10 California Nonprofits You Can Support This 2025 Holiday Season

CALIFORNIA — The holiday season is upon us, and with it comes the season of giving.

California has an array of nonprofits that work year-round to better our communities, from helping former gang members to trying to rid the world's oceans of plastic.

Below is a list featuring 10 California nonprofits doing admirable work to make our state a better place.

1. American Red Cross

Red Cross volunteers and staff provide vital services, including supporting those in crisis and helping prepare for emergencies. The nonprofit offers everything from disaster relief to first-aid training.

2. California Animal Welfare Association (CalAnimals)

CalAnimals supports animal welfare and sheltering organizations by meeting the needs of those communities. They offer a variety of training programs, such as a law enforcement training program and a certified animal control officer program.

3. California Farmworker Foundation

The California Farmworker Foundation aims to build better futures for the farmworker community. The foundation offers programs based on the needs of the community, such as programs related to health and wellness, education and civil assistance.

4. California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation provides both emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters and the communities they protect. The nonprofit offers an array of survivor assistance projects and community initiatives, including sending emergency support to families of fallen firefighters.

5. California State Parks Foundation

The California State Parks Foundation aims to protect and preserve the California state park system for future generations. The foundation works to accomplish this through fundraising, partnerships and raising public awareness on issues such as climate change.

6. Feeding America

Feeding America provides food, financial support and resources to millions across the country experiencing hunger. The nonporift has a network of 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries.

7. Homeboy Industries

Created in 1988 as a way to help former gang members in East Los Angeles, Homeboy Industries now has the largest gang intervention, rehab and re-entry program in the world. The nonprofit welcomes thousands each year with a variety of services, including employment, tattoo removal and substance abuse resources.

8. PATH

For more than 40 years, PATH has provided services to help those experiencing homelessness. The nonprofit provides services, which include street outreach, interim housing, housing placement, employment assistance, mental health care and Veteran services, in over 150 cities across the state.

9. The Ocean Cleanup

The Ocean Cleanup is building and scaling technologies to help rid the ocean of plastic. "Our aim is to put ourselves out of business once the oceans are clean," the nonprofit says of its mission.

10. United Ways Of California

United Ways of California works to build an equitable state by helping low-income families with health, education and financial stability. The nonprofit provides this through advocacy and community impact programs.