Home & Hope’s mission is to provide a safe haven for families facing homelessness and help them to regain long-term self-sufficiency. We seek to increase awareness around the issue of homelessness by actively engaging volunteers from the local community.
In 2022 PACF distributed Annual Grants to 88 local nonprofits that help families, uplift the vulnerable, improve education opportunities, and enhance community life. For over 40 years, our annual grant making process has focused on supporting the organizations that provide the network of support for our neighbors in Palo Alto, East Palo and Menlo Park. ** Some organizations are listed in multiple impact categories because they have dual focuses.
The Dave Mitchell Impact Grants, first awarded in 2020, are considered separately from PACF’s annual grants and are specifically designed to help local nonprofit programs significantly move the needle towards addressing long term systemic issues. For 2022, PACF awarded 5 grants to nonprofit organizations addressing the prominent and pressing needs of housing security, mental health, food security, education equity and affordable childcare.
Lisa Van Dusen, our Executive Director, awarded 3 Cammie Vail Executive Director Grants to organizations focusing on nonprofit leadership development.
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The backbone for prepared/hot meal in our service area (with zero waste!)
New journey to multi-faceted care and enrichment beyond the school day.
The Ravenswood Talent Initiative, a game changing partnership between the Ravenswood City School District, Ravenswood Education Foundation and Ravenswood Teachers Association (union,) creates a breakout strategy to structurally change a challenged school district.
Canopy’s mission is to grow urban tree canopy in Midpneinsula communities for the benefit of all. Canopy plants and cares for trees where people need them the most.
Since 2016 Climate Resilient Communities has been on the ground learning the specific needs of residents in diverse, under-resourced communities in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven (Menlo Park). Our outreach cultivates environmental awareness while giving local residents a voice in proactive resilience planning and adaptation. By building stronger alliances between residents, schools, local government programs and community-based organizations, this work creates resilience against climate-related stresses such as sea-level rise and economic instability.
The mission of the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA is to strengthen our community by improving the quality of life and inspiring individuals and families to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body.
The mission of EPACENTER is to increase opportunities for youth to discover and amplify their talents, realize their potential, and impact the world through art and design.
Kids & Art Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cancer care by focusing on the whole child in treatment by including healing through arts in their protocol.
The Palo Alto Art Center Foundation expands the reach and impact of the Palo Alto Art Center through fundraising and advocacy.
The Friends support the JMZ by funding science classes in low-income communities, improvements to the museum and zoo, fair access to the new Junior Museum for underserved families and groups, and more.
With community at our core, Palo Alto Players is the home for creating exceptional theatre experiences that inspire, entertain, and enrich the lives of our local artists and audiences.
The mission of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men, and thereby strengthen our communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs, and the promotion of financial self-sufficiency.
- To transform the quality of life of seniors through simple-to-use technology and personalized, interactive online programs and activities that educate, entertain, inspire, connect and engage.
- To dramatically enhance the ability of older adults to stay physically, mentally and socially active by creating and delivering interactive learning, social, entertainment and community-building group activities and programs that can be enjoyed from home.
TheatreWorks is one of America’s outstanding professional theatres. Our work celebrates the human spirit through innovative productions, new works, and education programs inspired by and engaging our diverse Silicon Valley community.
The San Francisco 49ers Academy provides adolescent students with a community of support that empowers them to be engaged in school, to reach their full potential, and achieve academic and personal success in middle school, high school and beyond.
Mental health counseling at Palo Alto and East Menlo Park elementary schools.
Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) empowers youth in our community to find their way through social-emotional support and by building safe, accepting communities.
Empower all families to choose a high quality early childhood education for their children. The underlying premise is that every child, regardless of family background, is a whole and unique person, with vast inner resources for understanding the self and the desire to contribute to the world. All Five is committed to active learning of kindness and leadership as well as critical thinking.
Founded in 2009, our mission is to enrich the lives of youth with needs through barnyard animal interactions at our Smile Farm and mobile visits, creating moments of joy and happiness throughout our AAH community. Uniquely situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, we provide barnyard buddies so children and their family members can ‘experience the smiles only animals can bring’. Our vision is a “Million Smiles”. We are 100% funded by donations and grants and largely operate with our large network of volunteers.
We believe that all our students have within them the power to succeed. The mission of Beechwood School is to teach students to take personal responsibility to:
- Find their strength and build upon it.
- Prepare to establish strong families.
- Serve in their communities.
- Make healthy choices for body and mind.
Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation (BBAF) helps save lives by giving scholarships for swim lessons to children in need and changes lives by supporting lifeguard training, swim team and water polo for underserved families at community pools.
Cooline Team is devoted to helping our youth succeed and create change that will make a huge positive impact in our world. We lead events and projects that help grow and strengthen our community. Though we never lose sight of the fact that kids are kids, that is why all of our programs are built around safe play and fun.
