The holiday season is a time of giving. Typically, people are thinking about giving gifts to friends, family members or loved ones.
However, it is also a time to give back to the community, as nonprofit organizations are diligently working to make sure everyone — including those experiencing homelessness or economic struggles — still have a fulfilling Hanukkah or Christmas.
In Downtown LA, there are a plethora of nonprofit organizations working on behalf of the neediest in the community. Whether advocating for equality of opportunity or supporting individuals facing domestic abuse, LA nonprofit organizations are dedicated to ensuring people have access to resources. Check out a few nonprofit organizations below and learn about opportunities to give back this holiday season.
ACLU Foundation of Southern California
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) defends the fundamental rights outlined in the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights, including the right to freedom of speech and assembly, the right to religious freedom, due process of law, equality before the law and the right to privacy. It operates in 50 states, and California has three affiliates: ACLU of Northern California, ACLU of Southern California and the ACLU of San Diego & Imperial Counties. You can help the ACLU by becoming a member, volunteering or donating.
1313 W. Eighth Street, 213-977-9500, aclusocal.org
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
The AIDS Healthcare Foundation is the largest provider of HIV medical care in the world. It operates a center in Downtown LA. It provides primary care services from HIV specialists and is LGBTQ+ friendly. You can help the AIDS Healthcare Foundation by donating money, volunteering or participating in their advocacy efforts.
1400 S. Grand Avenue, 213-741-9727, hivcare.org/locations/ca-downtown
American Heart Association Greater Los Angeles
The American Heart Association Greater Los Angeles provides health education services related to heart disease and stroke. It works year-round to fight heart disease through research, education and community programs, hosting events like Heart Walks and Go Red events to raise awareness. You can make both one-time and recurring donations to fund research, education and programs. The American Heart Association also welcomes volunteers for many roles, and people can take part in signature events.
816 S. Figueroa Street, 213-291-7000, heart.org
Art Share Los Angeles
Art Share Los Angeles provides affordable artist housing, studio and gallery space, and performance venues, while offering exhibitions, workshops and community programs. The nonprofit supports emerging and local artists by giving them space to create, showcase and connect. You can attend events and exhibitions to support participating artists. You can also donate, buy art, volunteer or become a member to support the nonprofit.
801 E. Fourth Place, 213-687-4278, artsharela.org
Asia Society of Southern California Center
A regional hub, the Asia Society of Southern California Center promotes understanding between the United States and Asia through public programs, policy discussions, arts events and business forums that connect leaders, scholars and community members. You can help the Asia Society through donations, as it “relies on the generosity of its friends and members to support its mission.”
633 W. Fifth Street, 213-788-4700, asiasociety.org/southern-california
Center for Nonprofit Management of Southern California
The Center for Nonprofit Management of Southern California offers training, consulting, leadership development and capacity-building services to help Southern California nonprofits strengthen their operations, governance and community impact. You can support the organization through donations, sponsorship, attending workshops, volunteering or, for nonprofits, partnering with it.
1000 N. Alameda Street, 213-266-8484, cnmsocal.org
Center Theatre Group
Based in Los Angeles, Center Theatre Group is one of the nation’s preeminent arts and cultural organizations. It programs plays, musicals and theatrical experiences at the Mark Taper Forum, Ahmanson Theatre, and Kirk Douglas Theatre. Center Theatre Group is a leader in community engagement and education programs which serve thousands of Angelenos every year. When supporting the nonprofit by making a gift or becoming a member, “you help ensure a vibrant future for live theatre for generations to come.”
601 W. Temple Street, 213-628-2772, centertheatregroup.org
Chinatown Service Center
The Chinatown Service Center helps provide healthcare, social services, youth programs, financial counseling and employment assistance to those in need. It largely serves immigrant, low-income and Asian American communities in Los Angeles. Supporters can donate, volunteer, attend community events or partner through business sponsorships.
767 N. Hill Street, 213-808-1700, cscla.org
Chrysalis Center
The Chrysalis Center helps individuals experiencing homelessness and low-income Angelenos find and retain jobs through job-readiness classes, coaching, employment placements and supportive services. People can help by donating, volunteering as job coaches or resume mentors or supporting transitional job programs.
522 S. Main Street, 213-806-6300, changelives.org
City Year Los Angeles
Part of the national AmeriCorps program, City Year LA places young adult mentors in under-resourced schools to provide academic support, tutoring,and social-emotional guidance to help students stay on track. Supporters can donate, sponsor service teams, volunteer at schools and attend fundraisers.
606 S. Olive Street, 213-596-5900, cityyear.org/los-angeles
Downtown Women’s Center
The Downtown Women’s Center is a leading service provider and advocate for women experiencing homelessness in Skid Row and throughout the city, offering permanent supportive housing, health services, job programs and trauma-informed care.
442 S. San Pedro Street, 213-680-0600, downtownwomenscenter.org
DTLA Alliance
The DTLA Alliance is a nonprofit coalition of over 2,000 property owners, working with city, county and state officials and agencies to enhance the quality of life in the 65-square blocks of the Downtown Center, including Bunker Hill, the Financial District, Jewelry District and Pershing Square. It provides services such as sidewalk washdowns, trash pickups and graffiti removal, deploying safety patrols on foot, bicycle and vehicle.
600 Wilshire Boulevard, 213-624-2146, downtownla.com/dtla-alliance
Fellows of Contemporary Art
The Fellows of Contemporary Art is a membership-supported nonprofit dedicated to advancing contemporary art in Southern California through artist grants, exhibitions and public programs. Support for Fellows of Contemporary Art includes becoming a member, donating, attending exhibitions or sponsoring artist-driven programs.
