The community\u2019s generosity will once again be tapped as Long Beach Gives kicks off its campaign to support nearly 300 nonprofits this year.<\/p>\n
Each year, local nonprofits come together under one campaign \u2013 Long Beach Gives \u2013 to share their stories, raise critical funds, and rally the community around the causes that keep the city thriving, according to the organization\u2019s website.<\/p>\n
The goal of the annual campaign, organizers said, is to inspire individuals and businesses in the community to support the work of nonprofits making a difference in Long Beach and raise money for them to continue that work.<\/p>\n
\u201c(For) a lot of the organizations in Long Beach, Long Beach Gives is their biggest \u2013 or for some of them, their only \u2014 fundraiser of the year,\u201d Carrie Eldridge, director of Long Beach Gives, said in an interview.<\/p>\n
The 2026 campaign will run online from Thursday, Sept. 17, to Sept. 24. Early giving begins Thursday, with the official Giving Day set for Sept. 24.<\/p>\n
Nonprofits are critical to the community now more than ever, organizers said. Long Beach nonprofits, for example, have continued offering safety-net services, finding new ways to interact with youth, advocating for positive change, strengthening mental health services and providing access to the arts, among other efforts.<\/p>\n
By donating through Long Beach Gives, organizers said, community members will help ensure these local nonprofits continue providing the services their neighbors need. Through the Long Beach Gives website<\/a>, people can find an organization that supports a cause they are passionate about \u2014 and then donate to it.<\/p>\n From animal rescues to arts organizations, food banks to mental health services, and youth mentorships to environmental justice, there are hundreds of local nonprofits to support, organizers said.<\/p>\n Last year, the community helped raise more than $2.3 million for nonprofits \u2014 a record. Since its founding in 2019, Long Beach Gives has mobilized the community to raise more $13 million.<\/p>\n This year, Eldridge said, the organization hopes to help raise more than $2.5 million to support the critical programs, services and resources that strengthen the Long Beach community.<\/p>\n Whether a nonprofit is large and established, or a volunteer-run grassroots group, each has the same opportunity to be seen, heard and supported, organizers said. With free access to a fundraising platform, tools and personalized training, Long Beach Gives helps remove the financial barriers that often keep smaller organizations from growing their reach, activating their supporters, and building partnerships with local businesses.<\/p>\n As early giving begins, officially kicking off this year\u2019s campaign, many nonprofits have partnered with local businesses to host fundraising events, Eldridge said.<\/p>\n While several fundraising events are happening throughout the week, here are a few people can check out:<\/p>\n The Pearl Foundation is teaming up with the Breakfast Bar for a \u201cPancakes 4 Purpose\u201d event from 6 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19. Restaurant-goers can purchase a breakfast meal at either location, 70 Atlantic Ave. or 3404 E. Fourth St., and 20% of the purchase will be donated to The Pearl Foundation. Donations will go toward offering scholarships, reducing food insecurity and providing community grants. \u201cLong Beach Gives is a gift to the Long Beach community,\u201d Eldridge said. \u201cIt\u2019s a crossing point for the nonprofits, for-profits, the City Council, the mayor, to all come together and get to know one another and work together to make Long Beach a healthier, safer, more comfortable place to live, to work and to grow.\u201d<\/p>\n To view the full list of participating organizations and fundraising events, visit longbeachgives.org<\/a> or follow on social media at @longbeachgives<\/a>.<\/p>\n \t\t\t
\nSK8 Haven will host a fundraiser at the Good Bar, 3316 E. Seventh St., at 7 p.m. Saturday. Donations will help support its mission of expanding inclusive skateboarding opportunities and programming for neurodiverse youth.
\nTeofilo Coffee Company will host a fundraiser at its Long Beach location, 5668 Second St., to support EXP from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Of all drinks, food and coffee beans purchased, 10% will be donated to EXP\u2019s Long Beach Gives campaign to help create more career-connected opportunities for high school students in Long Beach and beyond.
\nAngels Gate Cultural Center is partnering with Lola\u2019s Mexican Cuisine, 2030 E Fourth St., for a fundraiser from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 22. Donations of $50 to $75 will fund critical arts initiatives at the Angels Gate Cultural Center and attendees will enjoy a \u201cthrowback meal,\u201d such as Sliced and Diced Eatery\u2019s signature jalape\u00f1o popper grilled cheese or an El Dorado torta.<\/p>\n