Charities in San Francisco, CA

Founded in 2008, the African American Tobacco Control Leadership Council serves San Francisco, California and communities nationwide with a mission to inform and influence tobacco control policy as it affects African American and African Immigrant populations. What began as a small, unfunded group of determined activists has evolved into a powerful force for health justice, building an extensive coalition of national and local organizations while traveling across the country to educate communities and develop grassroots infrastructure. The AATCLC's work is deeply rooted in addressing decades of racialized tobacco industry predation targeting Black communities since the 1950s. Beyond policy work, the organization prioritizes community capacity-building and empowerment, working alongside faith-based leaders, activists, and community members to create lasting change. The organization's commitment extends to transparency and partnership, collaborating with diverse stakeholders including researchers, elected officials, and media to elevate once-overlooked issues into national conversations. Their track record speaks to tangible victories—from supporting Chicago's historic 2013 legislation to catalyzing the FDA's 2021 announcement of intent to ban menthol cigarettes. Rooted in San Francisco but operating coast to coast, the AATCLC remains unwavering in its dedication: ensuring that no more African Americans lose their lives to tobacco-related diseases, working toward genuine health equity and justice for Black communities.

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.