SPMG - Nonprofit News & Events

02/05/2025

02/05/2025

“Every person’s journey with cancer is unique—their background, values, access to care, and personal experiences all shape how they navigate their diagnosis and treatment. But despite these differences, what unites us is the fundamental human need to be seen, heard, and supported.” – Kekoa Taparra

This World Cancer Day, we are honored to spotlight Kekoa Taparra, a 2023 United States Leader. . Kekoa is wrapping up his final year as Chief Resident Physician and Postdoctoral Clinical Fellow in Radiation Oncology at Stanford Health Care—and his story is a powerful reminder of how resilience, compassion, and vision can drive progress in both medicine and leadership.

Kekoa’s journey began far from the halls of academia or medical centers. Growing up in Hawaiʻi, cancer wasn’t just an abstract concept—it was a part of his everyday life. “More than ten members of my ʻohana were diagnosed with cancer,” Kekoa shares. “Cancer was ever-present in my family, yet I never saw anyone from my community who was an oncologist, or even a physician. I didn’t know that cancer could be treated, let alone cured, until I met Dr. Phuoc Tran during my PhD training at Johns Hopkins.”

It was through Dr. Tran’s mentorship that Kekoa saw a new possibility for his life—and began charting a path in medicine. But Kekoa’s journey wasn’t just about overcoming personal obstacles; it was about finding purpose in the intersection of his lived experiences and his desire to make a tangible impact on the world.

“During my time with the Obama Foundation Leaders [United States] Program, I connected with an incredible network of changemakers,” Kekoa says. “From conversations in our group chat to one-on-one exchanges, my peers are tackling everything from running for office to addressing community crises. Their leadership has inspired me to push myself—to refine my public speaking, advocate more powerfully for my community, and think more strategically about creating lasting change.”

As we reflect on World Cancer Day, Kekoa’s story is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and the profound impact of having a vision that is rooted in both personal experience and the drive to uplift others.

Here’s to those who inspire us every day—and to the belief that, together, we can continue to shape a world where every journey is supported, and every voice is heard.

02/05/2025

A new, free toolkit aims to help groups across S.C. protect and immortalize Black history and culture by creating a "one-stop shop" for preservation projects.

02/05/2025

Today is World Cancer Day, a day to honour the resilience of children facing cancer and to stand together in hope.

While childhood cancer is rare, it remains one of the leading causes of illness-related deaths among children globally. In South Africa alone, around 800–1,000 children are diagnosed each year. Yet, with early detection and proper treatment, up to 80% of childhood cancers can be cured.

At Reach For A Dream, we believe that dreams bring light even in the darkest times. For children navigating a diagnosis, a single dream can restore joy, hope, and strength when they need it most.

Every child deserves to dream, no matter their circumstances. With your support, we can continue to create magical moments for children facing life-threatening illnesses.

Join us in making dreams come true. Visit www.reachforadream.org.za to find out how you can get involved.

02/05/2025

02/05/2025

Tanzania has reduced maternal mortality by 80% over the past years. The government has expanded healthcare access, and the country is closer to achieving the .

Congratulations President Samia Suluhu Hassan on receiving the Goalkeepers Award, recognizing Tanzania’s unwavering commitment to transforming women's health in Tanzania. 👏

02/05/2025

During , and always, we honor the Black Angelenos who have shaped our city – since its very founding centuries ago. When LA was established in 1781, a group of 44 settlers, known as “Los Pobladores,” made the journey from Mexico to what is now California. With 26 of African descent, Black people were among the first to build our beautiful city.

CCF proudly commits to investing in the future of Black communities through dedicated funds, partnerships, and grants with Black-led initiatives in education, economic empowerment, housing, the arts, and more. This is especially critical as we heal from the LA megafires. This month, we will spotlight grantees helping Black communities and families rebuild. To see our full list of grantees raising resources for Angelenos impacted by the wildfires, please visit: https://www.calfund.org/funds/wildfire-recovery-fund/

02/05/2025

02/05/2025

TGR Foundation is saddened by the loss of Kultida ”Tida” Woods. As we mourn this significant loss to our organization, we are reminded of the profound impact she had as a proud mother, grandmother and TGR Foundation board member. Tida was an advocate for young people from under-resourced communities, especially to girls and disabled children in her home country of Thailand.

Her life and legacy will continue to light our mission to empower youth through education. We’re thankful for your thoughts and prayers in this difficult time.

12/01/2024

It’s almost time for ! On Dec. 3, the whole world will come together to give back, creating a ripple effect of generosity that fuels impactful change.

With your support, we can protect Catalina Island’s wildlands, restore habitats, and protect its amazing plants and animals. Every gift counts. Donate today at catalinaconservancy.org/matchand double your contribution with our matching challenge up to $175,000! Together, we’re building a healthier, more resilient Island.

11/20/2024

Always looking out for the community!

11/20/2024

In the spirit of the holidays, Special Angels Foundation will be collecting toys for youth ( and don’t forget teenagers!)

Bring an unwrapped toy to Upecfitness 8611 Base line Rd, Rancho Cucamonga, CA, 91730. Please spread the word. Thank you!

11/20/2024

We are excited to announce a transformative partnership between the Indigenous Prosperity Foundation (IPF) and the Mastercard Foundation to accelerate Indigenous entrepreneurship.

This landmark collaboration will support more than 2,000 young Indigenous business owners and advance efforts to resource and empower Indigenous entrepreneurs and communities across Canada.

For more information, visit: https://mastercardfdn.org/strategy/indigenous-prosperity-foundation-and-the-mastercard-foundation-partner-to-accelerate-indigenous-entrepreneurship/

11/20/2024

Join us in celebrating the 86th birthday of our founder, the one and only Ted Turner!

With each passing year, Ted continues to inspire and challenge us to do our part to share the transformative power of nature and Save Everything. Guests of Ted Turner Reserves have unfettered access to 1.1 million acres of restored New Mexico land because of Ted's foresight, generosity, and genuine care for our Earth.

As Ted says, "When we connect with nature, we heal ourselves. When we protect nature, we heal the planet."