Welcome to the Samaritan Award and Guide

Private charities do demanding and heroic work for vulnerable people. We seek to reward their good work with prizes and publicity.

The Samaritan Award

This $10,000 grand prize is awarded once a year to an exceptional and privately funded nonprofit that fosters deep personal change in the individuals they serve. A comprehensive application makes an organization eligible for the Award and enters it in the Samaritan Guide.

The Samaritan Guide

This online guide provides detailed information on hundreds of private charities around the country. This unique charities rating resource is intended to be a reference for charities and donors alike, encouraging good practices and prudent investments.

Find a Non-Profit: Browse By: Award Winners | Excellent Non-Profits | All Programs

News

2008 Samaritan Award Winners Announced

Grand Prize Winner, $10,000 - Citizens for Community Values, The A Way Out Program - Memphis, TN
The mission of CCV is to inspire, motivate and mobilize citizens to take action against sexual exploitation and pornography. Women are taken out of the sex-for-sale industry and given support and training for a new life.

$1000 Winner - Fresno Rescue Mission, The Academy - Fresno, CA
Since 1949, has been helping homeless and at-risk individuals. The Academy program, an 18-month rehabilitation, work therapy and career development program, is designed to equip men to be disciples of Jesus Christ, encouraging them to be productive members of society.

$1000 Winner - Restoration Ministries, Harvey House - Harvey, IL
Mission is to help drug addicts and ex-criminals to become men of God and contributing members of society who can in turn help others in similar trouble. Harvey House is a free program offered to those with histories of drug addictions and criminal backgrounds.

Guardian Angel Homes, Faith in Action - Grand Rapids, MI
A faith based home environment to affirm and empower adults with developmental disabilities. Programs link the disabled adults to the greater community and encourages them to help others.

Lighthouse Ministries, One Stop Care - Lakeland, FL
Attempts to meet the physical, emotional and other needs of the poor and at-risk population according to the principles set forth in Scripture. Residents have a willingness to learn about God and a desire to change their lives.

Panama City Rescue Mission, Pathways Program - Panama City, FL
Provides long-term residential addiction recovery and job training environment for men, women and families in a Christ-centered program to help them overcome adversity.

Promise of Hope, Recovery Program - Dudley, GA
Designed to help women recover from substance abuse through an understanding of Christ's forgiveness and the 12-step recovery program. The program relies heavily on the Serenity Bible.

Redwood Gospel Mission, New Life Recovery - Santa Rosa, CA
Mission to bring Good News of Jesus Christ to the poor. New Life provides a 10-month, three phase treatment for men and women recovering from addiction. Members are required to work, attend Bible studies and take classes on life skills.

South Side Mission, External Ministries - Peoria, IL
South Side Mission serves the zip code of 61605 and exists to preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the poor through love, food, clothing, and education. The mission runs 49 programs and joins with local churches to minister to whoever is in need.

Union Mission Ministries, New Life Center Recovery Program - Virginia Beach, VA
Provides spiritual, vocational, social, mental, and physical programs to help men gain a renewed sense of purpose for their lives after struggling with addiction. Programs run for 6-12 months with many staying on to mentor others in the program.

The Samaritan Award is given to a highly successful, privately funded charity whose work is direct, personal, and accountable. Its purpose is to encourage charities who, like the Good Samaritan, get intimately involved with individuals and work to bring about real change in the lives of those in need.

Samaritan Guide