Marin Charitable Awards $306K to Support At-Risk Youth Nonprofits

Greenbrae-based organization celebrates 65 years of funding local programs for vulnerable youth

Apr. 15, 2026 at 6:58pm

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A vibrant, high-contrast silkscreen print of a single, iconic furniture item such as a bed or desk repeated in a tight grid pattern, conceptually representing the furnishings and resources provided to at-risk youth through Marin Charitable's grant program.Marin Charitable's grants will help provide essential furnishings and resources to support at-risk youth in the local community.San Rafael Today

Marin Charitable, a Greenbrae-based nonprofit celebrating its 65th anniversary, has awarded over $306,000 in grants to 58 local organizations that provide aid and support to at-risk youth in Marin County. The grants, ranging up to $7,500 each, will fund a variety of programs and initiatives aimed at addressing challenges faced by young people, including housing instability, food insecurity, educational barriers, and access to enrichment opportunities.

Why it matters

This funding comes at a critical time, as Marin Charitable's executive director noted that the organization saw a significant increase in grant requests over the previous year due to factors like federal funding instability, rising healthcare costs, and disruptions to food assistance programs. By supporting these local nonprofits, Marin Charitable is helping to ensure that vulnerable youth in the community have access to the resources and support they need to overcome obstacles and thrive.

The details

The grants will support a wide range of initiatives, including providing comfortable beds and bedding for at-risk youth through the Make It Home program, funding a hands-on healthcare career exploration program for underserved youth through the Karma Club Teen academy, and supporting the Marin Foster Care Association's 'Opportunity Project' which provides grants for educational and enrichment activities tailored to the needs of foster youth. Additionally, the nonprofit Marin 9 to 25 will use the grant to develop a youth-led, Spanish-language resource guide for newcomer youth and expand its existing 'Find Your Way' scholarship program.

  • Marin Charitable announced the grants at an awards ceremony in March 2026.
  • The organization is celebrating its 65th year of raising money to assist organizations that provide aid to at-risk youth.

The players

Marin Charitable

A Greenbrae-based nonprofit that raises money to assist organizations providing aid to at-risk youth in Marin County.

Dawn Shalhoup

The executive director of Marin Charitable.

Cindy Weaver

The 2025 board president of Marin Charitable.

Susan Brennan

The board vice president of Make It Home Bay Area.

Sally Newson

The executive director of Karma Club Teen.

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What they’re saying

“It wasn't an easy year. We saw federal funding instability, rising health care costs, and even a pause in food funding that left families without reliable solutions.”

— Dawn Shalhoup, Executive Director, Marin Charitable

“By removing financial barriers and expanding access to high-quality career exploration and readiness opportunities, this grant helps us inspire and prepare the next generation of compassionate health care professionals.”

— Sally Newson, Executive Director, Karma Club Teen

“The Opportunity Project provides grants for educational and enrichment activities tailored to a foster youth's immediate needs, skills and interests.”

— Joanna Stott, Marketing and Events Manager, Marin Foster Care Association

What’s next

Marin Charitable plans to continue its annual grant-making process, visiting each funded agency to stay closely connected to the changing needs of the community.

The takeaway

Marin Charitable's long-standing commitment to supporting local nonprofits that serve at-risk youth is more crucial than ever, as organizations face growing challenges in meeting the diverse needs of vulnerable young people in the region. This funding will help ensure that critical programs and services remain accessible to those who need them most.