Charities are required to be open about their financials, so it's easy to determine which allow your donation to go the furthest
Best Charities Where Your Donation Goes the Furthest
Feeding America
The organization with the purpose of “building a hunger-free America” is ranked as the best charity by Forbes. This honor is well deserved, as Feeding America is the largest charity in the United States working to end hunger. They make food accessible to those who need it by partnering with food banks and advocating for policies that promote food security. In addition to being BBB-accredited, they hold the highest rating from Charity Navigator.
Direct Relief
This humanitarian organization has the life-saving goal of providing access to medicine and health care in emergencies across the United States and worldwide. In 2023, they donated $1 billion in medical supplies to people in Ukraine affected by the war. At the time, Direct Relief was already in Ukraine helping with the COVID-19 pandemic. They were awarded the 2025 Seoul Peace Prize, the highest honor for humanitarian achievement, in recognition of their Significant Global Humanitarian Impact.
The organization publishes all its financial documents on its website, so you can feel confident about donating to a cause that is transparent and accountable. They also have an Aid Tracker, which highlights their humanitarian output, such as deliveries, doses of medicines and health-care providers supported.
World Vision
This Christian organization spreads the message of Jesus and contributes funds and aid to families around the world. According to their website, they currently help more than 3.5 million children in 100 countries. These efforts from one of the best charities include tsunami relief, medical care and other necessities. If you feel inspired by their practices and align with their beliefs, you’ll be happy to know that 86% of their total operating expenses go toward programs that benefit children, families and communities.
Doctors Without Borders
Since 1971, Doctors Without Borders has helped those in critical need around the world. By bringing medical professionals to areas of conflict or parts of the globe where infectious diseases are rampant, they’ve not only improved the quality of life for tens of millions of people but also saved countless communities. Not too shabby for one of the best charities. If you aren’t a doctor, you can still help this organization by donating money to their efforts. This money is allocated: 88% for programs, 11% for fundraising and only 1% for management.
The Nature Conservancy
Though industrialization creates jobs and feeds demand, it also kills precious ecosystems the planet needs to thrive. Since 1951, The Nature Conservancy has worked tirelessly as one of the best charities, serving as the figurative bodyguard for planet earth. While the charity is based in Arlington, Virginia, they’ve successfully protected 119 million acres of land and thousands upon thousands of miles of rivers globally. If you are Team Mother Earth, consider giving to this charity, since 96% of your donation goes toward their mission.
Helen Keller International
You probably recall the amazing, heroic story of Helen Keller, who while blind and deaf wrote timeless classics and became the very first blind-deaf person to earn a bachelor’s degree. Named in her honor, the Helen Keller International charity works to improve quality of life and reduce the prevalence of malnutrition and blindness in communities around the world. This includes programs and research connected to all areas of health, nutrition and vision. If this sounds like one of the best charities to you, consider donating, especially since 81 cents of every dollar goes directly to fund their programs.
American Humane Society
When you’re watching a TV show or a movie, do you ever notice the “No animals were harmed” message? Our furry friends are protected from mistreatment thanks to the American Humane Society, a 100-year-old company that fights tirelessly for the safety of animals. In addition to their work in Hollywood, they also provide animal welfare and conservation programs for farms and rescue missions across the country. They are one of the best charities out there, with 91 cents of every dollar going directly to our four-legged (and two-legged and no-legged) animal buddies.
Breast Cancer Research Foundation
As the most common cancer in American women, breast cancer has many groups working toward a cure. But the Breast Cancer Research Foundation is the only one to have an “A” rating from CharityWatch.org. They also have GuideStar USA’s Gold Seal of Transparency, since they are open and candid about their strategies, goals, capabilities, achievements and progress. This recognition of one of the best charities is given to only the top 0.5% of the 1.8 million IRS-recognized organizations. When you contribute, 96% of your donation goes to programs and fundraising.
Girls Inc.
If you want to fundamentally change the next generation of women, your donation is well spent with one of the best charities: Girls Inc. This nonprofit organization operates in 350 cities across the United States and Canada, providing mentoring and support to girls ages 6 to 18. When these young women are part of the program, they do better in schoolwork, they are more likely to attend (and graduate from!) college and they engage less in risky behaviors. For every dollar donated, 87 cents goes toward helping the girls, with only 2% going toward management expenses.
Gary Sinise Foundation
If you have a veteran or first responder in your life, you know how much of themselves they give to the job—and that they aren’t always supported in the way these brave men and women deserve. That’s where the Gary Sinise Foundation steps in as one of the best charities to offer these special humans programs to entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen and build community. For every dollar you donate to this important nonprofit, 91.12% is directly given to these programs. They also received the highest rating from Charity Navigator by following excellent best practices in governance.
Catholic Relief Services
For decades, Catholic Relief Services has worked to improve the quality of life for millions worldwide. As an active and efficient humanitarian aid organization, they send doctors and volunteers to the most challenging parts of the world to address emergencies, diseases and other critical situations. Of all the donations given, 93% go directly to their efforts. Another reason they’re one of the best charities? They met all 20 charity standards outlined by the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance, which gave them an “A” rating.
Ronald McDonald House
With 366 locations around the world, this nonprofit organization provides support and assistance to sick children and their families. Whether it’s a safe place for parents to stay while their babies receive necessary treatment, or educational workshops and other offerings to cheer up the darkest of spirits, Ronald McDonald House never gives up on any child or family. And they put that money where it belongs, with 87% going directly to their work. That’s what you call one of the best charities!
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Sources:
- Feeding America
- Direct Relief: Direct Relief Accepts 2025 Seoul Peace Prize for Global Humanitarian Impact
- World Vision: Financial stewardship
- Doctors Without Borders: Finances, reporting & accountability
- The Nature Conservancy
- Helen Keller International: A Statement from Our President and CEO about US Funding
- American Humane Society
- Breast Cancer Research Foundation: How We Spend Our Money
- Girls Inc.
- Gary Sinise Foundation: Financials
- Catholic Relief Services: Financial Reports
- Ronald McDonald House
- American Cancer Society: Cancer Facts for Women
- Charity Watch: Top-Rated Charities
