Top 35 Women’s Health Charities to Learn about and Support this Holiday Season

Today’s women are having a major impact on their households and communities when it comes to philanthropy. Close to half of them would say they make the decisions in the house when it comes to which charities to donate to and support. So for the holiday season, we have done some research and come up with 35 women’s charities that are dedicated to improving the health of women locally as well as internationally. All of the charities listed below donate at least 60% of their funds to their programs which lets you know that your money is going to a good cause.

Breast Cancer

These organizations do everything from supporting breast cancer research to providing mammograms for needy women and raising awareness through educational efforts.

1. The Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF)

   Founded in 1993 by Evelyn H. Lauder, the BCRF strives for prevention and a cure for breast cancer by offering important funding for cutting edge clinical and genetic research and increasing public awareness about good breast health at leading medical centers worldwide. Since the beginning, the foundation has raised more than $237 million for its cause.

2. Susan G. Komen for the Cure

   In 1982, that promise that Nancy G. Brinker promised her sister, Susan G. Komen, was that she would do everything she could to put an end to breast cancer. Nancy started Susan G. Komen for the Cure and launched a global breast cancer initiative. Today, Komen for the Cure has the world’s largest network of breast cancer survivors and activists battling for lives and empower women. With events like the Komen Race for the Cure, they have invested more than $1.2 billion to keep Nancy’s promise. This makes this organization the largest source of nonprofit funds devoted to the war against breast cancer.

3. Living Beyond Breast Cancer (LBBC)

   LBBC started in reaction to in response to a woman needing breast cancer related information and support after finishing chemo and her treatment. Presently they help women with any stage of diagnosis, treatment, and recovery. This includes specific programs and services for the newly diagnosed, young women, women with advanced breast cancer, and women at high risk for developing the disease like African-American and Latina women. There is also aid for caregivers and healthcare professionals to accommodate the needs of women affected by breast cancer.

4. Young Survival Coalition (YSC)

   A unique organization that focuses on the critical issues unique to young women and breast cancer that was created by three young breast cancer survivors. YSC works with survivors, medical professionals, researchers, and legislative entities to escalate the quality and quantity of life for women diagnosed with breast cancer ages 40 and under.

5. The Rose

   The main objective of The Rose is to reduce the deaths caused from breast cancer by furnishing women with screening, diagnosis and access to treatment to regardless of their income or capacity to pay. The Rose is located in Houston, Texas’s medical area’s renowned breast health care center. With two community established sites, they are able to provide over 60,000 services each year. These services include mammograms and other diagnostics, breast biopsies, bone density testing, support services, and education with open availability to treatment.

6. National Breast Cancer Foundation (NBCF)

   For over 17 years the NBCF has been enhancing the lives of women with education about breast cancer and ways of early detection. The charity gives hope to women and their families that have been affected by breast cancer. Their strength in community can offer warmhearted comfort and assistance which lets those that have been diagnosed with breast cancer enriched their souls amidst treatment and beyond. The Foundation thrives on saving lives by allowing those on limited incomes to have free or low cost mammograms, continuing education for advocacy and awareness, and online community support curriculums.

7. Breast Cancer Action (BCA)

   Started by women in a San Francisco breast cancer support group who were frustrated by the lack of knowledge everyone had about their disease. Safeguarded by the former Elenore Pred, they grew an institute that has aided changing breast cancer from a personal medical situation to a community health crisis. BCA promotes policy changes in three primary divisions which are shifting the FDA power from the pharmaceutical industry and aiming it more towards the public interest; decreasing environmental exposures; and creating awareness of social injustices that can result in inconsistencies in breast cancer occurrences.

Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer usually happens in women over age 50, but it can also affect younger women. Its cause is unknown and early detection is not easy. These charities are working on early detection methods, as well as support for patients and their families.

