Giving feels good when patrons support worthy causes, and the ways to help are many.
We initiated the annual Guide to Charitable Giving in December 2017, so this is the third annual installation. It’s an in-depth alphabetical list of numerous Bay Area nonprofit organizations, many of which schedule major galas and annual fundraisers. We list the date of the most recent gala or the date set for 2020 when available. Our goal is to list as many of these organizations and special dates as possible. If we missed your event, email the editor: [email protected].
100 Black Men of the Bay Area
The Bay Area chapter of the 100 Black Men of America Inc. helps African-American youth by providing scholarships and mentoring while promoting health and wellness, entrepreneurship, networking, and economic development. 31st Annual Scholarship Benefit and Awards Gala: Dec. 14, 2019, Hyatt Regency San Francisco, 5 Embarcadero Center, San Francisco, 100Blackmenba.org.
A Better Way
A Better Way hosts social events to raise awareness and funding for the organization, which provides no-cost, high-quality programs and services to more than 1,250 children and families. Help plan the annual gala (no 2020 date yet), volunteer for an event, host a toy drive — involvement opportunities abound. ABetterWayInc.net.
Akondai Foundation
Akonadi Foundation’s mission is to support the development of powerful social change movements to eliminate structural racism and create a racially just society. It seeks to transform the climate in Oakland to one of compassion, respect, and dignity for youth and young people of color. Akonadi.org.
Aircraft Carrier Hornet Foundation
The foundation preserves the legacy of the USS Hornet and its role in naval aviation, U.S. military defense, the Apollo program, and space exploration. It supports the USS Hornet Sea, Air & Space Museum and its efforts and schedules many events, including a big New Year’s Eve extravaganza that raises funds for education. Dec. 31, 2019, 7:30 p.m.-1 a.m., $65-$99, USS Hornet Museum, 707 West Hornet Ave., Alameda, USS-Hornet.org.
Alameda Architectural Preservation Society
AAPS increases public awareness and appreciation of historic architecture in Alameda, and its primary fundraiser is the Alameda’s Annual Legacy Home Tour of historic homes in the fall. Alameda-Preservation.org, Alameda-Legacy-Home-Tour.org.
Alameda Boys & Girls Club
Alameda Boys & Girls Club inspires youth, especially the underserved population, to realize their full potential through education and career development to recreational opportunities. Events include Kids Nite Out, a golf tournament, and the inaugural Corks, Forks, Rhythm & Brews fundraiser held on Oct. 5, 2019 (no 2020 date yet). AlamedaBGC.org.
Alameda Business Network
Alameda Business Network hosts Arms Around Alameda, a benefit for the Alameda Welfare Council and its supported charities and organizations. This year’s benefit was on Nov. 22 (no 2020 date yet). AlamedaBizNet.com.
Alameda Community Fund
The Alameda Community Fund grows its endowment through fundraisers, bequests, donations, and investment returns and schedules an annual fundraising dinner each fall. AlamedaCommunityFund.org.
Alameda County Community Food Bank
The ACCFB provides food for the hungry in Alameda County. Its annual Empty Bowls evening invites guests to eat a supper of bread and soup in keepsake bowls painted by school children and food bank supporters. This year’s event was on May 16, 2019, (no 2020 date yet) and sold out. ACCFB.org.
Alameda County Family Justice Center
ACFJC’s One Gala is an annual event, Feb. 2, 2019, (no 2020 date yet) benefitting the organization in its efforts to serve individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault and exploitation, child abuse, child abduction, elder and dependent adult abuse, and human trafficking. ACFJC.org.
Alameda Education Foundation
AEF provides education support to Alameda public schools. It celebrates innovative educational programs in the schools with music, food, and friends at the Alameda Education Foundation gala, the AEF Salute to Education, which was held April 12, 2019, (no 2020 date yet). It was also a beneficiary of the Sept. 15, 2019, Alameda Running Festival (Sept. 13, 2020). AlamedaEducationFoundation.org.
Alameda Family Services League
This organization is the presenter and beneficiary of the Alameda Holiday Home Tour. See Victorians, craftsman homes, and other manses decked out with holiday finery at the 49th annual tour, which also includes a gift boutique, gourmet shop, and holiday dessert tea. Tour: Dec. 14, 2019, 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m., Alameda, AlamedaHolidayHomeTour.com.
