Diana Stancu

Diana loves to research and write about topics that bring awareness to communities in need. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Political Sciences and considers herself a lifelong learner who strives to increase her knowledge and expertise. Outside of work, she enjoys writing fiction, creating cooking recipes, studying philosophy, and taking sunset photos.

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Illustration of a homeless and a double-deck bed

10 Best Charities Providing Shelter for the Homeless (Complete 2024 List)

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?

Illustration of two elderlies with Parkinson's

9 Best Charities That Combat Parkinson’s Disease (Complete 2024 List)

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?

Illustration of a veteran

9 Best Charities for Veterans (Complete 2024 List)

There are over 16 million veterans living in the US, or around 6% of the civilian population. However, unfortunately, two-thirds are unaware of the benefits they have earned under their military service. What’s more, 30% of them have service-related disabilities, and 22 veterans commit suicide daily, with one occurring roughly every 80 minutes. 85% of ex-soldiers say that the American public has little awareness of the challenges they face. Yet, fortunately, charities nationwide are fighting to serve the holistic well-being and dignity of the country’s military heroes. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for veterans?

Illustration of an elderly in a wheelchair

10 Best Charities That Support Lonely Elderly (Complete 2024 List)

Loneliness is a rapidly spreading epidemic. In recent years, around 50% of individuals over 60 have become at risk of social isolation and one-third reported feeling a lack of companionship most of the time. What’s more, prolonged social isolation increases all-cause mortality by 32% and is as harmful to overall health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Fortunately, charities are fighting to provide critical emotional and social support to seniors struggling with solitude and re-engage them back into society. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that support lonely elderly?

Illustration of a lonely person

9 Best Charities That Combat Loneliness (Complete 2024 List)

Loneliness is a rapidly spreading epidemic. The number of people who live alone has increased by 30% in the last few decades. As a result, 60% of American adults report feeling lonely, with Generation Z being the loneliest generation. What’s more, prolonged social isolation increases all-cause mortality by 32% and is as harmful to overall health as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Fortunately, charities worldwide are fighting to provide critical emotional and mental support to people struggling with solitude. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that combat loneliness?

Illustration of the Earth

10 Best Charities for This Year’s Earth Day (Complete 2024 List)

We celebrate Earth Day on April 22 every year to bring awareness to environmental problems engulfing our planet. For instance, we have lost over one-third of our forests since the ice age while still losing 11 football fields of forest per minute. In addition, species are experiencing the greatest extinction rate in 60 million years while our plastic waste increases by 350 million tons annually. Fortunately, charities worldwide are fighting to stop these critical threats to our ecosystems and help our planet thrive. So we had to ask: What are the best charities for this year’s Earth Day?

Illustration of an artist's canvas on an easel

11 Best Charities That Help Artists Thrive (Complete 2024 List)

Artists have an immense impact and influence on the societies they live in and enrich the human experience through a multitude of art forms. There’s estimated to be over 2.6 million artists in the US alone, and yet, in recent years, the rate of unemployment for artists has risen, at times, to as much as 10%. Struggles for artists range from financial hardships to health issues impeding their work. Fortunately, charities are fighting to properly serve artists in times of need while amplifying their voices in society. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that help artists thrive?

Illustration of hand washing

13 Best Water, Sanitation & Hygiene “WASH” Charities (Complete 2024 List)

Water Access, Sanitation, and Hygiene, commonly referred to as “WASH”, can virtually eliminate waterborne diseases and are interdependent – one cannot be fully realized without the other. Yet 1 in 3 people worldwide lack access to clean water, and half of the world’s population doesn’t use a safe toilet. Moreover, 2.3 billion people lack basic hygiene education. Fortunately, charities are fighting to give people the critical WASH systems they need to survive and thrive. So we had to ask: What are the best water, sanitation & hygiene “WASH” charities?

Illustration of music books and a guitar

9 Best Charities That Advance Music Education (Complete 2024 List)

Music education is a crucial part of children’s development, enhancing their creative and critical thinking skills. Furthermore, music lessons increase students’ academic results while lowering the usage of illicit substances. Unfortunately, music programs are regularly cut from school budgets because they are not usually a priority for principals and parents. As a result, charities are fighting to implement critical music courses while advocating for their benefit in a child’s life. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that advance music education?

Illustration of a musician holding a guitar

9 Best Charities That Help Musicians Thrive (Complete 2024 List)

Music is one of the most celebrated art forms. It has the power to unite and uplift people beyond words. However, musicians’ career paths are often difficult, with about 70% suffering from mental health issues and 60% experiencing financial difficulty. All of this makes it harder for them to continue sharing the gift of music with the world. As a result, many charities are working to improve the lives and careers of music makers. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that help musicians thrive?

Attempted illustration of a national park

9 Best Charities That Protect Our National Parks (Complete 2024 List)

Around the world, national parks conserve ‘wild nature’ for future generations by allowing protected species to flourish. But in recent years, they have become victims of intrusive events, ranging from water shortages and air pollution to climate threats. Furthermore, the dangers posed by invasive species and poaching damage habitats and cause local wildlife to disappear. Fortunately, charities worldwide are fighting to preserve these natural wonders and make them resilient for future generations to enjoy. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that protect our national parks?

Illustration of a big water drop containing another illustration of nature

21 Best Charities That Fight for Clean Water (Complete 2024 List)

Having clean water for drinking and hygiene is a basic necessity that many of us take for granted. Yet, over 2 billion people lack access to it, which equates to 1 in 3 people around the world. Furthermore, 282 million people spend more than 30 minutes retrieving water each time they need it, and every 21 seconds, an infant dies because of a lack of access to safe drinking water. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that fight for clean water?

Attempted illustration of a gastric or digestive disease

9 Best Charities That Combat Gastric & Digestive Diseases (Complete 2024 List)

The complexity of the digestive system can also give rise to an overwhelming number of digestive issues which can afflict people. For example, each year, around one in five Americans get diagnosed with a digestive disorder. Furthermore, digestive diseases are rising because of stressful social and environmental conditions, with gastric cancer being the fourth cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Fortunately, charities are fighting to improve and protect people’s gut health by advancing digestive treatments and education. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that combat gastric & digestive diseases?

Attempted illustration of a liver with a disease

9 Best Charities That Combat Liver Diseases (Complete 2024 List)

Today, more than 100 million people in the US have some form of liver disease. In addition, cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease, is a leading cause of mortality across the world. Furthermore, liver cancer is the most rapidly growing cause of cancer deaths in the US, with doubled death rates since 1980. Fortunately, charities worldwide are working to improve patients’ life quality and advance innovative treatments to bring much-needed cures. So we had to ask: What are the best charities that combat liver diseases?

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