Spirit of the Season: Newport Beach Nonprofits to Support this Holiday Season
We believe in an enduring kind of Christmas magic: a spirit that transcends Santa and sleigh bells to embody the heart of the holiday season. In short, we believe in the power of advocating for one another and supporting each other – in whatever ways we are able.
And the ways and means to give in our community abound. There’s profoundly impactful work occurring in Newport Beach and Orange County that touches nearly every walk of life. And whether you’re a patron of the arts or animal advocate, a champion of children, or a challenger to homelessness, your contributions are essential.
This holiday season, we hope you’ll join us in advocating for one another and supporting each other, whether it’s through gifts of time, money, or expertise. To inspire your local giving, we’ve scouted a few of the many Newport Beach nonprofits that make a tremendous difference in our community.
ARTS & CULTURE
BALBOA ISLAND MUSEUM
Scouted | @balboaislandmuseum. | The Balboa Island Museum is a beloved institution dedicated to documenting, preserving, and promoting the community’s history and culture. In addition to exhibits on community traditions (think surfing, fishing, The Wedge, and more), the museum supports the work of local artists, curating exclusive exhibitions and merchandise to complement its educational and experiential programming.
Balboa Island Museum relies solely on private donations to preserve Balboa Island’s written, oral, and material history. In addition to monetary donations (think monthly and planned giving), Balboa Island Museum relies on support from community volunteers. Volunteer opportunities span greeter positions to docent positions and high school community service. Learn more…
SHERMAN LIBRARY & GARDENS
@theshermangardens | Established by Arnold D. Haskell in honor of his mentor, Moses H. Sherman, the Sherman Library & Gardens is a 2.2 acre horticultural retreat. Today, it’s a monument to Haskell’s dream: a premier botanical garden and research library with collections.
Locals can support Sherman Library & Garden’s preservation efforts and enriching programs through planned giving, memberships, and sponsorship opportunities. Learn more…
ANIMALS & ENVIRONMENT
ENVIRONMENTAL NATURE CENTER
@environmentalnaturecenter. | Founded in 1972, the Environmental Nature Center celebrates a fascinating combination of native plant communities and wildlife habitats. The local authority on ecological responsibility, sustainable practices, and environmental education, The ENC offers extensive science and social science education. The ENC also provides equitable access to transformative experiences through connection with nature.
Whether you’re looking for hands-on experience or a yearly membership there are a wealth of ways to support the Environmental Nature Center. Learn more…
NEWPORT BEACH ANIMAL SHELTER
@newportbeachanimalshelter | 20282 Riverside Dr. | The Newport Beach Animal Shelter safeguards animals throughout Newport Beach, providing services like shelter, medical care, and adoption.
The Shelter is supported by Friends of Newport Beach Animal Shelter (FONBAS), which helped establish their newly completed state-of-the-art facility. Today, FONBAS provides funds for medical, dental, grooming, and socialization so every pet can put its ‘best paw forward.” You can support their efforts through donating, volunteering at Newport Beach Animal Shelter, or adopting. Learn more…
PACIFIC MARINE MAMMAL CENTER
@pacificmmc. | Pacific Marine Mammal Center inspires ocean stewardship through animal rescue and rehabilitation, marine mammal research, STEM programs, and advocacy. In short, PMMC has an enormous impact on our community and the ocean it holds dear.
Currently, Pacific Marine Mammal Center is raising funds for The Next Wave Campaign, an initiative designed to increase PMMC’s standard of animal care, improve research capacity, broaden access to educational programming, and lay the groundwork for powerful advocacy. The campaign’s centerpiece is a next-generation water reclamation system that will save the community 15,000 gallons of water daily. Support Pacific Marine Mammal Center by volunteering, donating, participating in beach clean-ups, purchasing Release Passes (gift idea, anyone?), becoming a member, joining the Ocean Club, and more. Learn more…
SURFRIDER FOUNDATION
@surfridernorthoc | The Surfrider Foundation is a powerful activist network dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s ocean, waves and beaches – for all people. Locally, Surfrider Foundation’s chapter focuses on protecting the ecosystem, enjoyment, and sustainability of Orange County’s beloved beaches. You can find local members leading beach clean-ups, working with municipalities, and hosting events to raise awareness.
