First thing I do when donating to a charity is to check them out. This is a good source. 3 Websites To Check To Be Informed Before Giving To Charity

St. Jude Children's Hospital

ASPCA

Salvation Army. This non-profit has the lowest % of your donation being spent on the administration of their organization. Their contributions to humanity are not only life saving in many instances but they also provide a spiritual uplift. A great organization.
John K

Shriners Hospital does amazing work. Always a good choice. I help raise money every year for them with a motorcycle raffle.

United Mitochondrial Disease Foundation my grand daughter suffers with this disease. We support this foundation every year.

St Jude. I guess I have a soft spot for children.

Donate to non kill Animal Shelters.
 

Donate to non kill Animal Shelters. I do, and it is very rewarding.

I donate to them too. Not only do they rehabilitate and place, if any animal is unable to be rehabilitated ( example, two of Vic's dogs), they have a home at Best Friends forever.


I would love to go visit/volunteer.

If you look for a charity that uses .85 of every dollar for it's primary work you won't find many including some big names good luck

Salvation Army #1 - Back in the early 70's, when I was still a kid, away from home and in dire need of money, they gave me $99. It was enough to get me back on my feet. They get a donation every year from me.

Blue Heeler rescue in Texas

Glenn Becks Mercury One
Veteran charities

Animal shelters and Smile Train - they repair cleft palates in children in poor countries.

Sadly non profits spend too much money on overhead benefits travel and so little goes directly to the purpose- folks like United way Susan g Komen ACS - Am Csn society or habitat for humanity have some or the best benefits they can use your money on. One of the few - very few/ Ronald McDonald House uses 95% for families treatment housing etc

Who does the most good? Village mind and Body Institute would be my choice. They Help people with their mental health issues, they are all volunteer staff so none of the money goes to payroll.

I try to donate to local charities or local branches of charities.

Habitat for Humanity
Salvation Army
Food Banks

In the past, I have given a fair amount to Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts ( I was a scout leader for many years). While the organizations have had some problems, hopefully they will evolve to be strong organizations again.

Wildwood Soup Kitchen and Project SOS

The Salvation Army anywhere in the world. Always first on site when the poop hits the fan, with hot drinks and a snack for responders.
In UK I support The Royal National Lifeboat Institution. All volunteer crews, who brave it in all weathers to rescue those in distress.
The only paid and retained member of the crews are the lifeboat coxwains.
The whole setup, boats, training etc. is from public subscription.
Also The Gurkha Welfare Trust. The brave little warriors from Nepal, who have fought alongside British troops since 1825.
Up until recently they had a raw deal from the British Government, but their post service benefits have been raised in last few years.
I had the privilege of serving alongside them for some years back in the day.

Local American Legion post
 

Consider a local American Legion Post. They screen Vet requests for assistance very well.