The San Francisco Bay Area has long represented progress, innovation, and a vision for a brighter future. But the city doesn’t only showcase its vibrancy through its architecture – it’s also bustling with action driven by community organizations looking to change the world for the better. We’ve got the rundown on some of the most prominent nonprofits in San Francisco to help any modern philanthropist find a cause or partner they believe in. Let’s dive in!
1. San Francisco Foundation
2. San Francisco-Marin Food Bank
3. Child Advocates of Silicon Valley
4. 826 Valencia
5. GLIDE Foundation
6. SF LGBT Center
7. Larkin Street Youth Services
8. San Francisco Education Fund
9. Save the Bay
10. La Casa de las Madres
11. Shanti Project
Our full list of nonprofits in San Francisco features some of the most impactful organizations in the city. Let’s take a closer look at each.
The mission of the San Francisco Foundation is simple: create a Bay Area where everyone thrives. In practice, SFF focuses its efforts on fighting for social justice, racial equity, and community development.
The organization also extends funding and partnership opportunities to other nonprofits in the area to build a sustainable system of support. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are embedded into everything SFF does, from grantmaking to creating leadership programs to honor community members.
Since its foundation in 1987, the San Francisco-Marin Food Bank has played an essential role in addressing food insecurity and hunger throughout the area. The food bank distributes millions of pounds of food through its network of over 450 partners and food pantries around San Francisco and Marin.
In addition to tackling existing needs, SF-Marin Food Bank is also focused on addressing the root causes of food insecurity. Through advocacy, community partnerships, and community empowerment, the organization hopes to create an abundant future for all.
At any point in time, there are hundreds of children in the Santa Clara County foster care system. Child Advocates of Silicon Valley seeks to give these children access to support and advocacy so that they feel confident using their voices.
The nonprofit is an affiliate of the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, meaning it can pair each child with a CASA Volunteer. These allies serve as caring, stable adults in the lives of children who may need it most.
As one of the most recognized education nonprofits in San Francisco, 826 Valencia has undoubtedly made an impact on the Bay Area community through its accessible writing and tutoring programs. Under-resourced students can participate in a variety of programs – like after-school programs, field trips, or workshops – to get access to the materials and assistance they need to develop the skills that will help them succeed.
Changing lives through social justice and opportunity is what GLIDE, a nationally recognized organization, does best. Services like meal delivery, housing assistance, and healthcare support allow GLIDE to create systems of support for those affected by poverty, crisis, and systemic injustice. For decades, GLIDE has been planting roots throughout San Francisco to celebrate and uplift those who are often overlooked or undersupported.
For over 20 years, the SF LGBT Center has unified LGBT people and their allies around a common cause: to bring together the area’s diverse community. The Center focuses on fostering opportunities for members of the LGBT community to thrive, lead, and advocate for themselves. It also creates resources and advocates for a future defined not by inequality, but by a stronger, healthier, and more equitable society.
Everyone deserves an advocate, especially at-risk youth who may face trauma, abuse, food insecurity, or other challenges at home. Larkin Street Youth Services helps those experiencing homelessness and young people in need through housing, health, employment, and educational services tailored to their needs. This can include anything from tutoring to vaccinations to access to safe spaces to live or connect with others.
It probably comes as no surprise that the goal of the San Francisco Education Fund is to support public education, but that’s not all this nonprofit strives to achieve. Community support and mental health resources are also key parts of the organization’s mission to bring equity into public schools throughout the Bay Area. Initiatives like Accelerate Learning and Circle the Schools give students in under-resourced communities unique opportunities to boost their skills, engage with peers, and have meaningful educational experiences that will shape their futures.
Save the Bay is one of the most well-known environmental profits in San Francisco and among the most accomplished, too. This organization is all about protecting and restoring the San Francisco Bay, which requires a combination of volunteer work, advocacy efforts, and community engagement. Save the Bay has over 60 years of experience creating change and driving sensible environmental policy for the San Francisco area.
La Casa de las Madres knows that there are thousands of people, particularly women and children, affected by domestic violence in the San Francisco region each year. To support those currently in or who have just left unsafe situations, the organization provides secure, clean shelters. It also focuses on educating the community to prevent future cases of abuse.
The term “shanti” is a Sanskrit word that means “peace,” and there’s no better way to describe the mission of this organization! The Shanti Project provides help for people with terminal illnesses, disabilities, or life-threatening conditions living in San Francisco. More specifically, the Project aims to serve women with cancer, adults with disabilities, and LGBT seniors. In addition to services like in-home care and guidance through the medical system, Shanti offers a PAWS program that connects community members with furry friends who can offer companionship.
This list of nonprofits in San Francisco is just a taste of what the area has to offer – there are dozens of organizations of all sizes working to tear down barriers that impact the community.
No matter which values you hold closest, you can find nonprofit organizations to donate to, volunteer with, and support with Groundswell. Our mobile-facing platform allows you to set up donation matching, volunteerism, and other social impact initiatives with just a few taps.
Join us on our journey to redefine what it means to give back. Request a demo today to see Groundswell in action.
