Where confidence begins with a dress, and community makes it possible!

The Princess Project began in February 2002 with a simple but powerful moment: a high school teen needed a dress for prom and asked for help. Founders Laney Whitcanack and Kristi Smith Knutson rallied friends and family to host a small dress drive. What began as one act of kindness has grown into a nonprofit that has now served thousands of high school teens through the dedication of many volunteers.

In 2009, the mission expanded to San Diego,  and today, San Diego proudly serves as The Princess Project’s Headquarters and year-round boutique location. From our boutique at Parkway Plaza, donated dresses (many of them brand new) are thoughtfully curated and transformed into joyful milestone moments for the teens we serve. In doing so, we also promote fashion sustainability by extending the life of beautiful formalwear and reducing textile waste through community-driven reuse.

But the true transformation goes far beyond the dress itself.

One mother shared that in her entire life, she had never been able to walk into a store and tell her daughter, “You can choose anything you want.” That day, she could. Her daughter stepped out in the most beautiful dress, beaming and completely transformed.

We see it again and again. Teens often arrive with shoulders slightly hunched, unsure or hesitant. They leave with their heads held high – smiling, confident, and excited for the milestone ahead.

Prom Dress Giveaways begin in San Diego at the end of March and will continue through April. Any high school teen in need of a dress may book an appointment with proof of enrollment in high school. In addition to boutique appointments, we will have eight library pop-up prom shop events throughout San Diego County to ensure access for teens who may not be able to travel to our main location.

At its heart, The Princess Project is about more than a dress. It is about belonging. It is about dignity. It is about making sure every teen feels confident, celebrated, and seen,  because confidence truly changes everything.

                 

If you’d like to learn more about The Princess Project and donate dresses or funds, volunteer, or register a teen for an appointment, please visit princessprojectsd.org!

www.princessprojectsd.org

 

Nativity Prep is a private-independent, all-scholarship Catholic middle school and college access program for income eligible, first-generation students. Founded in 2001, Nativity Prep is an 11-year program serving over 280 students annually in grades six through college. Nativity Prep’s purpose is to break the cycle of generational poverty by developing its students’ and their family’s ability to live a life of opportunity, choice, and service.

The Nativity Prep Graduate Support Program (GSP), is the most important component of its mission.  GSP establishes and sustains a college culture beginning in the sixth grade and continuing through college graduation by providing students and graduates academic support and college counseling with personal care, which remains the hallmark of the school.

The current projected graduation rate for Nativity Prep students is 83%, more than five times the rate for their demographic peers.  More than anything, Nativity Prep is a community of faith rooted in relationships.  By educating a child, Nativity Prep helps to change the trajectory of the entire family.  This work, this mission, breaks the cycle of generational poverty.

Nativity Prep is a 501(c)(3) non-profit and is fully funded through the generosity of individual donors and grants.  Nativity Prep does not receive any funding from the state or Diocese of San Diego.

Nativity Prep Highlights:

• 100% of Nativity students have graduated high school on time, representing a 67% increase over the past decade.
• 100% of graduates have earned college acceptances.
• 83% of Nativity college students have graduated or are on track to graduate, reflecting a 42% increase over ten years.
• 13 alumni have earned or are pursuing Master’s or Doctoral degrees.
• 23 Nativity Prep alumni are currently enrolled at the University of San Diego through the Torero Promise Program, which guarantees admission and scholarship support to exceptional Catholic high school students.
• 14 alumni serve on our Alumni Council, taking on leadership roles and supporting new college graduates
• Nativity Prep held its first-ever Alumni Reunion in summer of 2025, reconnecting graduates from across 20 years of Nativity history.

 

Volunteer Opportunities:

AMIGOS (Adult Mentors Inspiring Growth in Our Students) Mentoring Program

For the past 20 years, Nativity Prep has successfully run its own mentor program, the AMIGOS (Adult Mentors Inspiring Growth in Our Students) Mentoring Program.  The program matches each middle school student with an adult volunteer mentor.  Each adult commits to supporting and guiding a student through the school year during a weekly meeting of both structured and unstructured activity.  The mentoring program promotes academics and helps to build a student’s self-esteem.  Our goal is for all students and mentors to maintain their relationship for the three years they are on the middle school campus (6th-8th grade).

In addition to the GSP program, the mentoring program has made a significant impact on the students and on the entire community.  Many students have credited their success in college and beyond to the relationship that they built with their mentor.  The relationship between mentor and mentee becomes one of trust, guidance and friendship.

