Las Vegas nonprofits are at the heart of the city’s efforts to address pressing social challenges, from poverty and homelessness to healthcare and education. While Las Vegas is often known for its glitz and glamour, beyond the neon lights lies a community in need of support.
As the city continues to grow, so do the challenges faced by its residents. Fortunately, a thriving nonprofit sector has emerged, dedicated to making a meaningful impact. These organizations are working tirelessly to create a more compassionate, inclusive, and sustainable Las Vegas for both locals and visitors.
From social services to arts and culture, healthcare to education, Las Vegas nonprofits are tackling critical issues and driving positive change. By learning about their work, we can gain insight into the needs of the community and the transformative efforts underway.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or just visiting, discovering and supporting these nonprofits can inspire you to get involved and contribute to the betterment of Las Vegas.
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Three Square Food Bank
Three Square Food Bank stands as Southern Nevada’s largest hunger-relief organization and the area’s only food bank. Operating across Clark, Lincoln, Nye, and Esmeralda counties, this organization serves as a crucial lifeline for thousands of residents facing food insecurity.
Mission: Three Square’s mission is to provide wholesome food to hungry people while passionately pursuing a hunger-free community. They work to combine food banking (warehousing canned and boxed goods), food rescue (obtaining surplus or unused meats, bread, dairy and produce from hospitality and grocery industry), and ready-to-eat meals to be the most complete food solution for Southern Nevada.
Impact
- Distributes over 41 million meals annually (equivalent to more than 50 million pounds of food)
- Partners with over 600 local agencies and organizations
- Serves more than 364,000 individuals monthly
- Maintains a highly efficient operation where 95 cents of every dollar goes directly to food distribution programs
Project 150
Project 150 focuses on supporting homeless, displaced, and disadvantaged high school students in Las Vegas. The organization was founded in 2011 when the founders learned that 150 students at Rancho High School were homeless and in need of support.
Mission: Project 150’s mission is to provide these students with basic necessities, including food, clothing, school supplies, and hygiene products, enabling them to remain in school, graduate, and build successful futures.
Impact
- Serves more than 6,000 registered high school students
- Operates a free boutique where students can shop for clothes and necessities
- Provides over 2,500 holiday meals annually
- Maintains a 95% graduation rate among supported students
The Shade Tree
The Shade Tree is one of Nevada’s largest shelters, specifically dedicated to providing safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis.
Mission: Their mission is to provide safe shelter to homeless and abused women and children in crisis and to offer life-changing services promoting stability, dignity, and self-reliance.
Impact
- Provides over 100,000 nights of shelter annually
- Serves more than 6,000 women and children each year
- Offers 24/7 emergency shelter services
- Maintains an on-site medical clinic providing over 3,000 patient visits annually
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth (NPHY)
NPHY is the most comprehensive service provider for homeless youth in Nevada, offering a full range of services to help homeless youth escape the streets and transition to self-sufficiency.
Mission: NPHY aims to eliminate homelessness among Nevada’s youth through outreach, emergency services, and housing programs while also focusing on prevention through education and advocacy.
Impact
- Operates Southern Nevada’s only Safe Place program
- Provides over 10,000 nights of shelter annually
- Maintains a 97% success rate in housing program exits to safe and stable housing
- Serves more than 1,500 unduplicated homeless youth annually
Communities In Schools of Nevada
Communities In Schools of Nevada works within the public school system to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life.
Mission: Their mission is to surround students with a community of support, empowering them to stay in school and achieve in life through a research-based approach that positions site coordinators inside schools.
Impact
- Serves over 75,000 students across Nevada
- Maintains a 98% high school graduation rate among case-managed students
- Operates in more than 80 schools statewide
- Achieves a 96% success rate in improving attendance among case-managed students
Nathan Adelson Hospice
As Southern Nevada’s largest non-profit hospice organization, Nathan Adelson Hospice provides comprehensive end-of-life care to patients and their families.
Mission: The organization’s mission is to be the hospice of choice that provides patients and their loved ones with comprehensive end-of-life care and influences better care for all in the community.
Impact
- Serves more than 400 patients daily
- Provides over $2.5 million in uncompensated care annually
- Offers grief counseling to over 2,500 individuals yearly
- Maintains a team of over 300 volunteers
Help of Southern Nevada
Help of Southern Nevada assists families and individuals throughout Southern Nevada to overcome barriers and attain self-sufficiency through direct services, training, and referral to community resources.
Mission: Their mission is to assist families and individuals throughout Southern Nevada to overcome barriers and attain self-sufficiency through direct services, training, and referral to community resources.
Impact
- Assists over 100,000 individuals annually
- Operates seven locations throughout Southern Nevada
- Provides over 10,000 holiday assistance packages yearly
- Maintains a 85% success rate in their workforce development program
The Gay and Lesbian Community Center of Southern Nevada (The Center)
The Center serves as a vital support system for the LGBTQ+ community in Southern Nevada, providing essential resources, programs, and advocacy services.
Mission: The Center’s mission is to support and promote activities directed at furthering the well-being, positive image, and human rights of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community.
