Tag: Ventura County Community Foundation

Ventura County Community Foundation — August 2024

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

As one of the newest members of VCCF, I can say that in my short five months here, I have witnessed countless examples of our community banding together to formulate solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world. Many of you have taken time out of your busy schedules to share your knowledge and expertise with me, take me on a tour of your organizations, and volunteer your talents to address many of our region’s challenges – turning them into opportunities to strengthen our community together.

One of these opportunities is the tremendous work being done through the Ventura County Trusted Messengers Network. Together, we are focusing on extreme heat, mental health, water conservation, and economic inclusion through our Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) campaign. These areas have been prioritized by the State of California and are essential for safeguarding our region and ensuring equal access to vital information to keep our community safe.

Ventura County Community Foundation Power of Purpose – June 2024

Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,

As a longtime partner with the County of Ventura, VCCF wants to celebrate our latest collaboration to facilitate investment and technical support to our local community’s arts and culture nonprofit organizations.

These groups’ primary mission is to promote, preserve, and enrich the cultural and artistic aspects of our society. They are committed to advancing creativity, fostering cultural understanding, and contributing to the overall well-being of Ventura County residents, while offering platforms for artistic expression, innovation, and promoting a deeper understanding of our shared world.

As a result of the leadership of the Ventura County Board of Supervisors and County Executive Officer, our County has made an unprecedented investment of $1.3 million in our community’s arts and culture organizations, independent artists, and art projects. This investment led to the establishment of the Ventura County Arts and Culture Investment Fund at VCCF, and for the County to engage VCCF to manage this grant program for nonprofit organizations, with $600,000 of the overall County investment funding.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura, Ventura County Community Foundation, and Ventura Arts Council announce the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant opportunity

VENTURA —The County of Ventura, in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation and the Ventura County Arts Council, has announced the Arts and Culture Investment Fund grant opportunity to support Ventura County-based arts and culture organizations and independent artists.

A total of $800,000 in funding will be available through this program, making it one of the largest arts and culture specific grant programs offered by local government in Ventura County. Of this funding, a total of $700,000 is available to nonprofit art organizations, independent artists, and arts projects.  The remaining $100,000 will be dedicated to providing matching funds from the County to support arts and culture organizations applying for grant opportunities where a grant match is required.

July 20 — Ventura County Family Justice Center to honor three local heroes at annual Gala

The Gala will honor three local heroes: Dr. Thomas Duncan, the Honorable Brian J. Back, and the Ventura County Community Foundation. The theme, Voices of Hope, shines a light on, and raises money for, victim support to improve the lives of those impacted by family violence and trauma in Ventura County. The evening will be filled with inspiration, education, music, a live auction, dinner, and more. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.vcfjcfoundation.org/

April 13 — Annual VCCCD Diversity Festival Focuses on Community Wellness

Oxnard and Ventura colleges in partnership with the Ventura County Community Foundation, Ventura College Foundation, and other sponsors are proud to announce the 8th annual Diversity in Culture Festival, which will take place April 12-13. The festival is dedicated to promoting diversity, health, and wellness in the community and honoring civil rights advances.

The festival planning committee found inspiration for this year’s theme after realizing their own wellness had been neglected in the post-pandemic world. The festival activities will focus on encouraging the community to refocus and reclaim their health through diverse cultural lenses.

March 31 — Annual Cesar Chavez Memorial March Committee to present ‘The Legacy of Cesar Chavez the Farm workers and Dolores Huerta’ online and in Oxnard

The Annual Cesar Chavez Memorial March Committee will present “The Legacy of Cesar Chavez the Farm workers and Dolores Huerta” celebration online and from 3 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 31 at the Open Door Art Studio, 329 N. 5th St., Oxnard.

Bilingual report — County of Ventura COVID-19 Update for March 23, 2021 — COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund

Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Matching Fund Opportunity for COVID-19 Rapid Response Fund
Amgen Foundation to contribute $300,000 in matching support to
Ventura County Rapid Response Fund
Since the start of the global COVID-19 pandemic, Ventura County Community Foundation donors have granted out an incredible $14 million to support local small businesses, individuals and families in need, our essential workers, and our indispensable nonprofits on the front lines.

California Strong Distributes Third Round of Grant Money to Woolsey Fire Victims

Nearly 2 1/2 years after the Woolsey Fire destroyed hundreds of homes in Southern California, many families are still impacted by the fire. On March 2, over $330,000 in gift cards was distributed to 88 families as they continue to recover from the fire. The funds were granted to the Southeast Ventura County YMCA by the Ventura County Community Foundation and distributed by California Strong, a program of the Y that provides financial support to victims after disasters. The grant money was distributed at the Yarrow Family YMCA in Westlake Village.

“It was our hope to reconnect with our California Strong family who survived the Woolsey Fire in 2018 and to be supportive of their continued recovery,” says California Strong Director Mollie Vehling. “Hosting the drive-thru distribution was an incredible opportunity to not only share resources, but to share smiles, listening ears, positive energy and love. Their struggle over the past 2 years and 3 months has been hard, but this was a happy day.”

Southeast Ventura County YMCA Begins Distributing $120,000 in Rapid Response Funds

The Southeast Ventura County YMCA through its disaster-relief program, California Strong, has completed distributing the first round of the $120,000 allocated for direct financial assistance grants to Ventura County residents whose financial situation has been adversely affected by the COVID-19 crisis. The grants are from the Rapid Response Fund set up by the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF). The VCCF partnered with the YMCA to provide immediate financial assistance, reviewing grant applications, vetting applicants and distributing checks.