Alameda Health System Foundation
The foundation supports the system hospital and its programs. The annual gala is an opportunity to support Alameda Health System’s mission. The May 4, 2019, event highlighted a department within the health system and recognized key clinicians for their work in creating a healthy East Bay community. No date for 2020 yet. FoundationAHS.org.
Alameda Kiwanis Club
A longtime Island service club, this Kiwanis chapter goes cowboy once a year by hosting the annual Chili Cook-off and Barbecue Dinner. This year’s event features chili tasting, dinner, a raffle and auction, and dancing. Jan. 25, 2020, 5:30-10 p.m., $75, Al DeWitt Officers’ Club, 641 W. Redline Ave., Alameda, AlamedaKiwanis.org.
Alameda Meals on Wheels
Promoting independence for all with hot meals and wellness checks, Alameda Meals on Wheels presents an annual Community Faire & Wine Tasting with hors d’oeuvres from local restaurants and wines from California wineries plus live music and more. The event was July 14, 2019; no 2020 date yet. AlamedaMealsOnWheels.org
Alameda Point Collaborative
APC serves residents living within its supportive housing community and fights homelessness and poverty. Its annual fundraiser (May 18, 2019, no 2020 date yet) is The Urban Farm to Table Luncheon, a farm-to-table experience in the collaborative’s 2-acre urban working farm that features an organic and sustainable meal prepared with produce from the farm. APCollaborative.org
American India Foundation
An agent for social and economic change in India, AIF hosts the annual AIF Bay Area Gala on March 28, 2020, Hilton Union Square, 33 O’Farrell, St., San Francisco. AIF.org.
American Cancer Society East Bay
The American Cancer Society East Bay holds the annual Jewel Ball to raise funds for cancer research through an evening of classic cars, gourmet food, dancing, an auction, and more. The Sept. 7, 2019, ball was at Blackhawk Museum, but no 2020 date yet. ACSgbrer.ejoinme.org.
Art Deco Society of California
Celebrating the 1920s and 1930s and all things Art Deco is the mission of this organization. It goes all out at the Dunsmuir Hellman Historic Estate where period-attired purists revive an elegant epoch at the Gatsby Summer Afternoon. It’s a high-society picnic with Champagne, dancing, vintage cars, cocktails, and fashion parades. Sept. 13, 2020. GatsbySummerAfternoon.com.
Arts for Oakland Kids
Formerly the Oakland Fund for the Arts, AOK enhances the lives of Oakland students by funding arts education in the city’s most underserved public schools. AOK does community outreach programs all year. ArtsForOaklandKids.org.
Asian Health Services
A health center program, this nonprofit serves and advocates for the medically underserved, including the immigrant and refugee Asian community, to ensure equal access to health care services and holds fundraising events through the year, such as a charity golf tournament and annual gala. It celebrated with a 45th annual gala on Sept. 2, 2019; no 2020 date yet. AsianHealthServices.org.
Aurora Theatre Company
This professional theater company in Berkeley experiences a big night with its annual gala, Supernova. Supernova 2019 was on June 10 and celebrated Tom Ross’ legacy as Aurora’s artistic director. No 2020 date yet. AuroraTheatre.org.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Oakland
BGCO offers positive experiences for Oakland youth. Its 30th annual Salute to Youth, A Benefit Gala, was May 23, 2019; no 2020 date yet. The club also gets a big boost from the Oakland Town Ball, with the fifth annual event, an elegant setting for drinks, dinner, auctions, music, and dancing Dec. 6, 6-11 p.m., $275-$10,000, The Rotunda Building, 300 Frank H. Ogawa Plaza, Oakland. BGCOakland.org.
Bay Nature Institute
Dedicated to inspiring people through media and personal experience to explore and protect the natural world of the San Francisco Bay Area, Bay Nature honors conservationists at the annual Local Hero Awards Dinner. March 22, 2020, 5-8 p.m., Berkeley City Club, 2315 Durant Ave., Berkeley, $195-$245, BayNature.org.
Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association
For nearly 50 years, BAHA has been promoting architectural preservation and appreciation for Berkeley’s history and its historic buildings and honoring preservation champions. BerkeleyHeritage.com.
Berkeley Chamber of Commerce
Created in 2014 by the Berkeley Chamber of Commerce, the Visionary Awards celebrate people with the imagination and persistence to innovate in Berkeley, a leading city in public policy and social activism. The seventh annual awards program was Sept. 16, 2019; no 2020 date yet. BerkeleyChamber.com
Berkeley Humane
Berkeley Humane serves the people and animals of Berkeley by providing life-saving programs for cats and dogs, cultivating compassion, and strengthening the human-animal bond. It hosts Pints for Paws, a summer beer-and-pet fest, and Bark (and Meow) Around the Block, a fall pet adoption fair. Pints for Paws is June 6, 2020; find more information at BerkeleyHumane.org/PintsForPaws. Berkeley Humane introduced another fundraiser, Best in Show, which celebrated a third annual event date on Oct. 18, 2019. No other 2020 dates yet. BerkeleyHumane.org.
Berkeley-Oakland YWCA
The YWCA Berkeley/Oakland is dedicated to eliminating racism, empowering women, developing leaders, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all and offers programs, classes, and resources for the Berkeley and Oakland communities and University of California at Berkeley students. It is sponsoring the Festival of Women’s Authors on Feb. 1, 2020, at the DoubleTree by Hilton 200 Marina Blvd., Berkeley. YWCA-berkeley.org.
Berkeley Repertory Theatre
On June 7, 2019, the award-winning Berkeley Rep honored the departing artistic director Tony Taccone at its annual gala, Ovation, raising more than $1 million. The gala is generally scheduled for June in San Francisco but no 2020 date yet. BerkeleyRep.org.
Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area
This organization mentors kids to realize their full potential. The annual gala is a highlight of the year, gathering philanthropists and business leaders for an evening to benefit disadvantaged Bay Area children. The 2019 gala, Igniting Potential, was April 26; no 2020 date yet. BBBSBA.org.
Biletnikoff Foundation
The Biletnikoff Foundation commemorates Tracey Biletnikoff’s life and death by enabling young people to reach their full potential through community support and education programs that address problems related to substance abuse and domestic violence. The most recent Biletnikoff Foundation annual Crab Fest was Nov. 1, 2019 (no date for 2020 yet). It is the primary fundraiser with football Hall of Famers, Oakland Raiders, and other celebrities lending support for the cause. Biletnikoff.org
Bishop O’Dowd High School
This Catholic, co-ed, college prep school holds a signature fundraising event of the year, the Transforming Lives Dinner, in the fall. The most recent date was Nov. 7, 2019 (no date for 2020 yet). Funds provide scholarships for students who would not otherwise be able to attend O’Dowd. BishopODowd.org.
BRIDGEGOOD
This organization prepares predominantly women of color in the digital design field by inspiring first-generation college students ages 18 to 34 to become creators in user experience, user interface, and visual design as well as leaders in their communities, and designers of social good through exposure to STEAM. The 10th annual Inspiration Awards were Nov. 12, 2019; no date for 2020 yet. OaklandDigital.org.
Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency
BOSS — for Building Opportunities for Self-Sufficiency — fights poverty, homelessness, and injustice by bringing love, hope, and support to families and individuals in need. BOSS honors local youth overcoming hardships for brighter futures at the Rising Stars Youth Leadership Gala, which occurred June 10, 2019; no date for 2020 yet. Self-Sufficiency.org.
California Shakespeare Theater
Redefining classical theater for the 21st century with works of artistry that engage with the contemporary moment to reveal personal insights and make theater accessible to all, Cal Shakes fulfills its mission with outdoor theater in Orinda. Show your love for the Bard at the Cal Shakes Guiding Stars Gala. This year’s gala was March 9, 2019; no 2020 date yet. CalShakes.org.
Cat Town Oakland
Cat Town is a nonprofit, cage-free, cat rescue, and cat placement program with an adjoining cafe in Oakland that seeks to place vulnerable cats in forever homes by working with foster families and animal welfare agencies and advocates. CatTownOakland.org.
