Chinese Charities in California

Founded in 1987 by the late Lillian Gong-Guy and Gerrye Wong, the Chinese Historical and Cultural Project (CHCP) is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization serving the San Jose, CA community with a mission to preserve and celebrate Chinese and Chinese American heritage. Rooted in the heart of Silicon Valley, CHCP shares the stories, history, and culture of early Chinese pioneers and their descendants with residents and visitors from across the region and beyond. The organization's most significant achievement was the reconstruction and preservation of the Ng Shing Gung, a historic religious and community center originally built in 1888 in San Jose's Heinlenville settlement—the last Chinatown of San Jose. In 1991, CHCP donated this carefully restored building to the City of San Jose, transforming it into the Chinese American Historical Museum at History Park, where it remains accessible to the public today. Led by dedicated volunteers serving as officers, board members, and advisors, CHCP works collaboratively with the City of San Jose and History San Jose to maintain this irreplaceable cultural landmark. The organization's commitment extends beyond museum stewardship to active community engagement through educational programs, cultural events, and outreach initiatives that connect people of all backgrounds to Chinese American history. By preserving the stories of those who built and shaped Santa Clara Valley, CHCP ensures that future generations understand and appreciate the vital contributions of the Chinese American community to the region's cultural and historical fabric.

Founded in 2011, Friends of Roots serves the San Francisco, CA community as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with a mission to help participants experience their roots in China through education, family history research, and meaningful journeys to ancestral villages. The organization was established to advance education through the research, documentation, and archiving of Asian American genealogy and cultural heritage while promoting understanding of historical immigration patterns among persons of Asian descent. Friends of Roots recognizes the diverse identities within the Chinese American experience—from first-generation immigrants to multiple-generation descendants, whether identifying as FOB, ABC, 1.5 generation, or any other cultural designation—and welcomes all who seek to explore what it means to be Chinese American. With dedicated support from alumni board members and program volunteers, Friends of Roots creates transformative opportunities for young adults to discover the connections linking them to their past while placing themselves within the broader Chinese American narrative. The organization's commitment extends to preserving and sharing Asian history and culture, ensuring that the stories, experiences, and heritage of Asian American communities are documented and celebrated for future generations. By facilitating once-in-a-lifetime journeys of discovery, Friends of Roots strengthens cultural identity and community bonds throughout San Francisco and beyond.

Since its establishment, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of San Diego has served as a vital community anchor, rooted in a legacy that traces back to Chinese immigrant organizations founded in America during the 1850s. Originally created to support Chinese immigrants navigating unfamiliar circumstances, these associations evolved to address the needs of growing families and established communities throughout San Diego. Today, CCBA honors this heritage by maintaining the traditions and values that have sustained the Chinese community for generations while actively welcoming new members who want to make a positive impact. The organization's mission centers on providing charitable services, fostering social welfare, and preserving the rich cultural traditions that define the Chinese experience in San Diego. CCBA takes pride in being more than a service provider—it's a family. The association brings together the greatest Chinese leaders and community members, creating a space where talented professionals, creative minds, and dedicated volunteers collaborate toward shared goals. From hosting cultural dignitaries to maintaining important historical landmarks, CCBA ensures that San Diego's Chinese heritage remains vibrant and visible. The organization recognizes that the Chinese community has profoundly enriched San Diego's cultural, artistic, scientific, and economic landscape. By joining CCBA, individuals become part of this esteemed, historic organization and contribute to preserving a legacy that continues to shape San Diego's future.