Posted by on Dec 28, 2012 Views: 3852

Top-Rated National Charities — Check Out These National Charities for your Giving or Volunteering

Feed The Children, Inc.

This giving season, if you are considering giving to a national charity, check out these nonprofits recommended by volunteers, donors, and clients. Read the reviews and get inspired to give or volunteer!

Feed the Children

GreatNonprofits users say: “New Beginnings Christian Church has been helped by Feed The Children for years we recently gave 35 pounds of food too eight hundred families in Kern County. FTC has helped us meet the needs of thousands of hurting and hungry people.I want to thank FTC for years of support and thank you that have supported this great non profit feed millions.” Read More

International Rescue Committee

GreatNonprofits users say: “We are so pleased to support the IRC! With an overhead of less than 10% we know all of our donations are going to help those in need.
The IRC is not giving a hand out they’re giving a hand up! I appreciate the updates of how my donation is helping people have the opportunity of a fresh start. Great job IRC!” Read More

Children International

GreatNonprofits users say: “Through Children International I have been able to form stong relationships with the children that I sponsor. Their letters are filled with love and thankfulness. And I know that many of the childrens’ greatest needs are being met by my donations. (It is very rewarding sponsoring when you can read in the childrens’ own words how much they are being helped.) I have sponsored with many other organizations, but Children International is my favorite of them all.” Read More

Save the Children Federation

GreatNonprofits users say: “Did lots of research trying to find an organization to donate to at year’s end. After some extensive vetting I’m very satisfied with this one. Not only do they get very high marks for financial efficiency, they have a lot of awards and commendations for the quality of the programs. (So they aren’t just fiscally prudent, the money actually does good.) I was also happy to see that they have programs that range from disaster response to education and that sort of thing. Certainly in the top tier of charities that help kids!” Read More

Good360

GreatNonprofits users say: “Good360 provides many needed supplies for our agency so we can serve underserved children, elderly, and homeless individuals and families in our service area. On a yearly basis we are able to serve over 600 children with gifts for Christmas by using products from Good360. The smiling faces of these children tell it like no other.” Read More

Matthew 25:Ministries, Inc.

Matthew 25: Ministries Inc.

GreatNonprofits users say: “I have been a weekly volunteer for several years because I have found M25M to be making an enormous impact on those in need in many areas of the world and because the organization, management and people there are first rate; really like a large caring family. I take great satisfaction in being a part of it and this has led me to become a regular donor as well as a volunteer. I could not find any fault on any level with this charity and have total confidence that my donations are well applied. It is also a great charity to tour and see first-hand.” Read More

Project Hope-The People-to-People Health Foundation, Inc.

GreatNonprofits users say: “My life with Project HOPE began in 2005 with the USNS Mercy in Indonesia after the tsunami. What an exciting and rewarding experience! After that came: Katrina ( also an interesting experience), humanatarian efforts in Paupa New Guinea, Micronesia, Ghana and most recently in Haiti at Albert Schweitzer Hospital. The people I have known and loved during these experieces are memories to last a lifetime. I am proud to have been a part of this wonderful organization. JoAnne Machin, RN” Read More

American SPCA

GreatNonprofits users say: “My fiancé and I visited the ASPCA in the hope we would find a kitten to adopt and add to our family. The staff was amazing and guided us through the process with the utmost professionalism. Their friendly attitude and expert guidance led us to adopt Frankie. He has brought us so much joy and laughter, a perfect match for us. Anyone considering adopting a pet please visit this facility. God bless this organization for the love and care they provide to animals in need. Thanks for bringing Frankie into our home.” Read More

The Nature Conservancy, Inc.

GreatNonprofits users say: “Out of the many excellent conservation efforts underway, I have chosen to support the Nature Conservancy above all others. It has been instrumental in obtaining properties in Northeaster Illinois and in facilitating habitat restoration through local public education programs and activities. It has been beautiful to see the return of area wildflowers, birds, and animals that nearly went extinct in my own lifespan of 63 years. In observing the tragic wreckage of hurricanes, tornadoes, dust storms, and earthquakes it may seem that the destruction of life on earth is always dramatic, giant, impactful, and demolishing. Meanwhile, the long-term demise of our entire species is in the almost unnoticeable, slow, and steady decay caused by the habits of humans who often do not even know what they are doing. The Nature Conservancy does a great service on behalf of our planet and ALL of her inhabitants. I hope my review will place the Nature Conservancy’s enduring, subtle, humble, and effective efforts in the limelight it deserves. Best regards, Janet Horton, Wonder Lake, IL” Read More

Catholic Relief Services

GreatNonprofits users say: “Catholic Relief Services is the best agency I have been involved with. Their dedicated work to develop countries overseas is unparalleled and their education in the US is phenomenal. They also have an incredible “CRS Fair Trade Ambassador Program” – one of the most informative, electric and life-changing experiences I have had. I have shared my knowledge from this program for years now and been empowered to make simple small changes every day of my life.” Read More

