Discover Great Nonprofits: 15 Organizations to Learn From

In today's world, nonprofits play a crucial role in addressing social, environmental, and economic challenges. 

In this article we’re going to look at some of the top-rated charities that your organization can learn from. We’ve rounded up 15 great nonprofits we want to highlight and share with you. We are going to detail each of their missions, impact, and what you can learn from their success. 

By reviewing these organizations, you’ll gain valuable insights into effective strategies and practices that your own nonprofit can adopt.

The World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is a global conservation organization with a primary mission to protect the world's most vulnerable species and habitats. Their vision is a world where people live in harmony with nature. 

They have implemented numerous notable programs and initiatives, such as their efforts to:

• Combat climate change
• Protect forests
• And conserve freshwater resources. 

The WWF has received accolades for their innovative approaches to conservation, leadership in sustainable development, and contributions to biodiversity protection. These awards serve as a testament to WWF's commitment to making a positive impact on the planet and inspiring others to take action for nature. 

What You Can Learn: Innovation is key to making a consistent and life-long impact.

CARE USA is a leading international humanitarian organization that aims to combat poverty and provide assistance to those in need. 

Their primary mission is to:

• Empower women and girls
• Promote social justice
• And improve the lives of the most vulnerable communities worldwide. 

They have implemented various notable programs and initiatives that focus on education, healthcare, economic empowerment, and disaster response. 

They have been recognized as one of the great nonprofits by various organizations, highlighting their commitment to making a positive impact on people's lives. 

What You Can Learn: A focus on advocacy and empowerment can help bring about sustainable change.

Samaritan's Purse is a renowned nonprofit organization with a primary mission to provide aid and assistance to those in need around the world. Their vision is to follow the example of the Good Samaritan and extend a helping hand to individuals and communities affected by poverty, disaster, disease, and war.

Samaritan's Purse has grown into a global humanitarian organization that operates in over 100 countries. 

One of the notable programs and initiatives undertaken by Samaritan's Purse is Operation Christmas Child, which delivers gift-filled shoeboxes to children in need during the holiday season. This initiative has brought joy to millions of children worldwide. 

What You Can Learn: A single flagship program can place your organization on the map and increase brand awareness significantly.

The United States Fund for UNICEF is dedicated to improving the lives of children around the world. Its primary mission is to advocate for the rights and well-being of every child, especially the most vulnerable and marginalized. The organization envisions a world where every child has access to healthcare, education, clean water, and protection from violence and exploitation. 

Over the years, the organization has implemented numerous notable programs and initiatives to address various issues affecting children, such as:

• Immunization
• Nutrition
• Education
• And emergency response. 

The United States Fund for UNICEF consistently receives high ratings from independent evaluators for its financial accountability. 

What You Can Learn: Financial transparency is incredibly important to donors and supporters.

Americares Foundation is a leading nonprofit organization whose primary mission is to improve the health and well-being of people affected by poverty or disaster. Their vision is to create a world where everyone has access to quality healthcare. 

Founded in 1979, Americares has been working tirelessly to provide emergency medical assistance and essential healthcare services to vulnerable populations around the globe. They have implemented numerous notable programs and initiatives such as the Global Medical Assistance Program, which delivers critical medicines and supplies to communities in need. 

What You Can Learn: That the challenges of working in diverse countries require flexibility, determination, and patience.

Founded in 1887, United Way has a long history of addressing social issues and supporting those in need. 

United Way's programs aim to making lasting changes in:

• Education
• Income stability
• Health 

They collaborate with various organizations, businesses, and government agencies to maximize their impact and reach. They also actively engage volunteers in their work, encouraging individuals to contribute their time, skills, and resources. 

What You Can Learn: Partnerships are an indispensable resource for nonprofits wanting to maximize their impact.

Feeding America is committed to ending hunger in the United States. Founded in 1979, it has grown to become the largest hunger relief organization in the country. 

Its notable programs and initiatives include providing meals to children, seniors, and families in need through a network of food banks and food pantries. 

Volunteer and community engagement are key components of Feeding America's work, as individuals can contribute their time and skills to help fight hunger.

What You Can Learn: Having a strong volunteer base is key to successful program implementation.

The YMCA, also known as the Young Men's Christian Association, is a renowned nonprofit organization whose mission is to empower individuals and communities to thrive in all aspects of life. 

Founded in 1844 in London, by George Williams, the YMCA has a rich history and founding that centers around promoting Christian values and providing support to young men in urban areas. Over the years, the organization has evolved to embrace diversity and inclusivity, extending its services to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds. 

The YMCA offer a range of services such as:

• Youth development programs
• Health and wellness initiatives
• Community outreach projects
• And educational opportunities. 

These programs focus on fostering personal growth, promoting physical and mental well-being, and creating positive social change. 

What You Can Learn: Evolving and embracing innovation is necessary for nonprofits that want to stand the test of time.

The American Heart Association (AHA) is a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. Its primary mission is to promote cardiovascular health and reduce the impact of these diseases on individuals and communities. 

The AHA is known for its notable programs and initiatives that aim to educate and empower individuals to make heart-healthy choices. These include initiatives such as:

• Go Red for Women, which raises awareness about heart disease among women.
• Hands-Only CPR campaign, which aims to teach the general public how to perform life-saving CPR without mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. 