Personal Protective Equipment Donations Needed for Local Hospitals, First Responders and Medical Facilities in Ventura County

VENTURA — The County of Ventura is encouraging the public, businesses and organizations to donate new, unused personal protective equipment to assist health care providers, health care facilities and first responders responding to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19). “We are facing an…

More than $1 Million in Scholarships Awarded by Ventura County Community Foundation

VENTURA COUNTY — Hundreds of local students have been awarded a total of $1,165,750 in scholarships in the 2018 Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) scholarship program, which is now in its 25th year. The 352 scholarships are provided by scholarship funds…

Ford Fund Awards $75,000 to VCCF To Help With Disaster Relief from Thomas Fire

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ford Motor Company Fund recently granted $75,000 to the Ventura County Community Foundation Disaster Relief Fund to aid long-term Thomas Fire recovery efforts, and designated the funds to go to support two local organizations: Habitat for…

Foundation Veteran Phylene Wiggins Brings Philanthropic Expertise to Ventura County Community Foundation

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Foundation recently announced the addition of Phylene Wiggins who will serve as vice president of programs and grants. Wiggins formerly worked at the Santa Barbra Foundation as senior director of community investments. “Phylene’s…

Ventura County Community Foundation Receives $200,000 from Amgen Foundation for Thomas Fire Relief

VENTURA COUNTY — The Amgen Foundation recently granted $200,000 to the Ventura County Community Foundation’s Disaster Relief Fund, which helps support mid- and long-term relief and rebuilding efforts. “The Thomas Fire has deeply impacted our community and Amgen staff members,”…

Ventura County Community Foundation Gives $477,000 to Support Those Affected by Fires, Launches Fund for Long Term Relief Efforts

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded a total of $477,000 to two vital service providers providing immediate relief efforts to those impacted by the Thomas Fire–the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army. The grants awarded to…

Ventura County Community Foundation Gives $477,000 to Support Those Affected by Fires, Launches Fund for Long Term Relief Efforts

VENTURA COUNTY — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded a total of $477,000 to two vital service providers providing immediate relief efforts to those impacted by the Thomas Fire–the American Red Cross and the Salvation Army.  The grants awarded to…

Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation Awards $485,000 in Grants Helping A Dozen Local Nonprofits

VENTURA COUNTY — The Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation announced twelve grants totaling $485,000. The grants will provide support in the areas of youth development, senior services, basic needs, the arts, veteran services, dental care, mental health, philanthropic…

VCCF awards nearly $1.2 million at annual scholarship reception

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded nearly $1.1 million in scholarships to local students at the recent 2015 Scholarship Awarded Reception attended by more than 400 students, their families, and many of the donors who made the awards…

Local news briefs

SAN LUIS OBISPO — SLO RISE (Respect, Inspire, Support, Empower) has announced a change in office hours to meet funding cuts and increasing demand, the organization reported in a media release. “This decision was made after much deliberation,” Jennifer Adams,…

VCCF donors award nearly $1.3 million in scholarships to Ventura County students

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation awarded nearly $1.3 million in scholarships at the recent Scholarship Awards Reception at the Ventura County Office of Education, attended by more than 400 students, their families and the donors who made the…

Local

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation and the Ventura County Housing Trust Fund have teamed up to create the first permanent revolving fund in Ventura County dedicated to building farmworker housing, the organizations reported in a media release. The…

VCCF, Ventura County Housing Trust Fund create first sustainable loan pool for local farmworker housing

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation and the Ventura County Housing Trust Fund have teamed up to create the first permanent revolving fund in Ventura County dedicated to building farmworker housing, the organizations reported Tuesday in media release. The $100,000…

VCCF announces $1.2 million in scholarships available for students

Informational sessions to be held Nov. 13, 20 CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation is accepting applications for more than $1.2 million in scholarships for the 2014-2015 school year, the organization reported Tuesday in a media release. Applying for…

Heritage Fund at VCCF grants more than $58,000

Museum of Ventura County exhibit on immigrants, Rancho Camulos among groups receiving funds that will preserve Ventura County history CAMARILLO — Eleven nonprofits committed to keeping alive the history and culture of Ventura County received a total of $58,883 at…

Ventura County Veterans Funds awards first grants

Program to ease transition to civilian life for returning warriors CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Veterans Fund at the Ventura County Community Foundation has awarded its first grants to local nonprofits that serve veterans as they adjust to civilian life,…

Destino invites proposals for $72,000 in grants

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation’s Destino: The Latino Legacy Fund is accepting proposals for grants to fund programs that expand opportunities for Latino high school students to succeed through college preparedness. The grants will provide support for programs…

$1.2 million in scholarships available through Ventura County Community Foundation

CAMARILLO — The Ventura County Community Foundation is accepting applications from Ventura County students for more than $1.2 million in scholarships for the 2013-2014 school year, the Camarillo-based organization reported on Tuesday. Applying for a scholarship at VCCF is a…

Linda Garcia joins VCCF as programs and grants vice president

Brings 20 years of community-engagement experience to the foundation CAMARILLO — Linda Garcia has joined the staff of the Ventura County Community Foundation as vice president for Programs and Grants, the organization reported on Thursday. With more than 20 years of experience…