Charities in Pasadena, CA

Founded in 1972, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) stands as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization deeply rooted in serving Historic Filipinotown and Pilipino American communities throughout Los Angeles, CA and Greater Los Angeles County. Built on the Filipino value of bayanihan—a communal energy emphasizing shared connection and collective well-being—SIPA enriches and empowers generations of Pilipino Americans and people of all backgrounds by creating spaces where communities strengthen one another through mutual support and cooperation. Guided by core indigenous values of kapwa (humankind), karangalan (honor), kapakanan (well-being), and katarungan (social justice), SIPA is committed to advancing equity, dignity, and human rights within marginalized communities. The organization recognizes the diverse experiences of Filipino Americans, including immigrant, undocumented, LGBTQIA, and other historically underrepresented populations, and actively works in solidarity to address intergenerational trauma and promote holistic healing. SIPA's work integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) into every initiative, ensuring community members can reach their full potential. The organization honors its position on occupied Tongva and Chumash land while acknowledging the colonial history impacting Filipinos globally. Through youth and family services, mental health support, health and wellness programs, small business development, and affordable housing initiatives, SIPA creates interconnected communities where collective growth and empowerment flourish in Los Angeles.

Founded in 1972, Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA) stands as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization deeply rooted in serving Historic Filipinotown and Pilipino American communities throughout Los Angeles, CA and Greater Los Angeles County. Built on the Filipino value of bayanihan—a communal energy emphasizing shared connection and collective well-being—SIPA enriches and empowers generations of Pilipino Americans and people of all backgrounds by creating spaces where communities strengthen one another through mutual support and cooperation. Guided by core indigenous values of kapwa (humankind), karangalan (honor), kapakanan (well-being), and katarungan (social justice), SIPA is committed to advancing equity, dignity, and human rights within marginalized communities. The organization recognizes the diverse experiences of Filipino Americans, including immigrant, undocumented, LGBTQIA, and other historically underrepresented populations, and actively works in solidarity to address intergenerational trauma and promote holistic healing. SIPA's work integrates diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) into every initiative, ensuring community members can reach their full potential. The organization honors its position on occupied Tongva and Chumash land while acknowledging the colonial history impacting Filipinos globally. Through youth and family services, mental health support, health and wellness programs, small business development, and affordable housing initiatives, SIPA creates interconnected communities where collective growth and empowerment flourish in Los Angeles.

Finlandia Foundation National, headquartered in Pasadena, CA, champions the vibrant legacy of Finnish-American heritage by building meaningful bridges between modern Finland and the United States. As the number of first and second generation Finnish-American immigrants continues to decline, the organization has become increasingly vital in keeping Finnish-Americans and their local chapter organizations connected, inspired, and committed to maintaining awareness of their unique and valuable cultural identity. Founded on the belief that Finnish heritage and Finnish-American traditions are too rich and valuable to be lost, Finlandia Foundation National serves as the most important independent source of support for Finland in America. The organization believes deeply in the power of arts and culture in all their forms—music, literature, sports, language, and both traditional and unconventional expressions—to unite people and increase cultural understanding in contemporary society. Education is central to the foundation's mission, with a strong conviction that education should be available to everyone and can increase equality among people while solving societal issues. The foundation operates with core values emphasizing partnership, collaboration, and innovation. Rather than competition, FFN prioritizes working together with people and institutions sharing common goals, recognizing that greater benefits for more people are realized through collective effort. In 2023, when Finlandia University closed, the organization stepped in as caretaker of the Finnish American Heritage Center, its extensive archives and artifacts, the monthly Finnish American Reporter, the Finnish American Folk School, art gallery, and other cultural institutions, further solidifying its role as guardian of Finnish-American cultural memory.