10 Best Catholic Charities to Donate to in the USA

Catholic charities rank among America’s largest non-governmental social service providers. These organizations serve millions of people whatever their faith, background, or circumstances.

But if you want to help others by donating, choosing the right Catholic charity can feel overwhelming. Thousands of organizations across the country serve different causes and communities. Donors must make smart choices about where their money goes and how it’s used.

We’ve compiled the ten most influential Catholic charities in the USA. We’ll go over each one’s mission, achievements, and how they manage their finances. These organizations show their steadfast dedication to Catholic values while serving various causes — from pro-life initiatives and disaster relief to local community support — while maintaining high standards of transparency and accountability.

1. Catholic Charities USA

Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) leads the Catholic Church’s charitable work in America and shows steadfast dedication to helping those in need. The organization reaches more than 15 million people yearly across the United States, making it one of the country’s largest social service networks.

CCUSA works through 168 diocesan agencies and has earned the prestigious Candid Platinum Seal of Transparency for 2023. This recognition puts CCUSA in an elite group because far less than 1% of U.S.-based nonprofit organizations receive this honor.

CCUSA’s Key Service Areas

• Affordable Housing: Managing over 38,000 permanent housing units for families, seniors, and veterans
• Integrated Health Services: Providing mental health care, addiction recovery, and wellness support
• Disaster Response: Serving as the official domestic disaster relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church
• Immigration Services: Supporting vulnerable migrants and refugees
• Food Security: Operating food banks, pantries, and nutrition programs

The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops designated CCUSA as the official domestic disaster relief agency in 1990. This designation allows CCUSA to coordinate the Catholic Church’s response to natural and human-made disasters nationwide by providing immediate humanitarian support and helping communities rebuild long-term.

CCUSA demonstrates strong financial stewardship by providing millions in financial assistance and in-kind donations yearly. Local agencies receive support through various funding mechanisms, including housing gap loans and disaster relief grants, to ensure that resources reach the communities that need them most.

2. St. Vincent de Paul Society

St. Vincent de Paul Society is founded on personal service and direct assistance. This Catholic charitable organization works through a vast network of volunteer-driven conferences — over 4,000 local conferences across the United States bring together over 90,000 members to help people in need.

The numbers tell an amazing story: The Society helps over 4 million people each year, giving more than $1.40 billion in aid. Their unique approach sets them apart — Volunteers, called Vincentians, make home visits and build real connections with the people they help.

Overview of the St. Vincent de Paul Society Support Network

• Food assistance from 14 neighborhood-based pantries
• Programs to prevent homelessness and provide housing
• Charitable pharmacies that give access to medications
• Thrift stores with clothing and household items
• Emergency help for rent and utilities
• Programs for education and service learning

For instance, The Society’s innovative Back2Work program gives custom training and mentoring to help jobless people become self-sufficient. When disasters strike, their person-to-person support helps families rebuild their lives and focus resources on aiding long-term recovery.

The Society manages its resources well and stays financially transparent. Their thrift stores raise money for local councils and provide essential items to people who need them. These stores serve two purposes: community members can shop affordably, while revenue from sales is used to fund important charitable programs.

3. Catholic Relief Services (CRS)

Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has brought hope to millions of people worldwide during its remarkable 71-year legacy of international humanitarian work. The official international agency of the Catholic Church in the United States invested $165 million in 2016, funding 119 projects that helped more than 93 million people across 42 countries.

CRS Programs That Address Global Challenges

• Emergency response and disaster relief
• Health and wellness initiatives
• Agricultural development
• Education support
• Clean water access programs

Evidence-based humanitarian assistance sets CRS apart from other organizations. They work at the individual, household, and community levels and team up with public and private healthcare providers to make services more accessible. Their mutually beneficial alliances with government agencies, universities, and research institutions deliver high-quality programs with measurable returns on investment.

