Discover Non-Government Organizations in Oakland, CA dedicated to supporting and empowering your community. Our directory features organizations committed to addressing the unique needs and challenges of the community through advocacy, programs, and services.
Founded in 1987 by dedicated parents and volunteers in Oakland, California, Huong Viet Community Center emerged from a shared vision to address the educational and social needs of Vietnamese families in America. What began as grassroots community organizing formalized into a nonprofit organization in 1991, becoming a cornerstone institution for Vietnamese American families throughout the East Bay. The center's mission centers on promoting the development of the Vietnamese American community through educational, social, and cultural programs that celebrate heritage while encouraging full integration into local society. Huong Viet Community Center operates with a philosophy rooted in hope and compassion, believing that individual and collective action can create meaningful change. The organization maintains deep ties to the Oakland community it serves, built through three decades of consistent engagement with Vietnamese youths, families, and cultural organizations. From Saturday morning Vietnamese language classes to traditional lion dance performances and holiday celebrations, every program reflects the center's commitment to preserving Vietnamese roots while building productive relationships within the broader East Bay community. Staffed entirely by volunteers and community members who are students, professionals, and leaders within the Vietnamese American community, Huong Viet Community Center embodies authentic community-driven service. The organization continues its founding mission of supporting Vietnamese families by creating spaces where language, culture, and values are transmitted to the next generation, ensuring that Vietnamese traditions remain vibrant in Oakland and throughout the region.
At the heart of Oakland, CA, United Hellenic American Societies of California stands as a beacon for Greek-American community connection and cultural preservation. This nonprofit organization welcomes all individuals who share a passion for Hellenic heritage, creating spaces where cultural traditions, history, and values can be celebrated and transmitted to future generations. The organization believes deeply in the strength that comes from unity and collaboration, viewing its members and partner organizations as essential pillars of its mission. Rooted in Oakland, the organization works intimately with its community to facilitate coordination of cultural endeavors that benefit everyone who values Greek traditions. Rather than operating in isolation, United Hellenic American Societies actively partners with local and regional organizations to amplify their collective impact and reach. The organization's philosophy centers on the principle that a nonprofit thrives when supported by an engaged, passionate community working together toward shared goals. By fostering genuine relationships and open communication among members, the organization creates an environment where cultural pride flourishes and community bonds strengthen. For those in the Oakland area seeking to maintain connections to their Greek heritage or explore Hellenic culture, United Hellenic American Societies of California offers meaningful engagement and the opportunity to be part of a vibrant, collaborative community dedicated to preserving traditions for generations to come.
Rooted in Oakland, California, Color Of Change serves as a beacon for racial justice advocacy, connecting 7 million members across the nation in a shared commitment to ending systemic racism and building power for Black communities. The organization was founded on the principle that ordinary people, when organized and mobilized, can fundamentally reshape institutions and systems to be more just and humane. Color Of Change believes in the power of collective action to respond effectively to injustice, transforming individual outrage into organized pressure that moves decision-makers in corporations and government. The organization's mission extends beyond challenging injustice to actively championing solutions that create lasting, meaningful change for Black Americans facing barriers in employment, economic opportunity, criminal justice, and daily life. With a commitment encapsulated in their guiding principle—"Until justice is real"—Color Of Change works to dismantle practices and systems that unfairly hold Black people back while promoting forward-thinking solutions that benefit entire communities. Members of Color Of Change participate in strategic campaigns that build real, tangible power, transforming both individual consciousness and institutional behavior. The organization's approach combines member engagement, research-driven insights, and strategic accountability mechanisms to ensure that progress toward racial justice is not merely aspirational but concrete and measurable, creating substantive change in the lives of Black Americans throughout the country.
For nearly 25 years, the French American Cultural Society has served as a vital cultural bridge in San Francisco, connecting arts and culture lovers who share a passion for creative expression and cross-cultural dialogue. As an independent 501(c)3 foundation, FACS is dedicated to supporting and producing innovative French and American cultural and educational projects that enrich the Bay Area community and extend their impact beyond.
