Charities

ALCOHOL & DRUG RECOVERY

ANIMALS

A Leg Up Rescue - Donate We are dedicated to rescuing small dogs from life-threatening situations. All of our dogs were either in danger of being euthanized in animal shelters, neglected or abused, or taken from the public (when space permits), so they are not bounced around to different homes or collected and sold to research labs by "bunchers." DONATE Windsor, CA
Bay Area Poodle Rescue - Donate BAPR is dedicated to rescuing poodles and poodle mixes. We place our dogs in Northern California only. Our Mission is to rescue and re-home adoptable poodles that have been abandoned in shelters or surrendered by their owners. We also act as a resource for poodle owners. Berkeley, CA
Berkeley - East Bay Humane Society - Donate We envision a community that universally values animals and takes action to respect, protect and care for their needs. DONATE Berkeley, CA
BrightHaven - Donate BrightHaven is a non-profit organization dedicated to the well being of senior, disabled, and special animals. Santa Rosa, CA
Community Concern for Cats - Donate Humanely addresses the problem of cat overpopulation through rescue, medical sterilization, and continued care of felines. DONATE Walnut Creek, CA
Feral Cat Foundation - Donate Volunteer group that works to reduce the suffering of feral cats and kittens using a trap/spay-neuter/recover/release program. Continued care is provided to all FCF cats; socialized kittens are placed in loving homes. Helps cats and kittens in Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. DONATE Alamo, CA
Friends of Animal Services - Donate Supports the Antioch Shelter. Promotes public awareness of the need to spay and neuter animals, sponsors spay and neuter programs, provides education on the humane care of animals. DONATE Antioch, CA
H.A.L.O (Homeless Animals' Lifeline Organization - Donate Rescues and places cats and dogs from the Antioch animal shelter before they are euthanized. Antioch, CA
H.A.R.P. (Homeless Animals Response Program) - Donate We are an all volunteer animal welfare organization with activities in Far East Contra Costa County. Our programs include the following: community education regarding responsible pet ownership, dog and cat rescue and re-homing free-roaming cat spay and neuter and care, fundraising, volunteer development and youth programs. Antioch, CA
Home at Last Animal Rescue - Donate Plays an active role in the "no-kill" movement by rescuing dogs and cats from city shelters, providing temporary foster care, and bringing animals to the public for placement in high-quality, loving homes. Specializes in hard cases: pitt bulls, older mutts, declawed and older cats. Berkeley, CA
House Rabbit Society - Donate Rescues rabbits and educates the public on rabbit care and behavior. CDS serves their northern California chapters: Richmond, San Francisco, Mill Valley and Forestville. Richmond, CA
Island Cat Resources and Adoption - Donate Island Cat Resources and Adoption (ICRA) is an all volunteer non-profit organization dedicated to reducing the suffering of abandoned and feral (wild) cats and to educating and empowering the local community to relieve them from their plight. Alameda, CA
Lindsay Wildlife Museum - Donate Founded in 1955, the museum operates the oldest and one of the largest wildlife rehabilitation hospitals in the United States, treating more than 6,000 injured and orphaned wild animals each year. The museum exhibits live, non-releasable California native wildlife. Walnut Creek, CA
Micke Grove (San Joaquin County) Zoological Society - Donate Mission: To support Micke Grove Zoo through financial support, educational opportunities and community involvement. Lodi, CA
NorCal Poodle Rescue - Donate NorCal Poodle Rescue, Inc. is a group of unpaid volunteers who rescue poodles and poodle mixes and help people adopt them. We primarily serve the greater San Francisco Bay Area but we also serve Northern California and Southern Oregon. We re-home all three varieties of poodles: toy, miniature, and standard. We respond to county shelters, humane societies, and individuals via our website and a phone hotline. Our rescue and adoption efforts often require veterinary medical care, fostering, boarding, and training. Our poodles are spayed or neutered before placement. We have a return policy. Montara, CA
Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (NorSled) - Donate An all-volunteer non-profit group dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating and finding new homes for unwanted, abused and abandoned Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Malamutes, Samoyeds, American Eskimo and Northern-breed mixes in many Northern California counties. Vallejo, CA
Outcast Cat Help - Donate Outcast Cat Help is a TRUE no-kill organization. We believe in letting cats live their lives and only in cases of terminal and painful illness are cats compassionately euthanized because there is no reasonable alternative. Martinez, CA
Paw Fund - Donate PAW FUND nurtures the bond between humans and their animal companions in low income communities across Alameda and Contra Costa Counties by: Funding free and low cost spay/neuter surgery, hosting free Pet Vaccine clinics in the community and assisting with the cost of veterinary care in emergencies. Please visit our website to learn more. Emeryville, CA
Pets Unlimited - Donate A full service pet-care facility located in San Francisco offering 24-hour emergency medical services, adoption, rehabilitation, grooming and foster care and education. San Francisco, CA
Rocket Dog Rescue - Donate A volunteer based organization serving the greater Bay Area. Dedicated to saving homeless and abandoned dogs from over crowded animal shelters. Also serving dogs from other areas with compelling situations where they are in danger of abuse, neglect or euthanasia. San Francisco, CA
Second Chance Meows/BrightHaven - Donate Our mission here at Second Chance Meows is to give Feline Leukemia Positive cats and kittens a second chance at life until it is their time to cross over that rainbow bridge to the other side. Reno, NV
Siberian Husky Rescue/Referral of California - Donate Rescues and places Siberian Huskies all over California. Danville, CA
Smiley Dog Rescue - Donate A group of volunteer dog lovers whose mission is to rescue, provide sanctuary, and ultimately to re-home abandoned, stray and neglected dogs in the SF Bay Area. Oakland, CA
Solano Feral Cat Group - Donate Our mission is to improve the lives of feral and homeless cats living in Solano County by humanely stopping their breeding through Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). With TNR, feral cats are humanely trapped, spayed/neutered, vaccinated, and returned to their original location. The breeding stops, and the behaviors associated with mating stops (spraying, fighting, yowling). TNR is the only effective, humane, and long term solution in controlling feral cat populations. Suisun , CA
Sonoma Humane Society - Donate Provides quality care and a safe haven for companion animals, finding each animal a loving home and providing education and outreach to better the lives of people and their pets. Santa Rosa, CA
SPCA of Solano County - Donate A non-profit organization that cares for and finds homes for adoptable animals. Vacaville, CA
Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) - Donate Rescues and places cats and dogs in Contra Costa County. Has national programs that promote “People helping animals; animals helping people.” Tony La Russa is a famous baseball personality (former manager the 2011 World Champion St. Louis Cardinals). Walnut Creek, CA
Tri-Valley Fix Our Ferals - Donate TVFOF targets the problem of cat overpopulation by employing the nationally recognized, humane, and effective solution known as Trap-Neuter-Return (TNR). Danville, CA
U.S. War Dogs Association, Chapter 1 - Donate The United States War Dogs Association is a nonprofit organization of Former and Current US Military Dog Handlers and supporting members committed to promoting the long history of the Military Service Dogs, establishing permanent War Dog Memorials, and educating the public about the invaluable service of these canines to our country. Pinole, CA
United States Wolf Refuge - Donate The U.S. WOLF REFUGE is in existence to promote and protect the welfare of all wolves and wolf dogs throughout North America. Our overall goals are to return the wolf to its rightful place within our ecology and to promote healthy and harmonious relations between man and wolf dogs. Sparks, NV
Voices for Pets - Donate Voices for Pets responds to violence against animals. We seek to strengthen and enforce laws against animal crimes, and advocate successful prosecution of those who perpetuate crimes against animals. Voices for Pets educates the public about crimes against animals, and encourages responsible pet guardianship, housing and care. Walnut Creek, CA

