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Health & Medical

Operation Smile

Provides free surgeries to repair cleft lip and cleft palate for children and young adults in low and middle-income countries.

Donate at operationsmile.org ♡ Save to list
Founded 1982 44 years of work
Focus Global
Rating 91/100 Charity Navigator

Charity Navigator rates Operation Smile 91/100 — reflecting strong financial discipline, transparency, and program delivery against industry benchmarks.

What this charity does

Health and medical charities deliver care through a combination of direct service (clinics, mobile units, hospital ships), supply distribution (bed nets, vaccines, vitamin supplements), and partnerships with ministries of health and local healthcare workers. The most cost-effective operate in low- and middle-income countries where every dollar reaches further. Funding supports medicine procurement, clinical staffing, training local healthcare workers, and infrastructure like cold-chain logistics for vaccines.

Why it matters

For global health charities, look for evidence based on randomized controlled trials, transparent cost-per-life-saved or cost-per-DALY (disability-adjusted life year) figures, and recent independent reviews. GiveWell's published cost-effectiveness analyses are the most rigorous public resource. For US-focused health charities, check the program-to-overhead ratio and how they measure patient outcomes, not just patients served.

Common programs in this space

Operation Smile works within health & medical. These are the kinds of programs typically run in this space — visit their site for current specifics.

  • ✓ Mass distribution of long-lasting insecticide-treated bed nets to prevent malaria
  • ✓ Childhood immunization campaigns reaching remote and underserved populations
  • ✓ Vitamin A and micronutrient supplementation to reduce child mortality
  • ✓ Direct surgical and emergency medical care in conflict zones and disaster areas
  • ✓ Training local healthcare workers and strengthening community health systems

How to support beyond a one-time gift

  • + Recurring monthly gifts let organizations plan procurement of bed nets, medicines, and equipment
  • + Designate gifts to a specific program rather than the general fund if you want clearer impact reporting
  • + Use employer matching programs — many companies double or triple gifts to registered health nonprofits
  • + Donate appreciated stock instead of cash to avoid capital gains tax
  • + Spread the word on social media — many health charities note that awareness drives a measurable share of new donors

Verify before you give

A few minutes of independent verification pays off — especially for larger gifts. These resources let you confirm the details on Operation Smile:

IRS Tax Exempt Search Confirm 501(c)(3) status ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer Read Form 990 filings Charity Navigator profile Ratings methodology operationsmile.org Annual reports and updates

Frequently asked

Is Operation Smile a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit?
Operation Smile operates as a registered nonprofit organization. You can verify their current 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status using the IRS Tax Exempt Organization Search tool. We recommend confirming directly on the IRS website before making any large donation.
What percentage of donations to Operation Smile goes to programs?
Program-expense ratios change year to year and are published in Operation Smile's annual Form 990 filing. You can read the most recent filings on ProPublica's Nonprofit Explorer or Candid (formerly GuideStar). Charity Navigator has rated Operation Smile at 91/100, reflecting its overall financial health and accountability.
How does Operation Smile measure its impact?
Operation Smile publishes impact reporting through its annual report, program-specific updates on its website, and the rating analysis from Charity Navigator. For global health charities, look for evidence based on randomized controlled trials, transparent cost-per-life-saved or cost-per-DALY (disability-adjusted life year) figures, and recent independent reviews. GiveWell's published cost-effectiveness analyses are the most rigorous public resource. For US-focused health charities, check the program-to-overhead ratio and how they measure patient outcomes, not just patients served.
What's the most effective way to donate to Operation Smile?
Most charities — including Operation Smile — get the most use out of unrestricted, recurring monthly donations. Recurring gifts let the organization plan staffing and program commitments. You can also donate appreciated stock to avoid capital-gains tax, leave a planned gift in your will, or take advantage of employer-matching programs.
How can I support Operation Smile without donating money?
Recurring monthly gifts let organizations plan procurement of bed nets, medicines, and equipment Designate gifts to a specific program rather than the general fund if you want clearer impact reporting Use employer matching programs — many companies double or triple gifts to registered health nonprofits Visit the official website at operationsmile.org for current volunteer and advocacy opportunities.

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