Every child deserves the best chance to make the most of their innate potential.  But for millions of children here in the U.S. and around the world, circumstances that are out of their control prevent them from doing just that.  Whether it’s illness, abuse, poverty or neglect–not providing the basic necessities of life for any child is a crime against humanity.

That is why we are so supportive of charitable, non-profit organizations that seek to provide medical aid, counseling, financial aid, education and support for children and their families in need.  Although there are thousands of excellent organizations working globally, nationally, and locally; we’ve collected a list of our 20 favorite children’s charities to share with you.  Please support them in their work as you can.

If you have a favorite children’s charity that is not on this list, we hope you’ll leave a comment along with a link to their home page and let us know about it.

1-800-Runaway

The National Runaway Switchboard is a 24/7, nationwide hotline for children who have run away from home, or who are considering running away.  Their Home Free program provides free Greyhound bus tickets to runaways who may be ready to return home but have no money or other resources.

Action for Healthy Kids

Action for Healthy Kids works to combat both childhood obesity and malnutrition by providing children, parents and educators with resources and information on healthy eating and exercise to build healthy habits for life.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Big Brothers Big Sisters pairs mature adult volunteers with boys and girls who may need a friend and mentor to guide and support them as they take on the challenges of youth and adolescence.

Boys & Girls Clubs of America

Boys & Girls Clubs of America provides a wholesome, nurturing environment for children who may lack parental supervision after school or on weekends.  The organization has meeting areas in communities across the U.S. where neighborhood children can meet for safe, constructive companionship under the care of a trained staff of youth development professionals.  All children, regardless of their ability to pay, are welcome.

CASA

The National Court Appointed Special Advocate Association (CASA) works with state and local organizations to support and train court-appointed volunteer advocates for abused and neglected children. CASA volunteers are appointed by judges to watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children, to make sure they don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home.  They stay with each case until it is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home. For many abused children, their CASA volunteer will be the one constant adult presence—the one adult who cares only for them.

Children of the Night

Children of the Night provides a 24/7 hotline, shelter, school and other support services for child prostitutes who have been raped, beaten, overdosed on drugs, and are trying to escape the streets.  Working closely with law enforcement, and their counselors, the organization rescues children at all hours of the day and night from controlling, violent pimps and provides them with shelter, schooling, and medical care.

Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA)

The Children’s Organ Transplant Association (COTA) assists patients under the age of 21 in acquiring  life-saving organ, bone marrow, cord blood or stem cell transplants because of any life threatening illness or injury.

Computers for Youth

Computers for Youth provides families of young children with free computers, useful software, internet access,  technical support, and workshops along with additional training for parents and kids.

International Child Art Foundation

Through advocacy, events and programs, the International Child Art Foundation promotes creativity and artistic expression in children an indispensable part of development, which in turns fosters empathy and humanity.

Kaboom!

Outdoor play is becoming more and more rare in modern communities, but it remains a vital part of every child’s physical and mental development.  Kaboom! works to build play areas for children across the U.S.  Their vision is to provide “a great place to play within walking distance of every child in America.”

Make-A-Wish Foundation

Founded in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation provides children with life-threatening medical conditions a chance to experience their dreams by granting wishes that range from meeting celebrities to visiting famous landmarks.

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provides a huge array of services to help prevent child abduction and sexual exploitation; help find missing children; and assist victims of child abduction and sexual exploitation, their families, and the professionals who serve them.

One Heartland

One Heartland provides support for children who’s lives have been impacted by HIV/AIDS.  In addition to mentorship, the organization also invites its children to weekend camping retreats for wholesome, healthy recreation.

Peace Games

Peace Games partners with local organizations and schools to help empower children to be proactive peacemakers.  Through interactive programs and activities, kids learn skills, build relationships, and develop the ability to communicate effectively in order to resolve conflict in non-violent ways.

Project Night Night

With almost 300,000 homeless families in the U.S., Project Night Night provides homeless children from birth to pre-teen ages with a care package that includes a new security blanket, a book and a stuffed animal in a canvas tote bag to make them feel more at ease in a shelter environment.

Ronald McDonald House

Ronald McDonald House provides living accommodations for families who would otherwise be separated from their children when receiving treatment in major hospitals. Families are able to stay together and support one another and their child who is receiving treatment.

Save the Children

Save the Children is concerned with the quality of life for children in the U.S. and around the world.  Their programs include providing prenatal training for new moms, immunizations for children, building schools and improving literacy and nutrition.  In addition to their regular programs, they are responsive to the needs of children during times of crisis or natural disasters.

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital

St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital (located in Tennessee) along with several affiliate hospitals around the country provide medical attention for children suffering from catastrophic illnesses and injuries.  All medically eligible patients who are accepted for treatment at St. Jude are treated without regard to the family’s ability to pay. St. Jude is the only pediatric research center in the United States where families never pay for treatments that are not covered by insurance, and families without insurance are never asked to pay. In addition to providing medical services to eligible patients, St. Jude also assists families with transportation, lodging, and meals.

Tickets for Kids

Tickets for Kids Charities brings the wonder and magic of live arts & cultural, educational, sporting, and family entertainment events to lower-income children and their families who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience what most of us take for granted.  In doing so, we bring a source of joy to children and families.   Tickets for Kids Charities, a nonprofit organization, is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and partners with organizations and agencies nationwide.

UNICEF

Working in over 150 countries, UNICEF provides children with health care, clean water, nutrition, education, emergency relief, and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF’s work through fundraising, advocacy, and education in the United States.