Forbes has ranked The Arc of the United States #21 on its list of America’s Top 100 Charities for 2025. That puts The Arc in the top 25 charities nationwide, and the highest-ranked nonprofit focused on disability issues.

Key facts at a glance

• Ranking: #21 on Forbes’ America’s Top 100 Charities (2025)
• What it signals: strong financial stewardship and accountability
• What your support powers: disability rights, special education, and community-based supports

This recognition matters because trust matters. When you support a nonprofit, you deserve to know your time and resources are used carefully and responsibly. Forbes uses financial measures like private donations and efficiency. This ranking reinforces what people with disabilities, families, and partners know every day: The Arc shows up, and we stay.

For 75 years, The Arc has worked alongside people with disabilities and their families to protect rights and expand opportunity. We partner with advocates, corporations, and lawmakers from across the political spectrum so people with disabilities and their families aren’t an afterthought when decisions get made.

What this ranking cannot measure, but families live every day

The Forbes ranking can’t fully measure what makes The Arc essential. It can’t measure what happens when a parent needs answers fast or when a student’s rights are ignored or when a family is left without the services they need to survive.

It also can’t capture historical impact. Many of the rights and supports people with disabilities rely on today exist because The Arc pushed for them, year after year: federal special education protections, the right to live at home instead of in an institution, income and care supports, and civil rights that show up in daily life. The Arc helped open those doors, and we keep working to make sure they stay open.

What The Arc did in 2025, and why it matters for 2026

In 2025, critical supports were on the chopping block and remain at risk heading into next year. Families faced growing fear about health care, special education, and basic dignity. The Arc never stopped centering people with disabilities and their families in national debates.

We fought to protect health care and services that allow people to live safely at home and in their communities. We defended special education and joined a major lawsuit to protect federal oversight. We pushed back when dignity and civil rights were at risk. We made sure national media coverage reflected the real lives of people with disabilities and their families, not stereotypes or soundbites. Together with people like you, we sent 658,208 messages to Congress in 2025, helping shape decisions that affect families nationwide.

That work doesn’t stop on December 31.

As we head into 2026, more families are turning to The Arc for guidance, advocacy, and stability. We’re ready for what comes next, but we can’t do it without public support.

Why The Arc is one of the best charities to support right now

The Arc is one of the best charities to donate to in 2025 because we combine national reach with direct impact. We do the hard work that protects daily life: nonpartisan advocacy, legal action, and grassroots organizing that helps families get answers and keeps disability rights on the public record.

Our work is recognized by independent charity watchdogs, national media, and now Forbes.

If you’re considering a year-end donation, Forbes’ recognition is one more reason to give with confidence. Your gift supports work that protects health care, special education, and civil rights for millions of people with disabilities and their families.

Please make a gift today to support The Arc’s work in 2026.

If giving isn’t possible right now, sharing our work, taking action, and staying connected makes a difference.

Thank you for trusting The Arc and for helping ensure this work continues.

FAQ

What does Forbes’ America’s Top 100 Charities list measure?
It highlights the largest charities using financial measures like private donations and efficiency.

Is The Arc a good charity to donate to right now?
Yes. Forbes ranked The Arc #21 for 2025, and your donation fuels disability rights advocacy, legal action, and grassroots support that affects daily life.

What does The Arc do?
The Arc advocates for and supports people with disabilities and their families, with a focus on rights, inclusion, and access to needed supports.