9 Best St Louis Charities to Donate to | Full List with Details

In a city as large and diverse as St. Louis, there are countless opportunities to give back and make a difference in the community. However, with so many options, it can be overwhelming to decide where to focus your charitable efforts. That’s where we come in. In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best St. Louis charities, each with a unique mission and a proven track record of impact.

Whether you’re passionate about education, healthcare, or social justice, there’s a charity on this list that aligns with your values and goals. So, get ready to discover how you can make a meaningful impact in the Gateway City, one donation at a time.

Here are the 9 Best St Louis Charities:

1. Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital

First up we have Ranken Jordan, a pediatric hospital for children with complex medical needs. The hospital provides inpatient, outpatient, and transitional care for children who require extensive medical support, rehabilitation, and assistance with daily living activities. The hospital’s unique model of care is focused on bridging the gap between acute hospital care and returning home. 

The hospital’s team of medical professionals includes physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and educators, who work together to provide individualized care plans for each child. Off to a great start, the hospital has a perfect rating of 100% with 4 gold stars on Charity Navigator. 

2. The United Way of Greater St. Louis

United Way works to improve the quality of life for individuals and families in the St. Louis region. The organization collaborates with a wide network of non-profits, businesses, government agencies, and community leaders to address critical issues related to education, financial stability, and health.

The charity also provides funding, resources, and volunteer opportunities to support programs and initiatives that make a positive impact on the community. Their focus is on addressing the root causes of social issues to create long-lasting change and improve the overall well-being of the community. The organization has 4 stars on Charity Navigator with a rating of 95%. 

3. Operation Food Search

Operation Food Search provides hunger relief services to individuals and families in need. The organization distributes food and household essentials to over 330 partner agencies, including food pantries, shelters, and community centers, throughout the region. 

Operation Food Search also operates a number of programs that focus on nutrition education, food access, and community outreach, such as the Healthy Eating and Active Living program, which provides cooking classes and wellness workshops to underserved communities. Their mission is to alleviate hunger and food insecurity while promoting self-sufficiency and empowering individuals to make healthy choices for themselves and their families. They have a whopping score of 99% on Charity Navigator with 4 stars. 

4. Gateway180: Homelessness Reversed

Gateway 180 strives to provide emergency shelter, housing, and support services to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The organization offers a range of services, including temporary shelter, case management, job training, and educational programs, as well as supportive services like healthcare, childcare, and counseling.

They aim to empower individuals and families to regain stability, achieve self-sufficiency, and transition to permanent housing. Gateway180 also collaborates with community partners to address the root causes of homelessness, advocate for policy change, and create systemic solutions to end homelessness in the St. Louis region. They have 4 stars on Charity Navigator with 88% ratings. 

5. The St. Louis Children’s Hospital Foundation

The charity aims to raise funds to support the hospital’s programs, services, and research initiatives, which are focused on providing exceptional care to children and families. The hospital provides a wide range of specialized medical services, including cancer care, heart care, and neurological care, as well as programs focused on mental and behavioral health, rehabilitation, and community outreach. 

The foundation’s goal is to ensure that all children receive the highest quality of care, regardless of their family’s ability to pay. They have a perfect score of 100% on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars. 

6. The St. Louis Area Foodbank

The Foodbank works to provide hunger relief services to individuals and families in the St. Louis region. The organization partners with over 500 local agencies, such as food pantries, shelters, and soup kitchens, to distribute food and household essentials to those in need. 

The St. Louis Area Foodbank also operates a variety of programs focused on nutrition education, community outreach, and advocacy, such as the Mobile Market, which delivers fresh produce to underserved communities. The organization aims to alleviate hunger and food insecurity, promote healthy eating habits, and empower individuals to achieve self-sufficiency and long-term success. The charity has an outstanding score of 99% on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars. 

7. The Nurses for Newborns Foundation

Nurses for Newborn, an organization that provides in-home nursing visits to families with newborn babies who are at risk for health and developmental problems. The organization’s team of registered nurses and social workers provides education, guidance, and support to parents to promote healthy child development and prevent infant mortality.

The program serves families who are facing challenges such as poverty, teen parenthood, and single parenthood. Nurses for Newborns Foundation also provides access to essential resources, such as baby supplies and referrals to community services. Their goal is to give every baby a healthy start in life and empower parents to be confident and capable caregivers. As per Charity Navigator, the charity has a rating of 89% with 3 stars. 

8. Epworth Children & Family Services

The organization offers a wide range of programs, including residential care, foster care, adoption services, and education and counseling programs. Their mission is to help children and families overcome adversity, trauma, and other challenges by providing a safe, nurturing environment and comprehensive support services. 

Epworth Children & Family Services also collaborates with community partners to advocate for policies and programs that benefit children and families, and to create a more equitable and just society for all. They have a perfect charity rating of 100% on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars. 

9. The St. Louis Crisis Nursery

At last but not least, the nursery provides emergency intervention, respite care, and support services to families in crisis. The organization’s team of trained professionals provides a safe, nurturing environment for children while parents or guardians address urgent issues, such as domestic violence, homelessness, or medical emergencies. 

The Crisis Nursery also offers resources and counseling services to families to help them overcome challenges and build resilience. They aim to prevent child abuse and neglect, strengthen families, and promote healthy child development. The St. Louis Crisis Nursery serves families throughout the St. Louis region and is committed to creating a community where all children can thrive. The nursery has a charity rating of a perfect 100% on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars. 

Final Thoughts

As we wrap up this discussion on the best St. Louis charities, it’s clear that there are many deserving organizations making a significant impact in the community. However, it’s important to remember that charitable giving is not just about the impact it makes on the receiving end, but also on the giver. By supporting these charities, we are not only improving the lives of those in need but also enriching our own lives in the process. Giving back can provide a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connectedness to our community.

Moreover, it’s important to recognize that giving doesn’t have to be limited to financial donations. Volunteering your time, skills, and resources can be just as valuable to these charities and can create a deeper sense of connection and investment in the cause. So, whether you’re able to make a financial contribution or not, there are still many ways to support these organizations and make a difference in the community.

In the end, the most important thing is to take action and find a way to make an impact in your community, no matter how big or small. As the famous quote by Mahatma Gandhi goes, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” Let’s embrace the power of giving and make a positive impact, one charity at a time.