Christian Service

Christian Charities

Christian charities put faith into action by meeting real needs: hunger, homelessness, poverty, disaster, and injustice. Some are household names; countless others are small and local. If you need help, many will serve you freely. If you want to give, wise generosity begins with knowing where your gift will go.

If you need help first

Find help near you now

Charity flows both ways. If you are the one in need today, reach for help without shame; that is exactly what these efforts exist for.

• Dial 211 or visit 211.org. Run by United Way, 211 connects you to local food, housing, rent, utility, and other assistance. It is free and available across most of the United States, day and night.
• findhelp.org. A free search for local aid by ZIP code, food, housing, money, clothing, health, and more.

See more free ways to find help near you, gathered in one place.

What Christian charities do

Charity, from the old word for love, has always been at the centre of the Christian life. Christian charities feed the hungry, shelter the homeless, care for orphans and widows, respond to disasters, and defend the vulnerable. The Bible ties generosity directly to the character of God.

Well-known Christian charities include:

• The Salvation Army. Both a Christian church and one of the world's largest charities, founded in 1865, providing shelters, disaster relief, addiction recovery, and family services.
• World Vision. A global Christian humanitarian charity focused on children, communities, and emergency relief.
• Catholic Relief Services. The international humanitarian agency of the Catholic community in the United States, serving people in need overseas regardless of faith.
• Compassion International. A child-development charity connecting sponsors with children living in poverty.
• Bread for the World. A Christian advocacy organization that works to end hunger through policy and public awareness.

These organizations are named for information only. Details are accurate to the best of our knowledge, but they may change; please confirm on each group’s own website. Being listed here is not an endorsement, and none of these organizations are affiliated with The Living Bread.

How to give wisely

Generosity is wisest when it is informed. Look up an organization’s ratings and financial accountability on Charity Navigator, GuideStar, or the ECFA. Ask how much reaches the people served, and give steadily rather than only in emergencies.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Christian charity and a Christian nonprofit?

The terms overlap heavily. Nonprofit is the legal and tax status; charity describes the purpose. Most Christian charities are nonprofits, and both terms are used for organizations that meet human need out of Christian faith.

What are the most trusted Christian charities?

Long-established groups such as The Salvation Army, World Vision, Catholic Relief Services, and Compassion International are widely known and independently rated. Always confirm current ratings on Charity Navigator or the ECFA before giving.

Do Christian charities help people who are not Christians?

Yes. Most serve anyone in need regardless of faith. Jesus taught his followers to love their neighbour, including the stranger and even the enemy, so care is offered without a religious test.