The Footsteps in Faith monthly giving program shows CRS’s dedication to lasting change by letting donors choose which long-term worldwide efforts to support. The Gift of Hope Catalog lets supporters select targeted assistance for families in need.

Financial accountability is the lifeblood of CRS’s operations. They use sophisticated monitoring and evaluation systems, including the innovative SMILER+ framework, to make sure donations create lasting effects. This dedication to accountability has made them one of the most trusted Catholic charities for international aid.

4. The Missionaries of Charity

Saint Teresa of Calcutta’s legacy continues through the Missionaries of Charity, an organization known for its selfless service to humanity’s most vulnerable. The congregation has more than 5,000 sisters working in 130 countries who are dedicated to charitable work.

The organization helps the poorest of the poor through a detailed approach that addresses both material and spiritual poverty. Their work goes beyond giving charity and has an integrated service model.

Causes Addressed by the Missionaries of Charity 

• Care for the terminally ill and disabled
• Support if you have HIV/AIDS and addiction
• Services for abandoned children and the elderly
• Help for the homeless and destitute
• Spiritual comfort for the lonely and forgotten

The Missionaries of Charity run 41 active houses in the United States. Their regional headquarters are in The Bronx, St. Louis, and Pacifica. They serve both urban and rural communities to reach those who need help the most, whatever their location or circumstances.

The organization’s unique approach to poverty relief sets them apart. Material assistance plays a vital role, but they also address the “poverty of abandonment” — a significant issue in the United States marked by hopelessness, mental illness, and substance abuse. The sisters work hard to curb both physical and spiritual poverty by providing material support along with companionship and dignity to the people they serve.

Simple living and financial transparency are the organization’s core principles. They run entirely on donations and accept only free-will offerings without any publicity or fundraising campaigns. The sisters embrace genuine poverty by wearing simple cotton saris and living in modest homes, which ensures that most of their resources go directly toward helping those in need.

5. Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB)

The Catholic Medical Mission Board (CMMB) has created groundbreaking healthcare solutions in the world’s most underserved communities for over a century. Their efforts helped over 1.4 million people get access to lifesaving healthcare in 2023, showing their steadfast dedication to providing medical care who wouldn’t otherwise be able to get it.

CMMB’s Key Initiatives

• Women and children’s health programs
• Emergency nutrition and health assessment
• Medical supply distribution
• Healthcare capacity building
• Community-based health solutions

CMMB spans many countries, with improving healthcare facilities in South Sudan, curbing cervical cancer in Kenya, and setting up primary healthcare services in Haiti being among their most important projects. Local communities and healthcare providers work together with CMMB to create lasting changes instead of quick fixes.

CMMB proves its excellence through innovative programs. Their Bishop Joseph M. Sullivan Center for Health in Haiti coordinates seasonal medical mission trips to help build capacity and train healthcare staff. Communities don’t just receive immediate care — they develop skills to manage their healthcare needs long-term.

CMMB excels at filling critical healthcare gaps. They tackle specific challenges like malnutrition in South Sudan, HIV prevention in Kenya, and maternal health in various regions. Their CHAMPS program creates broader, lasting changes by working with exceptional partners that include foundations, corporations, and local governments.

Donors who want to support healthcare initiatives that last can choose various ways to help CMMB, from direct donations to volunteer medical missions. The organization manages funds efficiently and transparently, thus ensuring that donations directly help vulnerable communities while building resilient healthcare systems.

6. Unbound

Since 1981, Unbound has changed the landscape of Catholic charitable giving through direct sponsorship. This innovative organization now supports more than 260,000 children, youth, and elders across 17 countries. Their work shows how personal connections can make charitable work more meaningful.

What Unbound Provides to People in Need

Unbound stands out because of its unique direct cash transfer model. Sponsored individuals can decide how to best use their benefits.

• Basic necessities (food, housing, clothing)
• Educational opportunities
• Healthcare access
• Small business development
• Community leadership programs

Financial stewardship is the core of Unbound’s mission. The organization channels an impressive 90.2% of expenses toward programs in 2023. Leading charity evaluators have recognized this dedication to efficiency.

