61 Local Philanthropies You Should Know About By Writer and Contributor Emily McGinn
There are plenty of philanthropies in and around the Peninsula each dedicated to a mission. Check out our list below of philanthropies you can support or get involved with.
Palos Verdes Estates Foundation
Driven by the motto “honoring our history, securing our future,” this nonprofit funds community projects in Palos Verdes Estates that do not fit into the city’s budget.
National Charity League (Palos Verdes Chapter)
This group of mothers and daughters come together for community service, leadership development and cultural experiences.
The Circle of Palos Verdes Art Center
The Circle has been dedicated to supporting the arts on the Hill — specifically through the Palos Verdes Arts Center — since 1975.
Peninsula Friends of the Library
The Friends of the Library works to connect the community with and to fundraise for the Palos Verdes Library District.
Peninsula Seniors is dedicated to helping seniors around the Peninsula find community and to providing them with resources.
The Palos Verdes Land Conservancy preserves and cares for local natural areas, and helps the community engage with and learn about the environment.
The South Bay Wildlife Rehab rehabilitates and rescues California native birds, and it educates the public about the environment.
PVNet Technology Education Center
PVNet is a nonprofit that offers technology education opportunities for all ages and skill levels, ranging from basic computer classes to visual arts classes.
Rancho Palos Verdes Community Foundation
This nonprofit supports funding for community projects in Rancho Palos Verdes.
South Coast Botanic Garden preserves a natural area in the South Bay, provides community events and helps educate the public about nature.
Beacon House Association of San Pedro
Beacon House is a substance abuse recovery program for men looking to achieve long-lasting abstinence from drugs and alcohol.
The Grand Vision Foundation supports the performing arts in the community, such as through the revitalization of the Warner Grand Theatre.
Since 1996, H.E.L.P. volunteers have assisted older adults with resources such as health, legal and financial education.
League of Women Voters of PV and San Pedro
This nonpartisan political organization encourages participation and advocacy in government and education about public policy
The Lions Club of Palos Verdes Peninsula
The Lions Club is dedicated to assisting in the community, from helping with local cleanups to supporting those in need.
Peninsula Education Foundation
The Peninsula Education Foundation aims to promote and fund the advancement of education in the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District.
This nonprofit organization helps newly sober individuals become physically, emotionally and mentally stronger through running.
Boys and Girls Clubs of the LA Harbor
The Boys and Girls Clubs of LA Harbor aims to help young people, especially those in need, by providing resources, programs and activities.
Cancer Support Community South Bay
This organization aims to strengthen those impacted by cancer and to provide community for them.
Family Promise of the South Bay
Family Promise aims to solve and assist those affected by homelessness in the local community.
This center in Torrance provides programs and educational resources for teens and children who are neurodivergent
This organization supports individuals with developmental disabilities including cerebral palsy and autism.
This organization supports and provides resources for victims of domestic violence.
Friends of Cabrillo Marine Aquarium
This group aims to support ocean education along the Los Angeles waterfront.
This nonprofit brings teenagers together for volunteer missions and non-risky gatherings that promote healthy life skills and leadership abilities.
Assistance League San Pedro-South Bay
Assistance League supports the community through long-term volunteerism.
Since 1931, the Sandpipers have aimed to help those in need in the South Bay community.
Vistas for Children Charity Organization
Vistas for Children provides support for children with special needs as well as their families.
Downtown Hermosa Business Association
This organization promotes and advocates for the unique businesses of Downtown Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce
The Chamber supports and educates residents, tourists and businesses of Hermosa Beach, and it provides community events for the people of Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa Beach Hospitality Association
This association provides resources and information to the people of Hermosa Beach.
Hermosa Beach Education Foundation
This foundation raises funds for educational programs in Hermosa Beach and aims to promote high-quality public school education in Hermosa Beach.
Beach Cities Cycling Club South Bay
Under the motto “fun, fitness and friendship,” this noncompetitive, recreational cycling club unites people of all ages and skill levels for safe group riding.
This toy drive aims to collect items to give to children in need.
This foundation aims to promote philanthropy and to support charitable organizations.
This business networking group aims to bring together and empower women in business.
This club brings women together to support charitable causes.
This organization supports children and families by providing programs and resources for social and emotional learning.
This organization educates and advocates for the adoption of surf therapy to promote mental well-being and ocean conservation.
This nonprofit provides resources to at-risk youth and their parents. Resources include awareness events, mental health education and support groups.
Walk with Sally supports children impacted by cancer through programs and resources for children and their families.
This organization aims to help those affected by homelessness through providing access to shelter and other resources.
This clinic aims to provide quality health care to people in need throughout the South Bay.
This organization aims to educate and empower students to promote environmental change.
This student-run nonprofit aims to promote equal education opportunities and to advance environmental sustainability.
This organization aims to preserve the Madrona Marsh Preserve, one of the last remaining vernal freshwater marshes in Los Angeles County.
Friends of the Torrance Library
This group supports the Torrance Library through fundraising efforts aimed at advancing literacy and education in the community.
Since 1973, the society has aimed to promote interest in and education in the history of Torrance and San Pedro, and to preserve and collect historical research.
This nonprofit aims to support charitable, educational and service programs.
Friends of the Redondo Beach Public Library
This group supports literacy and the Redondo Beach Public Library through funding and programs.
South Bay Park Land Conservancy
The conservancy aims to restore and preserve the coastal lands of the South Bay.
North Redondo Beach Business Association
This all-volunteer association connects business people in the area interested in giving back to the community.
This organization aims to build and support the community through many different programs.
Redondo Beach Educational Foundation
Since 1991, this foundation has aimed to further education in Redondo Beach through fundraising for the public schools.
South Bay Workforce Investment Board
This board aims to help businesses succeed and to keep people employed.
South Bay Children’s Health Center
This center promotes the dental and mental health of low-income and at-risk teens, children and young adults.
Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce
The Palos Verdes Chamber of Commerce advocates for prosperity and success in the business community on the Peninsula.
Palos Verdes Peninsula Village
The Peninsula Village aims to provide a community for those in the area who are aging. The goal is to help members age with independence, dignity and purpose.
The San Pedro Chamber of Commerce aims to promote and advocate for the interests of the business community in San Pedro.
Torrance Area Chamber of Commerce
This organization advocates for a healthy economy and for business growth in Torrance.
This group of civic and business leaders aims to promote the public safety of the Torrance community.
Is your philanthropy missing? If so, email us at palosverdespulse@gmail.com to be added to the list!
Bio:
Emily McGinn is a journalist based in the Los Angeles area. She enjoys reporting on and writing about a variety of topics from lifestyle to news, especially in her areas of specialty, environmental science and political science.