The Castro Street Fair is proud to partner with a group of local nonprofit organizations whose work strengthens the Castro, LGBTQ+ communities, and neighborhoods across San Francisco.
Each year, our nonprofit beneficiaries play an essential role in bringing the Fair to life by providing volunteers who help welcome guests, support donation collection, and keep the day running smoothly.
In return, participating organizations receive a share of proceeds from donations collected at the Fair’s entry gates, added visibility through the Fair’s marketing and media outreach, and the opportunity to connect with thousands of guests — making every attendee’s donation a direct investment in the local organizations that help power the Castro Street Fair.
Our 2026 Beneficiary Partners provided the following mission summaries (some entries edited for space):
Buen Dia Family School
Buen Dia is a non-profit preschool with an arts focus and a Spanish language component. We are located on 18th and Guerrero St. and serve a diverse community of children and families. We are an inclusive program and we would benefit from the Fair in two major ways. 1. The financial support that would go towards our scholarship program. 2. We would benefit by supporting and participating in our local community events and the supporting all the beneficiaries.
Castro Community On Patrol
We provide treasury functions for CSF by securing the Treasury location and bringing gate donation to the Treasury throughout the day.
Everett Middle School PTSA
The Everett Parent Teacher Student Association (PTSA) develops programs and plans events in support of our students, parents and school community, and acts a conduit for communication between parents and the Everett staff.
Imperial Council of San Francisco
Our purpose is to collect charitable contributions from individuals and organizations, to distribute those contributions to other not-for-profit 501(c)(3) public benefit charitable organizations, and to have fun while doing it.
Instituto Familiar de la Raza
IFR provides health & wellness programs & services targeting the San Francisco Diverse Latino community. We are committed to addressing the most difficult issues impacting our community, whether that is HIV, violence, trauma, or other behavioral & mental health issues. Our programs recognize the full spectrum of wellness, spanning a continuum of mental health, HIV-related & social services, including health promotion & prevention, family support, early intervention, case management, violence prevention, comprehensive behavioral health services, and cultural activities and practices. Participating in the Fair would provide us with additional resources to support our LGBTQ+ youth group “Promesa” and our PWA Emergency Fund.
Maitri Compassionate Care
Since 1987, Maitri Compassionate Care has provided nonjudgmental, residential care to vulnerable communities in the Castro, beginning as an AIDS hospice and evolving to serve low-income people living with HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses, as well as transgender and gender-nonconforming individuals recovering from gender-affirming surgery. Through its newer Maitri Affirmation Program, the organization is also expanding awareness of its services and connecting more community members with affirming care. Maitri’s mission remains simple: no one should have to suffer, transition, or die alone.
Queer LifeSpace
We’re a nonprofit counseling agency that provides affordable mental health services to economically vulnerable LGBTQIA+ populations. 2026 is our 15-year anniversary, all fifteen of which have been in the Castro!
Quest House Community Healing
We are a grassroots, by-us, for-us trans health nonprofit that operates a 5-bedroom post-operative recovery home for transmasculine individuals healing from gender affirming surgery. We are all T4T and volunteer run. Participation in the fair would help get the word out about our resources and raise money for a scholarship fund for vulnerable trans SF residents in need of a safe place to recover from surgery.
San Francisco Spikes
The San Francisco Spikes Soccer Club provides LGBTQIA+ people and allies with opportunities to play recreational and competitive soccer in a healthy, affordable, and supportive environment. Through local leagues, tournaments, social events, and community involvement, the club builds connection both on and off the field. Fundraising support helps the Spikes keep participation affordable and provide scholarships for members who may otherwise be unable to participate.
San Francisco Court Appointed Special Advocates (SFCASA)
SFCASA recruits, trains, and supports volunteers who advocate for children and youth in foster care, ensuring they have a consistent, caring adult championing their needs in court and in the community. With many of the young people they serve identifying as LGBTQ+, SFCASA’s participation in the Castro Street Fair helps raise awareness, connect new volunteers and supporters, and strengthen its ties to the community.
Stonewall Sports San Francisco
Stonewall Sports San Francisco is a volunteer-run nonprofit sports league that creates a safe, inclusive, and welcoming community for LGBTQ+ people and allies across the Bay Area. Through recreational and competitive sports, the organization provides opportunities for people of all skill levels to participate, build confidence, form meaningful connections, and experience the camaraderie of team athletics. Stonewall is especially committed to creating space for those who have historically felt excluded from sports because of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
The Fair is also proud to support the Castro Merchants Association in the purchase and maintenance of the iconic Rainbow Flag at Harvey Milk Plaza.
Donations collected at the entry gates not only help to off-set the cost to produce the Castro Street Fair, but they are also shared with our Beneficiary Partners. The Fair is a fundraising opportunity for these local community non-profits, so please be generous in your support. There are multiple ways for you to donate; including cash, credit card, and PayPal.
Over the years the Fair has given over $1.6 million back to the community!!!
Donate Early. Consider making a donation before you come to the Fair. Our annual budget exceeds $200,000.00 and your early support helps us to better plan our programming and activities for the event.
If your 501c3 organization can provide volunteer power in exchange for a share of the annual proceeds from the Fair, and would like to be considered as a beneficiary in future years, please email info@castrostreetfair.org for more information and eligibility criteria.