Dana Point Women's Club Inc.

Dana Point Women’s Club (DPWC's) mission is two-fold - to strengthen community by serving local women, children and families, and to own and operate the Dana Point Community House facility , which serves as a meeting and event venue for local community organizations, nonprofits and the general public.

DPWC was formed in 1951 and has served South Orange County as a philanthropic organization for 75 years. After decades as a very small nonprofit, we combined our philanthropic and Community House organizations in 2023 as one corporation renamed Dana Point Women’s Club, Inc., managed by a single, brand new board. The organization grew exponentially, more than tripling its membership and expanding its philanthropic impact considerably. DPWC’s programs benefit Orange County women, children and families while addressing poverty, preventing homelessness and promoting literacy and education. Today, our primary hands on philanthropy is Project Foster, which bring dignity, comfort and hope to local at-risk and foster children.

DPWC’s Community House facility has benefited from recent cosmetic improvements thanks to a small County grant, and venue rentals have expanded . However, the 1953 structure requires major improvements to comply with current ADA standards and building codes. The Dana Point Planning Commission recently reviewed the conceptual architectural design and granted a variance request and we are now poised to seek capital grants for a major renovation that will allow us to serve local nonprofits, community organizations and the general public for the next 75 years. Net proceeds of Community House rentals will continue to be used exclusively for building maintenance and preservation and support of our philanthropic initiatives.

DPWC made cash and in kind charitable donations totaling almost $80,000 in fiscal 2025 and is projected to contribute over $200,000 to the community in fiscal 2026. Project Foster has benefited over 3,200 children and teens since its inception in late 2022 and has grown considerably since its formal adoption by DPWC in 2025. We expect to serve at least 1,000 at-risk and foster youth again in fiscal 2026 and are poised to further expand thanks to our new warehouse location in San Juan Capistrano. Our more than 130 members and all-volunteer Board work countless hours in support of DPWC’s programs, sharing their time, talents and resources while having “fun in philanthropy”.

DPWC has both operating and capital needs. Project Foster, our major hands on philanthropy, provides dignity, comfort and hope to kids experiencing chaotic living conditions, poverty and possible abuse or neglect. This underserved population often leave their homes with a few random belongings hastily stuffed into a trash bag. Our goal is to give each child the dignity of his or her own suitcase, filled with clothing and hygiene items and heartfelt comfort items curated to their gender and clothing size. Each of our donated rolling suitcases and duffle bag is filled with basic clothing (underwear, socks, shirts, pants, pajamas, a hand knitted hat and a warm hoodie), hygiene essentials, a handmade pillow case, sheet, a hand embroidered throw, school supplies, books/toys, and a handwritten note of encouragement. We work closely with Orange County Social Services, and other agencies, schools and nonprofits to aid vulnerable children refereed by social workers domestic abuse shelters homeless advocates, counselors and other child welfare workers. With the exception of gently used books, each case and content are new items with an estimated retail value of $225 to $250 per case. We rely heavily on in kind donations from businesses, non profits and the general public, plus vital cash donations which allow us to fill the “holes” in our inventory which serves 24 unique sizes- 12 for each gender.

DPWC also has a large capital program underway. Our architectural team has completed detailed conceptual plans for a complete renovation of Community House, our vintage Clubhouse and rental venue located in the heart of Dana Point’s vibrant Lantern District. A renovated Community House will be ADA compliant and will facilitate expanded restroom facilities, ADA access, enhanced landscaping and new patio areas. This project will not only preserve the building for the next 75 years, but will enhance DPWC’s ability to serve community organizations as a meeting and event venue and to generate revenue to advance its philanthropic programs. Estimated cost of the renovation is $1 million. Dana Point’s Planning Commission recently reviewed our plans and granted a variance request which has freed us to pursue funding for this important project which will benefit the community for decades to come.

Orange County, CA

Same as Board Chair

Dana Point Women’s Club is an all volunteer organization that operates with very low overhead. We are very proud of the fact that DPWC covers these costs through our membership fees and net proceeds of Community House rentals so that 100% of every donation to Dana Point Women’s Club can be directed to the designated philanthropic program. Since 1951 we have been a group of women who gather together to have “fun in philanthropy”, forging lasting friendships while serving the South Orange County community. Our members generously donate their time, talents and financial resources to strengthen the local community through our many philanthropic projects. Our programs empower and support local women, children and families and are focused on addressing hunger, preventing homelessness, and promoting literacy and education. Our hands on philanthropy, Project Foster serves over 1,000 youth each year, providing foster and other at-risk kids and teens clothing and hygiene essentials, comfort and HOPE. We invite you to join with us as members, supporters and/or donors, trusting that we take our mission seriously and work hard to serve the community.