Charities
Charities
The 100 largest charities in the U.S. pulled in $49.5 billion in donations during their most recently reported fiscal years. While that equals 11% of the estimated $450 billion given to the country’s one million-plus nonprofits in 2019, their total take is down 3.9% from the year before. The impact of the pandemic? Not likely, since most of the charities’ fiscal years reported here ended before Covid-19 hit in early 2020. One notable exception: No. 1 United Way. After years of declining contributions, this national network of 1,300 local nonprofits increased its contributions by 9% to $3.6 billion in a fiscal year that stretched until June 30, 2020—well into the pandemic. While United Way traditionally raises money primarily through payroll deductions, it tapped new sources and formed new partnerships to support Covid relief efforts—for example, partnering with Black Entertainment Television to stage a star-studded telethon. As in prior years, rankings of the 100 organizations on this, Forbes’ 22nd annual Top Charities list, are based on the private donations received; government grants and payments for services aren’t included. The full list below can be sorted by category of charity—say, health, international needs or cultural. Each organization’s name links to a separate page providing even more data. Noteworthy are ratios of financial efficiency which show how much of a charity’s expenses go for direct support of its stated mission, rather than to fundraising and other overhead costs, and how that percentage has changed from the previous year. To read more about the charities on this list, click here. For details on our methodology and how to use the Forbes list in evaluating the charities you give to, click here.
10 of the Best Charities Everyone's Heard Of
These 10 charities work throughout the country and the world. They are large, complex organizations with budgets exceeding $100 million, and at least $65 million in net assets. They became household names in part because of their exceptional financial management, no easy feat considering the scope and size of their operations. Charitable givers should feel confident that these national institutions put their donations to good use.
| Rank | Charity | Overall Score | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Matthew 25: Ministries | 100.00 | |
| 2 | Enterprise Community Partners, Inc. | 100.00 | |
| 3 | Direct Relief | 100.00 | |
| 4 | Ronald McDonald House Charities, Inc. | 100.00 | |
| 5 | The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International | 99.40 | |
| 6 | Vitamin Angels | 98.23 | |
| 7 | World Resources Institute | 98.23 | |
| 8 | Cystic Fibrosis Foundation | 98.21 | |
| 9 | Catholic Medical Mission Board | 97.87 | |
| 10 | DonorsChoose |