1. National Ovarian Cancer Coalition (NOCC)

   Since the very beginning, the National Ovarian Cancer Coalition has pledged to boost consciousness of ovarian cancer in our communities, to offer education, support and faith for women diagnosed with ovarian cancer and their families. NOCC has built its reputation as being a significant national advocate for patients and relatives facing the challenges of ovarian cancer. Volunteers work at local chapters in many states to promote and increase awareness.

2. Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF)

   Established in 1994, the goal of the OCRF is to subsidize the needed research that will find a system for early detection and furthermore, a cure. Help is provided to patients and their loved ones so that they can fully understand the disease and its treatment. There are also outreach programs that increase public awareness. On account of their efforts, they have granted more than $28 million to 128 of the most brilliant and talented women and men in the field of research today at over 40 chief medical facilities located all over the United States.

3. Ovarian Cancer National Alliance

   This alliance was formed from seven ovarian cancer groups that came together to establish a widespread effort to place ovarian cancer policies, education, and research issues high up on the schedule of national policy makers and women’s health care leaders. By connecting individuals and organizations in a combined movement, the alliance uses its resources as a platform for ovarian cancer survivors and beating this deadly disease. Federal advocacy for adequate and sustained funding for ovarian cancer research and awareness programs and laws to enhance quality of life and acceptable care for cancer patients.

4. SHARE

   A 31 year old non-profit organization giving survivor directed comfort for those affected by breast or ovarian cancer so that no one has to brave cancer alone. Using their own knowledge, cancer survivors can aid patients with the emotional obstacles and fundamental topics that occur from a cancer diagnosis. SHARE’s assistance includes hotlines that are available in English and Spanish with capacity for 12 other languages as well as wellness programs, educational conferences, and advocacy activities. All of their services are of no charge.

International l & Third World Countries

The health of women in international and third world countries has been an important topic in today’s world. Poor conditions can be helped with donations to these foundations.

1. International Women’s Health Coalition (IWHC)

   IWHC structures international guidelines and constitutes civic volume for women’s health and rights in Africa, Asia and Latin America. They work in advancing their attempts to variate thinking, diverge funding and inspire people to take action with institutions that can protect the rights and health for women everywhere.

2. Americans for UNFPA (United Nations Fund for Population Activities)

   UNFPA aides countries in using population data for policies and programs that reduce poverty and ensure that pregnancy is not unwanted, birthing is safe, children are free of HIV/AIDS, and every girl and woman are treated with grace and dignity. By structuring political, ethical, and financial support within the United States for UNFPA, healthcare is provided to women in 150 countries and it the biggest resource for such aid.

3. Ipas

   An international non-profit organization that travels around the globe to increase women’s capacity to exert their sexual and reproductive rights, and to stop deaths and injuries related to abortions. They are founded on the fundamental principle that women universally should have the ability to determine their futures, tend to their families and govern their fertility. They face this public health epidemic straight on in some of the poorest countries and facilities with dedicated health professionals and collaborators all over the world.

4. Health and Water Foundation (HWF)

   Created in 2007, presently this undertaking has already helped a host of girls in the Nyamira District by making sure that each school has at least one woman teacher to be a sex education counselor for girls. In Kenya, they provide water and issue private toilets and sanitary materials to in order to keep these girls in school. In most circumstances, the girls will stay at home because of no supplies and the lack of privacy from open, outdoor toilets.

5. EngenderHealth

   One of the leading international reproductive health organization working to improve the quality of care in some of the most disadvantaged communities. They encourage women to make knowledgeable decisions about contraception, educate health providers on making motherhood safe, provide quality HIV and AIDS services, and strive for clear policy developments. This organization works in association with governments, institutions, and health care experts over 23 countries globally. They have been helping women realize they can have fulfilling lives for more than 60 years.

6. The Fistula Foundation

   For almost a decade this foundation has been devoted to the treatment and prevention of obstetric fistula worldwide, which is a horrible complication of unrelieved obstructed labor. They work to increase understanding and funding for fistula treatment, prevention and education programs universally. The Foundation is a substantial supporter of the Hamlin Fistula Hospitals in Ethiopia and helps fistula treatment in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Angola, Afghanistan, Kenya, and Somaliland.

