SAN FRANCISCO — There are millions of charities with different mission statements and with different ways of doing things but the one thing they all have in common is that they are trying to change the world for the better. We’re obviously partial to The Borgen Project, but here is a list of 10 nonprofit charities changing the world:
1. Charity:Water
Mission: Bring clean and safe drinking water to the people in developing nations.
According to Charity:Water 800 million people in the world do not have access to clean water. That is one person out of every nine people. This organization plans to build freshwater wells, sand filters and rainwater catchments in developing countries. Charity: Water is based off of donations so everyone could help provide safe and clean drinking water.
2. Books For Africa (BFA)
Mission: “To end book famine in Africa.”
Books For Africa has shipped more than 28 million books to 49 different countries since 1988. Books for Africa collects books from publishers, schools, libraries, individuals and organizations. BFA sorts through the books and categorizing them by age appropriation and subject, sending enough books for a class. The books are then shipped over by sea where the costs are covered by everyday people by donations. This organization has also donated 616 computers and 15 brand new law libraries within the past 12 months. We could all get involved by simply donating to help send books over to kids who hunger to read a book or by sorting through our books and allowing them to be opened for a second time by someone who could live a better life through the pages of a book.
3. Midwest Food Bank (MFB)
Mission: “We seek to alleviate hunger and poverty by delivering food and disaster relief free of charge. Our goal is to make a difference in our communities and create volunteer opportunities for all. This is our roadmap to Sharing the Blessings.”
Midwest Food Bank began in 2003 when the Keiser family started donating food from their own barn. This nonprofit organization began by giving food to 10 pantries in in McLean County, Illinois, and now they give food to over 740 organizations across the Midwest and the South. The food given out each month now reaches over 500,000 people and distribute over $3.75 million of food each month. This organization consist of over hundreds of volunteers, donations and corporate partners.
4. Kiva
Mission: “We envision a world where all people – even in the most remote areas of the globe – hold the power to create opportunity for themselves and others.”
Kiva is based off of loans from other people. People are able to go to Kiva’s website and find a person in a developing country who they would like to loan money to. The loan could be as small as $25 which makes a huge difference for those living in poverty. Once someone makes a loan they are repaid and are able to repeat the process if they would like to. Kiva works with microfinance institutions on five continents to provide loans to people without access to traditional banking systems. One hundred percent of the loan goes to the person you would like to lend the money to.
5. United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)
UNICEF was created in December 1946 after WWII to help European children who were suffering from famine and disease. UNICEF helps with children basic human rights. This organization helps children survive by providing the right nutrition that they need. UNICEF also provides free education without discrimination. It provides treatment and prevention to those living in areas where many are affected by HIV. It protects children from violence, exploitation and abuse. UNICEF is now active in 190 countries and territories.
6. Human Rights Watch (HRW)
Mission: “Defending human rights worldwide.”
Human Rights Watch is an international and independent organization. They strive to investigate worldwide abuse and let it be known to pressure those with power to respect rights and secure justice. Human Rights Watch meets with governments, the United Nations, regional groups like the African Union and the European Union, financial institutions and corporations to press for changes in policy and practice that promote human rights and justice around the world.
7. Invisible Children
Mission: “We focus exclusively on the LRA conflict through an integrated four-part model that addresses the problem in its entirety: immediate needs and long term effects.”
Well known for the Kony 2012 movement, they use media to their advantage they create films to show LRA atrocities and introduce them to new audiences. They mobilize huge groups of people to support and advance international efforts to end LRA atrocities. Invisible Children works with partners to build and expand systems that warn remote communities of LRA attacks and encourage members of the LRA to peacefully surrender. This organizations works directly with children affect by LRA, they help with education and economic recovery programs.
8. Save the Children
Save the Children puts children first making sure they are healthy, safe and getting an education. When there is a disaster they make sure to put the children first. Save the Children helps children in 120 countries including the United States.
9. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
ICRC helps those affected by armed conflict or natural disasters. Many of these issues occur without warning the ICRC is there to help and deploy people to tend to those in need right when an attack strikes. Some of the things ICRC does is visiting detainees they make sure detainees are treated with dignity and humanity. ICRC also protects civilians where there is a war conflict issue. They help those living in conflict by giving them basic health care.
10. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) or Doctors without Borders
MSF tends to those living in war zones or when a natural disaster strikes. MSF was founded in Paris, France, in 1971. MSF offers assistance to people based on need, irrespective of race, religion, gender or political affiliation. It is a worldwide movement made of 23 associations.
Helping those in need who live far away may seem impossible at times but these charities have found a way to make an impact on someone’s life and have made it easy for the rest of us by laying down the foundation. Everyone could help by getting involved in the nonprofit organizations by donating their time and/or money.
– Priscilla Rodarte
Sources: Charity Navigator, Top Nonprofits, Save the Children, International Committee of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières, Invisible Children, Human Rights Watch, Kiva, Charity: Water, UNICEF, Books for Africa, Midwest Food Bank
Photo: Charity Water