ARTS - Music, Theatre

Aurora Theatre Company - Donate Aurora Theatre Company provides a nurturing environment for theatre artists and artisans to produce and develop plays that place a high value on substance, intelligence, and craft. We strive to enrich the lives of our audience by producing high-quality, thought-provoking work that shines in an intimate setting. DONATE Berkeley, CA
Cal Shakes (California Shakespeare Theater) - Donate Founded in 1974, Cal Shakes is an award-winning, nationally recognized regional theater now under the leadership of Artistic Director Jonathan Moscone and Managing Director Susie Falk. Through seasonal productions at our outdoor amphitheater, and in year-round school and community-based programs, Cal Shakes expands access to the arts and builds diverse ownership of our region's cultural vitality by fostering participatory approaches to the artistic process and arts education Berkeley, CA
California Symphony - Donate The critically acclaimed Symphony's mission is to perform the full range of music from the orchestral repertoire, with particular emphasis on works by American composers. Since its inception in 1986, the Symphony has included a work by an American composer and featured world-renowned guest artists on many of its programs. Additionally, the Symphony is passionately committed to providing music education programs to children and adults in the San Francisco East Bay; to cultivating composers through its renowned Young American Composer-in-Residence Program; and for giving extraordinarily talented young performers their first professional concert appearances in the United States Walnut Creek, CA

CANCER PATIENTS

Breast Cancer Action - Donate Breast Cancer Action carries the voices of people affected by breast cancer to inspire and compel the changes necessary to end the breast cancer epidemic. San Francisco, CA
Cancer Support Community (formally The Wellness Community) - Donate The Cancer Support Community (formally known as The Wellness Community) provides comprehensive psychosocial support and education programs for people with cancer and their caregivers, children and families. Our programs and services enable cancer patients and their families to manage their treatment and recovery as effectively as possible, increase their chances for survival, and provide for a higher quality of life. Anyone affected by cancer is welcome, and all of our services are always free of charge.. Walnut Creek, CA
Cancer Support Community Silicon Valley - Donate Mission: To help people affected by cancer enhance their health and well-being through participation in a professional program of emotional support, education, and hope Mountain View, CA
Lazarex Cancer Foundation - Donate Lazarex Cancer Foundation builds a bridge to hope, dignity and life for cancer patients and their families. Our goal is clear: To change the face of cancer. But we cannot do this alone. We rely on the generosity of individuals, corporations and foundations in order to succeed. Danville, CA

