The Bay Area’s strength lies in its diverse and vibrant communities, and a cornerstone of that strength is a robust and equitable education system. Yet, systemic inequities persist, hindering the potential of countless young people, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. From resource disparities to the lack of culturally responsive support, these challenges demand urgent attention.
The San Francisco Foundation is committed to fostering educational equity and empowering the next generation of leaders. We believe that every young person deserves access to a high-quality education that prepares them for success. To this end, we have compiled a list of trusted nonprofit organizations dedicated to transforming educational landscapes and creating pathways to opportunity. Your generosity can play a crucial role in supporting these vital efforts.
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California Partnership for the Future of Learning
Give here if you are passionate about creating safe, inclusive, and community-centered schools in the Bay Area and across California.
The California Partnership for the Future of Learning unites more than 30 grassroots organizations, policy groups, labor, and research partners in 33 cities across rural and urban California in a shared vision of safe and inclusive schools. Since 2020, the California Partnership’s advocacy has led to the investment of $4.1 billion in state funding to scale community schools. These schools improve student outcomes by addressing students’ holistic needs, including academics, health and social services, and community engagement.
Make a grant via Donor Center to grantee: Public Advocates
EPACENTER
Give here if you want to build a future where all young people can become creative innovators
EPACENTER is an education and training center that offers free afterschool, weekend, and weekday classes and job training for San Mateo youth and young adults ages 6 to 25. In 2024, EPACENTER increased the number of 6 to 18-year-olds it serves by 62%, providing free arts, culinary, and tech education classes. The instruction it offers helps young people develop their creative, critical thinking, and socio-emotional skills, and prepares them for leadership opportunities and high-wage careers.
Make a grant via Donor Center to grantee: EPACENTER
San Francisco Achievers
Give here if you want to support African American young men in their pursuit of higher education and leadership.
San Francisco Achievers empowers African American young men in the San Francisco Unified School District to succeed in college by providing long-term support and guidance. It has awarded over $5 million in college scholarships, removing financial obstacles for students, many of whom are first-generation college attendees. Beyond scholarships, it offers mentorship and resources to ensure students thrive in their higher education journeys.
Make a grant via Donor Center to grantee: San Francisco Achievers
Youth Speaks
Give here if you want to support youth empowerment through spoken word, literary arts, and cultural organizing.
Founded in San Francisco in 1996, Youth Speaks offers spoken word and literary arts programs to support youth development and creative expression. It has cultivated trailblazers of local and national youth poetry slams and festivals. In 2024, it launched a new initiative, Power Lab: Youth, Narrative and Economic Power, to train youth in narrative strategies for policy change and community healing.
Make a grant via Donor Center to grantee: Youth Speaks
Youth Together
Give here if you want to support youth-led initiatives that dismantle systemic educational inequities and empower student leaders.
Youth Together engages young people across the East Bay to advocate for high-quality public education. Its flagship program, Lead Student Organizers, offers young people leadership and civic engagement skills and foundational training in community organizing. Over the last year, Youth Together student members put newly acquired skills into practice through engagement on the Oakland Unified School District Local Control Accountability Plan, which includes budget allocations for key student groups, such as foster youth, English learners, and low-income students.
Make a grant via Donor Center to grantee: Youth Together
