Travelers are increasingly concerned with the impact they are having on the destinations they visit. On Catalina Island, giving back is easy thanks to the wealth of nonprofits dedicated to protecting the island and supporting the people who live and visit here.
Here are 15 ways to give back while visiting Catalina Island:
1. Catalina Island Conservancy
This nonprofit is the reason the majority of Catalina Island remains an undeveloped wilderness for all to enjoy. Founded in 1972 by P.K. Wrigley’s gift of 88% of the island, the Catalina Island Conservancy preserves and protects Catalina in perpetuity. Visitors can support the Conservancy by becoming members, taking an Eco-Tour, joining volunteer programs, or attending the Conservancy's annual Ball.
2. Catalina Island Medical Center Foundation
This foundation provides monetary support annually to the island’s only hospital, supporting emergency and routine care for both residents and visitors. Contributions help ensure high-quality medical services remain available year-round.
3. Catalina Museum for Art & History
With a wide variety of programs, exhibits, and cultural events, giving back at the museum is both fun and meaningful. Monthly First Fridays offer deeper dives into art and culture, while signature events such as the Silent Film Benefit help support museum programs. Memberships at various levels offer generous benefits for supporters.
Best known for September’s Catalina Festival of the Arts, this long-standing nonprofit supports the island’s creative community. The association also hosts the Spring Art & Craft Festival and organizes workshops throughout the year, offering many ways for visitors to support local artists.
5. Friends of the Avalon Library
This nonprofit helps fund programs and resources for the Avalon Branch of the Los Angeles County Library. Thanks to their support, the library can offer literacy programs, events, and educational opportunities for both children and adults.
6. Love Catalina, the Catalina Island Tourism Authority
More than just a business organization, Love Catalina serves hundreds of thousands of visitors annually—providing visitor information, supporting local businesses, and organizing beloved community events. The organization hosts the annual New Year’s Eve Gala in the Catalina Casino's Wrigley Ballroom and produces signature events like Shop Catalina and Taste Around Avalon.
7. Avalon Diving History Exhibit
Located on the lower level of the Catalina Casino, this fascinating exhibit showcases an extensive collection of historic dive gear curated by Jon Council. Visitors can support not only the exhibit but also Council’s Marine Animal Rescue Program, which assists distressed marine wildlife around the island.
8. Service Clubs
Catalina is home to the Avalon Rotary Club and Lions Club, both of which raise thousands of dollars annually for the community. Visiting members are welcome to attend meetings. Avalon is also home to the Catalina Island Women’s Forum, which provides scholarships, mentoring, and support services to local women and students.
9. Catalina Chimes Tower Foundation
Overlooking Avalon Harbor, the iconic Chimes Tower has delighted visitors for nearly a century. The foundation is actively raising funds to restore, maintain, and preserve this landmark for future generations—ensuring the chimes continue to be heard throughout town.
10. Catalina Film Institute
Catalina’s history and Hollywood have long been intertwined. Each fall, the Catalina Film Festival honors filmmakers with screenings and events both on the island and the mainland. Supporting the festival or joining as a member helps sustain Catalina’s ongoing connection to the arts and entertainment industry.
11. Catalina Island Foundation
This foundation provides crucial support to many small community programs, especially those benefiting local youth. From scholarships and health initiatives to sports programs and substance-abuse education, the Catalina Island Foundation helps ensure community needs are met. Donations directly support these efforts.
Care for Catalina is a sustainability initiative encouraging visitors to travel responsibly and help protect the island’s natural beauty. From reducing waste and conserving water to practicing mindful recreation, Care for Catalina empowers travelers to minimize their environmental impact. Visitors can take the pledge and learn simple ways to support the island’s long-term well-being.
13. Kind Traveler – Every Stay / Every Adventure Gives Back
Visitors booking through Kind Traveler can ensure their trip contributes positively to Catalina. A portion of each stay or experience at participating businesses supports local nonprofit initiatives, including wildlife conservation and community programs. It’s an easy way for travelers to give back simply by choosing where they book.
14. Avalon Beautiful
Avalon Beautiful works to keep the city clean, vibrant, and welcoming. The organization coordinates community cleanups, public-space improvements, and beautification projects throughout Avalon. Visitors can join a cleanup, make a donation, or simply follow best practices to help keep the island looking its best.
15. Join or Support Local Beach & Trail Cleanups
Throughout the year, several local groups—most notably Bleu World, a nonprofit dedicated to ocean and environmental stewardship—lead beach, harbor, trail, and neighborhood cleanups around Catalina Island. Bleu World organizes frequent cleanup efforts that protect marine ecosystems and preserve the island’s natural beauty. Visitors can participate for an hour or a day, donate to support ongoing initiatives, or help spread awareness. Every bit of effort helps keep Catalina pristine for future generations.