Our mission is to close the opportunity gap faced by low-income middle school students in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
The mission of EPAAF is to advocate for, advance, and raise funds to benefit the students and college-attending graduates of East Palo Alto Academy.
The East Palo Alto Kids Foundation (EPAK) is focused on narrowing the equality gap in eastern Menlo Park and East Palo Alto schools by providing microgrants directly to teachers.
To change the life trajectory of local youth and their families through academic support, parent empowerment and tennis instruction.
At Eastside College Preparatory School, we are committed to opening new doors for students historically underrepresented in higher education.
Environmental Volunteers’ mission is to promote the understanding of and responsibility for the environment through hands-on science education.
The mission of EPACENTER is to increase opportunities for youth to discover and amplify their talents, realize their potential, and impact the world through art and design.
FLY’s mission is to prevent juvenile crime and incarceration through legal education, leadership training, and one-on-one mentoring. In our work, we are accountable, dedicated, respectful, equitable and just, loving, innovative, hopeful, and youth-centered.
The vision of FCE is to create a community where higher education is attainable. By engaging both students and parents in our work, we aim to create a community of learners who are armed with the right tools and information. Together, they play a pivotal role in sharing this information with other families about how best to take advantage of school resources and navigate the college admissions process, thus catalyzing change in the larger community.
Health Connected equips young people with information, skills, and support to make thoughtful choices about their relationships and sexual health throughout their lives.
Kepler’s Literary Foundation enriches the community through literary and cultural programs that foster creative thinking and explore the wonder of new ideas. We have partnered with the Ravenswood School District for 7 years, bringing award-winning authors to each of the district’s public school campuses to share great stories and spark a love of reading. Over 15,000 students have participated in the program.
Learning Home Volunteers is a non-profit organization working to address the kindergarten-readiness gap by providing weekly in-home tutoring to preschool-age children.
Live In Peace’s mission is to empower our youth and young adults to reclaim the vision for their future. We accomplish this through a highly relational model that connects young people to their talents, educational pathways, jobs, and a bright future.
The mission of Mannakin Theater & Dance is to expand the world of the performing arts by inviting new individuals and demographics to rich and exciting experiences in the theater seats, inside the classroom and learning studio, and underneath the stage lights.
To strengthen relations and understanding among peoples of different regions and backgrounds; to promote people’s knowledge and understanding of various cultures, values, arts and communities in a peaceful and enriching way.
P.I.E.F.E.S.T. is dedicated to improving Pacific Islander representation and increasing access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related careers.
As a community leader in Palo Alto, PACCC partners with families and regional agencies to provide and advocate for exceptional and accessible childhood care and education.
The Friends support the JMZ by funding science classes in low-income communities, improvements to the museum and zoo, fair access to the new Junior Museum for underserved families and groups, and more.
Through education, research, and training in psychology and counseling, PAU prepares its students to address pressing and emerging issues that equitably meet the needs of our ever-changing human condition.
We believe all of our students, if given equal access and opportunity, can reach their full potential and graduate from high school and four-year colleges. We provide motivated, low-income students with academic and personal support during middle school years through college graduation. We are helping to break the cycle of poverty and greatly increase each student’s chance for success in school, life and career.
Our mission is to empower low-income, first generation college students to graduate and obtain a job that aligns with their career goals.
To disrupt racial and economic disparities within the classical music field by championing past, present, and future contributions by Latinx composers and musicians.
Inspired by the belief that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, nearly 200 All Students Matter volunteers work with teachers to support the success of students in the Ravenswood City School District serving communities in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park.
REF’s mission is to ensure equitable and high-quality educational opportunities for all Ravenswood students.
Rise Together Education (RTE) is dedicated to improving college graduation rates by providing support and financial resources to low-income Palo Alto High School students who have been accepted to 4-year colleges or 2-year community colleges with a direct transfer agreement.
The mission of the Rosalie Rendu Center is to combat poverty by educating, mentoring and raising the self-esteem of the entire family.
Through the rigor and thrill of the academic sport of debate, the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL) helps youth from low-income backgrounds tap the power of their voices to compete, excel, and change the world.
St. Elizabeth Seton School, sponsored by the Daughters of Charity, is a nurturing community in the Vincentian tradition. They provide holistic learning and a challenging curriculum to children of low-income families.
Our mission is to deliver access to the benefits of high-quality, tuition-free music education. Through intensive instruction and performance, our students achieve excellence in music that transfers to other areas in life. They grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience and purpose.
To provide adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and vocational support.
Our mission is to empower people with disabilities and their families to grow, develop, and thrive by providing essential skill-building, therapeutic, and recreational programs.
Founded in 1990 as a collaboration between the cities of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto, Youth Community Service actively works with youth and community leaders to engage in a wide range of public service projects throughout the Mid-Peninsula.