Donations to Surfrider Foundation help the grassroots organization amplify educational efforts and advocate for the protection of our coast. Surfrider Foundation North OC also welcomes new members throughout the year. Learn more…
CHILDREN & FAMILIES
ORANGEWOOD FOUNDATION
Scouted | @orangewoodfoundation | Named the 2023 California Nonprofit of the Year, Orangewood Foundation strives for equity for youth by valuing and supporting the life they envision. A dynamic organization constantly evolving to meet the needs of today’s youth in our community, Orangewood Foundation provides dozens of programs and resources to prepare foster and community youth to reach their greatest potential.
After chatting with Chief Development Officer Kendra Puryear, we learned that one of the best ways to get involved with Orangewood is by volunteering at the Orangewood Resource Center Kitchen (no culinary ability required!). However, this season Orangewood Foundation also invites you to support their Annual Holiday Drive, an Amazon list featuring items selected by the youth they serve. Learn more…
CASA TERESA
@casateresaoc | Founded in 1976, Casa Teresa was one of the first nonprofits established for pregnant women in crisis. Nearly four decades later, Casa Teresa continues to provide pregnant women in crisis a loving home to begin their healing journey. In addition to compassion and empowerment, the residential program has developed a litany of programs and services to break cycles and offer hope.
There are many ways to support Casa Teresa and, by extension, the women in their program. In addition to financial contributions, Casa Teresa welcomes event sponsorships and volunteers. Learn more…
OLIVE CREST
@olivecrest_oc | Olive Crest is dedicated to preventing child abuse by strengthening, equipping, and restoring children and families in crisis. A faith centered organization, Olive Crest focuses their efforts One Life at a Time®, addressing each individuals’ unique needs with care and compassion through counseling, education, community, life skills, and more.
Olive Crest is able to continue its important work through the generosity of our community. Learn more…
THE TEEN PROJECT
@theteenproject | Helmed by Lauri Burns, The Teen Project supports survivors of human trafficking and homelessness. By providing drug treatment, psychotherapy, housing, and life-sustaining higher education, The Teen Project offers at-risk young women the resources they never received for a better future. In addition to free drug-treatment (cheekily coined “Freehab”), The Teen Project has developed numerous programs, including outpatient treatment, transitional housing, and crisis residential programs.
The Teen Project welcomes community support of their mission through volunteer work and donations. Learn more…
FOR EDUCATION
BEN CARLSON MEMORIAL & SCHOLARSHIP FOUNDATION
@bencarlson_foundation | Founded in honor of a beloved local lifeguard that died in the line of duty, the Ben Carlson Foundation operates a scholarship program for under-resourced children. Alongside this annual scholarship, the foundation helps develop and improve systems that protect lifeguards and the public from the wonderful, unforgiving ocean Ben loved dearly.
This fall, TSG Newport Beach was honored to partner with Volume 1 Members Juxtaposition and Slightly Choppy to host a pop-up benefitting Ben Carlson Foundation. In addition to local events benefitting the foundation, locals can support Ben Carlson Foundation by participating in the Ben Did Go in 2024 and making monetary donations (100% of which are used on the foundation’s missions). Learn more…
THE GRAY ACADEMY
@thegrayacademyoc | Opened in September 2023 by Dana Tompkins, The Gray Academy Orange County is a non-profit TK-8 school structured to meet the complex needs of children with moderate to severe disabilities. Modeled after The Gray Academy in Santa Monica, The Gray Academy OC opened its doors in September 2023, just nine months after Tompkins kickstarted the project. Read our Chat with the Gray Academy OC’s Dana Tompkins…
Follow along with The Gray Academy OC on Instagram for the latest updates and information on fundraising. Donate…
HEALTH & WELLNESS
JOHN WAYNE CANCER FOUNDATION
@joinjohnwayne | The John Wayne Cancer Foundation was established by its namesake’s family to bring courage, strength, and grit to the fight against cancer. JWCF funds novel and innovative programs that improve cancer patients’ outcomes, saving lives through research, education, awareness, and support. To date, over 160 doctors have graduated from the John Wayne Cancer Foundation Surgical Oncology Fellowship Program, which is revolutionizing cancer treatment worldwide. Alongside these medical efforts, the John Wayne Cancer Foundation has reached over half a million young people across the nation, educating them about the importance of skin cancer prevention and early detection.
