Boca Raton is a luxurious paradise boasting miles of beautiful coastline and year-round sun. Whether you’re moving to Boca Raton, Florida or are a longtime local, here are some excellent charities where you can give back to the community.
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Best Foot Forward
Best Foot Forward (BFF) is a nonprofit that provides educational support to foster care youth. From kindergarteners to young adults starting college, Best Foot Forward takes a team-oriented approach to all of its programs. Youths are paired with a coach who offers support, guidance, and academic planning to assist with school and future life plans.
There are several ways to get involved with BFF. Their website outlines ten specific volunteer opportunities, including bringing baked goods, tutoring, and decorating for an event. They also welcome cash donations, sponsoring a student, or buying supplies from a designated wishlist.
Boca Ballet Theatre
One of the most unique charities in Boca Raton, Florida, is Boca Ballet Theatre, a nonprofit dance school. As one of the few nonprofit dance schools in the country, Boca Ballet Theatre provides excellent training and experience in the professional dance world. They are also dedicated to serving the community with outreach programs for people living with Parkinson’s and at-risk children.
Boca Ballet is always seeking donations and offers various benefits to its donors. They also accept legacy gifts that support the theatre in perpetuity. The volunteer guild assists in a myriad of event tasks, from planning to creating silent auction baskets. Some of their major events include the post-Nutcracker fundraiser and a major annual underwriting event.
Friendship House
This Boca Raton charity provides a safe and welcoming social environment for children, teens, and young adults with disabilities. Friendship House builds and nourishes friendships for individuals with disabilities who do not have access to regular social activities. Volunteers largely consist of teens and young adults who maintain these close connections through programs like holiday events or after-school sports.
Even if you are not in the target age group for volunteers, there are still plenty of ways to support Friendship House. You can sign up to help transport volunteers, reach out if you know a family that needs extra support, or donate.
Nat King Cole Generation Hope Inc.
Founded by iconic musician Nat King Cole’s twin daughters, this nonprofit brings music education to economically disadvantaged children. Casey and Timolin Cole founded the organization to offer equal access to music instruction and resources like lessons and procuring instruments that are not readily available in local schools.
Volunteers have many options in assisting Nat King Cole Generation Hope Inc., from individual mentorship to fundraising. There are options to sponsor programs and events, become a philanthropic partner, or join the board. You can also gift instruments through Project Encore or donate.
A Note on Becoming a Board Member
One of the most impactful ways you can support your charity of choice is by becoming a board member. There are a variety of paths to becoming a board member, with some nonprofits having open board applications while others require a nomination or invitation from the board. If you are passionate about a particular organization and believe you have the right skillset, acting as a board member can be an extremely fulfilling and meaningful way to give back to your community.
“The best board members bring operational expertise in employee engagement or workplace culture, not just fundraising connections… What nonprofits really need are board members who understand data-driven impact measurement… who can bring systems thinking and measurable outcomes expertise. The nonprofits thriving are those with board members who ask tough questions about engagement metrics and operational efficiency, not just donation totals.”
Meghan Calhoun, Give River Co-Founder
Conclusion
Boca Raton has extensive opportunities to support some unique nonprofits, whether you are dedicated to opening the door to music or dance for underprivileged children, building lifelong friendships with children with disabilities, or supporting education for youth in foster care. These organizations make a real change in the community and are always looking for additional assistance through volunteering or donations. You will not only benefit the community as a whole, but you will also make strong connections and likely experience a sense of joy or fulfillment. If you’ve just moved to Boca Raton and are looking to make a difference, get out there and support your new neighbors.
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FAQs
There are endless ways to support nonprofits in Boca Raton! Every charity has open calls for donations and unique opportunities for volunteers. Many of them are looking for assistance in areas like office support, preparing and running events, and fundraising. No matter how much time or money you have to offer, any charity will be happy for any amount of support you can give.
While individual nonprofits will have varying tasks, the general role of a board member is to ensure that the organization runs smoothly and has a sustainable future. You must be passionate about the issue, but also understand how to measure impact and ask tough questions about functionality and efficiency outside of just fundraising totals.
You can find nonprofits or charities in Boca Raton, Florida, through sites like VolunteerMatch and then go to organizations’ individual websites for more information. Many charities have online forms or questionnaires you can quickly fill out to express volunteer interest.
Elisa Miller grew up in Chicago and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in English and Communications. If she is not lost in a book, she can be found running, watching 30 Rock, or doing a puzzle.