CHILDREN/YOUTH

Boys Hope Girls Hope of San Francisco - Donate - is a non-profit, residential program dedicated to improving the lives of children who are academically-motivated, but whose circumstances impede their healthy development. We provide HOPE -- a Home, Opportunities, Parenting and Education -- to help them realize their potential. San Francisco, CA
Boys Hope Girls Hope of Southern California - Donate Boys Hope Girls Hope is a not-for-profit organization that helps children whose lives and futures are greatly at risk, at no fault of their own, but who are academically capable, and show great promise. We help these bright, determined children to realize their full potential and achieve their dreams . Costa Mesa , CA
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) - Contra Costa - Donate CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers watch over and advocate for abused and neglected children to make sure they do not get lost in the over-burdened legal system or languish in an inappropriate group or foster home. In addition to our services to abused and neglected children, the CASA program works to provide community education and awareness concerning the issues of child abuse, neglect and child welfare policy. Walnut Creek, CA
CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) - San Francisco - Donate CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) is the only volunteer program in San Francisco that empowers everyday citizens to become officers of the court to serve as advocates and mentors to abused and neglected children in foster care. San Francisco, CA
Challenge Day - Donate The Challenge Day program is designed to help stop the violence and alienation that youth face every day. We don't believe that young people feel isolated due to a lack of people around them. Rather, they feel isolated because of a lack of connection with them. Our program tears down the walls of separation, creates connection and support among participants, and inspires people to live in an environment of compassion, acceptance and respect. Concord, CA
Child Abuse Prevention Council - Donate The Child Abuse Prevention Council has a long history of community service and family support for the residents of Contra Costa County working to prevent the maltreatment of children. Through education, support, community resources, mentoring and example, CAPC has lead Contra Costa County’s efforts to protect children. CAPC continually evaluates its programs in order to provide the best possible support to the families of Contra Costa County. Concord, CA
Children of the Light/Safe Spaces.org - Donate Children of The Light (COTL) is an organization created to identify, support, and train, the non-traditional gifted child, youth, young adults and their parents. We strive to foster the healing gifts of this group through a specialized curriculum taught by natural healers, transformational artist and trained instructors Berkeley, CA
College Park High School Athletic Boosters Club - Donate A non-profit organization that is dedicated to improving the high school experience for the students and athletes at College Park. Pleasant Hill, CA
East Bay Agency for Children/Circle of Care - Donate EBAC is dedicated to assuring the health and educational well being of children and families through specialized therapeutic, educational and peer support. We strive to be the recognized leader in giving children and families throughout the Bay Area hope, health, and opportunity. Our nurturing child-focused enrichment, education, peer support, and mental health programs are increasingly seen as state and national models. Our goal is to be a service provider and employer of choice by embracing the values of excellence, diversity, respect, compassion, and partnership Oakland, CA
Forget Me Not Farm Children's Services - Donate Since its inception in 1992, Forget Me Not Farm has helped thousands of at-risk children and youth break the cycle of abuse. Santa Rosa, CA
Habitot Children's Museum - Donate The mission of Habitot Children’s Museum is to nurture and enrich the lives of young children, their families, and the adults who care for them by providing an environment for early childhood learning and exploration, parenting education, and community outreach. Berkeley, CA
Lafayette Community Center Foundation - Donate The Community Center Foundation is dedicated to renovating and expanding the Lafayette Community Center. The Foundation was formed in 1983 to oversee the capital improvements and renovations necessary to transform the old Burton School into an active recreation center designed to accommodate our community’s diverse needs and to provide a beautiful place to learn, create and have fun. Lafayette, CA
Matrix Parent Network and Resource Center - Donate Matrix was founded upon the belief that parents can and must be the advocates for their child with special needs including physical, cognitive, emotional, and learning disabilities. Staffed by other parents of children with special needs, Matrix offers information, referrals, in-depth consultations, training, and emotional support. Parents say, “You never know the impact you may have on another person’s life…you have helped to save my son and our family.” Novato, CA
Playworks - Donate (formally Sports4Kids) Playworks’ vision is that one day, every child in America will have access to safe, healthy play every day. Play creates essential opportunities for children to explore their imaginations, to connect with other people and to stretch and grow physically, emotionally and socially. Oakland, CA
Ravenswood Youth Athletic Association (RYAA) - Donate RYAA’s mission is to build character, families and faith in the youth of East Palo Alto and the Belle Haven community through positive sports programs at all levels of play. East Palo Alto , CA
Royal Family Kids - Donate Our Vision: Every foster child, ages 6 to 12, experiences a life changing camp, club and mentor. Our Mission: Create life changing moments for children of abuse. Our Purpose: Mobilize the faith community to confront child abuse. Our Strategy: Launch and sustain camps, clubs and mentors. Our Values: Treat People Royally, Keep Moving Forward, Make Moments Matter. Santa Ana, CA

