Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play crucial roles in addressing various social and political issues independently of government control. Unlike most nonprofits, which generally fall under the broader NGO umbrella, NGOs often have a more diverse scope of impact and operate on a global scale.
According to recent data, there are approximately 1.5 million NGOs in the United States alone, highlighting their significant presence and influence.
This article will explore 15 of the most impactful NGOs across different continents, including influential groups based in the US, Europe, and South Asia. 
#1. Save the Children
Founded: 1919
Reach: 120 countries
Based in London, Save the Children works to better the lives of children globally. They provide healthcare, education, emergency aid, and economic opportunities.
With 30 national member organizations, they tackle hunger, health, education, climate issues, and policy advocacy.
In 2021, they impacted nearly 43 million kids and handled 103 emergencies. Their revenue hit approximately $2.2 billion.
Key areas also include addressing the war in Ukraine and the climate crisis. They aim to create lasting change for children everywhere.
#2. Oxfam International
Oxfam International, founded in 1942, operates in over 90 countries tackling various global challenges.
This anti-poverty organization focuses on critical areas such as water and sanitation, gender justice, and responding to conflicts and disasters.
Despite facing significant challenges, Oxfam has made a substantial impact.
Since 2015, they have provided clean water, sanitation, hygiene, and emergency aid to over 3 million people in Yemen.
In Syria, Oxfam is active in eight out of 14 governorates, offering essential services like clean water and hygiene kits.
Oxfam’s charity shops, predominantly in the UK, are known for selling donated and fair-trade items.
Their 2020-2021 annual report highlights the breadth of their work, noting that they reached over 14 million people with their COVID-19 response, supported 1.7 million individuals in gender justice initiatives, and generated a total income of USD 912 million.
#3. Doctors without Borders
Established: 1971
Global Reach: 70+ countries
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), known in English as Doctors Without Borders, is a French-based medical NGO. They operate in over 70 countries, providing medical care in conflict zones, areas stricken by natural disasters, and regions with endemic diseases.
Their work spans a variety of critical health issues including antibiotic resistance, maternal health, and HIV/AIDS.
Operational Focus:
- Antibiotic resistance
- Maternal health
- HIV/AIDS
- Malnutrition
- Vaccinations
- Mental health
In 2021 alone, MSF conducted over 12.5 million medical consultations, administered 1.6 million vaccinations, and treated over 1 million patients in their facilities.
Their funding predominantly comes from private sources, such as individual donors and private foundations, and they strategically allocate their resources: 14% for fundraising, 85% for programs, and 1% for management.
Financials (2021):
| Category | Percentage |
|---|---|
| Fundraising | 14% |
| Programs | 85% |
| Management/Admin | 1% |
An impressive surplus of €169 million was recorded after accounting for all expenses.
#4. BRAC
Established in: 1972
Global presence: 11 countries
BRAC is an international development organization operating out of Bangladesh. It’s known as the largest NGO in the world due to its significant number of employees and extensive reach.
BRAC works across all districts in Bangladesh and extends its efforts to other nations, including Kenya, Liberia, Afghanistan, and Myanmar.
This organization addresses various social issues such as microfinance, disaster risk management, education, gender justice, and water and sanitation.
Alongside traditional NGO functions, BRAC supports several self-sustaining social enterprises, which generate revenue to fund its activities.
Their 2021 annual report highlighted that nearly 40% of Bangladesh’s population received aid from BRAC.
It provided financial services, distributed loans totaling USD 4.5 billion, and delivered education to 190,000 children.
Additionally, BRAC’s total assets exceeded 4 billion Taka.
#5. World Vision
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian NGO established in 1950. It operates in over 100 countries, addressing critical issues such as poverty, education, child protection, disaster relief, economic empowerment, and clean water. Children are at the core of their missions and efforts.
In 2022, World Vision made significant impacts. They helped 3.2 million kids through child sponsorship programs, provided aid to 31.1 million refugees and disaster survivors, and gave 3 million people access to clean water.
The NGO has an operating revenue of around USD 1 billion, with 90% of it being directed towards program services, 6% on fundraising, and 4% on administration.
Despite its positive impacts, World Vision has faced criticism regarding its hiring policies.
In 2014, they briefly allowed the hiring of employees in same-sex marriages but reversed this decision after backlash. They continue to face scrutiny over their stance on this issue.
#6. International Rescue Committee
Established in 1933, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) originally formed to aid those fleeing Nazi Germany. Today, it operates in over 40 countries, dealing with the fallout of disasters and conflicts.
The IRC’s key areas include safety, health, economic stability, empowerment, and education.
Women and girls, often the most vulnerable during crises, gain particular attention from this organization.
In 2021, the IRC touched the lives of 31.5 million people, aided in resettling refugees from 32 countries in the U.S., and worked to prevent malnutrition in over 1 million individuals.
With revenues reaching USD 979,512 and net assets standing at USD 245,790 in the same year, the IRC continues to be a crucial player in humanitarian aid.
#7. Catholic Relief Services
Catholic Relief Services (CRS) has been a key player in humanitarian efforts since its establishment in 1943. As a member of Caritas International, CRS forms part of a wider network of Catholic agencies dedicated to providing humanitarian relief.
Initially set up to assist European refugees during World War II, the organization has grown considerably.
