Our National History

The history of National Charity League can be traced back to 1925 when a small group of women in Los Angeles, California, who were interested in philanthropic work, met together and called themselves The Charity League.  They worked quietly, doing Red Cross work, making layettes and assembling and delivering baskets of food to the hungry at holiday times.  Sometimes they brought their daughters with them.  By 1938, so many daughters had become involved that they decided to form their own group.  They chose the name of Ticktockers.  The group met at 10:00 a.m. each Saturday morning...hence the Ticktocker logo clock is set at this time.

In 1947, these groups united to become the first mother-daughter charity and took their present name, National Charity League.  At that time, the mothers also took their name, Patronesses.  The newly formed group incorporated as a non-profit corporation solely for philanthropic, cultural and social purposes. In 1949, the first Coronet Debutante Ball was held at the Beverly Hills Hotel with 27 girls presented.

Over the next ten years, NCL was reorganized and incorporated as National Charity League, Inc. in 1958 for the specific purpose of creating a corporation, which would encourage the establishment of chapters.  Gold and White became the official NCL colors and the Yellow Rose became the official NCL flower.  The first "Chapter Day" was held in 1959; the first NCL Convention was held the following year.  These meetings brought the growing membership together fo an exchange of ideas and support.

Today, National Charity League, Inc.'s membership stands at a healthy 33,000 plus, with over 135 chapters located in 15 states.  Our chapters are geographically divided into 5 Regions across the United States and further divided into 14 Districts.  NCL, Inc. is governed by a 16 member volunteer Board of Directors who meets 5 times a year.  The voting body of the organization, the National Council, meets annually in the Spring to conduct National business. The National Council is composed of the National Board of Directors, Standing Committee Chairmen of NCL, Inc., District Directors and Chartered Chapter Presidents.  Each member of the National Council is entitled to one vote.  In order to allow the National Council Board of Directors to maintain its governing responsibilities, a full time paid Executive Director and a National Headquarters, located in  Costa Mesa, California, became a reality in 2006.

Through its philanthropic projects, NCL provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for mothers (Patronesses) and daughters (Ticktockers) to improve the lives of others while enhancing their own relationships and potentials.

By recognizing the unique experiences and conditions of girls and women in our communities and in our nation, NCL is able to provide an environment for focused learning, discovery, charity and supportive growth during the adolescent years.  Mothers collectively embracing their daughters through NCL, with love and commitment, help to ensure these young female leaders will stand solidly today and into the future.