970 N. Broadway, 213-808-1008, focala.org
Inner City Law Center
Inner City Law Center is a law firm based in Skid Row, and is the only legal services provider within the community. The nonprofit’s legal focus is on getting justice for low-income tenants, working-poor families, housing insecure veterans, people experiencing homelessness and people living with disabilities or HIV. People can donate, volunteer as attorneys or general helpers, attend advocacy events or support policy campaigns.
1309 E. Seventh Street, 213-891-2880, innercitylaw.org
Japanese American National Museum (JANM)
Established in 1985, JANM promotes the appreciation and understanding of the Japanese and Asian American experience, standing on the site where Japanese Americans were processed before they were incarcerated during World War II. JANM’s Pavilion is closed for renovation and will reopen in late 2026. While the museum and store are closed, join us for programs and events on our Little Tokyo campus, throughout Southern California, and beyond.
100 N. Central Avenue, 213-625-0414, janm.org
Library Foundation of Los Angeles
Passionate about supporting the Library system during a time of funding cuts? The Library Foundation of Los Angeles is a nonprofit organization that supports the Los Angeles Public Library through fundraising, literacy initiatives, educational programs and public events. People can support the nonprofit through donating, becoming members, attending events or raising awareness for the importance of libraries, both as community spaces and educational hubs.
630 W. Fifth Street, 213-228-7500, lfla.org
Little Tokyo Service Center
The Little Tokyo Service Center is a social service and community development organization providing affordable housing, counseling, senior services, youth programs and cultural preservation for Little Tokyo and Japanese American communities. Help the Little Tokyo Service Center through donating, supporting affordable housing projects, attending cultural events or volunteering.
231 E. Third Street, 213-473-3030, ltsc.org
Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra
Known for its programming and artistic excellence, the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra is a leading American chamber orchestra presenting concerts, educational programs and community outreach to the city. Supporting the orchestra is as simple as attending its concerts. People can also donate and volunteer.
510 W. Sixth Street, 213-622-7001, laco.org
Los Angeles Conservancy
A preservation nonprofit dedicated to protecting LA’s historic architecture and cultural resources through advocacy, tours, education, and restoration projects. Help by becoming a member, donating, taking tours, volunteering, preservation events or advocating for threatened historic sites.
523 W. Sixth Street, 213-623-2489, laconservancy.org
Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau (LA Tourism)
Millions of visitors come to Los Angeles each year, helping support the city’s economy. Helping them is the Los Angeles Convention and Visitors Bureau, or LA Tourism. The nonprofit destination marketing organization promotes tourism, conventions and travel to Los Angeles, supporting local businesses and the regional economy. Promoting LA as a destination is all it takes to give back to the LA Tourism, but people can also attend events and support the local businesses it promotes.
633 W. Fifth Street, 213-236-2300, discoverlosangeles.com
Los Angeles Opera
The resident opera company of LA, the Los Angeles Opera producies mainstage performances, new works, community events and educational programs at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion and throughout the region. People can help the Los Angeles Opera by attending performances, donating, joining member circles or volunteering.
135 N. Grand Avenue, 213-972-8001, laopera.org
Los Angeles Philharmonic Association
As the nonprofit that operates the LA Phil, the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association is crucial in presenting concerts at Walt Disney Concert Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. It supports music education programs, community initiatives and world-class orchestral performances. Help the Los Angeles Philharmonic Association by attending concerts, donating, volunteering or supporting the Youth Orchestra Los Angeles.
Walt Disney Concert Hall, 151 S. Grand Avenue, 213-972-7300, laphil.com
Midnight Mission
Located in the heart of Skid Row, The Midnight Mission was founded in 1914 and is one of LA’s oldest and most well-known nonprofit organizations serving people experiencing homelessness. It has several volunteer opportunities during for people wanting to serve unhoused individuals and families, and accepts donations.
“Volunteers are the heart of The Midnight Mission, helping us serve those in need across Los Angeles every day,” the nonprofit said on its website. “By giving your time, you provide essential support to our guests and program participants, helping them take steps toward self-sufficiency — all while experiencing the deep rewards of making a difference.”
601 S. San Pedro Street, 213-624-9258, midnightmission.org
Para Los Niños
Founded in 1980 to break the cycle of poverty through education, Para Los Niños serves the youth and families of Skid Row and Los Angeles. It operates early education centers, K-8 charters schools, youth programs and mental health services.
Its locations in Downtown include the Para Los Niños Charter Middle School, Para Los Niños Charter Elementary School and the Tina & Rick J. Caruso Early Education Center. Support Para Los Ninos through donating, volunteering, providing in-kind donations, attending events or advocating for education, especially within lower income communities.
Multiple locations in Downtown LA, 213-250-4800, paralosninos.org
PIH Health Foundation
PIH Health Foundation supports wellness by funding vital programs and compassionate patient care across the PIH Health network, partnering with donors to improve community access and overall outcomes for all. Donate to help further medical innovation in Downtown at the PIH Health Good Samaritan Hospital.
225 Wilshire Boulevard, 562-698-0811, pihhealth.org
St. Francis Center
Since 1972, the St. Francis Center has provided relief and support to the homeless community, feeding, serving and walking alongside them in the spirit of Saint Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the poor. Located on Hope Street, the nonprofit organization works directly with unhoused or extremely low-income individuals and families. Volunteers can help serve breakfast or in the pantry. During the pantry program, volunteers sort through donated food products and make to-go pantry boxes.
1835 S Hope Street, 213-747-5347, stfranciscenterla.org
Union Rescue Mission
The Union Rescue Mission’s mission is to end the cycle of homelessness through providing care, emergency services, education and job training and additional support. The Christian organization has served over 5,000 individuals, housing over 1,200 people nightly in its three locations.
Those wanting to give back can volunteer with the Union Rescue Mission. It also accepts donations.
545 S. San Pedro Street, 213-347-6300, urm.com