Operating in over 100 countries, CRS addresses an array of needs from emergency relief to long-term developmental projects.
In 2021 alone, CRS reached 193 million individuals in 116 countries.
Notably, they provided more than USD 75 million in cash and vouchers for displaced persons in Gaza and restored over 503,000 acres of land in Central America.
The organization also supported over 221,000 children and teens living with HIV, ensuring they received necessary treatment.
Most of CRS’ funding, around 93.5%, goes directly to program services.
#8. Danish Refugee Council
Established in: 1956
Global presence: 40+ countries
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) came into existence after World War II, sparked by the Soviet invasion of Hungary.
Now recognized as the largest non-governmental organization in Denmark, it operates in over 40 countries across Europe, Asia, and West and North Africa.
The DRC focuses on every phase of displacement, offering humanitarian aid, protection, and advocacy for refugee rights alongside civil society and government entities.
The DRC is composed of 33 member organizations, making it an umbrella nonprofit with a wide-reaching impact.
In 2021, the DRC adopted a new global strategy, DRC Strategy 2025, aiming to navigate the complexities of increasing forced displacement. That same year, the DRC reported a profit of DKK 25 million.
#9. CARE International
CARE International, founded in 1945, operates in over 100 countries worldwide.
This NGO focuses on various pressing issues such as gender equality, health rights, climate justice, and access to food and clean water, with special attention given to women and girls.
Their efforts align with the Sustainable Development Goals to measure progress.
In 2022, CARE directly assisted 174 million individuals across 111 countries.
From 2015 to 2021, they helped 4.4 million children gain better and more inclusive education, while 73.9 million people benefited from humanitarian services or poverty reduction.
During the fiscal year of July 2021 to June 2022, CARE USA allocated USD 658,572 to program activities and USD 56,703 to supportive endeavors.
#10. Amnesty International
Established in: 1961
Global presence: 150+ countries
Amnesty International (AI), based in the UK, champions human rights worldwide. With over ten million members and supporters, AI focuses on torture, the death penalty, police brutality, and climate justice. They organize awareness campaigns and public mobilization to drive change.
Impact:
- Freed immigrants and asylum-seekers from unlawful detention
- Influenced public opinion on the death penalty
In 2021, AI raised €357 million for human rights initiatives. Allocations:
- 45% on human rights research
- Advocacy, campaigning, education
AI’s efforts spotlight human rights abuses and advocate for global change.
#11. ActionAid International
Established in 1972, ActionAid International operates in 45 countries with a mission to eradicate poverty, gender inequality, and social injustice.
They zero in on critical areas such as women’s rights, political and economic empowerment, land and climate issues, and emergency response.
Head Office: South Africa
Hubs: Europe, Americas, Asia
In 2021, their efforts reached over 3 million people, impacting more than 900,000 women and 500,000 children.
With a total income of €224 million, 64% went directly into programs, while 18% supported operations and 16% was allocated for fundraising.
#12. Direct Relief
Established in: 1948
Global presence: 80+ countries
Direct Relief, based in California, specializes in health-focused humanitarian aid.
They respond to disasters such as hurricanes, wildfires, and disease outbreaks, while also providing long-term support for healthcare infrastructure, community health programs, and maternal health initiatives.
They operate across various regions including Asia, Africa, Mexico, South America, and the United States.
In 2021, Direct Relief distributed over USD 1.6 million in medical supplies, along with more than 94 million masks, 31 million gloves, and other PPE.
The organization received USD 1.93 billion in public donations and channeled USD 1.7 billion into global assistance efforts.
#13. Action Against Hunger
Established in: 1979
Global Presence: Over 50 countries
Action Against Hunger is dedicated to eradicating global hunger and aiding malnourished children.
Some of their key strategies include treating malnutrition, boosting food security, empowering parents, and enhancing clean water access.
Their operations span Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.
Reach: Serves more than 26 million people worldwide
Financials (2021):
- Total Revenue: USD 116,826,140
- Program Services Expenditure: USD 75,858,609
#14. Anti-Slavery International
Established in: 1839
Global presence: 20+ countries
Anti-Slavery International, founded in the UK, holds the title of the world’s oldest international human rights organization.
Their mission aims to eradicate all forms of slavery, including human trafficking, child slavery, and child marriage.
Key activities include providing support to survivors, promoting robust legal frameworks, and working to dismantle systems that enable exploitation.
In 2021, they helped 17,880 individuals and partnered with 14 organizations across 10 countries.
Financially, the NGO raised £3,166,278 and spent £2,937,095 during the 2020-2021 fiscal year on ending slavery and fundraising efforts.
#15. Plan International
Established: 1937
Global Presence: 75+ countries
Plan International is a humanitarian and development non-governmental organization dedicated to promoting children’s rights and gender equality.
Their work spans across multiple areas, including quality education, child protection, sexual and reproductive health, emergency response, and youth empowerment.
In 2022, they actively operated in 83 countries, benefiting more than 4.5 million girls through early childhood development initiatives. They also reached over 5 million girls with their sexual and reproductive health programs.
Their income was €1.1 billion, with spending distributed as follows:
- Programs: 80%
- Fundraising and Supporter Acquisition: 12%
- HR and Finance: 8%
Plan International’s efforts significantly impact children and communities worldwide.
