---
title: "International aid charities in the UK — how to compare…"
description: "Compare UK international aid charities — large agencies vs specialists, Islamic Relief vs Muslim Aid, Oxfam vs Save the Children"
source: https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/causes/international
retrieved: 2026-08-18T02:36:21.958Z
license: "Charity data © Crown copyright, Open Government Licence v3.0"
---

# International aid charities in the UK — how to compare before you donate

**In short:** International giving splits between multi-country emergency agencies, child-focused NGOs and faith-based humanitarian organisations. Compare model and due diligence first, then Clarity Score — not the most familiar logo.

Data from [CharityCompare editorial](https://register-of-charities.charitycommission.gov.uk/), last updated 12 August 2026.

## What international charities do

UK-registered international charities fund overseas programmes, emergency response, campaigning and partnership with local organisations. A disaster appeal and a long-running development charity are different products. Always verify the number on a fast-moving appeal.

## Which international charity is best to donate to?

There is no single best answer. A strong process:

- Verify the [charity number](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/guides/how-to-check-a-charity-number) — crisis names are copied by scammers.

- Match emergency response vs long-term development vs a single intervention (water, children, health).

- Compare filings [side by side](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/compare-charities).

- Read [large aid agency vs specialist](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/compare/international-aid-large-vs-specialist).

## Head-to-head starting points

- **[Oxfam GB vs Save the Children UK](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/compare/oxfam-gb-vs-save-the-children-fund)**

- **[Islamic Relief vs Muslim Aid](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/compare/islamic-relief-vs-muslim-aid)**

- **[Christian Aid vs CAFOD](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/compare/christian-aid-vs-cafod)**

## Efficiency and overheads

Field offices, security and audit trails cost money. Lowest UK admin is not a measure of overseas impact. See [charity admin costs UK](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/guides/charity-admin-costs-explained).

## Browse

- [Browse international aid](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/browse/international)

- [Disaster relief](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/browse/disaster-relief)

- [Water & sanitation](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/browse/water-sanitation)

This page is how to choose within the cause.
The rated list is [/browse/international](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/browse/international).
Disease-specific hubs live under [/charities](https://www.charitycompare.org.uk/charities).