How We Help
Variety of Southern California Special Programs
We believe all children should be afforded the same opportunities to thrive and achieve their dreams. Variety of Southern California focuses on three major areas of funding: Healthcare, Education, and Mobility. Within each of these three areas, we work hard to make sure that we get the greatest benefit possible from every dollar we receive.
We remove the barriers by providing the necessary equipment, devices and funding to maintain inclusive opportunities for all children right here in our community.
Healthcare
Variety’s Healthcare Program provides safety, healing, and hope for children in need — from those facing abuse, neglect, and homelessness to kids battling life-threatening illnesses and disabilities. Our grants fund critical medical care, therapy, early intervention programs, and even special opportunities like summer camp for children with serious health challenges.
By stepping in where insurance and other funding fall short, Variety ensures that every child — no matter their circumstances — has the chance to grow, thrive, and experience the joys of childhood.
Thanks to our supporters, health care grants bring help and hope to thousands of children and teens every year.
Meet Rose
Rose is an awesome 6 year old girl who suffers from life-threatening food allergies. Rose’s parents were unable to cover the entire cost of specific blood testing to guide her treatment. With Variety’s support this support, Rose’s care team can better develop and maintain her personalized treatment plan, giving her the chance to live a safer, healthier life.
Meet Princelawrenz
Princelawrenz is a shining example of what an educational opportunity can make possible. Through our partnership with the Concerned Black Men of Los Angeles (CBMLA), Variety funds scholarships for members of the Emerging Leaders Program — a college-prep initiative that empowers adolescent boys of color with academic and leadership development.
Princelawrenz became the second Variety Scholarship Recipient via CBMLA to graduate from a four-year university, earning his B.S. in Biomedical Sciences from Charles R. Drew University of Medicine & Science. His journey doesn’t stop there — he was accepted into the prestigious 10th cohort of Schwarzman Scholars (2025–2026), one of the world’s top global leadership programs.
Princelawrenz’s achievements show the lasting impact of Variety’s investment in education — opening doors, nurturing leadership, and helping young people reach their full potential.
Education
Variety’s Education Program empowers underprivileged children and at-risk youth with the tools to learn, grow, and achieve their dreams. By breaking down barriers of poverty, under-resourced schools, and limited opportunities, Variety helps open doors to brighter futures.
Since 1949, Variety has proudly partnered with the Variety Boys & Girls Club of Boyle Heights, supporting daily programs like homework assistance, mentoring, literacy, arts, technology, and career readiness. Every year, we honor approximately $60,000 in scholarships to eligible students in our community to attend college.
Our education grants also fund early literacy programs, STEM and arts workshops, sports, and gang prevention counseling — giving kids the resources they need to succeed in school and beyond.
Mobility
No child should miss out on the simple pleasures of childhood because their family cannot afford the necessary equipment. Variety’s Mobility Program steps in where insurance and other funding step out.
Adaptive bikes, walkers, and strollers all provide children with the freedom, confidence, and exercise they need to get out into the California sunshine and have fun with their families, peers, and community.
Variety of Southern California also supports organizations that give kids and teens the chance to explore, learn, and have fun beyond the classroom — from summer camps and field trips to lessons in skiing, snowboarding, horseback riding, dirt biking, surfing, and more.
Meet Luna
Luna is a very active and positive 6-year-old kid. Her brother and sister love to ride their bikes, but Luna has never been able to join because her parents couldn’t find a store-bought trike that fits her needs. She struggles with Left-Sided Hemiparesis which is a weakness or reduced movement on the left side of the body. With the help of a Variety SoCal Mobility Grant, Luna has received the support she needs to thrive. She’s now ready to embrace her independence and join in the fun!
Variety Boys & Girls Club
The Variety Boys & Girls Club has been serving children in the Boyle Heights Community for 60 years. Founded in 1949 by Variety – The Children’s Charity of Southern California, the Boys & Girls Club now serves over 4,000 at-risk and primarily low-income children a year. The club provides daily programs such as: homework assistance, mentoring, computer lessons, literacy, arts & crafts, college & career counseling, games and more. The Club recently underwent a “Changing Children’s Lives” Capital Campaign to fund a new Club for the deserving youth of Boyle Heights and its surrounding communities. Variety of Southern CA committed $5 million to this campaign and we are very proud to report that this brand new, 28,500 square foot, state of the art facility opened in November 2011!
Grants
Variety of Southern California is committed to helping children in its communities. If you are seeking assistance, we invite you to download our Grant Proposal Guidelines. We look forward to hearing from you.
Supported Organizations
In Southern California, there are a multitude of foundations, children and family services, hospitals and organizations whose sole purpose is to provide life-saving and life-enriching assistance.