Santa Monica Nonprofits and Charities

Volunteering with the Orang Utan Republik Foundation Inc. has been an incredibly meaningful and inspiring experience. From participating in their in-person outreach at the LA Zoo to helping educate others about the impact of palm oil on rainforests, every opportunity has shown me just how dedicated, knowledgeable, and passionate this organization truly is. What stands out most is the foundation’s commitment—not only to protecting orangutans and their habitat, but to empowering people through education and awareness. Their team creates a welcoming environment for volunteers, provides clear guidance, and makes you feel like your contributions genuinely matter. Being part of their mission has deepened my understanding of conservation issues and strengthened my passion for making a positive impact. I’m grateful to be connected with such an authentic, hardworking, and compassionate organization, and I’m proud to support the vital work they do for orangutans and their home; rainforests.

I loved working for Heal the Bay Aquarium under the Santa Monica Pier. Worked as a Naturalist for the Key to the Sea program that educated school children on the importance of our marine eco systems and our impact on it upon it. Curriculum focused mainly on the Santa Monica Bay and Southern California's oceans. What are watersheds? How can we keep them clean and healthy for humans and marine life? Together, how do we make a difference. <br> <br>I first became involved with Heal the Bay after moving to Los Angeles and living for several years in Marina Del Rey. Seeing the amount of trash that floated down the Biona Creek and out to the Santa Monica Bay after a rain storm was always so upsetting. Heal the Bay was working hard to make things better and I wanted to be apart of it so I began working and volunteering at the Aquarium in 2005- 2008 up until I moved to Texas. Now living in Austin I only wish a chapter to Heal the Bay existed here. I see the same problems here with streams, rivers, aquifers and lakes! <br> <br>I have nothing but positive things to say about all the staff and volunteers I came into contact with during my years of involvement with Heal the Bay. The staff was extremely dedicated and passionate about their roles in bringing about a change for the better. With limited funds I was always impressed to see what powerful community outreach, education programs and involvement campaigns Heal the Bay could execute on. <br> <br>

Annie, the Director of the West-Coast office is the most organized and pleasant person I know. She's extremely welcoming, possitive and willing to put everything on the line for the benefit of ERI. Under her watch the organization is accomplishing great projects and reaching a ton of people in wonderful ways.

I had an intern with Global Green when I was in college. And I actually took a course taught by the staff of Global Green. From these experiences, I can tell that Global Green truly cares about the environment and always does its best to make a difference. I am very grateful to what I learned and experienced while I interned with Global Green. Also, everyone in the organization was very friendly and passionate about what they are doing. Global Green is indeed a great organization.