Making a Difference
The Impact of Elk Grove's Nonprofits on the Community
Young Rider on Horseback During a Therapeutic Riding Session at Project RIDE
Elk Grove is home to a diverse range of nonprofit organizations that serve the community's needs. They play a vital role in improving the quality of life for residents, addressing societal challenges, and promoting the overall well-being of our city. From local charities and advocacy groups to educational and cultural organizations, nonprofits in Elk Grove are driven by a shared vision to make a positive impact in the community. Although they are all very important, 14 of them will be highlighted in this article. If you're looking to support a good cause or get involved in community events and activities, the following list of nonprofit organizations is a great place to start.
Chicks in Crisis
(916) 896-0031
What started out as a passion to help “chicks in crisis” has transformed into an essential pregnancy and parenting resource center for moms, dads, children, and birth mothers. Their mission is to help ALL families cross the finish line and learn to support themselves without outside assistance. That includes helping participants graduate from high school and complete courses at college or a trade school so they become responsible, self-sufficient parents who are able to raise their children in a healthy, happy environment.
Fundraising Events: Big Day Brunch at the Barn (April), DTDR Summertime Concert (June), Annual Gobble Wobble Thanksgiving Run/Walk (November)
EGUSD FIRST Foundation
EGUSD FIRST Foundation supports students and teachers in the Elk Grove Unified School District (EGUSD) by raising funds to fill in resource and opportunity gaps. In 2022, they brought the Colts Generational Gaming Academy, a 20-week program focused on creating unforgettable experiences that will lead to learning and networking opportunities for students, to Edward Harris, Jr. Middle School, and they will be expanding that program in 2023.
Elk Grove Fine Arts Center
(916) 685-5992
The mission of the Elk Grove Fine Arts Center is to maintain a sustainable arts center that showcases and promotes both emerging and experienced artists in the Elk Grove region and also provides art education experiences for all ages. Their goal is to foster a thriving local visual arts community that will benefit artists and patrons alike and will contribute to the community's economic vitality.
Fundraising Event: Elk Grove Festival of the Arts (April)
Elk Grove Food Bank Services
(916) 685-8453
Elk Grove Food Bank Services was founded in 1974 for the purpose of providing essential resources to overcome the many faces of hunger and human need. Every month the Elk Grove Food Bank Services team joins with over 800 dedicated volunteers to distribute food to almost 6,000 food-insecure individuals.
Fundraising Events: Independence Day Run 4 Hunger 5k & 10k Run/Walk (July), Harvest of Hope Gala (September)
Elk Grove HART
(916) 623-5858
Founded in 2010, the mission of Elk Grove HART (Homeless Assistance Resource Team) is to assist the unhoused toward self-sufficiency and greater independence.
Elk Grove Historical Society
(916) 685-8115
The mission of the Elk Grove Historical Society is to promote public awareness, understanding, and appreciation of our community’s history. This is done through educational and living history programs, collecting and preserving articles of historic value, establishing and maintaining a historical library, and advocating for the preservation of historical material and properties in our community.
Fundraising Events: Spring Tea (May), Yard Sale (June), Black Tie & Santa (November), An Old Fashioned Christmas (December)
Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation
(916) 685-7118
Elk Grove Regional Scholarship Foundation was founded in 1956 by a group of educators who wanted to create opportunities for local students to continue their studies through locally-endowed scholarships and grants for students pursuing various careers including agriculture, nursing, education, auto mechanics, politics, and the arts. Last year this foundation awarded 180 scholarships totaling $280,980 to local students!
Fundraising Events: Spotlight on Scholarships (May), Bounty on the Boulevard Dinner (June)
Elk Grove Teen Center USA
(916) 686-6942
Teen Center USA Elk Grove has been “a safe place for teens to connect and belong” since 1990. Their mission is to communicate the importance of education, public responsibility, physical fitness, and faith to young people.
Fundraising Event: “Rock ‘N Ribs at the Ranch” BBQ Dinner (April)
Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation
The Elk Grove Youth Sports Foundation reflects our city’s philosophy of “being good neighbors in a family-oriented community.” This foundation provides annual athletic scholarships for children ages five to 12.
Fundraising Events: Running of the Elk Half Marathon, 5k/10k, & Kid's Run (March), Elk Grove Golf Classic (August)
Legenade Children’s Fund
(916) 234-0331
Their mission is to “help kids become legendary”, through educational and enrichment programs for gifted and underprivileged kids in the US and in the Philippines. Legenade Children’s Fund includes a "Back to School Program" that provides backpacks and school supplies to kids. One of the most amazing things about this program is that it is run by two kids!
Musical Mayhem Productions
(916) 525-2995
This organization was founded in April of 2012 to provide quality theater education for children and special needs adults through rehearsal and workshop classes as well as through entertaining performances. Musical Mayhem Productions has worked with thousands of young stars from Elk Grove and surrounding areas, and is bringing the magic of live theater to thousands more!
Project R.I.D.E.
(916) 685-7433
Project R.I.D.E. Inc. has been “harnessing the magic to change lives” by providing therapeutic recreational horseback riding instruction to people with special needs since 1979. Utilizing gentle equines, specially trained volunteers, and even an RDA simulator horse, the therapeutic riding experience is safe, educational, enjoyable, and recreational at heart.
Fundraising Events: Crab & Shrimp Feed (Jan), Steak Dinner (Spring), Spaghetti Feed (Fall)
Senior Center of Elk Grove
(916) 685-3160
Senior Center of Elk Grove empowers seniors in our community to live meaningful, healthy, and dignified lives by providing programs for fitness, lifelong learning, social interaction, and independence in a welcoming environment.
Strauss Festival of Elk Grove
(916) 714-2527
Strauss Festival of Elk Grove offers our community, and the greater Sacramento region, a free annual festival promoting classical music and performing arts for a diverse, multi-generational audience.
Fundraising Events: Spring Tea (March), Donor Gala (June), and Masquerade Ball (October)
Uplift People of Elk Grove
(916) 900-6991
The mission of Uplift People of Elk Grove is "Rising Up From Poverty Together." They use a comprehensive, holistic program to help families and individuals break the cycle of poverty by rebuilding well-being together, rethinking poverty, reframing solutions, and reshaping our community. Uplift People restores abundance for families and individuals and bridges the cultural and socioeconomic class lines through education and intentional relationships.
Local Tip:
"Join us at RISE Women in Business, a local nonprofit organization that provides an opportunity for women in business to connect authentically with like-minded and passion-driven individuals in our community. We encourage and empower women to accelerate their careers and reach their full potential through monthly mixers, guest speakers, educational workshops, and lifelong friendships." -Jill J. & Brittney D.