Americas
United States.
There is no general federal duty to help a stranger, but a few states have narrow duty statutes, and federal and state laws protect some volunteers and food donors from liability. Federal tax law allows a deduction for gifts to qualified charities, and a federal agency, AmeriCorps, runs national service programs.
Is there a legal duty to help a stranger?
Varies by regionThe sources checked show duties only in some state statutes. Vermont (12 V.S.A. § 519) requires a person who knows another is exposed to grave physical harm to give reasonable assistance if this can be done without danger or peril to themselves or without interfering with important duties to others, with a fine of up to $100 for a willful violation. Minnesota (Minn. Stat. § 604A.01) imposes a similar duty, enforced as a petty misdemeanor, and Wisconsin (Wis. Stat. § 940.34) requires a person who knows a crime is being committed and a victim is exposed to bodily harm to summon law enforcement or other assistance, or to provide assistance.
Are people who help protected?
Varies by regionFederal law has two narrow protections: the Volunteer Protection Act (42 U.S.C. § 14503) limits liability of volunteers of nonprofits and governmental entities acting within their responsibilities, and the Bill Emerson Good Samaritan Food Donation Act (42 U.S.C. § 1791) protects good-faith donors of apparently wholesome food and grocery products to nonprofits, absent gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Emergency-aid Good Samaritan protection is mainly state law; for example, Minnesota § 604A.01 subd. 2 gives general immunity to a person who renders emergency care without compensation or expectation of compensation, subject to the statute's exceptions.
How the government promotes giving and service
Ways to give and volunteer
The US has a huge number of charities, and most of the work of checking them is left to you. Start by confirming a group's tax-exempt status with the IRS.
Check a charity before you give
Look up any US nonprofit to see whether it is recognized as tax-exempt and eligible to receive deductible gifts.
Give your time
Give money, blood or a donation
In an emergency or a crisis
Before you act
- Check the charity in the IRS search and look for the exact name, since scammers copy well-known names, especially after disasters. Never pay by gift card, wire or cash app to a caller, and do not give to pressure calls. Each state also regulates charitable solicitation, and visitors should confirm that volunteering is allowed under their visa.
This list does not cover local nonprofits, faith groups or crowdfunding platforms. Checked 2026-10-28. Listing an organization is not an endorsement, and none of them has endorsed this site. Some official sites block automatic checks, so a link may need a second try.
One thing worth knowing
Federal law pairs a public holiday with statutory authority for service grants (the King Day of Service), and the Presidential Citizens Medal was created specifically to honor exemplary service to fellow citizens.
What this does not mean
Duty-to-assist statutes exist only in a few states, and the sources checked do not describe how often they are enforced. Good Samaritan law varies by state, the federal protections are narrow, and a deduction applies only to those who itemize. Laws change, and nothing here is legal advice. This is a plain-language summary of public sources, not legal advice, and it does not rank countries. No government named here has endorsed this site. Not reviewed by a lawyer. Statutes were read in public sources and may have changed. Last checked October 26, 2026.