My research analyst asked me a simple question the other day that led to some amazing revelations about the nonprofit world, “What is the largest nonprofit in the world?” 

Because we deal everyday with nonprofit software development and installation, I smugly thought I knew the nonprofit world well. I glibly answered, “The United Way”.

Surprise

Of course, my research analyst immediately went into “research” mode to check my answer and came up with some surprising facts about the nonprofit world that I didn’t have quite right. So, what is the largest nonprofit in the world? Do you know?

According to Forbes, the largest charitable foundation in the world is the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation with $40.3 billion.

I was surprised. The foundation was founded in 2000 by a relatively young couple, and it is already the world’s largest. Not the United Way? Humm…that surprised me, so we went ahead and researched the world’s top ten nonprofits. How many can you name? Don’t peek.

The World’s Top Ten Nonprofits

Here are the top-ten charitable organizations in the world. Some you know well, and some may surprise you.

1. The largest 501c3 organization is the United Way Worldwide. (I was close.) They took in $3.4 billion last year and are 100% donor dependent. 
2. (Now here’s a surprise...who do you think is #2? – Wrong) ...according to Forbes it’s Feeding America. They took in $2.6 billion. Their mission statement says, “Our mission is to feed America’s hungry through a nationwide network of member food banks.” #2 in the world! What do you know?
3. I’ll bet you’ve never even heard of #3. It’s Americares Foundation at $2.3 billion in total revenue. “Americares is a health-focused relief and development organization that responds to people affected by poverty or disaster with life-changing medicine, medical supplies and health programs.” 
4. Task Force for Global Health is #4. Surprised? I was. This nonprofit takes in $2.2 billion annually. It is an international nonprofit that works to improve the health of people in developing countries. 
5. #5 is no surprise...It’s the Salvation Army at $2.0 billion. I bet it’s the first one since the United Way you recognized right off the bat. I know it was for me, and I’m supposed to be an expert.
6. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital at #6 is a pleasant surprise, not because it isn’t most worthy, but because it ranks so high and is a local, not a global charity. Congratulations to St. Jude’s.
7. Have you ever heard of Direct Relief? At $1.2 billion it ranks as the #7 largest charity in the world. The organization works to equip doctors and nurses with life-saving medicines and supplies needed to care for the world’s resource-poor communities. 
8. Habitat for Humanity International comes in at #8. It’s private support totals $1 billion annually.
9. Boys and Girls Clubs of America is # 9 and…
10. The YMCA is #10, both at slightly less than $1billion annually. 

Surprised?

How did you do? If you correctly identified all top ten in order you win a free lifetime subscription to the FAMCare weekly blog. Thanks for playing.