DISABLED/DEVELOPMENTALLY CHALLENGED

Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area - Donate The Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area consists of a group of caring individuals, educators, therapists and involved community members whose passion and commitment is to serve families who have members born with Down syndrome Danville, CA
East Bay Innovations - Donate The mission of East Bay Innovations is to provide personalized support to enable individuals with developmental disabilities to live in their homes, to work at jobs of their choosing and to participate in all aspects of the community. San Leandro, CA
Marty Turcios Therapeutic Golf Foundation - Donate Program Model Teaching a student how to GO golfing is more important than teaching a student how to golf. The object is to attract the student to choose responsible use of leisure time. Everyone has leisure time to some extent and responsible use of leisure combats so many of the side effects of being disabled such as lethargy and substance abuse. Golf is healthy therapy that outlasts all other forms of traditional therapy and can, with adaptation, last a lifetime Martinez, CA
National Alliance for the Mentally Ill Contra Costa (NAMI Contra Costa) - Donate NAMI Contra Costa is a grassroots organization dedicated to providing support to the mentally ill and their families. Concord, CA

EDUCATION

Applegarden Montessori School - Donate Our Montessori preschool and childcare programs offer personal, prepared environments for the child. Here freedom of self-expression and exploration lead to learning experiences and develop in harmony with the child's own tendencies toward growth, independence, creativity, self-discipline and social awareness. In our school, children work individually and in groups. Activities are designed to elicit the child's interest and to inspire concentration and delight in learning. We also offer quality full-time childcare along with our Montessori programs. We value working closely with parents to nurture each child's fullest possible development Oakland, CA
buildOn - Donate (formally Building with Books) Enhancing education and empowering youth in the U.S. to make a positive difference in their communities while helping people of developing countries increase their self-reliance through education. San Francisco, CA
Emeritus College of DVC - Donate Diablo Valley College's Emeritus College offers not-for-credit courses and lectures at a reasonable fee. There are no homework assignments, no exams, and no long-term commitments. It really is learning for the fun of it. All that is required is a desire to learn with other adults. Pleasant Hill, CA
Friends of the San Francisco Public Library - Donate Friends of the San Francisco Public Library is a member-supported nonprofit organization that advocates, fundraises, and provides critical support for the San Francisco Public Library and related literary and educational programs. San Francisco, CA
Junior Center of Art and Science - Donate Junior Center faculty design and present programs which support and enrich the K through 12 art and science curriculum in over 300 elementary and secondary school classrooms throughout Oakland and the East Bay. An annual exhibit program for elementary school students, after school and summer art and science courses for children and teens, and drop-in activities for visitors of all ages are offered throughout the year. Oakland, CA
Lafayette Arts and Science Foundation - Donate LASF's mission: "To support and enrich the education of every child in the Lafayette public schools through a broad community-based effort." A nonprofit education foundation run by volunteers, LASF provides top-quality curriculum-based programs and support in the areas of science, math, history, writing, foreign language, technology, art, and music to the students of all of Lafayette's public schools. Lafayette, CA
Live Oak Preschool - Donate Founded in 1974, Live Oak Preschool is dedicated to building a superior foundation for lifelong learning in a nurturing environment. We are a private, non-profit preschool for children of 3 to 5 years of age. Healdsburg, CA

ELDERLY/LOW INCOME

Alameda County Meals on Wheels - Donate The mission of Alameda County Meals on Wheels (ACMOW) is to enable frail elders to maintain their independence at home by providing them with high quality, nutritious meals that are cost effective, prepared in Alameda County, delivered by caring drivers and administered by local community organizations. Oakland, CA
Elder Angels - Donate Investigates crimes against the elderly and assists the victims of such crimes. West Sacramento, CA
Florence Douglas (Vallejo) Senior Center - Donate MISSION - To foster and promote the charitable, educational, social and recreational programs and services, which meet the needs of senior citizens Vallejo, CA
Meals on Wheels of Contra Costa - Donate We support homebound elders to maintain their health and dignity, and to live independently in the comfort and security of their own homes. Our primary service population is senior citizens aged 85 and older. Martinez, CA
Rebuilding Together East Bay - North - Donate Rebuilding Together is the nation’s leading organization bringing volunteers and communities together to improve the homes and lives of low-income homeowners by providing free repair services for those with the greatest need. Rebuilding Together East Bay-North serves Richmond, San Pablo, North Richmond, Alameda, Albany, Berkeley and Emeryville. Berkeley, CA
Rebuilding Together Oakland - Donate rehabilitates homes for low-income elderly and disabled individuals as well as community facilities in the city of Oakland. Oakland, CA
Whistlestop - Donate Serving Marin’s seniors and people with disabilities for over 50 years. We are more than just meals and wheels; we provide programs and services to support seniors in many ways. San Rafael, CA