ZiRu Dance is a BIPOC non-profit dance company based in the SF/Peninsula Bay Area, CA that emphasizes the creation of new dance work, international exchange, curated festival production, mentorship of emerging artists, diversity, cross-cultural dialogue, community engagement and outreach.
The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Mateo County is to ensure that all abused and neglected children under the protection of the court have a consistent, caring adult who speaks on their behalf and helps them reach their full potential.
The Christmas Bureau of Palo Alto celebrates over 65 years of channeling donations from those who wish to give to those less fortunate in the Palo Alto, California community. The Bureau accepts confidential referrals of individuals and families in need from social service agencies, schools, and other community agencies. The all volunteer staff eliminates duplications by serving as a central clearing house. The Bureau mails a holiday greeting with a check to referred families and individuals whose children attend Palo Alto Unified School District or are residents of the City of Palo Alto.
CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. From counseling, to emergency housing, to legal assistance, our services are designed to provide safety, support, and healing.
The mission of the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA is to strengthen our community by improving the quality of life and inspiring individuals and families to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body.
EHP’s mission is to provide compassionate, dignified and practical assistance to families and individuals experiencing economic and personal hardship. We offer material help, support services, and advocacy for our neighbors in need, in a challenging and rapidly changing environment.
EHP serves working families, seniors, people with limited incomes and those who have both emergency and on-going needs in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and surrounding communities.
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco builds homes and sustains affordable homeownership opportunities for families in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. Our values focus on building partnerships, equity, stability, and legacy.
Kara’s mission is to provide grief support for children, teens, families and adults. We serve individuals who are grieving a death as well as those managing a terminal illness (their own or another’s).
Loved Twice provides quality used baby clothing for the first year of life to families in need. Clothing is distributed through social workers in hospitals, shelters, and clinics.
Through education, research, and training in psychology and counseling, PAU prepares its students to address pressing and emerging issues that equitably meet the needs of our ever-changing human condition.
Parents Helping Parents supports, educates, and inspires families and the community to build bright futures for
youth and adults with special needs.
To improve the health of the community by providing culturally sensitive, integrated primary and preventative health care to all, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status, and collaborating with community partners to address the social determinants of health.
Mission: Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. Vision: Safe homes and communities for everyone.
The mission of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men, and thereby strengthen our communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs, and the promotion of financial self-sufficiency.
Our mission is to elevate nannies out of the shadows to be seen, supported and valued for the most important work they do. We want parents to get the support needed to recognize quality when they see it.
WANDA is dedicated to advancing socioeconomic mobility for low income single mother families. Since 2007 WANDA has helped moms save and invest close to $1 million. The money goes to invest in home ownership, college education, and retirement savings.
Empowers people with special needs to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational, and family support services, AbilityPath is distinctive in providing support to an individual throughout their lifetime. (Formerly GatePath affiliated with Abilities United.)
Mental health counseling at Palo Alto and East Menlo Park elementary schools.
Ada’s Cafe is dedicated to hiring, training and empowering our employees with disabilities. Ada’s Cafe is Where Good Food and Community Meet. We strive to create delicious food and drinks in an environment that is warm and friendly to let our customers know we care about them. Ada’s also conducts collaborative research on improving workplaces for people with disabilities.
Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) empowers youth in our community to find their way through social-emotional support and by building safe, accepting communities.
Founded in 2009, our mission is to enrich the lives of youth with needs through barnyard animal interactions at our Smile Farm and mobile visits, creating moments of joy and happiness throughout our AAH community. Uniquely situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, we provide barnyard buddies so children and their family members can ‘experience the smiles only animals can bring’. Our vision is a “Million Smiles”. We are 100% funded by donations and grants and largely operate with our large network of volunteers.
Avenidas’ mission is to help older adults in the local community be as active, engaged, and healthy as possible throughout their lives by providing relevant services and programs.
We believe that all our students have within them the power to succeed. The mission of Beechwood School is to teach students to take personal responsibility to:
- Find their strength and build upon it.
- Prepare to establish strong families.
- Serve in their communities.
- Make healthy choices for body and mind.
Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation (BBAF) helps save lives by giving scholarships for swim lessons to children in need and changes lives by supporting lifeguard training, swim team and water polo for underserved families at community pools.
The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Mateo County is to ensure that all abused and neglected children under the protection of the court have a consistent, caring adult who speaks on their behalf and helps them reach their full potential.
Our mission is to de-stigmatize mental health services and make supporting students’ social and emotional well-being the norm in our local schools. We want to provide all students with the continuity of support they need, from the first day of kindergarten until they graduate from high school, to be successful in school and life.
To transform young lives by providing culturally-responsive best-in-class learning and mental health services to families from diverse backgrounds regardless of language, location or ability to pay.
