2025 Grants

In response to the devastating LA County wildfires, we have provided small Disaster Relief grants to the following:

Families Forward Learning Center, formerly known as Mothers’ Club, is a non-profit organization that provides free education and social services to low-income families in Pasadena and Altadena with children from birth to five years old. All services are based on a two-generation learning model that empowers both parents and children to gain knowledge and skills that improve outcomes for the whole family.

www.familiesforwardLC.org

With all of the humanity, and none of the bureaucracy, The Change Reaction is breaking the traditional model of philanthropy by directly transforming the lives of individuals in need with ingenuity, efficiency and heart.

Empowered by community organizations who identify individuals and small businesses facing financial hardships, donors make direct grants or loans to keep them from complete collapse.

www.changereaction.org

The California Black Freedom Fund is a five-year, $100 million initiative to ensure that Black power-building and movement-based organizations in California have the sustained investments and resources they need to eradicate systemic and institutional racism.

www.cablackfreedomfund.org

Education Through Music-Los Angeles (ETM-LA) partners with under-resourced schools to provide music as a core subject for all children and utilizes music education as a catalyst to improve academic achievement, motivation for school, and self-confidence. 

www.etmla.org 

Street Poets, Inc. is an arts education-based violence intervention/prevention program serving at-risk youth and young adults in the underserved school communities, streets, and juvenile probation facilities of Los Angeles County and beyond, using poetry and music to inspire youth to break self-destructive cycles and become creative peacemakers in their communities. 

www.streetpoetsinc.com 

ArtsUP! LA is a bridge between professional theater and overlooked communities. Our stage ignites artistic expression, fosters human connection, illuminates understanding, and brings diverse artists and audiences of all mind, body, and life experiences into a shared place of unlimited possibility.

www.artsupla.org

Bresee’s mission is to battle poverty by empowering youth and families in Los Angeles with the skills, resources, and relationships necessary to thrive. Serve over 6,000 youth and family members annually through holistic after-school programming.  

www.bresee.org

Color Compton’s mission is to disrupt the single and limited story of marginalized communities such as Compton by serving as a pillar in the community where our Black and Brown histories and art are honored and preserved. Color Compton aims to elevate youths’ artistic skills and education to foster future art abolitionists. 

www.colorcompton.org 

Las Fotos Project’s mission is to elevate the voices of teenage girls & gender-expansive youth from communities of color through photography and mentoring, empowering them to channel their creativity for the benefit of themselves, their community, and future careers. 

www.lasfotosproject.org 

Green Arrow Co-Lab provides a gardening and mindfulness curriculum for youth who have had involvement with the justice system. Our mission is to support young people harmed by systemic injustice, structural racism and a societal disconnect as they reconnect to themselves and their future opportunity for success through an earth-based program of healing, self-actualization and connection to community and nature.

www.greenarrowcolab.org

DIY Girls mission is to increase girls' and gender-expansive youth's interest and long-term success in technology, engineering and making through innovative educational experiences and mentor relationships.

www.diygirls.org

Young Lives Redeemed seeks to empower youth to overcome childhood trauma and achieve stability and self-sufficiency through intensive and comprehensive support services, including connection to trauma-informed mental healthcare and substance use treatment, sustainable housing, secondary and post-secondary education, vocational programming, job training and living wage employment.

www.younglivesredeemed.org

The mission of Tía Chucha’s Centro Cultural is to transform communities in the Northeast San Fernando Valley and beyond through ancestral knowledge, the arts, literacy and creative engagement.

www.tiachucha.org

The Hidden Genius Project trains and mentors Black male youth in technology creation, entrepreneurship, and leadership skills to transform their lives and communities.

www.hiddengeniusproject.org

Hope Harbor's mission is to provide a home for teens in crisis, transform lives, and strengthen families. 

www.hopeharbor.org

Our mission is to ignite the inner spark of Black and brown youth through culturally responsive education, critical inquiry, and real-world problem-solving.

www.innersparklab.org

Cancer Relief Grant Testimonials

Photo courtesy of Krystie, Kathy’s mother

Krystie, a 14-year-old osteosarcoma survivor, received an Experience Grant in 2022. She requested a beach trip with her family. The family enjoyed a few days at a beach villa, spending time swimming, playing on the beach, and going boating.

"We're really grateful to Sweet Geeks Foundation for giving us this chance to be together as a family, away from hospitals and in such a beautiful setting. I haven’t seen Krystie this happy, smiling, and laughing since she was diagnosed 5 years ago. This trip has allowed us to enjoy life again and let Krystie just be a kid again."

- Kathy, Krystie’s mother.

Photo courtesy of Alevia

Aleiva, a mother of two young kids, was dealing with a devastating stomach cancer diagnosis while working hard to care for her family. Despite the weight of her diagnosis, she was determined to bring joy to her children, who had shouldered so much alongside her. Knowing how they desperately wanted to go to Universal Studios, she sought to make it a reality for them. Thanks to our valued community partner, Walk With Sally, who referred us to Aleiva, she and her family were awarded an Experience Grant to spend quality time together at the theme park.

"We're incredibly grateful for the opportunity to visit Universal Studios. It was truly unforgettable, and we had an amazing time. Thanks to Sweet Geeks Foundation, we were able to visit the park for the first time and make cherished memories together."

- Aleiva

Photo courtesy of Yvonne & Family

Yvonne, a single mother and breast cancer survivor, was awarded an experience grant for herself and her three children to enjoy a weekend at Disneyland.

“We are beyond grateful and so appreciate the generosity and selflessness of Sweet Geeks and how they bring joy to families affected by cancer. Thank you for the smiles, the joy, and the creation of beautiful memories that will last forever.”

- Yvonne and Family

Elvira faced the daunting challenges of being diagnosed with breast cancer, surviving domestic abuse, and experiencing homelessness all at once. Thanks to a referral from Cancer Kinship, Sweet Geeks Foundation awarded her a financial relief grant, enabling her to secure housing and pay rent. This assistance aided and empowered her as she prepared for her next surgery, easing her burden and providing her with some peace of mind. She is incredibly grateful for the support she received and hopes to pay it forward one day soon.

Painted by a breast cancer survivor, courtesy of Cancer Kinship

Painted by a breast cancer survivor, courtesy of Cancer Kinship

Connie, a single mother battling stage 4 breast cancer that also spread to her lungs, was awarded a Financial Relief Grant to help her with paying her rent.

“I am so thankful for this wonderful organization. Living with stage 4 aggressive breast cancer is stressful enough, not to mention all the financial burdens it brings on. This organization aided greatly in providing me with some relief during a very difficult time in my life. I am beyond blessed by all they do.”