9 Best Los Angeles Charities to Donate | Full List with Details
Los Angeles is a city of great diversity, innovation, and compassion. With so many pressing issues affecting our community, there are numerous charities doing essential work to make a difference. Whether it’s helping the homeless, protecting the environment, or promoting education, these organizations are dedicated to creating positive change in our city.
In this blog post, we’ll introduce you to some of the best Los Angeles charities, each with a unique mission and proven impact in the community. So, get ready to be inspired and discover how you can make a real difference in the City of Angels.
Here are 9 Best Los Angeles Charities to Donate to:
1. The Los Angeles Regional Food Bank
Beginning our list, LA Food Bank provides food to individuals and families in need across Los Angeles County. With over 1.4 million people in the county struggling with food insecurity, the organization’s mission is to fight hunger by sourcing and distributing food to those in need.
They work with a network of partner agencies, including food pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters, to provide food assistance to low-income communities. In addition to distributing food, the organization also offers nutrition education programs and advocates for public policies that address hunger and poverty. They have an excellent rating of 98% on Charity Navigator with 4 stars.
2. Homeboy Industries
Talking about Homeboy, aims to provide training and employment opportunities to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals. Homeboy Industries offers a range of services, including job training, education, mental health services, tattoo removal, and legal assistance.
Through its businesses, including a bakery, cafe, and silkscreening operation, Homeboy Industries provides individuals with the skills and experience needed to succeed in the workforce. The organization’s mission is to empower individuals to transform their lives and create a safer, more compassionate community. They have an amazing rating of 4 gold stars at 91% on Charity Navigator.
3. The Downtown Women’s Center
The Center is based in the Skid Row area of downtown Los Angeles that provides housing and support services for homeless and formerly homeless women. The organization was founded in 1978 and has since expanded to provide a range of services, including emergency shelter, permanent supportive housing, health services, and job training.
The Downtown Women’s Center is committed to addressing the root causes of homelessness among women, including poverty, trauma, and gender-based violence. The organization’s approach is focused on providing a safe and supportive environment that empowers women to rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability. As per Charity Navigator, the organization has a perfect charity rating of 100% with 4 gold stars.
4. St. Vincent Meals on Wheels
Flying on Wheels, the charity provides meals to homebound seniors and other vulnerable individuals throughout Los Angeles County. Founded in 1977, the organization delivers over 2,500 meals daily to those in need, including individuals who are elderly, disabled, or experiencing homelessness.
In addition to delivering meals, St. Vincent Meals on Wheels also provides nutrition education and support services to help clients maintain their independence and improve their overall health and well-being. They have a charity rating of 85% on Charity Navigator with 3 stars.
5. Friends of the LA River (FoLAR)
Talking about FoLAR, they work to restore and protect the Los Angeles River and its ecosystem. The organization was founded in 1986 by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to advocate for the revitalization of the river, which had been channelized and neglected for decades.
FoLAR works to raise awareness about the river’s potential as a public space and environmental resource, while also engaging in community-based restoration projects and advocacy efforts. The organization’s vision is to create a healthier, more vibrant, and more sustainable Los Angeles by reconnecting communities to the river and promoting a more equitable and resilient urban environment.
6. The Midnight Mission
The Mission provides services to individuals experiencing homelessness. The organization was founded in 1914 and offers a range of programs and services, including meals, shelter, job training, education, and healthcare. The Midnight Mission is committed to helping individuals break the cycle of homelessness and achieve long-term stability by providing a safe and supportive environment that promotes personal growth and development.
The organization serves over one million meals per year and provides shelter for hundreds of individuals each night. The Midnight Mission is dedicated to ending the cycle of homelessness in Los Angeles and creating a more equitable and compassionate community for all. They have a whopping score of 99% on Charity Navigator with 4 stars.
7. The Trevor Project
Trevor provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to LGBTQ+ youth. The organization was founded in 1998 and operates a 24/7 phone, text, and chat crisis line, as well as providing resources and education to parents, educators, and other adults who work with youth.
The Project is committed to creating a future where LGBTQ+ youth can thrive and live without fear of discrimination or harassment. The organization’s vision is to provide all young people with the support and resources they need to live happy, healthy, and fulfilling lives, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The project has a solid charity rating of 100% on Charity Navigator with 4 stars.
8. 826LA
826LA, it is a non-profit organization that provides writing and tutoring services to young people in Los Angeles. The organization was founded in 2005 and operates two writing and tutoring centers in the city, as well as offering in-school programs and workshops.
826LA’s mission is to empower young people to express themselves creatively and effectively, while also developing the academic and critical thinking skills needed to succeed in school and beyond. 826LA is committed to promoting a more equitable and inclusive society by supporting the next generation of writers and thinkers. They have a charity rating of 91% on Charity Navigator with 4 gold stars.
9. Jovenes Inc.
At the end, Jovenes provides housing and support services to homeless and at-risk youth, ages 18-25. Founded in 1989, the organization offers a range of programs, including emergency shelter, transitional housing, and supportive services, such as education and job training, mental health care, and substance abuse treatment.
They are committed to addressing the root causes of youth homelessness, including poverty, trauma, and lack of access to resources, by providing a safe and supportive environment that empowers young people to rebuild their lives and achieve long-term stability. The organization’s vision is to create a future where all young people have access to safe and affordable housing and the support they need to succeed. As on Charity Navigator, they have a charity score of 80% with 3 stars.
Final Thoughts
As we wrap up this discussion on the best Los Angeles charities, it’s clear that these organizations are making a significant impact on our community. However, it’s important to remember that charitable giving is not just about the impact it makes on the receiving end, but also on the giver. Giving back can provide a sense of purpose, fulfillment, and connectedness to our community.
Moreover, it’s important to recognize that giving doesn’t have to be limited to financial donations. Volunteering your time, skills, and resources can be just as valuable to these charities and can create a deeper sense of connection and investment in the cause. So, whether you’re able to make a financial contribution or not, there are still many ways to support these organizations and make a difference in the community.
In the end, the most important thing is to take action and find a way to make an impact in your community, no matter how big or small. As the famous quote by Winston Churchill goes, “We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.” Let’s embrace the power of giving and make a positive impact, one Los Angeles charity at a time.