The Christmas Bureau of Palo Alto celebrates over 65 years of channeling donations from those who wish to give to those less fortunate in the Palo Alto, California community. The Bureau accepts confidential referrals of individuals and families in need from social service agencies, schools, and other community agencies. The all volunteer staff eliminates duplications by serving as a central clearing house. The Bureau mails a holiday greeting with a check to referred families and individuals whose children attend Palo Alto Unified School District or are residents of the City of Palo Alto.
Since 2016 Climate Resilient Communities has been on the ground learning the specific needs of residents in diverse, under-resourced communities in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven (Menlo Park). Our outreach cultivates environmental awareness while giving local residents a voice in proactive resilience planning and adaptation. By building stronger alliances between residents, schools, local government programs and community-based organizations, this work creates resilience against climate-related stresses such as sea-level rise and economic instability.
Cooline Team is devoted to helping our youth succeed and create change that will make a huge positive impact in our world. We lead events and projects that help grow and strengthen our community. Though we never lose sight of the fact that kids are kids, that is why all of our programs are built around safe play and fun.
CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. From counseling, to emergency housing, to legal assistance, our services are designed to provide safety, support, and healing.
Downtown Streets Team builds Teams that restore dignity, inspire hope, and provide a pathway to recover from homelessness. Teams are comprised of unhoused neighbors and those at risk of experiencing homelessness. Team Members receive access to case management, system navigation, and employment placement services from trained DST Case Managers and Employment Specialists. Team Members engaging in community beautification and clean-up projects challenge common negative perceptions of homelessness.
Our mission is to close the opportunity gap faced by low-income middle school students in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
The mission of EPAAF is to advocate for, advance, and raise funds to benefit the students and college-attending graduates of East Palo Alto Academy.
The East Palo Alto Kids Foundation (EPAK) is focused on narrowing the equality gap in eastern Menlo Park and East Palo Alto schools by providing microgrants directly to teachers.
A multipurpose Senior Center, it offers a variety of activities and assistance to Seniors including lunches, transportation, information about housing, employment, household help, recreation, financial assistance, health services and in-home help and health education and screenings.
To change the life trajectory of local youth and their families through academic support, parent empowerment and tennis instruction.
The mission of the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA is to strengthen our community by improving the quality of life and inspiring individuals and families to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body.
At Eastside College Preparatory School, we are committed to opening new doors for students historically underrepresented in higher education.
EHP’s mission is to provide compassionate, dignified and practical assistance to families and individuals experiencing economic and personal hardship. We offer material help, support services, and advocacy for our neighbors in need, in a challenging and rapidly changing environment.
EHP serves working families, seniors, people with limited incomes and those who have both emergency and on-going needs in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and surrounding communities.
At Elevate Community Center, we believe that all members of a community need to thrive in order for the community at large to thrive. In 2021, we launched our financial literacy program that offers free one-on-one finance counseling as well as free information workshops available in multiple languages.
FLY’s mission is to prevent juvenile crime and incarceration through legal education, leadership training, and one-on-one mentoring. In our work, we are accountable, dedicated, respectful, equitable and just, loving, innovative, hopeful, and youth-centered.
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco builds homes and sustains affordable homeownership opportunities for families in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. Our values focus on building partnerships, equity, stability, and legacy.
Home & Hope’s mission is to provide a safe haven for families facing homelessness and help them to regain long-term self-sufficiency. We seek to increase awareness around the issue of homelessness by actively engaging volunteers from the local community.
Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with developmental and other disabilities and their families by creating and supporting quality, affordable housing opportunities. We work to ensure that all people enjoy rewarding lives in affordable homes of their choosing.
JobTrain is committed to helping those who are most in need to succeed. Our purpose is to improve the lives of people in our community through assessment, attitude and job skills training, and high potential career placement.
Kara’s mission is to provide grief support for children, teens, families and adults. We serve individuals who are grieving a death as well as those managing a terminal illness (their own or another’s).
Provide skills-based education to children and women living in extreme poverty to help break the cycle of poverty and inequality sustainably now and for generations to come.
Learning Home Volunteers is a non-profit organization working to address the kindergarten-readiness gap by providing weekly in-home tutoring to preschool-age children.
The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County’s mission is to fight social injustice through civil legal advocacy for people living in poverty.
Live In Peace’s mission is to empower our youth and young adults to reclaim the vision for their future. We accomplish this through a highly relational model that connects young people to their talents, educational pathways, jobs, and a bright future.
Our mission is simple. We aim to provide hot and nutritious prepared meals, delivered and served to feed hungry families, children, seniors, veterans, students, and disabled individuals in our Bay Area community.
Loved Twice provides quality used baby clothing for the first year of life to families in need. Clothing is distributed through social workers in hospitals, shelters, and clinics.
