Introduction to the Award

The Nonprofit of the Year award, bestowed by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce, is a prestigious accolade aimed at recognizing the extraordinary contributions of nonprofit organizations within the community. Each year, this award honors a singular nonprofit that exemplifies commitment, innovation, and impact in serving the needs of its constituents. The award serves not only to highlight a specific organization’s accomplishments but also to encourage and inspire other nonprofits to strive for excellence in their mission-driven work.

As recipients of this award, organizations join a distinguished group of past honorees, further underscoring the importance of their ongoing work within the nonprofit sector. The award symbolizes more than recognition; it emphasizes a collective commitment to uplift the community and address pressing social issues. By honoring excellence among nonprofits, the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce fosters a culture of accountability and encourages further collaboration between businesses, residents, and nonprofit organizations for a greater cause. This award, therefore, serves as both a celebration of achievements and a call to action for continued dedication to service and excellence in the nonprofit field.

Our Organization’s Journey

Established in 1977, our nonprofit was founded with a clear mission: to uplift and empower individuals within our community through education, support, and resources. From the outset, we recognized the pressing needs faced by our community, and we set forth to develop initiatives that address these challenges.

One of our earliest milestones was the launch of our Operation School Bell® program, which provides new school clothing to in-need elementary and middle school students in the Capistrano Unified School District. Since 1980, Operation School Bell® has provided 1000s of students with new school clothing which has been shown to raise self-esteem and improve school attendance.

The recognition as Nonprofit of the Year by the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce marks a pinnacle in our organization’s journey. This accolade is not just a testament to our achievements but also a recognition of our unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of those we serve. The continued support from our community has been instrumental in our success, and we remain dedicated to driving positive change within our community. As we look forward, we are excited to build on our foundation, explore new opportunities, and address the challenges that lie ahead, ensuring that our mission to serve remains strong.

The Impact of Our Work

Our organization has consistently demonstrated its commitment to uplifting the community through numerous impactful programs. A notable example of our impact can be found in our newest philanthropy, Igniting Potential, which provides financial and hands-on support to San Clemente and San Juan Hill High School AVID students. The AVID program places motivated students in a rigorous curriculum while providing academic and emotional support. This program provides $20-30K annually to provide supplies, fund college visits and teacher training. As we approach the end of fiscal year 2024-25, we forecast returning $266,000 back to the community.

The recognition from the Dana Point Chamber of Commerce as Nonprofit of the Year underscores the importance of our initiatives and their substantial contributions to community development. Our work embodies the transformative power of nonprofit organizations, demonstrating how dedicated efforts can create lasting positive change. This award serves as a testament to the collective efforts of our chapter members, and supporters in pursuing a common vision for a better community.