Center for Asian American Media
CAAM presents media stories that convey the richness and diversity of Asian-American experiences to the broadest audience possible by funding, producing, distributing, and exhibiting works in film, television, and digital media. The work comes together at CAAM Fest where an opening gala heralds the multicity, multi-venue film fest. May 14-24, 2020. CAAMedia.org.
The Center for Elders’ Independence
The Center for Elders’ Independence offers at-home care and services for seniors. CEI celebrates the year with its annual PACE Party, which was May 2, 2019; no 2020 date yet. CEI.elders.org.
Chabot Space & Science Center
Oakland’s only observatory, Chabot Space & Science Center is to be a place for students of all ages to learn and be inspired about the universe and Earth. The annual Starlight Gala (Oct. 26, 2019; no 2020 date yet) turns the place into a party venue for feasting, dancing, and fun while raising funds for Chabot’s hands-on programs for children and to inspire lifelong science learning. The gala also recognizes Champions of Science. ChabotSpace.org.
Children’s Fairyland
A special outdoor children’s theme park that inspires creativity daily with performances and attractions for youngsters, Children’s Fairyland opens up late for the annual adults-only gala and fundraiser, one of the best parties with a purpose of the year — and always with a fun theme. May 27, 2020, Children’s Fairyland, 699 Bellevue Ave., Oakland, Fairyland.org.
Children’s Health Guild
The Children’s Health Guild hosts two signature events to raise funds for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland and George Mark Children’s House: the annual Holiday Boutique & Luncheon, Believe, Dec. 12, 2019, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, and the annual Spring Gala & Auction (May 11, 2019, Alamo). No 2020 dates yet. ChildrensHealthGuild.org.
Children’s Support League of the East Bay
Established in 1986, the CSL is a volunteer organization committed to improving the lives of disadvantaged children in Alameda and Contra Costa counties and raises funds primarily through its annual Heart of the Home Tour, Boutique, and Raffle in Piedmont and Oakland in April. WeHelpKids.org.
The CIL
The Center for Independent Living provides advocacy and services that increase awareness, collaboration, and opportunity among people with disabilities and the community at large. Honor the contributions of disability rights activists and the independent living movement at the annual Ed Roberts Day Award Reception. The fourth annual event is set for Jan. 23, 2020, $200-$225, at UC Theatre, 2036 University Ave., Berkeley. TheCIL.org.
Clausen House
A five-plus decade history is a long time to support adults with developmental and intellectual challenges and disabilities and their families, but that’s what Clausen House does. It celebrates with public and private events but no dates for 2020 yet. ClausenHouse.org
Commonwealth Club of California
The nation’s oldest and largest public affairs forum, the Commonwealth Club, schedules more than 400 events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society, and the economy. It also features annual special events such as the California Book Awards, June 8, 2020, and the Distinguished Citizen Gala, (no 2020 date yet). CommonwealthClub.org.
Contra Costa Humane Society
CCHS serves Contra Costa County animals and the people who love them with funding generated from private and corporate donations as well as grants. There are many donation opportunities. Coming to the Rescue is the Humane Society’s annual dinner and auction, complete with a buffet dinner and live entertainment. In 2019, it was on Aug. 22; no date yet for 2020. CCHumane.org.
Creative Growth Art Center
This Oakland nonprofit gives artists with developmental, mental, and physical disabilities a professional studio environment for artistic development, gallery exhibition, and representation. There are many exhibitions and opportunities for support throughout the year. CreativeGrowth.org.
The Crucible
An industrial fire-arts nonprofit in West Oakland, The Crucible offers classes and programs throughout the year for youth and adults to learn industrial arts skills like blacksmithing and glass blowing. The Fire & Light Soiree and Art Auction, typically in April, raises funds for education programs. TheCrucible.org.
East Bay Agency for Children’s Auxiliary
The East Bay Agency for Children’s Auxiliary serves local children impacted by trauma and social inequities and raises funds with an annual thematic gala. EABC just held its 20th gala, Metamorphosis, on Nov. 2, 2019, Atop the Landing Pad at the Oakland Zoo. No 2020 date yet. EBAC.org.