NCEFT is internationally recognized as a pioneer and leader of equine-assisted programs. For over 50 years, NCEFT has tapped into the profound rehabilitative power of the human-horse relationship to facilitate healing to thousands of Bay Area children and adults (ages 2-85+) living with physical, cognitive, and neuromuscular disabilities, as well as mental health conditions/concerns.
Nuestra Casa exists to uplift Latino families in East Palo Alto and the mid-peninsula though community education, leadership development, and advocacy.
Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. is committed to working with residents, families, facilities and stakeholders to create a community dedicated to protecting the rights of all residents living in long term care in San Mateo County. We create immediate change for residents through our hands on advocacy efforts addressing issues that range from quality of care issues to egregious abuse.
P.I.E.F.E.S.T. is dedicated to improving Pacific Islander representation and increasing access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related careers.
Parents Helping Parents supports, educates, and inspires families and the community to build bright futures for
youth and adults with special needs.
We believe all of our students, if given equal access and opportunity, can reach their full potential and graduate from high school and four-year colleges. We provide motivated, low-income students with academic and personal support during middle school years through college graduation. We are helping to break the cycle of poverty and greatly increase each student’s chance for success in school, life and career.
Our mission is to empower low-income, first generation college students to graduate and obtain a job that aligns with their career goals.
Peninsula HealthCare Connection (PHC) promotes integrated primary and mental healthcare and intensive case management for homeless individuals or those at risk of becoming homeless in Santa Clara County, regardless of their ability to pay. They collaborate with local hospitals, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and similarly committed partner agencies to this end.
To disrupt racial and economic disparities within the classical music field by championing past, present, and future contributions by Latinx composers and musicians.
REF’s mission is to ensure equitable and high-quality educational opportunities for all Ravenswood students.
To improve the health of the community by providing culturally sensitive, integrated primary and preventative health care to all, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status, and collaborating with community partners to address the social determinants of health.
Mission: Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. Vision: Safe homes and communities for everyone.
Rise Together Education (RTE) is dedicated to improving college graduation rates by providing support and financial resources to low-income Palo Alto High School students who have been accepted to 4-year colleges or 2-year community colleges with a direct transfer agreement.
The mission of the Rosalie Rendu Center is to combat poverty by educating, mentoring and raising the self-esteem of the entire family.
Through the rigor and thrill of the academic sport of debate, the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL) helps youth from low-income backgrounds tap the power of their voices to compete, excel, and change the world.
Through skilled volunteers, Tax-Aid provides year-round free tax services to strengthen our San Francisco Bay Area community.
- To transform the quality of life of seniors through simple-to-use technology and personalized, interactive online programs and activities that educate, entertain, inspire, connect and engage.
- To dramatically enhance the ability of older adults to stay physically, mentally and socially active by creating and delivering interactive learning, social, entertainment and community-building group activities and programs that can be enjoyed from home.
Our mission is to elevate nannies out of the shadows to be seen, supported and valued for the most important work they do. We want parents to get the support needed to recognize quality when they see it.
To provide adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and vocational support.
Our mission is to empower people with disabilities and their families to grow, develop, and thrive by providing essential skill-building, therapeutic, and recreational programs.
Vista Center’s mission is to empower individuals who are blind and visually impaired to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education and training.
WANDA is dedicated to advancing socioeconomic mobility for low income single mother families. Since 2007 WANDA has helped moms save and invest close to $1 million. The money goes to invest in home ownership, college education, and retirement savings.
The mission of WeHOPE is to help people become healthy, employed and housed using innovative solutions.
The San Francisco 49ers Academy provides adolescent students with a community of support that empowers them to be engaged in school, to reach their full potential, and achieve academic and personal success in middle school, high school and beyond.
Empowers people with special needs to achieve their full potential through innovative, inclusive programs and community partnerships. With educational, therapeutic, vocational, and family support services, AbilityPath is distinctive in providing support to an individual throughout their lifetime. (Formerly GatePath affiliated with Abilities United.)
Mental health counseling at Palo Alto and East Menlo Park elementary schools.
Ada’s Cafe is dedicated to hiring, training and empowering our employees with disabilities. Ada’s Cafe is Where Good Food and Community Meet. We strive to create delicious food and drinks in an environment that is warm and friendly to let our customers know we care about them. Ada’s also conducts collaborative research on improving workplaces for people with disabilities.
Adolescent Counseling Services (ACS) empowers youth in our community to find their way through social-emotional support and by building safe, accepting communities.
Empower all families to choose a high quality early childhood education for their children. The underlying premise is that every child, regardless of family background, is a whole and unique person, with vast inner resources for understanding the self and the desire to contribute to the world. All Five is committed to active learning of kindness and leadership as well as critical thinking.