The AHA has established strong partnerships with various organizations and stakeholders in order to maximize its impact. By working together with healthcare providers, government agencies, and other nonprofits, the AHA is able to reach a wider audience and implement more effective strategies in the fight against heart disease and stroke. 

What You Can Learn: Partnering with local governments and other community stakeholders can help nonprofits leverage resources more effectively.

Compassion International is a Christian organization that is dedicated to providing holistic child development programs that address the physical, emotional, educational, and spiritual needs of children living in poverty. Founded in 1952, Compassion International has a rich history of impacting the lives of millions of children around the world. 

One of its notable programs is the child sponsorship program. Through this program, individuals have the opportunity to sponsor a child and provide them with access to:

• Education
• Healthcare
• Nutritious food
• And spiritual guidance. 

This program has proven to be effective in breaking the cycle of poverty and giving children a chance for a brighter future. 

Compassion International works closely with churches, local governments, and community leaders to implement their programs and initiatives effectively. This collaborative approach ensures that the needs of the children are met in a sustainable and community-driven manner. 

What You Can Learn: Community partnerships are essential for program implementation in different, diverse areas.

Founded in 1948, Direct Relief’s mission is to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty and emergencies. Their vision is to ensure that all individuals have access to essential medical resources and support. 

Over the years, Direct Relief has been at the forefront of providing medical assistance to those in need, both domestically and internationally. 

Their programs include: 

• Emergency response efforts
• Support for maternal and child health
• Chronic disease management
• And the provision of essential medications and medical supplies. 

They collaborate with local healthcare providers and organizations to strengthen healthcare systems and improve access to quality care. They have also formed alliances with other nonprofits and humanitarian organizations to leverage their collective expertise and resources. 

What You Can Learn: Nonprofits should be open to partnering with other nonprofits with similar goals and visions.

The Fistula Foundation’s mission is to treat and prevent obstetric fistula, a devastating childbirth injury that affects millions of women worldwide. Their vision is to see a world where no woman suffers from this preventable condition. 

The foundation was founded in 2000 by a group of passionate individuals who recognized the urgent need for action in addressing obstetric fistula. 

Since its inception, the organization has been dedicated to providing life-changing surgeries and medical care to women in need. They work closely with local partners in countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, and Bangladesh to provide access to quality surgical care, as well as education and training for healthcare professionals. 

They work with governments, hospitals, and other nonprofit organizations to leverage resources and expertise. These partnerships enable them to reach more women in need and provide comprehensive care. 

Their efforts have also been acknowledged by organizations such as the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation and the Skoll Foundation, further validating their impact in the field of maternal health.

What You Can Learn: Even the most niche or “unknown” missions can be met by nonprofits willing to put the effort in to raise awareness of those needs.

Endangered Species International (ESI) is dedicated to the preservation and protection of endangered species and their habitats. Their primary mission is to prevent the extinction of these vulnerable species and ensure their long-term survival in the wild. 

With a strong vision for a world where all species coexist harmoniously, ESI strives to educate the public, conduct scientific research, and advocate for stronger environmental policies. 

Their activities include:

• Habitat restoration projects
• Anti-poaching efforts
• And community-based conservation programs. 

Through these initiatives, ESI aims to address the root causes of species endangerment and promote sustainable solutions that benefit both wildlife and local communities. 

They actively involve local communities in their projects, ensuring that their efforts are sustainable and benefit both wildlife and people. By empowering local communities to become stewards of their natural resources, ESI creates a sense of ownership and fosters long-term conservation efforts.

What You Can Learn: That actively engaging local communities is the key to sustainable development.

Lady Freethinker’s primary mission is to protect and save animals from cruelty and exploitation. Their vision is to create a world where all animals are treated with compassion and respect. 

Founded in 2013, Lady Freethinker has since made remarkable strides in achieving their goals, such as: 

• Advocating for stronger animal welfare laws
• Exposing animal abuse through investigative journalism
• And supporting animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts. 

They actively involve individuals who share their passion for animal welfare through volunteer opportunities, community events, and awareness campaigns. This not only strengthens their network but also empowers individuals to make a difference in their own communities. 

What You Can Learn: That even with a relatively recent history, your organization can grow rapidly and have a huge impact.

Soldiers' Angels provide aid and comfort to the men and women of the United States military and their families. Their vision is to ensure that no soldier goes unloved or feels alone. 

The organization was founded in 2003 by Patti Patton-Bader, whose son was deployed in Iraq. Since its founding, Soldiers' Angels has grown to become one of the leading nonprofit organizations supporting military personnel. 

Soldiers' Angels initiatives include:

• The Letter Writing Team, which allows volunteers to write letters to deployed service members
• The Deployed Adoptions Team, which provides ongoing support to deployed military personnel
• The Veteran Support Team, which assists veterans in transitioning back to civilian life. 

Soldiers’ Angels relies on a dedicated network of volunteers who contribute their time, skills, and resources to support military personnel and their families. The organization actively engages with communities across the country, raising awareness about the needs of service members and encouraging involvement in their programs. 

What You Can Learn: That a personal mission can connect and resonate with millions of others.

Looking to nonprofits that have achieved remarkable success is a great way to learn and gain inspiration for your own organization.

By recognizing and emulating the strategies and approaches employed by these great nonprofits, you can enhance your own organization's effectiveness and impact. For more tips and best practices, check out this guide to successful nonprofit characteristics.