At its heart, FACS is a community-driven organization built on four foundational values: creativity, innovation, dialogue, and diversity. The organization believes that art thrives through multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together artists, technologists, and cultural stakeholders from different sectors to foster meaningful connections. By promoting transnational dialogue and encouraging cross-pollination between French and American creative communities, FACS creates spaces where artists and culture enthusiasts can meet, exchange ideas, and celebrate the transformative power of arts and culture.
Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, FACS offers its community access to a wide range of cultural events and players from the artistic sector, featuring both local and international artists from various backgrounds. The organization's programming celebrates the belief that arts and culture are borderless, and through partnerships with the French Embassy and French Consulate in San Francisco, FACS ensures its members experience authentic cultural connections. Whether through intimate artist encounters, film screenings, or cultural celebrations, FACS remains committed to fostering genuine connections among people who believe in the power of creative expression to unite communities.
Founded in the aftermath of 9/11 to protect Filipino immigrants from anti-immigrant sentiment, the National Alliance for Filipino Concerns has evolved into a vital national organization serving the San Francisco, CA area and communities nationwide. NAFCON emerged when Filipino groups and church leaders recognized the urgent need to bring Filipino community concerns and support to a national level, addressing shared challenges across the United States. The organization's journey reflects a deep commitment to Filipino communities, having tackled critical issues including deportation, labor trafficking, workplace discrimination, and wage theft. What distinguishes NAFCON is its holistic approach to community empowerment that honors Filipino culture and heritage while advancing practical solutions to real challenges. The organization educates the broader community about Filipino history, culture, and contemporary issues affecting Filipinos in both the U.S. and the Philippines. Through conferences, leadership trainings, and grassroots organizing, NAFCON has engaged and united Filipino youth across the country while building solidarity between domestic and international communities. NAFCON's four foundational pillars—Culture and Heritage, Education, Health and Wellness, and Advocacy—reflect the organization's belief that true community empowerment requires simultaneous attention to cultural preservation, knowledge-building, health access, and rights protection. The organization invites individuals and institutions to join the alliance as affiliates, creating a unified network of Filipino voices working toward economic justice, healthcare equity, and the dignity of Filipino communities everywhere.
The Croatian American Cultural Center in San Francisco serves as a comprehensive hub for Slavic music, dance, and cultural programming in the Bay Area. Since opening its doors in 1979, the Center has established itself as a focal point for cultural events and activities that celebrate Croatian heritage and broader Slavic traditions. The organization hosts a diverse range of programs and performances, including the San Francisco Croatian Festival, San Francisco Tamburitza Festival, and the Kolo Festival, which bring together community members and the general public in celebration of shared cultural traditions. The Center's Cultural Committee, established in 1985, has earned recognition through major grants and awards for its innovative programming and performing groups. Beyond cultural events, the Croatian American Cultural Center in San Francisco offers facility rental services for private events, catering options, and membership opportunities for those seeking deeper community connection. The Center welcomes men and women from Croatia, other Slavic regions, and the broader Bay Area community. With over 150 years of organizational history dating back to 1857, the institution combines deep cultural roots with modern event hosting capabilities. Whether you're an enthusiast of Croatian culture, a recent immigrant, or someone interested in experiencing Slavic traditions, the Center provides an inclusive space for celebration, learning, and community gathering.
The Organization of Chinese Americans Asian Pacific American Advocates East Bay Chapter represents a 32-year commitment to empowering Asian Pacific American communities in Oakland and the surrounding East Bay area. Established in 1987, the East Bay Chapter embodies the mission of its parent organization, founded nationally in 1973, by promoting civic engagement and leadership that directly benefits residents of Alameda and Contra Costa counties. Headquartered in Oakland, CA, this chapter serves as a vital local voice within a broader national movement, working collaboratively with OCA chapters across the country to advance the hopes and aspirations of all Asian Pacific Americans. The organization's impact speaks to its dedication: distributing $10,000 in scholarships to help Oakland high school students achieve their college dreams, collecting 100 pounds of trash monthly through community cleanups, and maintaining active mentorship programs for emerging professional leaders. What distinguishes OCA-East Bay is its integrated approach—combining grassroots community service with strategic advocacy on issues that directly affect Asian Pacific American families and neighborhoods. The organization recognizes that meaningful change requires both local action and national coordination, which is why it maintains strong connections with the broader OCA network while remaining deeply rooted in Oakland's Asian American community. By fostering leadership development, environmental stewardship, and policy advocacy simultaneously, OCA-East Bay demonstrates that community-centered organizations can create lasting positive change.
