Providing help and hope in the East Bay

Welcome to
Share the Spirit!

Last Thanksgiving, the East Bay Times launched the 2023 Share the Spirit campaign. This special annual drive during the holiday season is our way of giving back to Bay Area by shining a light on its most vulnerable residents. We have so far raised more than $500,000 for the 2023 campaign thanks to the readers of the East Bay Times and people like you.

This year will mark our 35th year of Share the Spirit. We are a non-profit that has been managed and produced by the East Bay Times since 1989. With your help, our community will become an even better place.

Sincerely,

Sharon Ryan
Publisher of the East Bay Times

2024 grant application is now open!

If you are a non-profit organization seeking for funding from this year’s Wish Book holiday campaign, you can apply now. Applications are due August 13 or when the limit of 150 applications are reached. Please click below to learn more and begin the process.

How Share the Spirit works

Our mission is to spotlight Bay Area non-profits that assist seniors, alleviate homelessness, provide food and many other laudable causes to people like you.

Every September, Share the Spirit selects about 20 local non-profit groups in need of assistance. Those selected would have their stories and needs published in print and online in the East Bay times from Thanksgiving until the end of the year. Readers would then be encouraged to help fulfill these wishes by donating here

Non-profits who would like to be considered for a grant from Share the Spirit can learn more at our Grants page. The application process for a grant opens in late July.

2024

A look back at those we helped last season

2024

From foster homes to Beyond Emancipation

Donations will help Beyond Emancipation support young adults with experience in foster care and their children secure stable, affordable housing by providing holistic support, including life skills, education, and career development services. Goal: $30,000

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2024

This Bay Area nonprofit is helping folks with disabilities thrive

Donations will cover staff costs for Bay Area Outreach and Recreation Program (BORP) Adaptive Sports and Recreation to offer 100 open hours at its cycling ...
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2024

Beating addiction and finding purpose in life

Donations to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul of Contra Costa County will support the purchase of 200 family-friendly gift cards, providing food for ...
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2024

This nonprofit works to help people with Down syndrome thrive in the Bay Area

Donations will support Down Syndrome Connection of the Bay Area programs, including the nonprofit’s Communication Readiness Program, support groups, classes, music therapy, educational webinars and ...
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2024

Early Alert Canines brings ‘peace of mind’ to East Bay family

Donations will support Early Alert Canines‘ training programs and client follow-up initiatives to help individuals with Type 1 Diabetes and their families. The nonprofit offers ...
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