Here are some of my personal favorite charities.  To explore the huge number of nonprofits also doing wonderful, important work, you may want to visit a charity evaluator such as Charity Navigator, which rates more than 5,000 organizations and provides comprehensive information about each one.

Animals

Strives to end the unnecessary euthanasia of homeless animals.  Website:  tvar.org

The Human Society of Greater Rochester, NY.       Website:  lollypop.org

Children

Fulfills the specific wishes of children in need. Website:  familygivingtree.org

Builds soccer fields at African schools                       Website:  fundafield.com

Provides soccer balls to children in impoverished countries. Website:  samaritanspurse.org

Education

Peace through education Website: ikat.org

Works to enhance learning experiences for Pleasanton youth. Website: ppie.org

Health

Medical care, mental health counseling, substances abuse recovery. Website: axishealth.org

Leading the fight to treat and cure Lou Gehrig’s disease.  Website:  alsa.org

Dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem. Website: cancer.org

Hope Hospice’s caring team of professionals provides a special kind of healthcare that supports individuals in the advanced stages of an illness. Website: hopehospice.com

Human Services / Environment

Works to end hunger and poverty and to care for the Earth. Website: heifer.org

Nature

Protecting nature, for people today and future generations. Website: nature.org

The Arts

The Valley Dance Theatre has been bringing affordable, quality performances to the Livermore Valley for over 30 years Website: valleydancetheatre.com