• Charity Navigator: 4-star rating with a perfect 100 in accountability
• CharityWatch: Only child sponsorship organization with an A+ rating
• GuideStar: Platinum Seal of Transparency

The $40 monthly sponsorship program lets donors make a direct difference in someone’s life. Supporters can build meaningful connections through writing letters and sharing photos. This personal touch will give donors a chance to see their contributions make real changes while encouraging cross-cultural understanding and solidarity.

Catholics who want their charitable giving to be both personalized and reflect their faith will find Unbound offers something special. The organization combines personal involvement with proven results. Their openness about operations and remarkable history of changing lives makes them stand out among Catholic charities working toward lasting poverty relief.

7. Maggie’s Place

Maggie’s Place stands as a ray of hope for pregnant women in crisis, embodying the Catholic church’s steadfast dedication to protecting both mother and child through comprehensive support services. Maggie’s Place stands out because it gives life-affirming choices to women with challenging pregnancies.

Services Offered by Maggie’s Place Hospitality Homes

• Safe, welcoming homes during pregnancy
• Support after giving birth
• Classes about life skills and parenting
• Help with job preparation
• Ways to advance education
• Spiritual and emotional guidance

Maggie’s Place takes an integrated approach to help mothers during pregnancy and afterward. Their MaterCare Program helps mothers for up to two years after childbirth. This program gives mothers the resources and skills they need for long-term stability — traditional emergency shelters don’t offer this level of continued support. The organization makes a real difference with its groundbreaking community model. 

Professional staff work alongside volunteers to create homes where expecting mothers grow personally while preparing them for parenthood.

• Housing: Furnished accommodations
• Education: GED preparation, college guidance
• Career: Job training, resume building
• Parenting: Classes, mentorship, resources
• Healthcare: Prenatal care coordination
• Life Skills: Financial literacy, cooking classes

Catholics who want to support pro-life initiatives can put their faith into action through Maggie’s Place. Their work shows the Catholic principle of respecting both mother’s and child’s dignity while offering practical solutions to difficult situations.

The Circle of Support program lets donors help with specific needs, from baby items to educational materials. Supporters can see how their contributions directly help meet immediate community needs.

8. Children of the Immaculate Heart

Children of the Immaculate Heart (CIH) works to curb human trafficking through faith-based intervention by bringing compassion and professional expertise to one of society’s toughest challenges. They serve San Diego County, which sees 8,000 sex trafficking victims annually, and provide detailed rehabilitation and support services through innovative programs.

CIH’s flagship St. Bakhita’s initiative delivers life-changing support through…

• Housing navigation assistance
• Professional case management
• Educational advancement opportunities
• Therapeutic services
• Medical and psychiatric care coordination

The organization led five women to a successful recovery program in 2023, showing their dedication to changing lives permanently rather than just providing temporary help. But their work is far from complete — growing their program to help more people will require extensive financial support.

• Emergency Services: 24/7 crisis response with 6-8 hour response time
• Housing Support: Long-term residential assistance
• Therapy Programs: Individual and group healing sessions
• Education: Skills development and career preparation
• Spiritual Care: Faith-based healing opportunities

CIH’s comprehensive approach that blends professional social work with spiritual support makes the organization stand out. They go beyond simple needs and equip survivors to “thrive as daughters of God, experiencing freedom through Christ’s grace.”

The organization has expanded its reach by establishing a Short-Term Residential Therapeutic Program that’s licensed by the California Department of Social Services. Staff members now receive detailed training in trauma-informed care, emergency medical assistance, and specialized therapeutic interventions.

Catholics looking to support anti-trafficking organizations will find various donation options at CIH, including monthly giving programs and specific project funding. The organization’s transparent financial management and success stories show how well they use resources while staying true to Catholic social teaching.