This Giving Tuesday, JWCF invites you to Take Aim at Cancer. Monetary donations will support both the foundation’s innovative cancer research and awareness campaigns. Locals can also donate to the foundation year-round or shop for a cause. Learn more…
HOAG HOSPITAL FOUNDATION
@hoaghospitalfoundation | Hoag Hospital Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Hoag and integral partner in Hoag’s mission to become a trusted, nationally recognized health care leader. Under the direction of a volunteer Board of Directors, the Foundation raises over $100M each year.
This year, Hoag Hospital Foundation announced its Boldly Hoag capital campaign to expand Hoag’s Irvine campus, a place where advanced treatment options, cutting-edge translational research and top-tier technology will meet holistic wellness offerings. Donations to Hoag can be earmarked for a specific program or initiative to maximize your impact on a personal cause. Learn more…
FOOD & HOUSING
FURNISHING HOPE
@furnishinghope | Founded by Orange County designer Beth Philips, Furnishing Hope exists to create a much needed nurturing environment for families to recover from loss, adjust to disabilities, and build a future. By transforming empty spaces into peaceful, comfortable houses complete with furniture, new mattresses, and the trimmings of a hopeful home, Furnishing Hope facilitates healing, reduces stress, and encourages overall feeling of security.
In addition to donating new furniture, bedding, home decor and kitchen supplies, you can support Furnishing Hope – and, by extension, the families it helps – through monetary donations, volunteering, and adopting a family. Learn more…
MAGICAL BUILDERS
@magicalbuilders | Magical Builders is a nonprofit organization that partners with compassionate organizations and individuals to manage construction, renovation, and improvement of charitable facilities. Their work is essential to empowering fellow nonprofits to continue to serve their community. Most recently, Magical Builders renovated and restored Casa Teresa, facilitating all aspects of the project, including identifying contractors and vendors, soliciting donated or discounted labor and supplies, community relations, coordinating volunteer days, and event planning.
This Giving Tuesday, Magical Builders and Volume 1 Member Blue Atlas Marketplace invite to a Holiday Ship & Shop. Proceeds will help Magical Builders share a magical Christmas with the mothers and babies at Casa Teresa. In addition to seasonal giving, locals can support Magical Builders and their mission through tax-deductible monetary donations. Learn more…
SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK
@shfboc | Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County envisions an Orange County with food and nutritional security for all. In collaboration with their partners, Second Harvest provides dignified, equitable, and consistent access to nutritious food. Primarily, Second Harvest serves children, seniors, and working families. Their efforts are essential to creating a foundation for community health. This year alone, Second Harvest has distributed over 36,285,023 pounds of food to over 392,666 people monthly. To aid Second Harvest in its mission, Harvesters OC have donated over $16.1 million since 1992. The community-led support organization continues its support of Second Harvest, spearheading fundraising in Orange County. Learn more…
VETERANS
@warheroesonwater | The War Heroes on Water was established in 2018 by sportfisherman Anthony Hsieh to honor and help initiate emotional and physical healing for our Veteran heroes upon their return home from service. To date, War Heroes on Water has raised over $5 million for over 300 Veterans to receive year-round therapeutic services. Perhaps more important than raising awareness and building robust fundraising channels, War Heroes on Water fosters the kind of meaningful human connections that save lives.
War Heroes on Water always welcomes fellow sportfishing experts and crew members to facilitate the tournament. Locals can also explore donating their yachts for tournament use, sponsorship, and monetary donations. Learn more…
Support for these Newport Beach nonprofits comes in many forms. We encourage you to reach out directly to these organizations to learn about volunteering, donate, and amplifying their impact. Thank you for joining us in supporting our community.