Interested in becoming a mentor? Email: amigos@nativityprep.org

Upcoming events:

25th Anniversary Silver Jubilee Celebration, Saturday, September 26, 2026, USD.  More details to follow: www.nativityprep.org/events

www.nativityprep.org

The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce, established in 1896, is the longest-serving business association in Oceanside, California. As a nonprofit 501(c)(6) organization, we represent businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and institutions throughout the region. Our mission is to provide advocacy and resources that help businesses and the community thrive, with the vision of creating a thriving and united Oceanside. For over a century, we have served as a trusted convener, connecting businesses, community leaders, and residents to promote economic growth, responsible development, and a vibrant local economy.

The Chamber exists to strengthen the economic vitality of Oceanside by advocating for pro-business policies, fostering workforce and leadership development, and creating opportunities for collaboration and growth. Through networking events, marketing opportunities, educational programs, and leadership development, we help businesses expand, talent flourish, and the community prosper. Beyond business, we serve as a catalyst for progress, connecting people and resources to ensure Oceanside remains a thriving, inclusive, and dynamic place to live, work, and do business.

Instagram: @OceansideChamber

LinkedIn Page: Oceanside Chamber of Commerce

www.oceansidechamber.com

The Alliance for Regional Solutions, a recognized leader in accelerating nonprofit success and building community commitment, is dedicated to fostering a thriving, resilient service network. With over 75 nonprofits, seven cities, and San Diego County as members, the Alliance’s impact is vast. While most members are physically located in North County, they reach the greater region and include schools, healthcare providers, social service and government agencies, and philanthropies. They serve the most vulnerable groups, including low‐income, minority, disabled, and senior populations, those with limited English proficiency, and others.

Specifically, the Alliance:

• Tracks and reports on emerging community needs.
• Offers meaningful opportunities for collaboration, problem-solving, and networking.
• Represents communities of concern with one voice.
• Cultivates enriching professional development experiences for no cost or a very low cost.

Our Working Committees:

• The Bridge to Housing Committee assists groups that provide short-term housing, case management, and wrap-around services to homeless individuals and families.
• The Case Manager’s Network supports North County case managers in sharing resources, presenting program data, collaborating on issues, and networking.
• The North County Food Policy Council works to increase food source accessibility through collaboration, public education, and advocacy.
• North County Works supports groups serving clients with barriers to employment.
• North County Transitional Aged Youth Council aids at-promise and transition-aged youth (ages 16 – 24) service providers.
• The Racial Justice Committee works to advance racial justice and equity for the Black, Indigenous, Latinx/Hispanic, mixed status communities and Other People of Color (BIOPC) the partner agencies serve.
• The Senior Alliance is an action group under NORCAN. This group seeks to respond to the rapid growth of the senior population in San Diego and the high demand of reliable care and services. They work collaboratively to coordinate the support and services available to seniors throughout San Diego’s North County region.

If you would like to learn more about the Alliance, we invite you to sign up for our email list below or join us at our February Quarterly Membership Meeting to learn more about the work of our committees.

Alliance for Regional Solutions : Sign Up to Stay in Touch

Alliance February Quarterly Membership Meeting

www.regionalsolutions.net

Davis Farr: A Trusted Partner in Nonprofit Financial Excellence

As a proud NCPC Premier Member, Davis Farr partners with nonprofits through specialized audit, tax, and consulting services. Our mission is simple: To empower government and nonprofit leaders to confidently communicate their financial and compliance story, enhance integrity, and build trust.

Our involvement with NCPC has deepened our understanding of the challenges nonprofits face today. The connections we’ve made have introduced us to inspiring organizations we may never have encountered otherwise and have allowed us to get closer to the work, clients and communities we serve. We genuinely value the collaboration and networking opportunities the NCPC community provides.

We bring more than technical expertise. Guided by our firm values of being authentic, trustworthy, caring, collaborative, unified, and fun, we build relationships that go beyond the numbers. We listen first, offer practical solutions, and aim to be a supportive partner who celebrates wins and navigates challenges alongside nonprofit leaders.

Outside of our client work, we stay engaged in the community through board service, volunteerism, and annual initiatives such as hosting families during the holiday season with meals and gifts. These experiences remind us why strong nonprofits are essential to strong communities.

We welcome the NCPC community to connect with us and continue the conversation. You can find us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook, where we post a variety of information.

www.davisfarr.com

Assistance League® of North Coast is primarily dedicated to serving the needs of children in the communities of Carlsbad, Oceanside and Vista, with the goal of providing a positive starting point for academic success.

Many children in our community come to school lacking weather-appropriate shoes and clothes. Fifty-seven percent of the K-12 students in Oceanside, Vista, and Carlsbad live below the poverty level. When children are cold or feel “less than” in school, it is hard to be motivated to learn. The Assistance League of North Coast is one of 95 chapters of the National Assistance League, whose focus is on providing a positive starting point for underserved children.

