Schools need funding and kids need more help than they can get in the average classroom, but Marin educational programs are on the case and ready to provide assistance.
The 2025 readers’ choice Best of the County winner is 10,000 Degrees (pictured above). For the rest of the Marin Magazine‘s Best of Marin County Educational Nonprofit picks see below.
Our 2025 Philanthropy category sponsor is Marin Community Foundation. View the rest of the Philanthropy category here.
We’ve broken it down by region: Southern, Central and Northern Marin.
Southern Marin
Bridge the Gap
Sausalito
For college prep, look no further than Bridge the Gap. They focus on SAT, ACT and similar exams, as well as writing application essays to make sure you stand out when applying for universities.
2330 Marinship Way Ste 302, Sausalito
Next Generation Scholars
San Rafael
Next Generation Scholars (NGS) is a San Rafael-based nonprofit that empowers first-generation, under-resourced Marin County students to succeed in college and beyond. Through academic support, leadership development, and family services, NGS fosters educational equity and social justice.
1018 E St, San Rafael, 415.259.0900
Slide Ranch
Muir Beach
Slide Ranch provides transformative outdoor learning experiences on their farm, garden and national park land on the West Marin coast by partnering with community groups, families and educators. They look forward to welcoming you to upcoming programs at the Ranch.
2025 Shoreline Hwy, Muir Beach, 415.381.6155
Central Marin
10,000 Degrees
San Rafael
10,000 Degrees is unlocking student success at scale, giving more students equitable opportunities for a quality education and career success. After working with more than 60,000 students across 250 colleges over the past 44 years, and awarding more than $105 million in scholarships, they understand what it takes for students to get to, through and beyond college.
1401 Los Gamos Dr Ste 205, San Rafael, 415.459.4240
Enriching Lives Through Music
San Rafael
Enriching Lives Through Music believes that each child should have the opportunity to explore their passion for music. They provide tuition-free programs to enable students from any economic background to get an education in the arts.
2955 Kerner Blvd Ste B, San Rafael, 415.870.9005
Marin CASA
San Rafael
Each child needs their own advocate. Marin CASA is here to assign a volunteer to every child that is faced with the unfortunate challenge of dealing with foster care or the court system, someone who forms a bond with that child and can stand up for their best interests.
1401 Los Gamos Dr Ste 130, San Rafael, 415.785.3862
Marin Girls Chorus
San Rafael
Marin Girls Chorus provides multiple levels of education and coaching for young girls who love to sing. With their scholarship programs and lack of gatekeeping, there’s no reason not to sign up for a free introductory lesson and see if it’s what your daughter needs.
Parent Services Project
San Rafael
Instead of focusing solely on the child, the Parent Services Project aims to address the entire family, building up the strengths and skills of the parent. They promote family literacy, support parent engagement in schools, and encourage participation in their child’s education.
79 Belvedere St #101, San Rafael, 415.454.1870
SchoolsRule-Marin
San Rafael
SchoolsRule-Marin is a collaboration of all Marin’s public school foundations, working together as one to raise funds on behalf of all K-12 students countywide helping to ensure that essential educational opportunities are available to every public school student in Marin, regardless of zip code.
1111 Las Gallinas Ave, San Rafael, 415.491.6680
Northern Marin
RISE Scholars
Novato
RISE Scholars is focused on lifting up students at Hamilton School, trying to address the lack of opportunities and underfunding that Hamilton struggles with. Their goal is to build a strong foundation to make sure these K-8 students can go on to higher education with wind in their sails.
Miscellaneous Locations
ScreenSense / Marin Kids IRL
County-wide
ScreenSense is a Mill Valley-based nonprofit helping families and schools guide children toward healthier tech habits.Through education, community programs, and initiatives like Kids IRL, they promote balanced screen use to support childhood development.
Various locations, Mill Valley
Philanthropy Sponsor
Marin Community Foundation
MCF is the philanthropic engine of the County. They partner with more than 560 individuals and families who are committed to solving the toughest challenges the community faces, using expertise, connections, and resources.
Marin Community Foundation | Novato, CA | 415.464.2500 | marincf.org
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