Save the Children Ranked Among Forbes' 2025 Top 100 Charities—and What It Reveals About Donor Behavior

FAIRFIELD, Conn. (Dec. 19, 2025)—Save the Children has been ranked No. 43 on Forbes' 2025 list of America's Top 100 Charities, according to private donations. This recognition offers insight into how donor behavior is evolving in today's challenging philanthropic landscape, and underscores the global humanitarian organization's scale, impact, and unwavering commitment to accountability on its work for children across over 100 countries.

This year saw the largest retreat to humanitarian and development assistance in recent history, with the U.S. Government significantly cutting foreign aid funding. Despite economic uncertainty, private donations remain strong. In 2024, Save the Children received $470 million in private contributions, and engaged over 337,000 everyday supporters, who accounted for $87 million—showcasing growing trust among donors and partners, and a diversified supporter base.

"This recognition ultimately reflects the trust of our donors—families, individuals, and partners—who believe every child deserves a healthy start, the opportunity to learn, and protection from harm, even in the world’s most difficult places,” said Clare Rodger, Chief Marketing and Growth Officer at Save the Children US. “Despite challenges such as foreign aid cuts, we remain focused on solutions that strengthen our resilience and deeply appreciate the long-standing support of our donor community. Our commitment to children in the U.S and around the globe remains unwavering, as it has for more than 100 years."

With more than 1.5 million charitable organizations operating in the U.S. alone, inclusion on Forbes' Top Charities list places Save the Children among a select group evaluated on fundraising strength, efficiency and financial transparency—metrics that matter more than ever as donors demand accountability and proven impact.

Operational efficiency isn't just a number, it translates into real impact. Save the Children makes every dollar count for kids, ensuring donor support delivers measurable outcomes, from nutrition programs to education initiatives and livelihood support for families in crisis-affected areas. The organization consistently earns high marks from independent evaluators for governance and responsible financial management.

Forbes' annual ranking—now in its 27th year—is designed as a resource for individual donors and is based primarily on private charitable contributions reported in each organization's most recent fiscal year.

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