Charity of the week: National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction

Formed in 1951 to address the plight of soldiers returning from war with severe facial wounds, the National Foundation for Facial Reconstruction (nffr.org) has worked for six decades to better the lives of children born with cleft palates, missing ears, skull defects, and other facial deformities. In collaboration with the New York City–based Institute of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, the NFFR funds the medical and psychosocial treatment of more than 1,700 patients every year. Its work has profoundly changed the lives of 61,000 people whose facial defects interfered with every aspect of day-to-day life. NFFR social workers and psychologists work closely with patients and their families to help each child build a healthy self-image. The foundation also funds research into innovative plastic surgery procedures.

Each charity we feature has earned a four-star overall rating from Charity Navigator, which rates not-for-profit organizations on the strength of their finances, their control of administrative and fundraising expenses, and the transparency of their operations. Four stars is the group’s highest rating.

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