Impact
- Serves more than 25,000 visitors annually
- Provides over 5,000 HIV tests yearly
- Offers support to more than 1,500 LGBTQ+ youth annually
- Maintains multiple support groups serving hundreds weekly
Opportunity Village
Opportunity Village is Nevada’s largest nonprofit organization providing programs and services to people with intellectual and related disabilities.
Mission: Their mission is to serve people with intellectual disabilities to enhance their lives and the lives of their families through vocational training, employment, and social recreation services.
Impact
- Serves over 3,000 individuals annually
- Provides more than 1.5 million hours of services yearly
- Maintains four campuses throughout Southern Nevada
- Achieves an 80% employment rate for program graduates
Foundation for an Independent Tomorrow (FIT)
FIT helps unemployed and underemployed individuals gain the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve financial stability through employment.
Mission: The organization’s mission is to provide job training, coaching, and support services that help individuals achieve financial independence through successful employment.
Impact
- Serves more than 2,000 clients annually
- Maintains an 85% job placement rate
- Provides over 5,000 hours of job training yearly
- Achieves an average 30% increase in client wages
Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada
The Legal Aid Center of Southern Nevada provides free legal assistance to those who cannot afford legal representation, ensuring access to justice for all community members.
Mission: Their mission is to ensure equal access to justice through free legal advice and representation for those who cannot afford it, while also providing free education about legal rights and the law.
Impact
- Serves over 125,000 individuals annually
- Handles more than 8,000 cases yearly
- Maintains a network of over 1,000 pro bono attorneys
- Achieves successful outcomes in 85% of cases
Grant a Gift Autism Foundation
Grant a Gift Autism Foundation provides diagnostic and treatment services, support services, vocational training, transition planning, and education for children and young adults with autism spectrum disorders.
Mission: The foundation’s mission is to help children, youth, and their families fight autism by providing diagnostic and treatment services, support services, vocational training, transition planning, and education.
Impact
- Serves more than 8,000 families annually
- Provides over 15,000 therapy hours yearly
- Maintains a 90% success rate in their vocational program
- Offers support services to more than 1,000 families monthly
The Smith Center for the Performing Arts
Located in downtown Las Vegas, The Smith Center is a performing arts center that hosts a wide range of productions, from concerts to ballets. With a seating capacity of over 2,000, it’s one of the largest performing arts centers in the country. The Smith Center is committed to creating a vibrant cultural scene in Las Vegas, showcasing both local and international talent.
Mission: To bring people together through the power of the performing arts, enriching the lives of Las Vegas residents and visitors alike.
Impact: With over 600 performances annually, The Smith Center provides access to high-quality entertainment for thousands of people, promoting cultural understanding and appreciation. The center’s educational programs reach over 10,000 students each year, fostering a love of the arts in young minds.
Through its community outreach initiatives, The Smith Center supports local arts organizations, helping to create a more vibrant and inclusive cultural scene.
The Salvation Army Las Vegas
A nonprofit organization offering emergency services, food, shelter, and rehabilitation programs to those in need. With a long history of serving the community, The Salvation Army Las Vegas is dedicated to meeting human needs with justice, compassion, and dignity.
Mission: To meet human needs with justice, compassion, and dignity through various programs and initiatives.
Impact:
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- The Salvation Army Las Vegas provides over 1 million meals each year, supporting thousands of individuals and families affected by poverty and hunger.
- Through its rehabilitation programs, the organization helps people overcome addiction, find employment, and rebuild their lives.
- By providing a safe haven for those in crisis, The Salvation Army Las Vegas is helping to create a more compassionate and supportive community.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas
The Boys and Girls Clubs of Las Vegas is a nonprofit organization providing after-school programs, recreational activities, and educational services to young people in Las Vegas. With a focus on character development, leadership training, and mentorship, the organization helps kids build skills, confidence, and a positive sense of self.
Mission: To empower young people with the skills, knowledge, and character needed to succeed in life through positive relationships, mentorship, and opportunities for growth.
Impact:
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- The Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas serves over 3,000 young people each year, offering a safe and supportive environment for learning, recreation, and personal development.
- Through its educational programs, the organization provides critical support to students, helping them stay on track academically and achieve their goals.
- By fostering positive relationships between kids and role models, the Boys & Girls Clubs of Las Vegas is helping to create a more supportive and inclusive community.
The Fund for Las Vegas Schools
The Fund for Las Vegas Schools is a nonprofit organization supporting public education initiatives in Las Vegas schools through grants, advocacy, and community engagement. With a focus on equity, innovation, and excellence, the organization works tirelessly to ensure that every child in Las Vegas has access to a high-quality education.
Mission Statement: To ensure that every child in Las Vegas has access to a high-quality education, regardless of zip code or socio-economic status.
Impact: The Fund for Las Vegas Schools awards over $5 million each year in grants to support innovative programs and initiatives in local schools. Through its advocacy efforts, the organization works with policymakers and educators to drive positive change in education policy and practice.
By promoting equity and excellence in education, the Fund for Las Vegas Schools is helping to create a more competitive and dynamic economy in Las Vegas.
