Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) play an indispensable role in tackling some of the most pressing challenges worldwide, from humanitarian crises to health, education, and poverty alleviation. With a substantial global presence and thousands of dedicated employees, In this article we will see top 10 largest NGOs in the world in 2024, based on their workforce and impact areas.
1. BRAC
- Year Established: 1972
- Global Presence: 11 countries
- Number of Employees: 107,259
- Key Focus Areas: Social development, microfinance, education, gender justice, health services
As the world’s largest NGO, BRAC originated in Bangladesh and has expanded its influence globally. BRAC’s innovative approach to social development includes microfinance programs, education initiatives, healthcare, and efforts to achieve gender equality. With over 100,000 employees, BRAC’s mission is to empower individuals to rise out of poverty through holistic and sustainable solutions.
2. Save the Children
- Year Established: 1919
- Global Presence: 120 countries
- Number of Employees: 30,000+
- Key Focus Areas: Healthcare, education, emergency aid, child protection
Save the Children has been championing the rights and welfare of children for over a century. The organization focuses on providing healthcare, education, and protection for children worldwide. With programs aimed at emergency aid, health, and child rights advocacy, Save the Children impacts the lives of millions of children annually, operating in conflict zones, refugee camps, and low-income communities.
3. Oxfam International
- Year Established: 1942
- Global Presence: 90+ countries
- Number of Employees: 5,000+
- Key Focus Areas: Poverty alleviation, gender justice, humanitarian aid
As a confederation of 20 independent organizations, Oxfam International collaborates to address poverty and inequality. Its programs focus on providing humanitarian relief in disaster-stricken regions, promoting gender justice, and supporting sustainable development initiatives. Oxfam’s global network allows it to tackle complex challenges through community-driven and policy-based approaches.
4. World Vision
- Year Established: 1950
- Global Presence: 100+ countries
- Number of Employees: 34,000+
- Key Focus Areas: Child protection, disaster relief, economic empowerment
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization focused on the well-being of children, particularly in vulnerable and conflict-ridden areas. With a presence in over 100 countries, World Vision’s initiatives include education, child protection, healthcare, and economic empowerment. The organization’s disaster response efforts are also extensive, reaching millions of children and families affected by natural and human-made crises.
5. Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières)
- Year Established: 1971
- Global Presence: 70+ countries
- Number of Employees: 45,000+
- Key Focus Areas: Medical aid in conflict zones, disaster response
Doctors Without Borders, known as Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), is renowned for providing medical assistance in some of the world’s most dangerous conflict zones and disaster areas. With a substantial workforce, MSF sends medical professionals and essential supplies to regions with little or no access to healthcare, treating diseases, performing surgeries, and supporting vaccination programs.
6. International Rescue Committee (IRC)
- Year Established: 1933
- Global Presence: 40+ countries
- Number of Employees: Approximately 13,000
- Key Focus Areas: Refugee assistance, health services, education
The International Rescue Committee was founded to support individuals fleeing persecution and war. Today, IRC provides comprehensive support for refugees, including healthcare, education, and livelihood programs, helping them rebuild their lives in new communities. With operations in over 40 countries, IRC focuses on empowering displaced populations to regain stability and independence.
7. CARE International
- Year Established: 1945
- Global Presence: 100+ countries
- Number of Employees: Around 10,000
- Key Focus Areas: Gender equality, health access, climate justice
Originally known for its post-World War II CARE packages, CARE International now addresses poverty, gender inequality, and climate justice. Operating in over 100 countries, CARE provides health services, education, and emergency aid, particularly focusing on women and girls. The organization’s programs aim to build resilience and advocate for equitable social and economic development.
8. Amnesty International
- Year Established: 1961
- Global Presence: 150+ countries
- Number of Employees: Over 500
- Key Focus Areas: Human rights advocacy and protection
Amnesty International is a global leader in advocating for human rights, working to protect individuals from abuses and advocating for political and social change. Although smaller in employee count compared to other NGOs, Amnesty has a vast volunteer network and conducts research, campaigns, and policy advocacy to prevent discrimination, protect free speech, and ensure justice.
9. Danish Refugee Council
- Year Established: 1956
- Global Presence: 40 countries
- Number of Employees: About 9,000
- Key Focus Areas: Humanitarian aid for refugees and displaced persons
The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) is a humanitarian organization that provides support to refugees and displaced individuals worldwide. Through emergency assistance, infrastructure development, and economic empowerment initiatives, DRC ensures that displaced persons receive the support they need to rebuild their lives in stable environments.
10. Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation
- Year Established: 2000
- Global Presence: Worldwide
- Number of Employees: Approximately 1,800
- Key Focus Areas: Global health initiatives, poverty alleviation
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation is one of the world’s largest private foundations, with a mission to enhance healthcare, reduce poverty, and expand educational opportunities globally. Its major initiatives include the eradication of diseases such as malaria, improving sanitation, and increasing access to vaccines. The foundation’s significant funding capacity enables large-scale, high-impact projects.
Highlights of Selected NGOs
BRAC
As the largest NGO globally by employee count, BRAC’s work spans across numerous sectors, from microfinance and social development to gender justice and health services. Its approach is unique in that it combines grassroots mobilization with innovative solutions to empower communities and reduce poverty.
Save the Children
Save the Children has a long-standing commitment to children’s rights and welfare. Operating across 120 countries, it provides crucial support in healthcare, education, and child protection, especially in conflict zones and during natural disasters
Oxfam International
A confederation of NGOs, Oxfam International addresses issues of poverty, inequality, and humanitarian crises. By focusing on sustainable solutions and advocacy, Oxfam supports initiatives to create long-term social and economic change in marginalized communities.
Conclusion: Top 10 largest NGOs in the world
These top 10 largest NGOs demonstrate the power of collective action and dedicated workforces in addressing the world’s most challenging issues. Through diverse initiatives and a global presence, these organizations bring hope, support, and transformative change to millions. From education and healthcare to human rights and poverty alleviation, each NGO plays an essential role in creating a better future for people worldwide.
