Who We Are

At 21 Candles Foundation, we believe every child deserves to be celebrated—no matter their background, no matter their circumstance. Founded with love and driven by compassion, we are a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing smile-filled birthday celebrations to families facing economic, social, or emotional challenges. Our work is grounded in community, kindness, and the conviction that joy matters.

Since we launched, our team has grown from a handful of volunteers into a vibrant community of supporters, storytellers, and change-makers. We organize, plan, and host birthday parties, supply gifts, decorations, and cake — everything needed to fill the room with delight. We also partner with local businesses, donors, and other nonprofits to reach more children and ensure that no birthday is forgotten.

A Brighter Future, One Birthday at a Time

Our Vision

We envision a world where no child is overlooked on their special day. Every birthday should be a reminder of love, belonging, and self-worth, regardless of a family’s circumstances. Our vision is to create communities where children wake up on their birthday excited, joyful, and certain that they are celebrated for who they are. We believe that these moments of joy have the power to inspire confidence, hope, and lasting connections that carry into the future.

Our Mission

Our mission is to bring light, laughter, and love into the lives of children who might otherwise go without a celebration. We host thoughtful and heartfelt birthday experiences filled with music, cake, gifts, and joy that create cherished memories. By engaging volunteers, donors, and advocates, we are building a sustainable movement of kindness that grows brighter with every candle lit. At its heart, our mission is about showing that even the smallest gestures—singing a song, lighting a candle, sharing a smile—can transform lives and remind children they are never forgotten.

Birthdays Celebrated

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Parties Hosted

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Donations Raised

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Volunteers Engaged

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do you choose which families or children will get a birthday celebration?

We rely on nominations from communities, social workers, schools, and individuals. After reviewing nominations, we prioritize families facing economic hardship, illness, or other difficult circumstances. Our goal is fairness, compassion, and reaching those who might otherwise go without.

What does a typical birthday celebration include?

Each celebration is thoughtfully planned to include a cake, candles, decorations, a gift, and sometimes a small party, depending on the family’s needs and resources. We also try to bring volunteers and joy — like music, games, or a warm gathering — to make the day feel special.

How can I volunteer if I live far away or have limited time?

You can still help in many ways! Whether helping with donations of supplies, spreading awareness, contributing online, or helping with logistics virtually — every bit counts. We coordinate remotely or locally, depending on your location and what you can do.

Are fees or supplies deducted from donations, or do donations go entirely to celebrations?

Transparency matters to us. Most of your donation is used directly for birthday celebrations — decorations, gifts, food, etc. We do use a small part for operational costs (communication, coordination, purchasing supplies) so we can keep doing the work efficiently.

How can I nominate a child or family for a celebration?

You simply fill out our nomination form available on the website. Provide details like the child’s age, location, situation, why you believe they need this special day, and any other helpful context. After submission, our team reviews the needs and schedules the celebration based on priority and resources.