For every dollar you donate to Shriners Hospitals for Children, about 81 cents goes straight to patient care, research, and education. Administrative costs eat up 11.5 cents, while fundraising takes 7.3 cents.
Where does the money donated to Shriners actually go?
About 81% of donations fund patient care, research, and education, 11.5% covers administrative expenses, and 7.3% supports fundraising, according to the organization’s 2025 financial report.
Shriners Hospitals for Children runs on donations, endowment income, and program revenue to deliver top-notch pediatric care—no matter what families can afford. They operate 22 hospitals across the country, treating everything from burns to spinal cord injuries and cleft lip and palate. Families never get a bill, and the whole operation stays not-for-profit. Honestly, this is one of the most transparent charities out there.
Is Shriners Hospital a good charity to donate to?
Shriners Hospitals for Children earned a four-star rating from Charity Navigator, its highest score, proving strong financial health, accountability, and transparency as of 2026.
That four-star rating means the charity directs about 81% of donations to programs, keeps overhead low, and has solid leadership. Independent watchdogs like Charity Navigator and GuideStar grade charities on program spending, fundraising efficiency, and leadership pay. If you want most of your gift to actually help kids, Shriners is a safe bet.
What percentage of donations actually go to St. Jude’s?
ALSAC and St. Jude report that 82 cents of every dollar goes to patient care and research, while 18 cents covers fundraising and administrative costs as of their 2025 annual report.
St. Jude runs on public donations to fund treatment for kids with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. They never turn families away for inability to pay and invest heavily in research. Compared to other nonprofits, St. Jude’s 82% program ratio is well above the average of about 75%.
How much does a CEO of the Shriners make?
The president and CEO of Shriners Hospitals for Children earned $390,972 in total compensation during the 2024 fiscal year, according to the charity’s Form 990 filing with the IRS.
That total includes base salary, bonuses, and benefits. It’s actually pretty modest compared to big hospital systems—many CEOs in that space make between $600,000 and $2 million a year. Shriners’ pay is also below the average for nonprofit healthcare leaders. Still, executive compensation always raises eyebrows, so it’s smart to check the latest 990 on GuideStar before you give.
What are some of the worst charities to give to?
Watchdog groups like the Better Business Bureau’s Wise Giving Alliance have flagged charities that spend less than 60% of donations on programs—think Cancer Fund of America and Children’s Wish Foundation.
These groups often report sky-high fundraising costs or bloated admin expenses compared to their impact. The Charity Navigator and GuideStar databases let you filter charities by program percentage, financial health, and accountability. Avoid groups with frequent lawsuits, excessive telemarketing fees, or no clear outcomes.
What charities give the most percentage?
Charities like World Medical Relief and Feeding Tampa Bay report giving 99% of donations directly to programs, according to their 2025 filings with the Better Business Bureau.
These lean operations often rely on volunteers for fundraising and keep paid staff to a minimum. Think food banks, medical supply distributors, and disaster relief groups. If you want nearly every dollar to reach the cause, look for charities with program ratios above 90% on Charity Navigator.
Who is the highest paid charity CEO?
As of 2026, the highest-paid charity CEO is Craig B. Thompson of Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, with $5.7 million in total compensation, including bonuses and incentives.
CEOs at large hospitals and research centers often make over $1 million due to the scale and complexity of their work. Meanwhile, community hospitals typically pay their leaders between $200,000 and $500,000. The gap shows why donors should review Form 990s and ask whether executive pay matches the charity’s mission.
Which is the best charity to donate to?
Independent watchdogs recommend charities with high program ratios, strong transparency, and measurable outcomes—like World Central Kitchen, Crisis Text Line, and Best Friends Animal Society.
The “best” charity depends on what matters to you: medical research, disaster relief, education, or animal welfare. Sites like Charity Navigator and GiveWell compare charities by impact per dollar. Always double-check a charity’s current rating before giving—scores can shift every year.
Does all the money go to Shriners Hospital?
No—about 80% of funds go to patient care, research, and education, while the rest covers administration and fundraising, according to Shriners’ 2025 audited financial statements.
Shriners Hospitals for Children uses donations to treat kids with complex medical needs at no cost to families. They also invest in research and education to improve care long-term. If you want every dollar to reach patients, consider earmarking gifts for specific programs or endowment funds.
How much is Shriners worth?
As of 2026, Shriners Hospitals for Children has an estimated net worth of about $2 billion, including its hospital network and endowment funds.
The organization’s assets have grown since a 1982 IRS survey ranked it the richest charity in America at $1.2 billion. Shriners’ wealth fuels its mission to provide free, specialized pediatric care. Curious how endowment growth supports the hospitals’ future? Check the latest Form 990 on the IRS website.
Is Shriners Hospital in financial trouble?
Shriners Hospitals for Children has faced financial strain due to rising costs and lower patient volumes, according to statements from the board of trustees as of 2025.
The organization has even explored hospital closures or consolidations to cut costs. If you’re thinking about donating, you might want to direct gifts to specific programs or check if your local hospital is at risk. Financial challenges aren’t rare for big nonprofits, especially those treating complex, low-reimbursement cases.
What charity gives the most to veterans?
Top-rated charities include the Gary Sinise Foundation, Semper Fi Fund, and Fisher House Foundation, which direct at least 85% of donations to veteran programs.
These groups provide housing, mental health services, and financial aid to service members and their families. The Charity Navigator veterans category shows program ratios ranging from 85% to 95%. If you want to support veterans, prioritize charities with high impact scores and transparent reporting.
Which animal charity is best?
Independent reviews favor Best Friends Animal Society, ASPCA, and the Animal Welfare Institute, which combine high rescue rates with low euthanasia percentages.
These charities focus on adoption, spay/neuter programs, and cruelty prevention. Program ratios typically exceed 80%, with some—like Best Friends—reporting over 95% of donations going to direct care. Use Charity Navigator to compare local shelters and national groups by cost per life saved.
What percentage of donation goes to Tunnel to Towers?
Tunnel to Towers reports that 93% of donations go to programs, 4.5% to fundraising, and 2.3% to administration, according to its 2025 financial report.
The charity funds mortgage-free homes for first responders and veterans and runs youth programs. Its 93% program ratio beats the nonprofit average. Always verify the latest Form 990 on GuideStar to make sure the numbers haven’t changed.
