I’m delighted to share that at our June Board Meeting, our Board approved $358,493 in new grants to nine organizations across our community. It’s a powerful reminder of what’s possible when generosity meets good stewardship.
Our Board Retreat this spring was one to remember. VCCF’s Board of Directors gathered at the picturesque Taft Gardens & Nature Preserve, a 264-acre property nestled in the Ojai foothills. There, we saw firsthand the work of their dedicated team who care for the gardens and vital open space. Another highlight of the retreat was presenting the Ojai Raptor Center with a $25,000 award from the VCCF Animal Welfare Fund! And as many of you may know, over the past several days, the veterinary and rehabilitation teams at the ORC have continued providing around-the-clock care for Jackie, the beloved bald eagle, who remains in critical condition. This is just one example of the vital work the Ojai Raptor Center does to care for and protect wildlife.
On a personal note, I’ve genuinely enjoyed spending more time with our VCCF staff during my first nine months as Board Chair, hearing what drew them to this work and what they are passionate about. They too care deeply for this community, and it shows in everything they bring to this work. That same spirit feels especially timely. Philanthropy itself is evolving, moving from a model of simply writing checks toward one of purpose-driven giving, where donors and foundations alike are asking not just “What can we fund?” but “What change do we want to help create, together?” It’s a shift I find energizing, and one that positions community foundations like ours to lead the way.
At the heart of that shift is storytelling. When we share the stories of the students, neighbors, organizations and ecosystems touched by this work, we’re not just spreading awareness. We’re building belonging. People don’t just learn what VCCF does; they see themselves in it, and they find their own place in the story. That sense of connection is what turns a gift into something greater. It’s a shared investment in the community we love.
And there’s a lot ahead: next year, VCCF celebrates our 40th anniversary! Four decades of neighbors helping neighbors, and we can’t wait to celebrate that legacy with you while looking toward what the next 40 years might hold.
Thank you, as always, for being part of this community and this story. It’s what we bring to one another collectively that makes Ventura County so great.
With gratitude,
Leah Lacayo, VCCF Board Chair