7. Prevention International: No Cervical Cancer (PINCC)

   Special focus is to offer this service to women who have been victimized by the growing human trafficking trade. These women are forced into sexual slavery, usually as children, and then ostracized by their families and communities. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in the world today, and in poor countries it is number one. Over 290,000 women die of it every year; yet it is completely preventable with screening and treatment.

General Research & Advocacy

These foundations spread the word to State and local governments and funding agencies for increased resources for health care and health research that focus on women’s unique needs.

1. Foundation for Women’s Health

   The Foundation For Women’s Health is the philanthropic section of the American College of Women’s Health Physicians. It works to support general and clinical research and educational activities in the area of women’s health. Their goals are to create structures of clinical practices, medical education, and biological and physical research and development that emphasize specific details to sex and gender, with comprehensive training of physicians as well as changing laws that spotlight women’s differences and special medical needs.

2. National Women’s Health Network (NWHN)

   Committed to advancing women’s health with a long term model securing that women have freedom of their reproductive and sexual health in all areas by transforming opinions from society and medical professionals on how menopause is perceived and addressed and giving universal access to diverse health care for women. The National Women’s Health Network was founded in 1975 to give women a greater voice within the healthcare system. NWHN is a membership stationed organization supported by 8,000 individuals and organizations around the nation. They do not accept any donations from pharmaceutical companies, tobacco companies or medical device manufacturers.

3. Society for Women’s Health Research (SWHR)

   The SWHR is a national non-profit organization whose purpose is to rectify the health of all women through activism, knowledge and analysis. SWHR encourages the study of sex differences between women and men that are major causes of prevention, diagnosis and treatment of these diseases.

4. National Black Women’s Health Project (NBWHP)

   A health advocacy organization, founded by llye Avery in 1981. NBWHP held its first conference on the campus of Spelman College , a historically black women’s college in 1983. NBWHP opened its first office in Atlanta in 1984 but moved its center of operations to Washington, DC, placing them in the middle of the public policy field. NBWHP is a respected authority of African American women’s health among government, health providers, donators, and the media. This project is run by Black women and is dedicated to improving the health and well being of the 17.8 million Black women in the United States.

5. HealthyWomen (HW)

   The nation’s leading independent connection to health information for women. For over 20 years, women have been coming to HW for solutions to their important personal health care questions. Through its many various online and print publications, their information is fair, overseen by medical experts, and conscious of the advancements in health research. Also, HealthyWomen has unyielding contacts of women’s centers, clinics, health care systems and other health partners around the country which distribute their printed materials.

6. Jacobs Institute of Women’s Health (JIWH)

   This is a non-profit organization fights to reform health care for women via research, discussion, and information circulation. By recognizing and learning about women’s health care issues that contain collaboration of medical and social systems. The Jacobs Institute continues to enhance the health care of women that crosses the lifespan in every population.

7. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG)

   A membership organization of obstetrician-gynecologists faithful to advancing women’s health. The ACOG presently has more than 52,000 members and is the number one group of professionals furnishing health care for women. They emphasize the areas of advocacy for quality health care for women, maintaining high standards of clinical practice, and continuing education for its members.

Other Issues Important to Women’s Health

Here are some charities highlighting some diseases that might not affect women only, but have a major impact on women’s health and their families.

1. CancerCare

   A national program that provides free and professional aid and services to anyone affected by cancer that includes people diagnosed with cancer, their caregivers, children, and loved ones. These programs contain counseling, education, and financial assistance. Services are provided by trained oncology social workers and offer unique help based on the individual to more than 100,000 people each year.

