Laguna Beach is a small coastal town known for its geographical beauty, charming character, and close-knit community. Within this close-knit community are several non profits who are making a powerful impact. From preserving the environment to addressing social issues, these organizations are dedicated to improving the lives of residents and visitors.
Below I’m sharing some of my favorite Laguna Beach non profits and the incredible work they are doing to make our city (and beyond) a better place!
Table of Contents
- Laguna Ocean Foundation
- Laguna Canyon Foundation
- Pacific Marine Mammal Center
- Friends of the Laguna Beach Library
- Crystal Cove Conservancy
- Laguna Food Pantry
- KX FM Radio
- Laguna Beach Pride
- Laguna Beach Historical Society
- Catmosphere Foundation
1. Laguna Ocean Foundation
Possibly the most well known organization in town, the Laguna Ocean Foundation was formed in 2003 by concerned citizens. Their mission is raising awareness and educating people on ways to protect and preserve our precious ocean ecosystems. When exploring the tide pools you’ll probably come across a helpful docent educating beach goers. Most notably, the Ocean Foundation successfully established Laguna Beach as a marine protected area.
Visit their website: lagunaoceanfoundation.org
2. Laguna Canyon Foundation
In 1989 a huge crowd marched along Laguna Canyon Road to protest the destruction of the natural terrain for the development of shopping centers, golf courses, and housing tracts. Because of their efforts, we have 22,000 acres of wilderness to protect and cherish. The Laguna Canyon Foundation works to preserve the flora and fauna of these canyons so that future generations will be able to enjoy them.
Visit their website: lagunacanyon.org
3. Pacific Marine Mammal Center
The Pacific Marine Mammal Center is dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and release of marine mammals along the Southern California coastline. The center not only provides medical care for sea lions and seals, they are also open to the public at no charge! Stop by the visitor yard in the Laguna Canyon to see these cute creatures up close, learn about the organization, and browse the gift shop.
Visit their website: pacificmmc.org
4. Friends of the Laguna Beach Library
This non profit was formed over 50 years ago by a group of friends who wanted to make the library something special. They help supply funds for monthly special events, children’s crafts, building improvements, scholarships, and so much more. Most notably, they maintain the luscious butterfly and fairy garden that was initially created by long time local Jessica deStefano.
Visit their website: friendsofthelagunabeachlibrary.org
5. Crystal Cove Conservancy
Another of my favorite Laguna Beach non profits is the Crystal Cove Conservancy. This organization was founded in 1999 to save the historic buildings and unique topography from being redeveloped into a luxury resort. They have been restoring many century-old cottages, beautifying the park, and educating future environmental leaders. But coolest of all, the Crystal Cove STEM education program brings thousands of low-income students to Crystal Cove State Park for the first time.
Visit their website: crystalcove.org
6. Laguna Food Pantry
Located in the Laguna Canyon, anybody is welcome to stop by for groceries at no cost and with no questions asked. The Laguna Food Pantry began after the 1993 fires that destroyed hundreds of homes and left families with little resources. Due to consistent need, their organization has grown and flourishes to this day.
Visit their website: lagunafoodpantry.org
7. KX FM Radio
As a small community, it is SO cool that we have our very own FM radio station. And a non profit, commercial free, human crafted one! KX FM aims to connect the community through meaningful and locally-oriented music, culture, and events. They are passionate about helping their on-air hosts, student interns, special needs volunteers, and also and under-recognized musicians develop their talents.
Visit their website: kxfmradio.org
8. Laguna Beach Pride
This one is pretty special to me because I wouldn’t be living in Laguna Beach if it wasn’t for the substantial gay history here. My boyfriend’s late uncle moved to Laguna in 1950 with only the shirt on his back and over the years he became wealthy through real estate. While sifting through old documents we came across his newspaper ad seeking a companion, and a handwritten reply, and ensuing letters between him and his partner. We now live in the home that they shared in Bluebird Canyon.
Laguna Beach Pride was organized to honor culture and diversity as well as to celebrate the rich contributions of the gay community to Laguna Beach. They host a range of fun events throughout the year that are open for all to enjoy.
Visit their website: lagunabeachpride.org
9. Laguna Beach Historical Society
History has always been a huge passion/obsession/fascination of mine! So I LOVE visiting the Laguna Beach Historical Society. This non profit was formed to collect and preserve historical documents and share them for everybody to appreciate. They’re located in the Murphy-Smith Bungalow where you can browse memorabilia on display, chat with friendly volunteers, and learn something cool about Laguna Beach’s history!
Visit their website: lagunabeachhistory.org
10. Catmosphere Foundation
Anybody who knows me knows I’m a CRAZY cat lady! So I have to include Catmosphere to this list. Initially started as a cat cafe in downtown Laguna Beach, Catmosphere volunteers and foster parents devote their time to providing care for homeless cats and kittens. Their foster care system provides these felines a safe environment until they find their furrrever homes. Despite the cafe’s closure, the organization stays busy fulfilling their mission.
Visit their website: catmospherelaguna.com
There are so many Laguna Beach non profits and this is only a few. If you know of any please let me know in the comments!
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I love this! You’re so amazing to foster kitties in need. And this one looks like my Baby Kit. ❤️