11 Best Charities that Help Pay for Surgery | Full List

When 112 million Americans struggle to pay for their surgery or receive medical care, the actual composition of leadership and their focus areas are unveiled. Over 100 million are in health debt, mainly due to the unregulated medicinal cost.

Once the leaders discovered these devastating statistics, they started setting up charities to provide free or low-cost treatment to those in need. For over 50 years, thousands of charities have been set up to reach out and cure the underprivileged through the help of donations and awareness.

Curative programs and awareness sessions have sparked a light of initiative within the community, the humanity and kindness shined brightly when people selflessly cared for and helped those in extreme need.

Here are the 11 Best Charities that Help Pay for Surgeries:

1. Doctors without borders/ Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

MSF is the world’s largest independent medical relief agency. Active since 1970, MSF, along with its 13 founding members, have made their investment in helping victims in times of pandemic and natural disasters.

It reaches out to those who cannot access medical supplies due to their complex geographical remoteness. The professional team administers more than 5000 assignments a year.

As a way of expressing gratitude for all their hard work, the locals volunteer at refugee camps and work in front-line hospitals together as a community. Despite having more than 34,000 donors and ties with the national government, they maintain neutrality by staying away from political or economic powers.

2. American Red Cross (ARC) 

ARC places itself amongst the top volunteering organization across the United States. Not being a government agency implies it relies on generous donations of time, money, and blood to do its work. In 2021 it had about 20,053 donors.

On average, 91 cents of every dollar is invested in humanitarian services and programs. ARC has made it their vital requirement to focus on collecting detailed demographic and humanitarian data. This accounts for the promotion and development of their intensive clinical research.

They were the first to develop the nationwide civilian blood program, which currently provides more than 40% of the blood products in the United States. More than half a million volunteers, along with 30,000 employees of the Red Cross, assist in the above and other services. 

3. NeedyMeds

With a 25-year long history of aiding patients, NeedyMeds has covered 40,000 programs for 15 types of assistance. They aim to provide affordable healthcare through direct assistance and aligning programs.

Their Patient Assistance Program has bridged the gap between them and those in requirement of medical care. Under this program they provide free or low-cost prescription medicines that meet the guidelines.

Furthermore, this program covers the uninsured regardless of their citizenship. Charity Navigator rates them a 99% for their strong cultural values and versatile adaptability to situations. 

4. The Nepal Youth Foundation (NYF)

NYF was set up in 1990 by Olga Murray. An ambitious lawyer who provided more than 60,000 children and families with healthcare, shelter, education, and freedom to date. NYF is empowering thousands in many different ways.

They educate the lawyers and offer them scholarships, provide wholesome meals to prevent further malnutrition, and hold counseling sessions to improve kids’ emotional well-being during times of pandemic. Their educational guidance fuels the people to support one another and bounce back from the imminent rife.   

NYF emphasizes personal bonds to improve the social and cultural development of children. Their transparent finances and sincere goals have been appreciated by Charity Navigator, which scores them a 100 in leadership and cultural community. Their offices in different countries make it easier to reach out via a call, an email, or a visit.  

5. International Medical Corps

 IMC was founded with one aim of being the first responder globally. Emergency response work translates to rapid work flexibility. Their team of 7500 members works tirelessly to improve the quality of life and support local healthcare systems.

Their broad aid spectrum covers community health services, psychosocial support, hygiene, water, and food security. They understand the importance of working from the roots, which allows them to break the intergenerational cycle of the usual malady. With more than 86,000 certifications and 84% financial accountability, they have kept accurate to their word of improving local communities and making serving easier through their social media pages and website. After working in more than 55 countries, they are currently active in 31 countries. 

6. Americares Foundation 

They go back 43 years, leading us to its founder, Robert Macauley. Since 1979 Americares has set up an unexcelled collaborative organization with national and international networks that provide solutions for complex health issues and medicine security.

With multiple annual events being held to achieve the dual purpose of spreading awareness and attracting more donations internationally, they have gained popularity in aiding those in need. The in-depth information about their organization and multiple donation alternatives makes it easier for the donor and receiver to fulfill their purpose.

They have been providing more than 98% of the resources to support health care programs reaching more than 85 countries annually. 

7. Direct Relief 

Established in 1948 under William Zimdin, an Estonian immigrant, DR began spreading relief parcels containing basic necessities to enable people to rebuild their lives after World War 1. It became the third-largest charity in the United States this year when it received a donation of $1.41 billion.

This humanitarian organization is active in more than 80 countries to aid those threatened by natural disasters, poverty, and civil disputes. Out of the manifold appreciations and awards, the Forbes assessment rated them 100% in fundraising efficiency.

8. The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics

Founded in 2002 by a group of medical providers, this visionary nonprofit ensures that the underprivileged access health care and medical care and build a healthy America together.

They fund and provide medical aid to more than 1400 charities to increase their capacity to serve and treat those in need; apart from grants, they also serve with donated and discounted services and supplies, medication access, educational training, community support for healing, and advocacy alerts in times of crises.

After training the volunteers, they add further value to the community by opening new clinics alongside a team of medical experts. In 2002 alone, they donated $286 million in medication and supplies and $5 million for grants.

This earned them the trust of Charity Navigator , who gives them a 4-star rating along with a token of Platinum Transparency by GuideStar.

9. The PAN Foundation

Their expert opinions and advocacy has allowed them to help more than a million patients to date. Since 50% of the population cannot afford medical care due to its high cost, they are becoming prone to diseases by every second. PAN provides a safety net for patients to build their long-term solutions.

An in-depth analysis of the issues causing damage has spread awareness and education. They aid the underinsured community suffering from chronic or rare diseases to get their medications and treatments on time.

They receive a 100% score from Charity Navigator in areas of impact, results, accountability, and community.

10. Cranio Care Bears

Born with a mission to spread awareness through educational training and love, CCB works to deliver care packages to families of children facing surgery for craniosynostosis. The care packages include items to provide immediate relief for both the children and their parents.

Apart from donations, they request the donors to share any handmade items like a teether, blankets, snacks, socks, or clothes, which could provide relief and help during the process of recovery.

The action of staying before, during, and after surgery has earned them respect and love from millions worldwide. They were the top-rated charity for 5 consecutive years by the Great Non Profits. 

11. Medical Teams International

Their staff and volunteers work daily to bring back the lost hope and save lives with their medical care. Their selfless and accountable values earned them the trust of Charity Navigator with a 94% score.

Along with treating disease-threatened individuals, they also work for refugees, respond to any crisis and increase the maternal bond with their children. Pregnant women receive prenatal care and therapeutic food to help heal post-delivery.

Final Thoughts

To be born underprivileged is no one’s fault. This is how society works and functions, although many charities continuously endorse their services to help them receive donations.

Donations in the sense of money, volunteers, and professional advocacy. These three things can change a patient’s life and help them see life with an enthusiastic perspective.