A Community Built on Organizing and Care
East Los Angeles has a long tradition of community organizing. The 1968 East LA walkouts, when thousands of students protested unequal education, and the Chicano Moratorium of 1970 are landmark moments in civil rights history. That spirit of advocacy lives on in the many nonprofits that serve the Eastside today, working on education, housing, health, the arts, immigration, and economic opportunity.
These organizations are often led by people who grew up in the community and understand its strengths and challenges. The ten nonprofits below are widely respected for their impact, longevity, and connection to Eastside residents.
The Top 10 Nonprofits
1. Self Help Graphics & Art
Self Help Graphics & Art is a legendary community arts center that has nurtured Chicano and Latinx artists since the early 1970s. Famous for its printmaking studio and its Día de los Muertos celebrations, it offers workshops, exhibitions, and residencies that keep Eastside artistic traditions thriving.
2. InnerCity Struggle
InnerCity Struggle organizes youth and families in East Los Angeles and Boyle Heights to improve public education and community health. Its advocacy has helped expand college preparation, school funding, and student support services.
3. East LA Community Corporation
East LA Community Corporation, known as ELACC, develops affordable housing and supports small businesses, tenant rights, and financial education. Its work helps families remain in the neighborhood as housing costs rise.
4. Homeboy Industries
Homeboy Industries is the largest gang rehabilitation and reentry program in the world. Founded by Father Greg Boyle with roots in Boyle Heights, it provides job training, tattoo removal, mental health services, and employment through social enterprises like its bakery and cafe.
5. AltaMed Health Services
AltaMed is one of the largest independent federally qualified health centers in the United States, with roots in East Los Angeles. It provides medical, dental, behavioral health, and senior care services, with a focus on underserved Latino communities.
6. East Los Angeles Women's Center
The East Los Angeles Women's Center supports survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault, offering crisis intervention, counseling, and advocacy. It also runs prevention and health education programs throughout the community.
7. Bienestar Human Services
Bienestar provides health and social services, with a focus on HIV prevention, LGBTQ+ wellness, and mental health. It has served Latino communities in Los Angeles for decades.
8. Legacy LA
Legacy LA works with young people in the Ramona Gardens and Boyle Heights neighborhoods, offering leadership development, academic support, and safe community spaces. It empowers youth to become leaders and advocates.
9. Plaza de la Raza
Plaza de la Raza is a cultural center in Lincoln Park that has offered arts education in dance, music, theater, and visual arts for more than fifty years. It celebrates Latino culture while providing affordable classes to young people.
10. Proyecto Pastoral
Proyecto Pastoral, connected to Dolores Mission in Boyle Heights, provides early childhood education, youth programs, and community organizing. Its programs support families and foster community leadership.
Areas of Impact
Education is a top priority for many Eastside nonprofits. Organizations advocate for better schools, provide tutoring and college guidance, and help students become the first in their families to attend college. East Los Angeles College and nearby Cal State LA are important partners in these efforts.
Housing and economic opportunity are also critical. As rents rise across Los Angeles, nonprofits help families stay housed, support tenants, and help small businesses survive. Health care organizations provide essential services to residents who may lack insurance or face language barriers.
Arts and culture organizations preserve and celebrate the community's identity. Murals, printmaking, music, dance, and theater reflect the history and creativity of East Los Angeles and attract visitors from around the world.
How to Choose a Nonprofit to Support
Look for organizations with clear missions, transparent finances, and measurable results. Many nonprofits publish annual reports and impact data. Visiting a program, attending an event, or talking with staff can help you understand their work.
Consider your interests and skills. If you are passionate about the arts, support a cultural organization. If you care about education, volunteer as a tutor or mentor. Local giving often has an outsized impact because small nonprofits rely on community support.
Ways to Get Involved
Volunteering is one of the most meaningful ways to help. Nonprofits need volunteers for tutoring, food distribution, events, administrative support, and professional skills like accounting, marketing, and legal advice. Donations of money, supplies, and in-kind services are also valuable.
Advocacy matters too. Attending community meetings, contacting elected officials, and sharing nonprofit campaigns on social media can amplify their impact. Businesses can support nonprofits through sponsorships, employee volunteer programs, and matching gift programs.
Trends in the Nonprofit Sector
Nonprofits are increasingly using technology to expand their reach, from online classes to digital fundraising. Collaboration among organizations is growing, as nonprofits partner to address complex issues like housing and health. Many organizations are also focusing on mental health and trauma-informed care, recognizing the long-term effects of poverty and violence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are donations tax-deductible? Donations to registered 501(c)(3) nonprofits are generally tax-deductible. Check with a tax professional for your specific situation.
Can teenagers volunteer? Many organizations welcome youth volunteers, often with parental permission.
Final Thoughts
The nonprofits of East Los Angeles reflect the strength, resilience, and creativity of the community. By volunteering, donating, or advocating, you can help these organizations continue their vital work for generations to come.