Giving Back Starts At Home

Community Foundation for San Benito County

The foundation is one of many community foundations throughout the US that all share a common purpose: to serve as a bridge between donors and local nonprofits and schools that address community concerns.  The foundation supports local nonprofits and community groups by providing resources for charitable giving, access to available funding, workshops, and technical assistance.

Learn more here – Community Foundation for San Benito County

Youth Alliance

Youth Alliance’s no-cost programs provide at-promise youth and families with after-school and summer leadership development programs, parent outreach, counseling and support.  These programs equip people to become change agents in their own lives and communities.

Learn more here – Youth Alliance

San Benito Arts Council

The San Benito County Arts Council provides a variety of direct arts and culture programs and services, including the Arts in Education Program, which serves over 6,000 students annually, and their Arts Express Grant Program, which supports the local creative economy through direct funding.  They work with individual artists, arts organizations and community partners to ensure that arts, culture, and creativity thrive in our community.

Learn more here – San Benito Arts Council

The San Benito County Chamber of Commerce Foundation

The local Chamber of Commerce’s foundation grants scholarships for 15+ students annually to continue their schooling, specifically in the areas of education, tourism, and leadership. The foundation also provides development and mentorship opportunities for leaders in the county, including programs for businesses and groups that promote women in leadership roles and/or those that represent diverse socioeconomic and cultural groups in our county.
Learn more here – Foundation – San Benito County Chamber of Commerce

Los Banos Volunteer Fire Department

The team of 20-25 volunteer firefighters enable the city’s fire department to do more for the community than what can otherwise be achieved with limited government funding.  Since 1890, they have provided fire protection and prevention, as well as education to local schools, service groups and organizations.  Current programs include:

School Kids Fire Safety, teaching local children about fire safety;

Smoke Detector Program, providing working detectors for residents who cannot afford one;

Continuing Education Reimbursement Program, offering funds to volunteers who strive to become Firefighter 1 Certified or EMTs.

Learn more here – Los Banos Volunteer Fire Department

Los Banos Police Activities League

Spearheaded by local police officers, PAL offers programs that support the local community and its youth in particular.  Since its inception in 1989, over 25,000 local children have participated in PAL’s long running programs, including:

Kops for Kids, a holiday toy drive providing gifts for over 200 low-income families;

Subsidized Youth Sports Programs, offering girls softball, flag football, and Junior Giants baseball at low or no cost so all children can participate;

Sober Grad Night, an annual event for Los Banos, Pacheco, and San Luis High School graduates.

Learn more here – Los Banos Police Activities League

Friends of the Los Banos Public Library

The Friends of the Los Banos Library strives to support and grow Los Banos’ public library.  With the help of the Friends, the library continues to provide free wi-fi and computer use, offer programs to children and families, maintain a fine collection of books (in print and electronically), offer curbside as well as in-person service, and provide a friendly and welcoming place for all.

Learn more here – Friends of the Los Banos Public Library