9. Catholic Worker Movement

The Catholic Worker Movement takes a grassroots approach to charity through a network of independent communities that serve society’s most vulnerable people. Started by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin in 1933, the movement now covers more than 240 local Catholic Worker communities that provide vital social services.

Catholic Worker Movement Service Model

Personal responsibility and direct action define the movement’s approach. The communities run houses of hospitality that serve their neighborhood’s immediate needs. 

• Emergency food assistance and soup kitchens
• Temporary shelter for those in need
• Direct advocacy for social justice
• Community education initiatives
• Support for peaceful resistance movements

The Catholic Worker Movement stands out because of its steadfast dedication to voluntary poverty and personal service. These communities work independently and share common principles of hospitality and social justice, unlike traditional charities.

• Housing: Houses of Hospitality
• Food Security: Community Meals
• Education: Discussion Groups
• Advocacy: Nonviolent Action
• Publishing: Catholic Worker Newspaper

The Catholic Worker Movement gives donors a chance to support local communities directly. Each house runs independently so donations help specific neighborhood needs while upholding the movement’s founding principles of personalism and hospitality.

The movement does more than provide material help — it tackles the root causes of poverty and combines immediate assistance with long-term advocacy to create “a new society within the shell of the old.” 

Their focus on both immediate aid and systemic change makes the Catholic Worker Movement appeal to donors who want to support complete social transformation through Catholic charitable giving.

10. Archdiocese of New York’s Catholic Charities

The Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York are catalysts for positive change in America’s most vibrant metropolitan areas. The organization serves the greater New York area consisting of 10 counties. 

New York’s Catholic charities show how local organizations can make a real difference in their communities while staying connected to the faith. Their support system tackles essential community needs through carefully planned programs. 

• Emergency assistance and crisis intervention
• Affordable housing initiatives
• Youth and family services
• Immigration and refugee support
• Senior care programs
• Behavioral health services

The Archdiocese’s Catholic Charities stands out because of its fresh approach to community participation. Their Feeding Our Neighbors initiative has built a network of food pantries and meal programs that help thousands of New Yorkers facing food insecurity.

• Housing: Affordable housing development and support
• Youth Services: After-school programs and mentoring
• Immigration: Legal assistance and integration services
• Senior Care: Community centers and support services
• Mental Health: Counseling and behavioral health programs

The organization works beyond direct service by advocating for systemic issues that affect vulnerable populations with local government and community partners. Their steadfast dedication shows in their detailed staff training programs and evidence-based service delivery models.

Catholics who want to support local initiatives can find many ways to participate through the Archdiocese’s Catholic Charities, from direct donations to volunteering. Donors trust the organization’s financial oversight and transparency when they want to make a meaningful difference in their local community.

What to Look For Before You Support Catholic Charities

With so many great causes to choose from, donors need to consider several factors before choosing a Catholic charity to support. These criteria help ensure donations line up with personal values and create the intended effect.

1. Catholic Values Matter

The first step in evaluating Catholic charities is to see how well they follow Catholic social teachings and values. Here are a few things to look for in a charity…

• The organization’s mission statement and operational principles
• Integration of Catholic social justice teachings
• A steadfast dedication to serve everyone whatever their faith
• How they stand on critical social issues the Church addresses

2. Clear Books and Accountability

The way charities handle money is a vital part of the evaluation process. Catholic Charities shows great transparency by making 15 years of detailed financial documents available to everyone. 

• Financial Reports: Annual audits and Form 990s
• Resource Allocation: Program vs. administrative costs
• Documentation: Clear and transparent expense tracking
• Oversight: Independent board review

Reliable Catholic charities provide detailed audited reports and clear allocation charts that show how funds help their supported agencies. This openness lets donors know exactly where their money goes and what it achieves.

3. Results That Count

The best Catholic charities keep detailed records and share their results with everyone involved.

