Purpose Driven

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.

BirchBark protects and honors the human-animal bond through financial assistance to vulnerable families faced with unaffordable medical expenses to save the life of a pet and support for all families with our education and pet loss counseling programs.

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.

Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) are community volunteers who work one-on-one with children and youth in the foster care system.

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.

The mission of Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County (CAB) is to partner with the community to eliminate poverty and create social change through advocacy and essential services. It is on the front line daily, helping those who need help in our community.

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.

The Community Health Trust of Pajaro Valley provides programs focusing on activities, choices, and lifestyles emphasizing disease prevention and mitigation.

DigitalNEST connects youth to a skill-building community that transforms them into professionals who can create successful careers, innovative solutions, and prosperous communities.

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.

The primary function of the Downtown Association is to market Downtown Santa Cruz and provide clean, safe, and welcoming services to visitors and businesses 365 days a year through its Ambassador and Information Kiosk programs.

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 offers 40 programs countywide that provide services in behavioral health, family and social well-being, early childhood education, housing, and more.

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.

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^® 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 improves the health and well-being of seniors and our community through food distribution, volunteerism, resource conservation, and recycling.

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 providing homeownership opportunities to qualified families who live and work in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

The Homeless Garden Project provides job training, transitional employment, and support services to individuals in Santa Cruz who are experiencing homelessness.

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing.

Leadership Santa Cruz County (LSCC) is a 10-month community-focused program that meets monthly to explore local institutions and issues, cultivate emerging leaders, and foster meaningful connections with fellow community members.

Monarch Services empowers individuals, families, and our community to take action against violence and abuse, providing a safe shelter for victims of these crimes.

Pajaro Valley Loaves & Fishes is a community-based organization dedicated to alleviating hunger among working poor families, farm workers, and elderly, disabled, and homeless individuals of the Pajaro Valley.

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 provides the Santa Cruz County community with free tax preparation for those who qualify.

Santa Cruz County Libraries provide educational opportunities for those in the community free of charge.

The Santa Cruz SPCA provides a safe harbor for needy animals and promotes an active humane community through adoption, advocacy, and education.

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.

Find volunteer opportunities at the Santa Cruz Volunteer Center

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.

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 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.

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.

The Watsonville Law Center (WLC) provides free legal services to low-income individuals on California’s Central Coast.

The Watsonville Senior Center is the hub for programs and services for community adults ages 50+ in Watsonville.

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 is a safe haven where women with any type of cancer can find mutual support, shared experiences, and open hearts.

Coming Soon