Charities in San Jose, CA

Founded in April 2017 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation, the Silicon Valley Portuguese Education & Culture Foundation represents a community-driven commitment to preserving and promoting Portuguese language and heritage in San Jose, California. This all-volunteer organization emerged from a vision to enhance cultural understanding across diverse populations while celebrating the rich traditions of Portuguese-speaking nations worldwide. The foundation operates as the Portuguese Studies Program Advisory Board, partnering directly with San Jose State University to co-fund educational initiatives and support student scholarships. Beyond the classroom, the foundation actively sponsors cultural events and celebrations throughout the year, bringing the San Jose community together to experience Portuguese traditions, history, and contemporary culture. By connecting students, families, and cultural enthusiasts with resources and opportunities to learn Portuguese, the foundation serves as a vital bridge between Silicon Valley's diverse population and the broader Lusophone world. The organization's grassroots approach and deep community ties reflect its belief that language education and cultural awareness strengthen global connections and create meaningful opportunities for personal and professional growth within the San Jose area.

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.