The Assistance League of North Coast is an all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers programs under the umbrella of “Operation School Bell.” Over the past year, 150 volunteers have dedicated almost 21,000 hours to serving children in Oceanside, Vista, and Carlsbad. We have had a positive impact in our community by providing:

• Back-to-school clothes for 515 children of military families living at Camp Pendleton
• $49,018 in shopping credit at JC Penney ($200 per student) to enable elementary and secondary school students to shop for their own school clothes and shoes
• $68,500 in scholarships to graduating seniors, average of $2500 per student
• 1554 health kits (wash cloth, soap, shampoo, toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, hairbrush) to elementary school children
• 1006 jackets and 1006 blankets to children
• $11,959 in teacher grants for special projects, typically $150-$500 per project
• $46,365 of books to elementary school students

Although we receive a portion of our funding from grants and private donations, 65% of our budget is raised from sales in our Thrift Shop at 1830 Oceanside Blvd near the Frazier Farms store. We are open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 10 to 3. Come visit us! Our Shop has an assortment of boutique clothing items, furniture, housewares, jewelry, and electrical appliances. Our Holiday Shop opens on November 11. We look forward to seeing you there!

www.assistanceleague.org/north-coast

 

The Boys & Girls Club of Vista (BGCV) provides safe, fun, and quality youth development programs for kids ages 5-18 at seven sites in Vista & Oceanside. BGCV is open “when kids need us most” – after school, most school holidays and during the summer. The Club offers a variety of financial assistance, so no child is turned away.  73% of Club members receive financial assistance to attend and we are currently serving 174 more Club members than 2025 through August 2025 and the demand keeps growing.

Founded in 1963, BGCV believes in a mission that empowers every Club member, through safe and impactful experiences to:

• Graduate high school with a plan for college or a career.
• Contribute to their community.
• Live a healthy life.

BGCV works to address the challenges described above, through services that fall into five programmatic buckets: Basic Needs & Supportive Communities; Academic Success; Leadership & Workforce Development; Healthy & Active Lifestyles; and Creative Development.   Key programs include STEM, Career Launch Workforce Development, SMART Moves, music, recreation and competitive sports & more.

By providing safe, affordable places to send their kids when school is out, our programs have a positive impact on parents as well, with 95% of BGCV parents saying our Club plays a crucial role in their lives.

Please save the date for our Saturday, March 7^th, 2026 Diamond Gala at the Westin in Carlsbad. In addition to the gala, we welcome the community to participate in future community events such as:

• Holiday Embrace a Family
• Youth of the Year
• Kids Night Out
• Career Day
• Back to School Bash
• Golf Tournament

We will also be opening our new Sports Park in 2026 and are looking for sponsors- stay tuned for more information.

Please join us in our quest to provide more youth with the opportunities and skills they need to achieve GREAT FUTURES. Learn more about us at bgcvista.org.

www.bgcvista.org

 

 

Our mission at TURN Behavioral Health Services is

simple but powerful: Improving lives®.

Founded in 1978 as Mental Health Systems, Inc., TURN is a California-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to helping individuals and families attain resilience and stability. With locations spanning the state, from Santa Clara to San Diego, TURN provides a full continuum of care for people with complex behavioral health needs.

At TURN, every program is built on evidence-based practices and tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. From treatment and prevention to housing, employment, and long-term recovery support, our services work together to create stability, growth, and lasting change for individuals, families, and communities.

Our services include options for adults, children, veterans, and justice-involved:

• Outpatient clinics
• Case management & wrap-around services
• Peer support & life skills development
• Mental health services
• Supportive housing & navigation
• Employment & vocational solutions
• Substance use detox & residential services
• Medi-Cal services
• Prevention

Among our programs in North County is U-TURN North, a driving under the influence (DUI) program licensed by the California Department of Health Care Services. The program provides DUI treatment services in the North Inland Judicial District of San Diego County.

Our courses at U-TURN North teach participants about the effects of alcohol and other drugs and their impact on the individual, family and community. Participants are guided toward appropriate and permanent lifestyle changes to prevent further DUI offenses and other negative effects caused by the abuse of alcohol or other drugs.

Behind every statistic is a person: someone navigating the challenges of behavioral health, homelessness, or the path to recovery. We also see their strength, courage, and potential. Our programs go beyond services by restoring dignity, sparking hope, and fostering belonging. Every connection we make builds stronger families, healthier communities, and brighter futures.

Visit us online or connect with us on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn. 

www.turnbhs.org

San Diego Foundation – Connecting People Who Care to Causes That Matter

For 50 years, San Diegans have shown San Diego Foundation (SDF) that our home – our region – is a place of endless possibilities.

Thanks to partners across the county, SDF has granted $1.8 billion to nonprofits since its founding, helping to transform lives of those furthest from opportunity.

