Purpose Driven
Find out more about our local
non-profit partnerships, how we give back, and ways you can help.
We’re passionate about contributing to lasting social and economic justice. And we know it’s a team effort.
As a designated low-income and Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI), we partner with many local nonprofit organizations that serve those most vulnerable in our community and help protect our environment.
We’re also a certified Juntos Avanzamos financial institution – awarded to credit unions who have demonstrated they have the commitment and the tools to serve the Latino community.
Let’s RETURN THE FAVOR Together.
Through our annual RETURN THE FAVOR giving campaign, SCCCU encourages its members, employees, and neighbors to help us support local nonprofits by pledging to match their donations.
In 2021, you helped us raise $158,000 (including the Credit Union’s match) for 12 deserving local nonprofit organizations!
Our 2022 RETURN THE FAVOR Giving Campaign will kick off in September 2022. Please check back for details.
(Not available yet)
Arts Council Santa Cruz County
The Arts Council Santa Cruz believes art transforms society. It invests in arts education programs, hosts the Open Studios Art Tour, and supports artists, arts organizations, and the thriving artist community at the Tannery Arts Center.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Santa Cruz County supports our community’s youth through mentoring matches and positive role modeling.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Santa Cruz County promotes youth guidance through educational, vocational, recreational, social, and character development of girls and boys ages 6 to 18.
California FarmLink
California FarmLink works across California to help farmers of color and beginning and sustainable farmers succeed through partnerships with training programs, investors, public agencies, and other nonprofits.
Coastal Watershed Council
The Coastal Watershed Council is working to transform the lower San Lorenzo River into a community destination by inspiring people to explore, enhance, and protect it.
Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB)
CAB’s mission is to partner with the community to eliminate poverty and create social change through advocacy and essential services. It is on the front line every day helping those who need help in our community.
Community Bridges
Community Bridges delivers fundamental resources for the people of Santa Cruz County. It’s programs give community members access to transportation, healthy food, health care, senior adult day health care, and other support services needed.
DigitalNEST
DigitalNEST connects youth to a skill-building community that transforms them into professionals who can create successful careers, innovative solutions, and prosperous communities.
Diversity Center
The Diversity Center was founded in 1989 to advance the causes and priorities of the lesbian and gay community in Santa Cruz County. It is the only LGBTQ+ Community Center on the Central Coast of California.
El Pájaro Community Development Corporation
El Pájaro CDC promotes equal access to economic opportunity and helps to transform people’s lives through entrepreneurship. It has successfully assisted hundreds of small businesses with technical assistance, loan application and packaging, business plans, marketing, management, and business technology applications.
Encompass Community Services
Encompass offers 40 programs countywide that provide services in behavioral health, family and social well-being, early childhood education, housing, and more.
Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks
In response to the CZU Lightning Complex Fire, the Friends of Santa Cruz State Parks has established a Fire Fund for those most affected by the fire, followed by investments to be made in long-term recovery work for damage to the parks.
GEAR UP UCSC
Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate Programs (GEAR UP) is designed to increase the number of low-income students who graduate from high school, and prepare for and succeed in postsecondary education.
Girls Inc. of the Central Coast®
Girls Inc. of the Central Coast® is an affiliate of Girls Incorporated, a national organization that has been providing programs for girls (ages 8–18) since 1864 in the United States and Canada. It inspires girls to pursue postsecondary education, develop leadership and decision-making skills, serve their communities, and acquire the ability and wisdom to lead healthy lifestyles.
Grey Bears Thrift Store
Grey Bears improves the health and well-being of seniors and our community through food distribution, volunteerism, resource conservation, and recycling.
Habitat for Humanity® Monterey Bay
Habitat for Humanity® Monterey Bay is an independent, locally operated and funded affiliate of Habitat for Humanity International. It is committed to building decent, affordable homes and provide home ownership opportunities to qualified families who live and work in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.
Homeless Garden Project
The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to individuals in Santa Cruz who are experiencing homelessness.
Housing Matters
Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing.
Monarch Services
Monarch Services empowers individuals, families, and our community to take action against violence and abuse, providing a safe shelter for victims of these crimes.
Native Animal Rescue
Native Animal Rescue (NAR) is a private, nonprofit organization dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife in Santa Cruz County.
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services
Pajaro Valley Shelter Services provides families with a path to stable, self-sufficient futures through short- and longer-term housing and supportive services. Your donation provides those in need with shelter, food, clothing, and other services.
Project SCOUT/Seniors Council
Project SCOUT provides the Santa Cruz County community with free tax preparation for those who qualify.
Salud Para La Gente
Salud Para La Gente is a nonprofit healthcare organization with clinics in Santa Cruz County and North Monterey County to ensure quality healthcare is given to all in need.
Santa Cruz SPCA
The Santa Cruz SPCA provides safe harbor for animals in need and promotes an active humane community through adoption, advocacy, and education.
Santa Cruz Volunteer Center
The Santa Cruz Volunteer Center is a “one-stop shop” to connect people with volunteer opportunities on the web, by phone, or in person via its match-making appointments.
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Save Our Shores
From policy change to educational programs, Save Our Shores ensures ocean conservation throughout the community. It provides programs designed to support the foundations of a thriving Monterey Bay: clean shores, healthy habitats, and living waters.
Second Harvest Food Bank
In Santa Cruz County, one in five people face hunger. For children it’s one in four. The Second Harvest Food Bank works hard to feed people who need food now and advocate for policies that tackle the root causes of hunger.
United Way of Santa Cruz County
The United Way of Santa Cruz County is focused on improving the lives of youth and families in Santa Cruz County by uniting to address the basic needs of education, health, and financial stability. It partners with donors, volunteers, advocates, governments, other nonprofits, and individuals who are committed to making our community the best it can be.
Valley Churches United
Valley Churches United is a volunteer-powered, donor-supported nonprofit agency providing assistance to low-income residents in need. It serves San Lorenzo Valley, Scotts Valley, and Bonny Doon.
Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center
The Walnut Avenue Family & Women’s Center provides an early education center, services for children & youth, services for survivors of domestic violence, family support services, and community engagement.
Watsonville Law Center
The Watsonville Law Center (WLC) provides free legal services to low-income individuals on California’s Central Coast.
Watsonville Wetlands Watch
Watsonville Wetlands Watch advocates for wetland issues, educates local students, restores degraded habitats, preserves what remains whole, and teaches appreciation for the unique beauty and life of the Pajaro Valley wetlands.
WomenCARE
WomenCare is a safe haven where women with any type of cancer can find mutual support, shared experiences, and open hearts.
YWCA (Watsonville)
The YWCA is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.
Coming Soon
Make a Difference.
Ready to volunteer? Check with the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center to find opportunities near you.