East Bay Children’s Law Offices
This organization, founded in 2009, represents Alameda County foster youth in juvenile court and related proceedings, speaking up for abused and neglected children. Its 10th anniversary gala was Sept. 19, 2019, at the Salesforce Tower. No 2020 date yet. EBCLO.org.
The East Oakland Collective
A self-described membership cohort of millennials-plus invested in making impact in Deep East Oakland, this organization works in civic engagement and leadership, economic empowerment, and homeless services and solutions in Deep East Oakland with regular Feed the Hood events. EastOaklandCollective.com.
East Oakland Youth Development Center
Dedicated to developing the social and leadership capacities of youth and young adults so that they are prepared for employment, higher education, and leadership opportunities, EOYDC celebrates the youth it serves with the annual Something for Everyone Fundraiser. The latest one was July 29, 2019; no 2020 date yet. EOYDC.org/somethingforeveryone, EOYDC.org.
East Bay SPCA
Committed to the welfare of cats and dogs in the East Bay through programs and education geared toward eliminating animal cruelty, neglect, and overpopulation, the East Bay SPCA’s annual fundraiser is Growl, Meow & Wine (May 5, 2019, no 2020 date yet). It also hosts a major adopt-a-thon event at Jack London Square (July 28, 2019, no 2020 date yet). EastBaySPCA.org.
Ella Baker Center for Human Rights
This local nonprofit organizes with Black, Brown, and low-income people to shift resources away from prisons and punishment toward opportunities that make communities safe, healthy, and strong. EllaBakerCenter.org.
Family Violence Law Center
The Family Violence Law Center helps diverse communities in Alameda County heal from domestic violence and sexual assault. The nonprofit advocates for justice and healthy relationships by providing survivor-centered legal and crisis intervention services, offering prevention education for youth and other community members, and engaging in policy work to create systemic change. FVLC.org.
Friends of the Alameda Animal Shelter
FAAS takes care of the residents at the Alameda Animal Shelter and asks supporters to lend special support by attending the annual gala, After the Ball, which was Oct. 10, 2019; no 2020 date yet. Alameda, AfterTheBall.org, AlamedaAnimalShelter.org.
Friends of the Parks Foundation
Alameda’s Friends of the Parks Foundation promotes, protects, and supports recreation and park activities and community wellness in Alameda and sponsors many community programs and projects in cooperation with the Alameda community and the Department of Recreation and Parks that involve members, volunteers, and individual and business donors. Its big annual events are a golf tournament and dinner, May 29, 2020, and an annual family bike ride (no 2020 date yet). AlamedaParks.org.
Friends of Oakland Animal Services
Dedicated to improving the quality of life for shelter animals, FOAS was founded by Oakland Animal Services volunteers in December 2005 and supports the municipal shelter’s efforts to care for its animals and can always use support. The annual fundraising event is Raise the Woof, which was Oct. 17, 2019; no 2020 date yet. OaklandAnimalServices.org.
Girls Inc. of Alameda County
Girls Inc. of Alameda County empowers Alameda County teens and young women to gain development success by being smart, strong, and bold. The Girls Rise Evening Gala was Oct. 19, 2019; no 2020 date yet. GirlsInc-Alameda.org.
Girls Inc of the Island City
Since its 1964 founding, Girls Incorporated of the Island City has provided youth development services geared specifically for girls in Alameda. This year, it celebrates its 21st anniversary of the Women Who Dare Gala, Feb. 29, 2020, 5:30-10 p.m. Oakland Scottish Rite Center, 1547 Lakeside Drive, Oakland, GirlsIncIslandCity.org.
Greater Bay Area Chapter of JDRF
The hub of Bay Area Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation activities, the Greater Bay Area Chapter keeps tabs on many fundraising activities through the year, from bike rides and walks to golf tournaments and the annual Hope Gala, May 16, 5:30 p.m., $1,000, The Ritz-Carlton, San Francisco, 600 Stockton St. JDRF.org/bayarea.
Harbor House Ministries
Harbor House serves under-resourced Oakland children and families through programs that inspire them to build healthy relationships with God and community. HHMinistries.org.
Hopalong Animal & Second Chance Animal Rescue
This animal welfare organization specializes in second chances for rescued animals and accepts donations throughout the year and plans frequent small fundraisers. HopAlong.org.
