California boasts more than 191,000 nonprofit organizations of which the most common types have religious or recreational missions. The Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, Kaiser Permanente, and Dignity Health are among the largest 501c3 nonprofits in the state.
Interested in finding which organizations in California are 501c3s? Use our nonprofit lookup tool to search nonprofit organizations and see if the charity you are looking for has 501(c)(3) status.
501(c)(3) organizations are nonprofit corporations that meet specific IRS criteria. Donations to a 501(c)(3) are usually tax-exempt. Use our 501(c)(3) lookup table to find out whether or not an organization has 501(c)(3) status.
501c3 Lookup for California
California Nonprofits
California-based nonprofits focus on a variety of topics, including healthcare, international affairs, and arts education. Below you’ll find three of the state’s most well-regarded nonprofit organizations.
Fistula Foundation
Fistula — an unfortunate complication that sometimes occurs during childbirth — can leave women incontinent and living in embarrassment for as long as the fistula remains. While highly treatable, women without access to medical care or surgeons may suffer from this complication for the rest of their lives. Opened in San Jose in 2009, the Fistula Foundation raises funds to bring women from African and Asian countries to surgeons who can correct the fistula and allow them to lead happier, healthier lives. This foundation has already helped more than 75,000 women in 33 countries.
WeSPARK
Affiliated with the Cancer Treatment Centers of America, the WeSPARK Cancer Support Center works diligently to help cancer patients, survivors, and their loved ones. Operating out of Sherman Oaks, Calif., WeSPARK provides entertainment, emotional support, and all manner of aid to those afflicted by cancer — whether that involves bringing superheroes to visit children during their stays in hospitals or helping to pay for treatments. If you or someone you know is having a difficult time stemming from a cancer diagnosis, WeSPARK may be able to help.
National Novel Writing Month
What started as a self-given challenge, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) is now a nonprofit dedicated to helping writers of any age achieve their dream of releasing a novel. NaNoWriMo’s Young Writers Program offers resources, encouragement, and honest criticism to authors under age 18 and K-12 teachers. It also hosts multiple camps each year to help young writers sharpen their skills in addition to providing year-round support and encouragement with both in-person and virtual writing sessions with counselors and volunteers. Nurturing creativity is important for kids and teenagers, and NaNoWriMo is committed to helping kids (as well as adults) tell their own stories.