The Kurdish Project represents a community-driven response to the need for authentic Kurdish representation and cultural awareness in San Francisco and beyond. Born from the vision of Kurdish-American entrepreneur Farhad "Fred" Khosravi and the expertise of Media Cause, this cultural-education initiative recognizes that despite increased global attention to Kurdish issues, most Americans still lack meaningful knowledge about Kurdish people and their rich heritage. The project exists to close this critical gap by fostering genuine connections and understanding between Kurds and Western communities.
Rooted in the San Francisco Bay Area's vibrant nonprofit and entrepreneurial ecosystem, The Kurdish Project thrives through authentic partnerships with the Kurdish-American community, local tech innovators, and fellow nonprofit organizations. The initiative goes beyond surface-level awareness to cultivate real understanding through grant-making opportunities, community campaigns, personal storytelling, and accessible news and information. By centering Kurdish voices and experiences, the project empowers both Kurdish community members and those seeking to learn about Kurdistan.
What distinguishes The Kurdish Project is its commitment to relationship-building and bridge-making rather than simply broadcasting information. The organization understands that cultural understanding develops through collaboration, shared narratives, and sustained engagement. Serving the San Francisco community and reaching audiences nationwide, The Kurdish Project continues to celebrate Kurdish culture while creating meaningful opportunities for connection, dialogue, and mutual appreciation across communities.
Serving the Oakland, California area and beyond, the Italian American Federation of the East Bay represents a grassroots commitment to preserving and celebrating Italian-American culture and community. This non-profit organization was established to further the welfare of all persons of Italian-American descent living in the East Bay and surrounding regions, creating a unified voice for the diverse Italian-American population. The federation goes beyond simple cultural celebration by actively supporting the network of Italian-American clubs that form the backbone of the community, ensuring their interests are represented and their missions are strengthened. What sets the Italian American Federation of the East Bay apart is its comprehensive approach to community building—from hosting major cultural celebrations like the Italian American Parade to providing educational opportunities through the Scholarship Award Dinner, which supports the next generation of Italian-American students. The organization recognizes that cultural preservation requires ongoing engagement and connection, which is why it facilitates regular community gatherings and collaborative events among member organizations. By bringing together Italian-American families, clubs, and cultural enthusiasts across Oakland and the East Bay, the federation creates spaces where tradition is honored, relationships are deepened, and community identity is strengthened. For Italian-Americans seeking meaningful connection with their heritage and community, the Italian American Federation of the East Bay offers authentic cultural engagement rooted in shared values and mutual support.
Black Futures Lab, headquartered in Oakland, California, is a movement-building organization dedicated to working directly with Black people to transform their communities and reshape how power operates at every level—from local neighborhoods to statewide initiatives and national policy. Founded on the belief that solutions to the complex problems facing Black communities emerge from community imagination, innovation, and experimentation, Black Futures Lab takes a holistic approach to social change that challenges both cultural narratives and systemic barriers. The organization engages in deep community work to understand the specific dynamics impacting Black lives, builds the organizational and governance capacity of Black communities, and creates authentic spaces where Black people lead decisions affecting their futures. What sets Black Futures Lab apart is its unwavering commitment to year-round community engagement, its principled stand against allowing corporate interests to shape public policy, and its pioneering integration of cutting-edge technology with time-tested community organizing methods. Operating across nonprofit, political, and non-governmental sectors in the Oakland area and beyond, Black Futures Lab serves as a bridge between grassroots movements and systemic change, ensuring that Black communities are not just heard but are central architects of their own liberation. The organization's work is rooted in the understanding that changing communities requires changing the culture that takes Black people for granted and transforming the laws and policies that perpetuate inequality and resource scarcity.