Zdravo! Hello!

We are launching this fundraiser to support the Croatian Cultural Center of San Francisco, which is the physical home of the Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent Society, the OLDEST Croatian society in North and South Americas (168 years!).

Founded in San Francisco by Croatian immigrants in 1857, the Slavonic Mutual and Benevolent Society (SMBS) has welcomed members from Croatia and well beyond to enjoy fellowship, cultural events and celebrations. The original purpose of the society was to provide financial aid, a post office box and services to new immigrants. The SMBS evolved into an important networking base for newcomers and old-timers to socialize, exchange ideas and stories from the home land. In 1975, the SMBS opened its membership to women and people of all ethnic nationalities to reflect the diversity and cultural interests of the larger San Francisco Bay Area community.

In 1979, the dream of a physical building was realized when the Croatian Cultural Center (CCC) opened its doors in the Mission Terrace district of San Francisco. The CCC has become a vibrant and welcoming gathering place for recent immigrants, long-time members and all enthusiasts of Slavic culture through music, dance, food and educational programs. In addition, the CCC is open to all our neighbors to rent for their multi-cultural celebrations, meetings, classes, practices, cultural/educational events and more.

After nearly 50 years of service, the Croatian Cultural Center’s ability to host events and serve the community is at great risk. Due to the loss of grant funding, needed building repairs and ongoing post-COVID inflationary pressures, SMBS is facing a serious financial challenge. We are reaching out to you to ask for your support of the Slavonic Mutual Benevolent Society and its home, the Croatian Cultural Center. Your donation will go directly toward cultural events and keeping the building open for the community's use. SMBS employs only one part-time staff member and relies overwhelmingly on the dedication and volunteer efforts of its members. This ensures your donation has maximum impact. Any amount you can give will make a difference, and we are deeply grateful for your kindness and generosity. Your donation to the Croatian Cultural Center, a 501(c)3 non-profit (Tax ID #68-0502079), is 100% tax deductible.

With your generosity and our efforts to expand outreach and membership, we can ensure the Croatian Cultural Center remains to be the vibrant, welcoming home for all cultures and our Bay Area community.

Hvala! Thank you!

Please see website for more information at: https://croatianamericanculturalcenter.org