Founded in 2009, our mission is to enrich the lives of youth with needs through barnyard animal interactions at our Smile Farm and mobile visits, creating moments of joy and happiness throughout our AAH community. Uniquely situated in the heart of Silicon Valley, we provide barnyard buddies so children and their family members can ‘experience the smiles only animals can bring’. Our vision is a “Million Smiles”. We are 100% funded by donations and grants and largely operate with our large network of volunteers.
Avenidas’ mission is to help older adults in the local community be as active, engaged, and healthy as possible throughout their lives by providing relevant services and programs.
We believe that all our students have within them the power to succeed. The mission of Beechwood School is to teach students to take personal responsibility to:
- Find their strength and build upon it.
- Prepare to establish strong families.
- Serve in their communities.
- Make healthy choices for body and mind.
Beyond Barriers Athletic Foundation (BBAF) helps save lives by giving scholarships for swim lessons to children in need and changes lives by supporting lifeguard training, swim team and water polo for underserved families at community pools.
Canopy’s mission is to grow urban tree canopy in Midpneinsula communities for the benefit of all. Canopy plants and cares for trees where people need them the most.
The mission of Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of San Mateo County is to ensure that all abused and neglected children under the protection of the court have a consistent, caring adult who speaks on their behalf and helps them reach their full potential.
Our mission is to de-stigmatize mental health services and make supporting students’ social and emotional well-being the norm in our local schools. We want to provide all students with the continuity of support they need, from the first day of kindergarten until they graduate from high school, to be successful in school and life.
To transform young lives by providing culturally-responsive best-in-class learning and mental health services to families from diverse backgrounds regardless of language, location or ability to pay.
The Christmas Bureau of Palo Alto celebrates over 65 years of channeling donations from those who wish to give to those less fortunate in the Palo Alto, California community. The Bureau accepts confidential referrals of individuals and families in need from social service agencies, schools, and other community agencies. The all volunteer staff eliminates duplications by serving as a central clearing house. The Bureau mails a holiday greeting with a check to referred families and individuals whose children attend Palo Alto Unified School District or are residents of the City of Palo Alto.
Since 2016 Climate Resilient Communities has been on the ground learning the specific needs of residents in diverse, under-resourced communities in East Palo Alto and Belle Haven (Menlo Park). Our outreach cultivates environmental awareness while giving local residents a voice in proactive resilience planning and adaptation. By building stronger alliances between residents, schools, local government programs and community-based organizations, this work creates resilience against climate-related stresses such as sea-level rise and economic instability.
Cooline Team is devoted to helping our youth succeed and create change that will make a huge positive impact in our world. We lead events and projects that help grow and strengthen our community. Though we never lose sight of the fact that kids are kids, that is why all of our programs are built around safe play and fun.
CORA is the only agency in San Mateo County solely dedicated to helping those affected by intimate partner abuse. From counseling, to emergency housing, to legal assistance, our services are designed to provide safety, support, and healing.
Downtown Streets Team builds Teams that restore dignity, inspire hope, and provide a pathway to recover from homelessness. Teams are comprised of unhoused neighbors and those at risk of experiencing homelessness. Team Members receive access to case management, system navigation, and employment placement services from trained DST Case Managers and Employment Specialists. Team Members engaging in community beautification and clean-up projects challenge common negative perceptions of homelessness.
Our mission is to close the opportunity gap faced by low-income middle school students in the Palo Alto Unified School District.
The mission of EPAAF is to advocate for, advance, and raise funds to benefit the students and college-attending graduates of East Palo Alto Academy.
The East Palo Alto Kids Foundation (EPAK) is focused on narrowing the equality gap in eastern Menlo Park and East Palo Alto schools by providing microgrants directly to teachers.
A multipurpose Senior Center, it offers a variety of activities and assistance to Seniors including lunches, transportation, information about housing, employment, household help, recreation, financial assistance, health services and in-home help and health education and screenings.
To change the life trajectory of local youth and their families through academic support, parent empowerment and tennis instruction.
The mission of the Lewis and Joan Platt East Palo Alto Family YMCA is to strengthen our community by improving the quality of life and inspiring individuals and families to develop their fullest potential in spirit, mind and body.
At Eastside College Preparatory School, we are committed to opening new doors for students historically underrepresented in higher education.
EHP’s mission is to provide compassionate, dignified and practical assistance to families and individuals experiencing economic and personal hardship. We offer material help, support services, and advocacy for our neighbors in need, in a challenging and rapidly changing environment.
EHP serves working families, seniors, people with limited incomes and those who have both emergency and on-going needs in East Palo Alto, Menlo Park and surrounding communities.
At Elevate Community Center, we believe that all members of a community need to thrive in order for the community at large to thrive. In 2021, we launched our financial literacy program that offers free one-on-one finance counseling as well as free information workshops available in multiple languages.
Environmental Volunteers’ mission is to promote the understanding of and responsibility for the environment through hands-on science education.