Island Cat Resources and Adoption
ICRA is a volunteer-run group that finds homes and provides supports for feral cats, mainly in Alameda and Oakland. Fundraising events include an annual silent auction (in May or June), a jewelry sale (August), and a holiday boutique (December). ICRAEastBay.org.
Junior Achievement
JA seeks to inspire and prepare young people to succeed in a global economy. It holds several fundraising events each year, including a road race and bowling, bocce, and golf tournaments. The signature event is the JA Northern California Business Hall of Fame Gala, last held April 4, 2019; no 2020 date yet. JuniorAchievement.org.
The Jazz & Democracy Project
Founder Wesley J. Watkins uses jazz as a metaphor to teach American democratic ideals in this Oakland youth program that links the arts and humanities to foster creative thought and civic engagement. JazzAndDemocracy.com.
La Clínica
La Clínica provides primary health care and other services across Alameda, Contra Costa, and Solano counties in 40 locations, delivers health care services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner for the diverse populations it serves. LaClinica.org.
The Lawrence Hall of Science
Lawrence views its mission as inspiring and fostering science learning — especially for those with limited access to science. LawrenceHallofScience.org.
The League of Women Voters of Oakland
The league promotes women and the democratic process, and the annual All-City Luncheon is its primary fundraiser. My.LVW.org/california/oakland
Life Goes On Foundation
LGO teaches wellness and recovery for those with spinal-cord injuries who may face hardships and challenges by stressing positivity, knowledge, and athleticism. The LGO Winter Gala is set for Dec. 21, 2019, 6-10 p.m., Mission Paradise Banquet Hall, 31115 Mission Blvd., Hayward, $100-$150. LGOF.org.
Lincoln
Originally the first racially integrated orphanage in Northern California, Lincoln today provides preventative, individualized, and comprehensive support services through education, family, and well-being programming. The annual gala, ROOT (May 17, 2019; no 2020 date yet), emphasizes its community roots. LincolnFamilies.org.
Living Jazz
This nonprofit empowers children and adults, inspires creative growth, and unites communities through jazz. It honors Martin Luther King Jr. at In the Name of Love, an annual nondenominational tribute, coming up Jan. 19, 2020; showcases performing artists and public elementary school children; presents the Oakland Citizen Humanitarian Award and raises funds for the Living Jazz Children’s Project. LivingJazz.org.
Meals on Wheels of Alameda County
In an effort to end senior hunger, MOW assists frail, homebound seniors in maintaining their independence by fundraising and providing financial support, community outreach, and strategic assistance by delivering nutritious meals and performing wellness checks. It sponsors an annual supported bike ride of varying distances in the fall (Oct. 26, 2019). Its annual gala, Taste (June 6, 2019), features food from top Bay Area restaurants plus wine, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment. No 2020 dates yet. FeedingSeniors.org.
Midway Shelter
The Alameda Homeless Network, a nonprofit advocate for homeless women and their children that protects their right to a domestic-violence free life, operates the Midway Shelter of Alameda in partnership with Building Futures with Women and Children. The annual Have a Heart Gala (Sept. 28, 2019, no 2020 date yet) benefits the Midway Shelter. MidwayShelter.org, BFWC.org.
MISSSEY
Motivating, Inspiring, Supporting & Serving Sexually Exploited Youth is what MISSSEY stands for. This organization provides services to commercially sexually exploited youth and works for systemic change with those youth it assists. MISSSEY has fundraising events throughout the year and welcomes community support. MISSSEY.org.
National Coalition of 100 Black Women
The Oakland/Bay Area Chapter of the NCBW Inc. supports progressive women of African descent with a commitment to drive meaningful change that benefit women of color. The 21st Annual Madam C.J. Walker Recognition & Empowerment Forum was April 19, 2019; no 2020 date yet. OneHundredBlackWomen.com.
Oakland Art Murmur
OAM promotes the awareness, visibility, understanding, and vibrancy of visual art in Oakland. OaklandArtMurmur.org.
