What type of organization is committed to improving the quality of life of others at a local, regional, and global level at no financial gain?
If you guessed nonprofits, you are correct. Almost 70% of nonprofit organizations are charities that work to make your life and the lives of others better. Nonprofits can work in any sector, from health care to social welfare to environmental and religious services.
You may not realize this, but nonprofits depend heavily on the support of their local community. Since they do not run as private corporations, they have small budgets and need grants and donations to function.
There is likely a cause that is dear to your heart. Whether it is supporting mental health, the arts, education, the outdoors, or something else, there is a charity that needs you!
In this article, we will explain what a nonprofit is, why nonprofits need your support, how you can support them, and what nonprofits in the Santa Clarita Valley could use your help today.
What is a nonprofit organization?
A nonprofit is an organization assembled for purposes other than generating profit. No part of the organization's income is distributed to its members, directors, or officers. Nonprofits work to further a goal or mission, which often is to help those in need.
There are many types of nonprofits.
- Hospitals
- Health research
- Religious congregations
- Cultural and art centers
- Conservation and preservation of natural areas
- Youth organizations such as 4-H, Little League, and Girl Scouts
Why do nonprofits need support from the community?
Most nonprofits are working to help others — the homeless, people with cancer, LGBTQA+ youth, pet shelters, after-school sports programs, and hundreds of other important causes.
The mission to serve others does not generate income the way a private business does. Therefore nonprofits rely on grants, donations, and volunteers to be effective and successful.
Why are nonprofits important?
Nonprofits embody the best of society. They allow people to work toward a common goal to better their community. Supporting nonprofits fosters civic engagement and helps create lasting change on a local and global level.
How can people support a nonprofit organization?
The famous quote, “A little goes a long way,” is never more apropos than when you consider community involvement in the nonprofit sector.
Whether it is a $10 donation each month, two hours per week of volunteering, or providing professional services, there are many ways that regular, everyday folks can contribute to their nonprofit of choice.
- Join the board of directors
- Promote the organization on social media
- Sponsor an event (5k, trivia night, auction)
- Donate time (serving meals, walking dogs, dusting church pews)
- Donate products (gifts for an auction, clothing to a women’s shelter)
- Donate services (graphic design, advertising, legal, accounting, event planning, etc.)
8 nonprofits in the Santa Clarita Valley that could use support
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A Light of Hope
A Light of Hope supports youth, young adults, and their families who are in recovery from addiction or other destructive behaviors. They provide counseling, parent groups, and peer groups using the 12-step model of recovery. Staff encourages personal and spiritual growth to aid in a better quality of life.
2. Family Promise
Family Promise works to help families facing homelessness or are currently unhoused by providing them shelter at their interim housing facility and food. They also assist families in finding permanent housing, employment, and necessary social services.
3. Wish Education Foundation
Wish Education Foundation supports state-funded educational programs where state or federal income is either insufficient or nonexistent. Examples of their initiatives include campus wellness, STEM, literacy, special education, and the arts.
4. Assistance League
Assistance League of Santa Clarita has been serving youth, adults, and seniors in a variety of programs since 1989. They have over 200 member volunteers. They support children in schools with clothing, shoes, hygiene kits, literacy support, and eye exams. They also provide food at the College of the Canyons and the Santa Clarita Food Pantry.
5. Michael Hoefflin Foundation
Michael Hoefflin Foundation is an organization dedicated to assisting local families who have a child with cancer. They help to fund pediatric cancer research and offer services to families such as grocery and gas donations and financial assistance, counseling and peer support, and social events for families.
6. Single Mothers Outreach
Single Mothers Outreach scaffolds families that are facing housing issues, income loss, and trauma. They provide financial support for rent, food, and clothing. They provide school supplies to children and skill-building opportunities for mothers.
7. HandsOn Santa Clarita
HandsOn Santa Clarita fills a need that all nonprofits have — how to connect with donors and volunteers to run a successful organization. They facilitate three programs — student volunteers, corporate partnerships, and an alternative sentencing program in lieu of incarceration.
8. Bridge to Home
Bridge to Home is a nonprofit that has been helping people that are homeless find housing for over 25 years. They offer multiple services, including temporary shelter, employment assistance, education and training, hot meals four evenings per week, and other supportive resources. They help over 1,000 people every year.
Next steps to getting involved in your local nonprofit
Now that you have read this article, you have learned what nonprofits are, how they contribute to society, and what nonprofits in your region need support.
Finding the time or extra money to assist a nonprofit can be difficult. But you do not need to be a millionaire or the most self-sacrificing, altruistic person in town. Small gestures count.
A modest donation of funds or labor makes a difference. And if you can gather a few friends, neighbors, or family members together to help too, then you are making an even bigger difference.
The Paseo Club is a social club that focuses on health, fitness, and community. We offer over 60 fitness classes per week, and facilities for tennis, pickleball, and swimming. A spa, child care center, and cafe are onsite to best support our members' experience.
One of the Paseo Club’s core beliefs is to help the Santa Clarita Valley’s nonprofit community. We have teamed up with Dink for a Cause, The Michael Hoefflin Foundation, and the Susan G Komen organization — and that was just in 2022!
If you are looking for a center where you can get fit and get behind causes that are important to you, then the Paseo Club may be a great choice. Schedule a tour of the club today.
In the meantime, check out these three articles.
- 26 Best family activities in the Santa Clarita Valley
- How to keep women heart healthy (In observance of National Heart Month)
- The benefits of finding community (and the top 10 places to find your people)
