport. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that promote youth sports?

Illustration of a women's health

9 Best Charities That Fight for Women’s Health (Complete 2023 List)

Around the world, women and girls face a host of barriers to healthcare, despite being more likely to suffer from certain medical conditions such as autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, in some societies, strict adherence to gender-based social norms contributes to decreased access to quality health and reproductive care, and increased risk of physical, sexual, and emotional violence. Fortunately, charities are working to eliminate gender-based disparities in healthcare. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for women’s health?

Attempted illustration of a person with rumination disorder

9 Best Charities That Combat Rumination Disorder (Complete 2023 List)

Approximately 1 in 125 people in the general population experience rumination disorder, a condition in which an individual consistently regurgitates undigested food. And about half of those diagnosed with rumination disorder have co-occurring mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and developmental delay. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to raise awareness, provide support, and increase access to treatment for people affected by rumination disorder. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities that combat rumination disorder?

Attempted illustration of a kid with pica eating disorder

9 Best Charities That Combat Pica Eating Disorder (Complete 2023 List)

Pica is the persistent, compulsive ingestion of non-edible substances. It’s most commonly diagnosed in children and individuals with developmental disabilities, and sometimes pregnant women. However, the cause is unknown. Ingesting non-edible items can have negative consequences on one’s health, making pica eating disorder dangerous if left untreated. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to raise awareness, provide support, and increase access to treatment for people affected by pica. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities that combat pica eating disorder?

Illustration of a mother with her newborn

9 Best Charities for Maternal/ Postpartum Mental Health (Complete 2023 List)

Maternal mental health disorders are the most common complication of pregnancy, impacting up to 1 in 5 expecting and postpartum mothers in the US. Moreover, although maternal depression and anxiety are associated with negative developmental outcomes for children, only about 15% of suffering mothers receive professional treatment. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to ensure that all mothers have the resources they need to address their mental health. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities for maternal/postpartum mental health?

Attempted illustration of health equity

9 Best Charities That Fight for Health Equity (Complete 2023 List)

Health equity is the state in which everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. Unfortunately, many people experience barriers to quality healthcare, such as high cost of care, inadequate insurance coverage, and lack of availability of culturally-competent services. And, these barriers often disproportionately affect members of certain populations, like racial and ethnic minority groups, people with disabilities, and those living in poverty. Luckily, organizations around the world are working to eliminate disparities in healthcare. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for health equity?

Attempted illustration of a person with body positivity and acceptance

9 Best Charities That Advance Body Positivity and Acceptance (Complete 2023 List)

Nearly 1 in 2 women feel negative about the way they look. Furthermore, 24% of men and adolescents express concern over their muscularity and leanness. Negative body image is associated with feelings of shame, depression, and anxiety. It can also lead to serious medical issues, like eating disorders and obesity. Furthermore, weight-based discrimination and negative depictions of obesity in the media can exacerbate a person’s struggle with body image. Fortunately, organizations around the world are working to promote body positivity and end weight-based discrimination. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities that advance body positivity and acceptance?

Illustration of disabled children

9 Best Charities for Disabled Children (Complete 2023 List)

Worldwide, around 1 in 10 children live with some sort of disability. These children can face a myriad of difficulties; for example, they are less likely to receive early childhood education and more likely to feel discriminated against compared to children without a disability. Luckily, charities around the world are working to help disabled children and their families to find the support they need. So, we had to ask: what are the best charities for disabled children?

Attempted illustration of two doctors doing medical research

9 Best Charities That Advance Medical Research (Complete 2023 List)

Around the world, advances in medical research are saving lives by introducing healthcare providers to the newest and most innovative techniques in the prevention, treatment, and cure of disease. For example, in 2022, 426,709 clinical studies were conducted across all 50 states and 221 countries to find treatments for fatal diseases. To investigate their game-changing ideas, researchers rely on funding from various institutions, including grants from nonprofit organizations. So, we had to ask: What are the best charities that advance medical research?