This includes Coastal Community Foundation partners. Based in Encinitas, Coastal joined forces with SDF one year ago to better support North County donors and nonprofits – now and for generations to come.

With Coastal, SDF supports community members’ intent to pool funds and “Live Here, Give Here”, building stronger communities in North County and beyond. A model for place-based philanthropy, SDF’s giving circles, supporting organizations and affiliates support nonprofits region-wide. Giving Circles and Regional Affiliates conducting annual grantmaking include: Hand to Hand, Safe and Stable Housing Fund, Solana Beach Fund, Carlsbad Charitable Foundation, Escondido Community Foundation, Oceanside Community Foundation, Ramona Community Foundation, and Rancho Bernardo Community Foundation.

Partnership

San Diego Foundation (SDF) is here to help expand your nonprofit’s reach, resources, and donor impact. As your partner in philanthropy, SDF offers tools to grow giving and build long-term sustainability. Check out: San Diego Foundation Nonprofit FAQs. And please ask us about opening a Nonprofit Fund to gain professional investment management and the ability to accept complex gifts like real estate, business interests, and stock.

We’re also here to help you work with your donors on legacy giving, offering expert guidance on planned gifts such as wills, retirement accounts, and trusts. Whether you’re growing an endowment or seeking major gifts, we’ll help align donor intent with tax-smart strategies that maximize impact.

Don’t forget to remind your donors that they can donate their Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) to your nonprofit tax free! QCDs help clients offset RMD income taxes and increase charitable giving. Contact us at donorservices@sdfoundation.org to learn more about how we can partner.

Grant Funding
Throughout each year, SDF opens competitive grant cycles aligned with its strategic priorities and programs, helping nonprofits maximize their impact and transform lives. Some program grants are by invitation only due to specific criteria. Explore current funding opportunities: Apply for a Grant

 Connecting with San Diego Foundation Donors

While SDF does not directly solicit donors, The Foundation works closely with donor-advised fund advisors who express interest in specific organizations or impact areas. Its team researches and prepares donor-requested reports using Candid and other resources, which is why SDF recommends that nonprofits create and update a Candid profile to stay visible to San Diego donors.

Stay Connected

Sign up for our Nonprofit e-Newsletter to stay updated on grant opportunities, philanthropy news, and updates from our  SDF News blog.  Follow us on Facebook.

Thank you for all you do to strengthen our community. As we celebrate 50 Years of Impact, let’s keep connecting people who care with causes that matter – to you, to our community, and to our future.

www.sdfoundation.org

 

Cox Communications: Six decades of connecting San Diego County Communities

Cox Communications is committed to creating meaningful moments of human connection through technology. As the largest private broadband company in America, we own network infrastructure that reaches more than 30 states. Our fiber-powered wireline and wireless connections are available to more than 12 million homes and businesses and support advanced cloud and managed IT services nationwide. We’re the largest division of Cox Enterprises, a family-owned business founded in 1898 by Governor James M. Cox that is dedicated to empowering others to build a better future for the next generation.

Cox has operated in San Diego County since 1962, a commitment that translates to innovative digital solutions, long-standing community partnerships, and philanthropic initiatives.

Cox’s fiber-powered networks support communities of this diverse region as they build a better future while celebrating that which makes us unique. Central to the Cox mission is closing the digital divide through programs like ConnectAssist, which provides high-speed internet for just $30 per month to qualifying households participating in assistance programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, and Veterans Pensions. For qualifying families with K-12 students, Connect2Compete provides internet access for only $9.95 per month, helping ensure educational opportunities reach every student.

In October 2024, Cox launched our innovative Partner Portal, a nationwide initiative to bridge the digital divide through strategic community partnerships. Local organizations can serve as ambassadors, amplifying awareness of Cox’s connectivity programs, or as digital navigators, providing personalized assistance to help individuals enroll in affordable internet services.

Expanding our commitment to comprehensive connectivity, Cox Mobile provides affordable wireless service exclusively to Cox Internet customers. Running on a trusted network serving more than 100 million people, Cox Mobile offers flexible data plans starting at $15 per gig per month, keeping San Diego families connected at home and on the go.

Through Cox Business, Hospitality Network, RapidScale and Segra, Cox Communications provides a broad commercial services portfolio including advanced cloud, managed IT and fiber-based network solutions that create connected environments and unique hospitality experiences and support operational applications for nearly 370,000 businesses.

Through active participation in the Downtown San Diego Partnership and regional chambers of commerce, Cox demonstrates our ongoing commitment to local economic development and business growth across San Diego County.

In 2024, we proudly donated over $500,000 to nonprofits throughout San Diego County through the Cox Charities Foundation and our corporate philanthropy initiatives. These funds supported local organizations committed to making a difference in K-12 education, digital inclusion and environmental sustainability.

www.cox.com