The mission of EPACENTER is to increase opportunities for youth to discover and amplify their talents, realize their potential, and impact the world through art and design.
FLY’s mission is to prevent juvenile crime and incarceration through legal education, leadership training, and one-on-one mentoring. In our work, we are accountable, dedicated, respectful, equitable and just, loving, innovative, hopeful, and youth-centered.
The vision of FCE is to create a community where higher education is attainable. By engaging both students and parents in our work, we aim to create a community of learners who are armed with the right tools and information. Together, they play a pivotal role in sharing this information with other families about how best to take advantage of school resources and navigate the college admissions process, thus catalyzing change in the larger community.
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco builds homes and sustains affordable homeownership opportunities for families in Marin, San Francisco, and San Mateo counties. Our values focus on building partnerships, equity, stability, and legacy.
Health Connected equips young people with information, skills, and support to make thoughtful choices about their relationships and sexual health throughout their lives.
Home & Hope’s mission is to provide a safe haven for families facing homelessness and help them to regain long-term self-sufficiency. We seek to increase awareness around the issue of homelessness by actively engaging volunteers from the local community.
Our mission is to enhance the lives of people with developmental and other disabilities and their families by creating and supporting quality, affordable housing opportunities. We work to ensure that all people enjoy rewarding lives in affordable homes of their choosing.
JobTrain is committed to helping those who are most in need to succeed. Our purpose is to improve the lives of people in our community through assessment, attitude and job skills training, and high potential career placement.
Kara’s mission is to provide grief support for children, teens, families and adults. We serve individuals who are grieving a death as well as those managing a terminal illness (their own or another’s).
Provide skills-based education to children and women living in extreme poverty to help break the cycle of poverty and inequality sustainably now and for generations to come.
Kepler’s Literary Foundation enriches the community through literary and cultural programs that foster creative thinking and explore the wonder of new ideas. We have partnered with the Ravenswood School District for 7 years, bringing award-winning authors to each of the district’s public school campuses to share great stories and spark a love of reading. Over 15,000 students have participated in the program.
Kids & Art Foundation’s mission is to improve the quality of pediatric cancer care by focusing on the whole child in treatment by including healing through arts in their protocol.
Learning Home Volunteers is a non-profit organization working to address the kindergarten-readiness gap by providing weekly in-home tutoring to preschool-age children.
The Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County’s mission is to fight social injustice through civil legal advocacy for people living in poverty.
Live In Peace’s mission is to empower our youth and young adults to reclaim the vision for their future. We accomplish this through a highly relational model that connects young people to their talents, educational pathways, jobs, and a bright future.
The backbone for prepared/hot meal in our service area (with zero waste!)
Our mission is simple. We aim to provide hot and nutritious prepared meals, delivered and served to feed hungry families, children, seniors, veterans, students, and disabled individuals in our Bay Area community.
Loved Twice provides quality used baby clothing for the first year of life to families in need. Clothing is distributed through social workers in hospitals, shelters, and clinics.
The mission of Mannakin Theater & Dance is to expand the world of the performing arts by inviting new individuals and demographics to rich and exciting experiences in the theater seats, inside the classroom and learning studio, and underneath the stage lights.
NCEFT is internationally recognized as a pioneer and leader of equine-assisted programs. For over 50 years, NCEFT has tapped into the profound rehabilitative power of the human-horse relationship to facilitate healing to thousands of Bay Area children and adults (ages 2-85+) living with physical, cognitive, and neuromuscular disabilities, as well as mental health conditions/concerns.
Nuestra Casa exists to uplift Latino families in East Palo Alto and the mid-peninsula though community education, leadership development, and advocacy.
Ombudsman Services of San Mateo County, Inc. is committed to working with residents, families, facilities and stakeholders to create a community dedicated to protecting the rights of all residents living in long term care in San Mateo County. We create immediate change for residents through our hands on advocacy efforts addressing issues that range from quality of care issues to egregious abuse.
To strengthen relations and understanding among peoples of different regions and backgrounds; to promote people’s knowledge and understanding of various cultures, values, arts and communities in a peaceful and enriching way.
P.I.E.F.E.S.T. is dedicated to improving Pacific Islander representation and increasing access to Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) related careers.
The Palo Alto Art Center Foundation expands the reach and impact of the Palo Alto Art Center through fundraising and advocacy.
As a community leader in Palo Alto, PACCC partners with families and regional agencies to provide and advocate for exceptional and accessible childhood care and education.
New journey to multi-faceted care and enrichment beyond the school day.
The Friends support the JMZ by funding science classes in low-income communities, improvements to the museum and zoo, fair access to the new Junior Museum for underserved families and groups, and more.
With community at our core, Palo Alto Players is the home for creating exceptional theatre experiences that inspire, entertain, and enrich the lives of our local artists and audiences.