ENVIRONMENT

East Bay Regional Park District/Regional Parks Foundation - Donate The Regional Parks Foundation's sole purpose is to support the East Bay Regional Park District, which serves the East Bay through preserving the environment, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation, and offering environmental education. One of the Foundation's top priorities is to ensure that underserved populations have equal access to the East Bay Regional Park District parks, trails, programs, and services. Oakland, CA
Muir Heritage Land Trust - Donate Muir Heritage Land Trust believes that the vitality of our open spaces is essential to the health of our earth, air, water and our native plants and animals—and all of us. Our goal is to ensure that the beauty, diversity and fullness of our wild lands continue to enrich and sustain all generations of life. Martinez, CA
Save Mount Diablo - Donate to preserve Mount Diablo's peaks and surrounding foothills, through land acquisition and preservation strategies to: protect the mountain's natural beauty, integrity, and biological diversity; enhance our area's quality of life; and provide recreational opportunities consistent with protection of natural resources. Walnut Creek, CA

FOOD BANKS

Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano - Donate The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano works to end hunger and increase access to affordable, nutritious food for low-income individuals and families through a comprehensive group of programs that combat hunger and its causes Concord, CA

HEALTH CARE

Sacred Dying Foundation - Donate The Sacred Dying Foundation is committed to transforming the dying experience by reintegrating spiritual and religious practices, and to begin changing the way our society experiences death and dying. San Francisco, CA

HISTORICAL

Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation (USS Hornet) - Donate The aircraft carrier USS Hornet is a national treasurer having participated in two of the greatest events of the 20th Century- World War II and the Apollo 11 manned space mission. Alameda, CA

HOMELESS

Fresh Start Walnut Creek - Donate Works with Walnut Creek residents who are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. The program provides information and referrals, a Volunteer Work Program, case management on an as needed basis, advocacy and other support services. Walnut Creek, CA
SHELTER Inc. of Contra Costa County - Donate SHELTER, Inc. is working to realize a vision: A Home for Everyone. Everyday. One family at a time. Martinez, CA

NON-VIOLENT ORGANIZATIONS

Resource Center for Non Violence - Donate RCNV is a thirty year old peace and social justice organization dedicated to promoting the principles of nonviolent social change and enhancing the quality of life and human dignity. Santa Cruz, CA
Western States Legal Foundation - Donate WSLF is a non-profit, public interest organization founded in 1982, which monitors and analyzes U.S. nuclear weapons programs and policies and related high technology energy and weapons programs, with a focus on the national nuclear weapons laboratories. Oakland, CA

RELIGIOUS ORGANIZATIONS

Chabad of the East Bay - Donate Helps Jewish students at UC Berkeley. DONATE Berkeley, CA
Episcopal Charities - Donate Helps fund many Episcopal churches and dioceses in Northern California. DONATE San Francisco, CA
Hillside Covenant Church - Donate If one were to summarize Hillside Covenant Church, the pivot point would simply be this: centered on the good news that in Jesus Christ we have found, as the Bible puts it, the “way, the truth, and the life,” we are a community of people where Jesus is our focus, our foundation, our message, our hope. Walnut Creek, CA
Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church - Donate Called by God. Nurtured in the Spirit. We are dedicated to making a difference in the world by extending the love of Jesus Christ. DONATE Lafayette, CA

Alphabetical Listing

Charities by City