Oakland Ballet Company
Living up to its mission to provide accessible, relevant, and exciting dance for a diverse community, Oakland Ballet brings live performance previews from the spring repertory season to the annual Spring Gala (April 13, 2019) that also boasts live music, a silent auction, and three-course meal (no 2020 date yet). Funds support the Discover Dance educational program, which provides arts education for more than 15,000 East Bay students each year. OaklandBallet.org.
Oakland Heritage Alliance
OHA advocates the protection, preservation, and revitalization of Oakland’s architectural, historic, cultural, and natural resources through publications, education, and direct action. OHA honors the best recent projects, people, and efforts in Oakland preservation at the annual OHA Partners in Preservation Awards (no 2020 date yet). OaklandHeritage.org
Oakland Leaf
The organization empowers youth to think creatively and critically, make healthy decisions for themselves and their community, and approach life with curiosity and the desire to learn. It’s a year-round program with creative approaches to education and empower youth with resiliency and confidence. OaklandLeaf.org.
Oakland LGBTQ Community Center
The city’s first all-inclusive LGBTQ center is dedicated to enhancing and sustaining the well-being of Oakland’s LGBTQ individuals, families, and allies. It prioritizes wellness while providing social, educational, and holistic health-related programs, services and activities. OaklandLGBTQCenter.org.
Oakland Parks and Recreation Foundation
Formed to garner additional financial support and volunteer resources for parks and recreation programs in Oakland, the foundation holds an annual fundraising gala, Spring for Parks!, an evening of food, wine, and live and silent auction (April 25, 2019; no 2020 date yet). OaklandParks.org.
Oakland Museum of California
The OMCA is a Bay Area museum that explores California art, history, and natural sciences with exhibitions designed to appeal to all. The Oakland Museum Women’s Board pulls off a huge public rummage sale, the annual White Elephant Sale, to benefit the museum. Preview sale: Jan. 26, 2020; White Elephant Sale: March 7-8, 2020, White Elephant Sale Warehouse, 333 Lancaster St., Oakland. WhiteElephantSale.org.
Oakland Public Education Fund
The Ed Fund raises money for all Oakland public schools — district-run and charter — to help students thrive by putting the right tools in students’ hands so they receive better education. There are many giving opportunities, but a special push occurs at an annual gala (Oct. 5, 2019, no 2020 date yet) to increase the A to Z Fund. OaklandEdFund.org.
Oakland Symphony
Striving to make classical music accessible, particularly to those who might otherwise never hear live symphonic music, the Oakland Symphony schedules major events throughout the year to benefit the symphony and Youth Orchestra and Chorus. Performances round out the offerings. OaklandSymphony.org.
Oakland Zoo
The Oakland Zoo’s primary annual event is Walk in the Wild, a 21-and-over event that lets visitors stroll the zoo at dusk with wine, brews, and refreshments from 100-plus caterers, restaurants, breweries, and wineries and ends with dessert and dancing under the stars. The big night is June 27, 2020. OaklandZoo.com.
Oral Lee Brown Foundation
The Oral Lee Brown Foundation’s mission is helping low-income kids get through college. There is an annual 5k Walk for Education (Oct. 5, 2019, no 2020 date yet). OralLeeBrownFoundation.org.
Piedmont East Bay Children’s Choir
This children’s choral group of international renown builds its reputation on performing new music, comprises 15 choirs, and stages The Golden Gate International Choral Festival. The choir’s board of directors hosts the annual Golden Gate Gala (Nov. 9, 2019, no 2020 date yet) to raise funds for the choir and scholarships for interested singers. PiedmontChoirs.org.
Project Open Hand
Headquartered in San Francisco but serving Oakland as well, this nonprofit offers medically tailored meals, groceries, and nutrition education to critically ill residents. OpenHand.org. Its 27th annual Hand to Hand Luncheon is Dec. 12, 2019, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., $250, Fairmont Hotel, 950 Mason St., San Francisco. (No 2020 date yet.) OpenHand.org.
Restore Hetch Hetchy
This nonprofit works to return Hetch Hetchy to its origins and holds an annual dinner to honor those whose work significantly contributes to that cause, called the Restore Hetch Hetchy Annual Dinner (April 13, 2019, no 2020 date yet). HetchHetchy.org.
