Top Rated Charities for Women

The Top Charities for Women

Top rated charities for helping women are all well managed and well run. They see that most of the money donated goes to the cause and not to administrative costs. The information provided in charity rating guides can be especially helpful when choosing what charities to donate to.

One of the best known charities for women is the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation for breast cancer support, research, and information and has a four star charity rating. So many of us have personally been touched by breast cancer, and this charity has done amazing work both in terms of fundraising and spreading information to the public about the importance of early screenings and treatment for breast cancer. More information can be found at http:///www.komen.org.  Another health oriented charity for women that may be relevant is http://www.womenheart.org/ which works to advocate for women with heart disease. Much heart disease research and work is done with men, and this charity strives to fund women-specific initiatives in heart disease research and care. Http://www.Ovarian.org provides funding for ovarian cancer research and education.

Another issue close to the heart of many is violence against women. Several great not-for-profit organizations work to provide education and support on a national level for victims of rape, violence, and domestic abuse. One of the most active organizations with regard to support for victims of rape, sexual abuse or incest is the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN). RAINN offers assistance via a national helpline, as well as providing many other critical services to victims and support centers throughout the country. More information on RAINN is available at http://www.rainn.org.  Http://www.endabuse.org provides information, education and funding on the subject of domestic violence of all sorts, as well as some international issues involving violence against individuals.

While not specifically a charity for women, you may want to consider giving to Heifer International at http://www.heifer.org. This excellent organization provides families in underprivileged areas with animals to allow them to develop an income and skills that can improve their overall quality of life. As women are among those most effected by poverty, consider giving to Heifer International. Another international charity that can help on an individual scale is http://kiva.org/. This organization allows individuals to make small personal loans to entrepreneurs, many of them women, a world away. Your loan might make the difference in the life of a woman and her children.

Another critical international charity for women is http://www.womenforwomen.org/. This top rated women’s charity provides support to women who have survived wars throughout the world. War often takes its hardest toll on women, leaving them alone, victimized and traumatized, but with help from Women for Women, International they may get the assistance that they need to move forward.

If you would like to give a gift to help the next generation of women, consider giving to the Girl Scouts of America at http://girlscouts.org/. Girls, Inc. is another great charity for girls, offering many empowerment programs including education, peer counseling, self-defense, sports and money management. You can give at http://www.girlsinc.org.

Giving Locally to Charities for Women

While there is no doubt that major organizations do great work for women throughout the world, you may feel more compelled to give locally. Most areas have domestic violence shelters, rape crisis centers or homeless shelters for women that are consistently in need of assistance. While money is typically most appreciated as a donation, some of these groups may also accept other donations to help allow women to resettle in a new life. In some communities, local organizations are available to assist with funding various women’s health care needs.

Call the business line of local organizations such as these if you would like to make a donation. You may also occasionally see community events as fundraisers, and do consider participating when you are able. In nearly every case, groups such as these are in dire need of both funds and assistance.

Choosing a Cause that Matters to You

One of the most meaningful parts of charitable giving is choosing the cause that has personal relevance for you. This could be domestic violence, a women’s health issue or women’s education. While giving to one of the top charities for women is wonderful, choosing a charity that is personally meaningful for you will make your giving and involvement even more special.

You should also be sure that the charity you choose is well managed. Take advantage of online charity rating information like the charity rating guide at http://www.charitywatch.org or http://www.charitynavigator.org . A good charity rating guide can help you make sure that your money is going to the cause, and not to unreasonable administrative costs of one sort or another.

Consider giving a donation in honor of a loved one, or making donations this year at the holidays instead of gifting yet another fruitcake or cake platter. Donations to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure foundation, Heifer International, or any of these top rated charities for women will help far more than another gift or a bouquet of flowers.