Through education, research, and training in psychology and counseling, PAU prepares its students to address pressing and emerging issues that equitably meet the needs of our ever-changing human condition.
Parents Helping Parents supports, educates, and inspires families and the community to build bright futures for
youth and adults with special needs.
We believe all of our students, if given equal access and opportunity, can reach their full potential and graduate from high school and four-year colleges. We provide motivated, low-income students with academic and personal support during middle school years through college graduation. We are helping to break the cycle of poverty and greatly increase each student’s chance for success in school, life and career.
Our mission is to empower low-income, first generation college students to graduate and obtain a job that aligns with their career goals.
Peninsula HealthCare Connection (PHC) promotes integrated primary and mental healthcare and intensive case management for homeless individuals or those at risk of becoming homeless in Santa Clara County, regardless of their ability to pay. They collaborate with local hospitals, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and similarly committed partner agencies to this end.
To disrupt racial and economic disparities within the classical music field by championing past, present, and future contributions by Latinx composers and musicians.
Inspired by the belief that every child deserves an equal opportunity to learn, nearly 200 All Students Matter volunteers work with teachers to support the success of students in the Ravenswood City School District serving communities in East Palo Alto and eastern Menlo Park.
REF’s mission is to ensure equitable and high-quality educational opportunities for all Ravenswood students.
The Ravenswood Talent Initiative, a game changing partnership between the Ravenswood City School District, Ravenswood Education Foundation and Ravenswood Teachers Association (union,) creates a breakout strategy to structurally change a challenged school district.
To improve the health of the community by providing culturally sensitive, integrated primary and preventative health care to all, regardless of ability to pay or immigration status, and collaborating with community partners to address the social determinants of health.
Mission: Repairing homes, revitalizing communities, rebuilding lives. Vision: Safe homes and communities for everyone.
The mission of Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center is to empower and increase the entrepreneurial capacities of socially and economically diverse women and men, and thereby strengthen our communities through the creation of sustainable new businesses, new jobs, and the promotion of financial self-sufficiency.
Rise Together Education (RTE) is dedicated to improving college graduation rates by providing support and financial resources to low-income Palo Alto High School students who have been accepted to 4-year colleges or 2-year community colleges with a direct transfer agreement.
The mission of the Rosalie Rendu Center is to combat poverty by educating, mentoring and raising the self-esteem of the entire family.
Through the rigor and thrill of the academic sport of debate, the Silicon Valley Urban Debate League (SVUDL) helps youth from low-income backgrounds tap the power of their voices to compete, excel, and change the world.
St. Elizabeth Seton School, sponsored by the Daughters of Charity, is a nurturing community in the Vincentian tradition. They provide holistic learning and a challenging curriculum to children of low-income families.
Through skilled volunteers, Tax-Aid provides year-round free tax services to strengthen our San Francisco Bay Area community.
- To transform the quality of life of seniors through simple-to-use technology and personalized, interactive online programs and activities that educate, entertain, inspire, connect and engage.
- To dramatically enhance the ability of older adults to stay physically, mentally and socially active by creating and delivering interactive learning, social, entertainment and community-building group activities and programs that can be enjoyed from home.
Our mission is to deliver access to the benefits of high-quality, tuition-free music education. Through intensive instruction and performance, our students achieve excellence in music that transfers to other areas in life. They grow musically, socially, emotionally and intellectually, and develop a foundation of responsibility, self-esteem, resilience and purpose.
TheatreWorks is one of America’s outstanding professional theatres. Our work celebrates the human spirit through innovative productions, new works, and education programs inspired by and engaging our diverse Silicon Valley community.
Our mission is to elevate nannies out of the shadows to be seen, supported and valued for the most important work they do. We want parents to get the support needed to recognize quality when they see it.
To provide adult immigrants the boost they need to move up the economic ladder through education and vocational support.
Our mission is to empower people with disabilities and their families to grow, develop, and thrive by providing essential skill-building, therapeutic, and recreational programs.
Vista Center’s mission is to empower individuals who are blind and visually impaired to embrace life to the fullest through evaluation, counseling, education and training.
WANDA is dedicated to advancing socioeconomic mobility for low income single mother families. Since 2007 WANDA has helped moms save and invest close to $1 million. The money goes to invest in home ownership, college education, and retirement savings.
The mission of WeHOPE is to help people become healthy, employed and housed using innovative solutions.
Founded in 1990 as a collaboration between the cities of Palo Alto and East Palo Alto, Youth Community Service actively works with youth and community leaders to engage in a wide range of public service projects throughout the Mid-Peninsula.
ZiRu Dance is a BIPOC non-profit dance company based in the SF/Peninsula Bay Area, CA that emphasizes the creation of new dance work, international exchange, curated festival production, mentorship of emerging artists, diversity, cross-cultural dialogue, community engagement and outreach.