Young Life

GreatNonprofits users say: “I went to Wyld Life camp the summer after my 6th grade year and it forever changed my life. For the first time it sunk in that I could have a personal relationship with God. I had an amazing week, and SO much fun that I will never forget. I will also never forget the love,joy, and concern that the leaders had for each and every camper. I stayed involved with YoungLife all through High School as well. YoungLife presents the gospel in a nonthreatening and non-forceful way in which every kid can understand. They just put the gospel out there in a clear way, and it’s up to the kids to choose what they want to do with it. I am so thankful to God that he made YoungLife something that I had the opportunity to be a part of.” Read More

Catholic Charities USA

GreatNonprofits users say: “I have worked with CCUSA for years, especially in the hurricane relief efforts. They were the quietest group helping and to my mind the most effective. They used their credibility and networks to bring millions of dollars and thousands of volunteers to the relief of so mny. They did not set up elaborate structures just got in and helped. They have stayed with the effort and continue to bring real help to so many. In addition they worked with government and others to bring resources and use them well. They are great advocates for the dignity of the poor.” Read More

Compassion International, Inc.

Compassion International, Inc.

GreatNonprofits users say: “I have been sponsoring a child in El Salvador for a year now and I am very pleased with this charity. I have received four letters so far; the child does not not know how to write so the letters ask questions and the translator fills out his answers. He does draw pictures for me that show what he does (he loves to play soccer). I was very happy to see that when I gave a family donation they used it to buy extra food. I haven’t had any issues with the customer support and in fact, when I hit hard times myself and was unable to donate, they worked with me to ensure I didn’t lose the sponsorship until I could get caught up. I would definitely recommend this charity to anyone looking to sponsor a child.” Read More

Doctors without Borders

GreatNonprofits users say: “This is a great organization that has minimal admin and advertising expenses. The doctors go into places that are extremely dangerous in order to give aid to injured, starving, or sick individuals. I think they are highly effective in what they try to do.” Read More

American Kidney Fund

GreatNonprofits users say: “I cant thank this organization enough for their help while my husband was battling kidney disease. My husband , Jerry, was on dialysis for 2 1/2 years and couldnt work so his health insurance was Medicare only with a supplemental but it was expensive for us. I work 2 jobs so it was difficult to pay. His center told us about the AKF and all our worries were washed away. His premiums were religiously paid every month for the whole time he was on dialysis and I cant thank them enough. When he passed, I asked friends and family to please please make donations to the AKF so they can keep doing the great work they do for so many people.” Read More

World Vision International

GreatNonprofits users say: “We have donated monthly to support a child for a couple years now and we think it is the best nonprofit organization out there. We love how they help people and how they get their donors involved in helping others. We also think how they break down their finances is reasonable and purposeful. If any employee is making a lot of money, we trust the organization to have good reason for it. It is easy for us to say that they make too much and the money should go to help others, however we trust them and believe that their hearts are in the right place and I’m sure they use their own money to be generous to others as opposed to lavish spending.” Read More

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Headquarters

GreatNonprofits users say: “As the mother of a daughter with Cystic Fibrosis, I have found the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to be the most authoritative and accurate source of current information regarding CF. This information is indispensable to everyone with any connection to Cystic Fibrosis, especially to parents of newly diagnosed children. The CFF is also incredibly efficient, spending less than ten percent of money raised on administrative costs, and more than 90 percent on cutting-edge research in search of lifesaving treatments and a cure for this devastating disease. In fact, funding and research from the CFF has resulted in almost every available CF therapy and drug. Its most recent success is Kalydeco, the first drug to address the underlying cause of Cystic Fibrosis. While not a cure, It has the potential to GREATLY improve the quality of my child’s health, as well as the health of others with CF. My family, friends, and I proudly support and promote the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.” Read More

Samaritan’s Purse

GreatNonprofits users say: “I was wounded by an IED in Afghanistan in 2010. Afterwards there are many obstacles, both physically and mentally that must be overcome in order to return to life before the injury. My wife and I were selected to participate in Operation Heal Our Patriots (A project of Samaritans Purse), where we could focus on reconnecting as a couple. This was the first time in the two years following the incident that we were able to focus on us, without the kids. What else can i say except, “WOW…WORLD CLASS!” It was a truly amazing once in a lifetime opportunity and we are a stronger unit now than ever. Every contributing member we met during the event touched our lives and we look forward to reuniting with them in the spring of 2013. This is a top-tier Non-profit and I encourage anyone who can to get involved and support there efforts. Thank You Samaritans Lodge Staff!!!” Read More

Smile Train, Inc.

Smile Train, Inc.

GreatNonprofits users say: “My granddaughter recently visited my home and watched the “Smile Pinki” video that Smile Train had sent me. She was born with a cleft in her soft palate. She is now almost 8 years old. She was so intrigued with the story, especially how many children had the problem of a cleft lip and palate. She was so happy when Pinki could smile and go to school. Thanks to Smile Train for sending me that video that opened the conversation with my granddaughter about clefts. And thanks to Smile Train for helping the children.” Read More