Where your support matters most: 2025 Santa Cruz County nonprofits to watch

For the fifth year in a row, we’re proud to shine a spotlight on a group of Santa Cruz County nonprofits whose work is reshaping lives across our community. These organizations are at the heart of our county’s well-being, stepping in every day to feed neighbors in need, protect local ecosystems, support youth and families, expand access to housing and provide essential services that touch every corner of Santa Cruz. Their efforts demonstrate the creativity, resilience and compassion that make this community strong.

As we look ahead to 2026, many of these nonprofits are launching bold new initiatives to meet growing needs and tackle the challenges our community faces. Year-end support is crucial to keeping these programs on track, allowing organizations to plan ahead, expand services and continue delivering real impact where it’s needed most. From small gestures to larger gifts, every act of support – whether a donation, volunteering, visiting or sharing their story with friends, family or colleagues – helps sustain their work and amplifies their reach.

Many of the nonprofits featured this year offer matching donation funds or limited-time campaigns, which can make your contribution go even further. Your support helps ensure that families have access to nutritious meals, youth programs continue to grow, ecosystems remain protected and neighbors facing housing challenges find stability and care.

Below, you’ll find stories from these 15 remarkable organizations, each illustrating how dedicated people are making a difference every day. Explore their missions, learn about their goals for 2026, and discover meaningful ways you can get involved. Together, we can help these nonprofits continue their essential work and create a Santa Cruz community that thrives for everyone, now and into the year ahead.