Rhythmix Cultural Works
This Alameda community arts organization schedules live performances and devotes attention to cultivating artistic inclinations in youngsters. RCW hosts an annual arts festival called Pour Your HeART Out (Aug. 10, 2019, no 2020 date yet) honoring women’s contributions in winemaking, music, and the arts that continues and supports is cultural arts education programs. Rhythmix.org.
San Francisco Japantown Foundation
The San Francisco Japantown Foundation provides assistance to Japantown and Japanese-American related nonprofits. It starts the New Year the Japanese way with osechi ryori and the associated elaborate presentation of cuisine and dishes that ensue. Jan. 9, 6-9 p.m., Hotel Kabuki, 1625 Post St., San Francisco, JapantownFoundation.org.
SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle
SFBATCC is a nonprofit promoting theaters of all types and sizes by recognizing excellence and outstanding achievement from theater critics in all nine Bay Area counties. It hosts an annual awards ceremony each spring (March 25, 2019, for 2018; no 2020 date yet for 2019) to celebrate superior work from the previous year. SFBATCC.org.
Shotgun Players
This company of artists wants to create bold, relevant, affordable theater that inspires and challenges audiences and artists to re-examine their lives, community, and the world. Sassafras, the annual gala, includes cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, food, and more. Proceeds assist the Make A Difference Program, which benefits the next generation of theater artists and audiences. May 16, 2020; other details to be announced. Oakland. ShotgunPlayers.org.
St. Vincent’s Day Home
SVDH has been offering comprehensive early-learning programs to children and family services to low-income families for more than a century. SVDH hosts an annual Fore the Children golf tournament (May 20, 2019), Oakland Grown — Children’s Choice Awards reception and dinner (March 29, 2019), as well as an Adopt-a-Family program where you are matched with a family to buy holiday gifts for. No 2020 dates yet. SVDH.org.
Tandem, Partners in Early Learning
This early learning organization and kindergarten readiness advocate holds an annual fundraiser, Storybook Gala (March 7, 2019, no 2020 date yet), which features many children’s book authors and illustrators who come together to celebrate the power of children’s books. TandemBayArea.org.
Techbridge Girls
Techbridge Girls excites, educates, and equips girls from low-income communities by delivering high-quality STEM programming that empowers a girl to achieve economic mobility and better life chances. TechbridgeGirls.org.
UnCommon Law
UnCommon Law provides access to justice and healing for people impacted by incarceration by delivering trauma-informed, healing-centered mental health and legal counseling that provide a safe pathway home for people currently serving lengthy prison terms in California prisons. This year, the organization honored Taina Vargas-Edmond and David Cowan as UnCommon Law UnCommon Heroes at a reception on Nov. 13, 2019, at Impact Hub. UnCommonLaw.org.
Urban Releaf
This community-oriented nonprofit is dedicated to planting trees in the urban landscape of Oakland as well as providing job training and education for local youth. UrbanReleaf.org.
UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland
Writers and musicians join forces for the Notes & Words Benefit for UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland to perform spoken word and original music with big-name talent. It’s one of the hottest events of the year and usually sells out. NotesAndWords.org.
Women’s Cancer Resource Center
WCRC creates opportunities for women with cancer to improve their quality of life through education, supportive services, and practical assistance in a variety of ways, including an annual fundraiser (Oct. 19, 2019, no 2020 date yet). WCRC.org.
Women’s Hall of Fame
Outstanding women are recognized for their achievements and contributions to Alameda County and its residents at this organization’s annual luncheon and awards ceremony honoring women in 12 different categories. The event (no 2020 date yet) and other community activities generate funds for organizations that help women and families in Alameda County, including efforts to provide comprehensive breast cancer prevention, education, and treatment services. acgov.org/whof.
Youth ALIVE!
The mentors, youth leaders, counselors, case managers, intervention specialists, and violence interrupters at Youth ALIVE! Work to help violently wounded people heal themselves and their community with a mission to prevent violence and create young leaders. YouthAlive.org.
If your nonprofit or charitable organization was not included, email information to [email protected] for inclusion in next year’s guide with “Charitable Giving Guide 2020” in the subject line. Include information about your organization’s major annual fundraising event or gala.
