Dear readers—Last year, an estimated 35 million Americans participated in Giving Tuesday, donating more than $2.7B to charities across the country. For those struggling to navigate the charity world, we\'ve compiled a (nonexhaustive) set of groups that are highly rated and have a track record of using funds effectively.
> Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library has sent over 188 million free books to children under five, and is rated four stars out of four on Charity Navigator, with 98% of donated funds going toward programming expenses.
> Give Kids the World provides children with critical illnesses and their families all-expenses-paid weeklong vacations at the group\'s Kissimmee, Florida, resort. Rated four stars out of four, the organization has hosted more than 177,000 families since 1986.
> A Sense of Home provides furniture and home goods for teenagers who have aged out of the foster care system, aiming to end the homeless crisis for foster children across America. Another four-star organization on Charity Navigator, the group\'s accountability and financial practices are rated at a perfect 100%.
> Best Friends aims for a No-Kill America by advocating and educating communities and animal shelters to adopt humane practices. The group earned perfect scores on leadership, culture, and adaptability.
> One Simple Wish helps match donors with specific requests for children in need, rather than donations flowing into a single pot. The organization has a 97% rating, and reached more than 20,000 children in 2021.
> The ESCALA initiative provides basic business education and resources to female and minority entrepreneurs living in poverty around the world. More than 92% of donated funds go toward its programs and services.
Giving Tuesday is more than monetary donations—see other ways you can help those in need.
Editor\'s note: 1440 is not affiliated with these charities in any way.