• Showing Efforts: Clear documentation of services provided
• Measuring Success: Success metrics you can measure
• Provable Impact: How they affect communities over time
• Long-term Support: Regular updates on program performance

A Catholic financial advisor who understands both money management and spiritual aspects of giving can help match charitable giving with your financial goals. Take our free quiz to match with these experts and get advice about making your donations count while managing your finances wisely.

Charitable Giving as Part of a Catholic Financial Strategy

Catholic financial planning and charitable giving need thoughtful guidance from experts. Catholics who want their financial goals to match their faith will benefit from a well-laid-out approach to charitable contributions. This approach will boost both spiritual fulfillment and financial stability.

Setting Up Regular Contributions to Catholic Charities

Smart charitable giving starts with steady donation patterns. Dr. Nicholas E. Michels, CFP®, suggests making charitable contributions a priority in monthly budgets. “Set aside part of your paycheck for tithing and charitable contributions before addressing other financial priorities.”

Contribute to a Donor Advised Fund

Contributing to a donor-advised fund is an excellent way to make your charitable giving more impactful and flexible. These funds allow you to make a tax-deductible donation to the fund, which is then invested for potential growth. You can recommend grants to your preferred Catholic charities over time, aligning your donations with your financial goals and values. 

This approach is particularly advantageous for Catholics who wish to support causes consistent with their faith while optimizing tax benefits. By collaborating with a financial advisor, you can create a giving strategy that ensures your contributions make a lasting difference in the communities you care about.

Working with a Catholic Financial Advisor

Catholic financial advisors help merge charitable giving with overall financial goals. These experts know both financial stewardship and Catholic social teaching, which brings unique benefits:

• Integration of faith-based values with investment strategies
• Expertise in morally responsible investing
• Guidance on tax-efficient giving methods
• Support for legacy planning aligned with Catholic principles

The Catholic Financial Planners Network links donors with qualified advisors who hold designations such as CFP®, CPA, and ChFC. These experts specialize in charitable giving, student loans, retirement planning, and college funding strategies.

Connect with Catholic Financial Experts

The right financial advisor match happens through a simple three-step process that lines up donor goals with advisor expertise.

1. Search Directory: Browse through carefully selected listings of faith-based financial planners.
2. Discuss Priorities: Talk with selected advisors to see if they match your personal goals.
3. Begin Partnership: Start a relationship focused on faith-guided financial success.

Our advisor match tool makes it easy to find experts who understand Catholic values and complex financial planning. These advisors help create giving plans that include various methods, from direct donations to sophisticated planned giving strategies through charitable trusts or gift annuities.

Comparison of Top 10 Catholic Charities in the USA

FAQs

1. Which Catholic organization is dedicated to assisting the poor?
Catholic Charities USA (CCUSA) serves as the official domestic relief agency of the U.S. Catholic Church. It provides essential humanitarian support immediately following disasters and helps with long-term recovery efforts to rebuild lives and restore hope in affected communities.

2. What are some of the largest Catholic charities?
Some of the major Catholic charities include Aid to the Church in Need, Ascension, CAFOD, Catholic Charities USA, Catholic Home Missions, Catholic Near East Welfare Association, Catholic Relief Services, and Caritas Internationalis.

3. Is Catholic Relief Services a reliable charity to support?
Yes, Catholic Relief Services (CRS) is committed to accountability and integrity. They have a Pledge to Donors and adhere to standards set by U.S.-based charity watchdog groups, ensuring they maintain high levels of integrity in their overseas work.

4. How can I find Catholic charities that help the poor?
You can start by searching for “Catholic Charities of [Your Diocese]” online to find local initiatives. Organizations like St. Vincent de Paul Society and Catholic Worker also focus on aiding the poor. Additionally, contacting the Catholic Charities organization in your diocese can direct you to larger-scale operations within your area. Religious orders such as the Franciscans, Maryknoll, and the Missionaries of Charity also engage in significant work with the poor both locally and globally.