About Us
The Dana Point Women’s Club has been an integral part of the South Orange County community since 1951. We are a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN #33-0212059) dedicated to strengthening our community and making a meaningful difference in the lives of local women, children, and families.
Our mission is two-fold. Through philanthropy, we support foster and at-risk children and teens, address hunger and basic needs, support efforts to prevent homelessness, and promote literacy and education. Through Community House, our charming vintage clubhouse, we provide an affordable meeting and event space for local nonprofits, community organizations, and private gatherings. Rental proceeds help fund our annual administrative expenses, build a reserve for the preservation of our historic clubhouse, and support our philanthropic initiatives.
Our members are women of all ages and backgrounds who generously share their time, talents, and resources to strengthen our community. Along the way, we build lasting friendships and have fun making a difference together.
For 75 years, women of the Dana Point Women’s Club have proudly carried on a legacy of community, friendship, and philanthropy—and we look forward to continuing that tradition for generations to come.
We serve women, children and families in our local Orange County community. DPWC members build camaraderie and make lifelong friendships while generously donating their time, resources and talents. “Fun in philanthropy” is at the heart of what we do.
Our Philanthropic Programs
The Dana Point Women’s Club supports women, children, and families throughout Orange County through philanthropic programs that address poverty, help prevent child abuse and neglect, and promote literacy and education.
Our current programs include:
Project Foster
Our in-house, hands on philanthropy provides foster and at-risk youth with the dignity of their own duffle suitcases, lovingly filled with new clothing, sheets, hygiene essentials, comfort items and HOPE. We serve foster and other at-risk kids referred by Orange County Social Services and other agencies and social workers focused on the prevention of child abuse and neglect.
Kids facing sudden upheaval, whether due to chaotic living conditions, possible abuse or neglect, often leave their homes with only a few belongings hastily stuffed into a trash bag. Our goal is to give each child the dignity of their own suitcase, filled with new items carefully curated for their age and size, plus comfort items like a hand-embroidered throw, knitted hat or cap, an age appropriate toy, huggable stuffed animal, unique handmade pillow case, and a hand-written note of encouragement. Our filled duffle cases are a heartfelt reminder to each child or teen that they truly matter.
Project Literacy
DPWC hosts annual book drives for RH Dana and Palisades Elementary Schools and supports local literacy programs, including the South Coast Literacy Council and the Dana Point Public Library’s Summer Reading Program for Kids.
Project Scholarship
DPWC currently awards four $2,000 annual scholarships to outstanding local female scholars, helping them pursue their future dreams at four-year or community colleges, or trade schools.
Project Angel Tree
DPWC helps make the holidays brighter for vulnerable local children and families by providing clothing, gifts, and grocery assistance during the holiday season.