Photo courtesy of ArtsLB
Downtown’s many nonprofit organizations, fueled in great measure by private donations, support a wide variety of causes. You’ll soon have a golden opportunity to contribute during Long Beach Gives, the annual citywide fundraising campaign that has raised over $10 million for Long Beach nonprofits in the past six years. It returns with a Sept. 11 launch party and culminates in a 24-hour giving day on Sept. 18.
As federal funding for nonprofits gets pulled back nationwide, these organizations need private contributions more than ever. By donating to Downtown nonprofits you can help preschoolers get their start, keep community gardens growing, give those less fortunate a hot meal and a place to belong, and enable musicians, journalists, broadcasters, and actors to tell their stories!
These are just a few of the many nonprofit missions being fulfilled with the help of private donations. Here’s a closer look at some of the dozens of Downtown nonprofits that will appreciate your contributions for the betterment of the Downtown community.
Photo courtesy of ArtsLB
The Arts Council for Long Beach (ArtsLB) makes creativity part of everyday life! ArtsLB funds local artists, uplifts cultural organizations, brings murals and performances into neighborhoods, and advocates for the arts at every level of government. “Our work transforms streets into galleries, classrooms into studios, and neighborhoods into vibrant cultural hubs. We don’t just support the arts, we use the arts to strengthen community, spark dialogue, and build belonging across Long Beach,” said executive director Griselda Suarez.
Suarez invited potential donors to consider ArtsLB’s positive impact on Downtown and all of Long Beach. “Your gift to ArtsLB doesn’t just fund a program — it fuels a movement,” she said. “It puts brushes in the hands of local artists, creates safe spaces for youth, and transforms public places into sites of beauty and belonging. Long Beach is stronger when the arts thrive! With your support, we can ensure that creativity touches every corner of our city.”
Photo courtesy of Long Beach Gray Panthers
“The Long Beach Gray Panthers is a nonprofit and part of a national organization,” said its president, Karen Reside. “Last year we celebrated our 50th anniversary of providing education and advocacy on older adult issues. We focus on housing, and the preservation of Social Security and Medicare. We partner with over 75 other nonprofits to advocate for legislation to preserve these programs. We want older adults to be able to obtain the support they need to live in their community of choice, to enjoy dignity, and to be included in civic engagement.
“We need to value our older adults,” Reside continued. “Too many struggle with food insecurity. We distribute grocery gift cards during the holidays so families can enjoy a meal and older adults feel like they can contribute to their families’ celebrations. We also provide an opportunity for older adults to feel seen and heard through forums, events, and surveys. Long Beach Gives is an easy way for you to give support. Open your pocket and share your resources with an older adult today!”
WILLMORE CITY COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION
Photo courtesy of The Willmore City Community Association
The Willmore City Community Association (WCCA) is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization dedicated to building community and improving quality of life in Long Beach’s first neighborhood. Through free, inclusive events, neighborhood clean-ups, educational programs, and advocacy, WCCA fosters connection among residents while addressing the needs of families, seniors, and youth in Willmore City.
“For WCCA, donations through Long Beach Gives directly support free community events, resource distribution, and emergency support like this summer’s Produce Program and our Back to School initiative,” said Jennifer Totah-Wolfe, WCCA board member and chairman of communication. “More broadly, Long Beach Gives strengthens the nonprofit ecosystem citywide, ensuring that organizations have the visibility and support to continue serving residents with compassion and creativity.”
Excitement is in the airwaves as Downtown’s radio station KLBP increases its reach and influence! “With the support of Long Beach Gives, we will be building a dedicated newsroom and broadcast studio to support local journalism and community storytelling,” said KLBP producer and board secretary Melanie Rae. “We have grown so much since our pre-Covid grand opening.”
Rae went on to point out that KLBP has “an expanded membership, a full broadcast schedule, six new staff members, and increased community involvement. Recently we began broadcasting live from remote locations. As part of our mission, KLBP continues to serve Long Beach and neighboring communities by providing a platform for homegrown and indie talent, local news, issues and stories.”
Hopefully this sampling of Downtown nonprofits will give you an idea of the passion and commitment that drives them. Click here to see many more nonprofits you can help during Long Beach Gives!