2. The Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (CFF)

   Established in 1955 to affirm the growth of the groundwork to find the management and cure for cystic fibrosis and to improve the quality of life for those identified with the disease. The Foundation is the leading organization in the United States solely devoted to cystic fibrosis. It funds and endorses over 115 CF care centers, 95 adult care programs and 50 partners and 80 chapters and branch offices nationwide. Cystic fibrosis is an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of about 30,000 children and adults in the United States. A defective gene and its protein product cause the body to produce unusually thick, sticky mucus.

3. WomenHeart

   The only national organization promoting women’s heart health through action, education and patient support. As the podium for the 44 million American women living with or at risk of heart disease, WomenHeart advocates for balanced opportunities to quality care and provides resources to help women take charge of their heart health. Since 1999, they have been heading the rally for support services to women with heart disease and educating policymakers, health professionals and the public about the urgent need to make women’s heart health a major concern.

4. National Brain Tumor Society (NBTS)

   The NBTS was based in 1989 to provide hope, faith, and comfort to patients, survivors and families to help them through trying times and fighting a brain tumor by offering solid informational resources and encouragement services. The Society also funds brain tumor research in order to find new treatments, and ultimately, a cure. In June, 2008, the Society merged with the National Brain Tumor Foundation to form the National Brain Tumor Society. The new organization brings collaboration of outstanding programs for patient, families, caregivers, researchers, and medical professionals.

5. Mental Health America

   The nation’s oldest community based organization providing help to Americans living with mental healthier afflictions. With over 300 affiliates across the country, they touch the lives of millions by promoting policy changes, educating the public, and providing critical information and critical programs and Services. Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association) is the country’s leading nonprofit dedicated to helping ALL people live mentally healthier lives.

6. Aids Research Alliance (ARA)

   The ARA’s main reason for existing is to develop a cure for HIV/AIDS, medical systems for prevention of new infections and more appropriate treatments for those living with HIV. The basis of the AIDS Research Alliance non-profit research model includes independent clinical research with no regard to profit, clinical trials of the latest anti-HIV technologies and treatments such as vaccines, the development of treatments for HIV-related conditions, and strategic partnerships with academic institutions, biotech and pharmaceutical companies, and governmental agencies.

7. Gynecologic Cancer Foundation (GCF)

   The Gynecologic Cancer Foundation was founded by the Society of Gynecologic Oncologists (SGO) in coordination together, they enhance research, education, and public awareness of gynecologic cancer prevention, early detection and optimal treatment. GCF advances their statement by adding to public and private funds that aid in the development and implementation of programs to meet their goal.

8. The Lupus Foundation of America, Inc. (LFA)

   The leading non-profit voluntary health organization pursuing the causes and the cure for lupus and offering aid, programs and belief to all individuals affected by lupus. The LFA was established in 1977 when local lupus organizations joined together to draw national attention and funding to lupus. Since then, they have grown into the industry’s most respected non-profit lupus organization with close to 300 chapters and support groups across the country. The LFA plays a major role combining stakeholders researchers, clinicians, elected officials, policy makers, industry leaders, other national organizations, and people affected by lupus to address lupus on the federal, state and local levels.

9. National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF)

   Solely dedicated to osteoporosis and bone health. The Foundation’s mission is to prevent osteoporosis, to promote lifelong bone health, to help improve the lives of those affected by osteoporosis and related fractures, and to find a cure. NOF is a leading resource for healthcare professionals, patients, consumers and others seeking up to the minute information on all aspects of osteoporosis.

10. NARSAD

    NARSAD raises funds from donors all over the world and invests it directly into significant research projects in mental health. They help the most innovative scientific brains decipher the complications of schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders such as OCD , and childhood disorders that include autism and ADHD.

Increased research and training on women’s health issues has improved healthcare for women around the world. By choosing a charity that is working on behalf of women, you can help end the diseases that so many face. Whatever cause you support or believe in, JustGive.org makes it easy to find all the charities—working locally and throughout the world—that support it. Research your cause and donate when and how you wish

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This entry was posted on Sunday, January 17th, 2010 at 11:17 pm and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.