Our history
“I don't think I can change the world, but I can contribute to making Ventura County even better.”
Leah Lacayo, donor
Much has changed in our community since 1987. Our purpose hasn’t.
Nearly 40 years ago, we set out to make life better for the people of Ventura County.
Initially, we wanted to help nonprofits become more sustainable and give donors a way of leaving complicated gifts, like real estate and stocks. In 1990, we began giving people the chance to fund scholarships. Then, in 2000, we provided community grantmaking where donors could give together towards a common cause.
Now, we convene large numbers of residents to work together as agents of change.
Our mission
Connecting people, resources, and solutions to create a lasting impact in our shared world.
Our vision
We envision an engaged and thriving community inspired by growing generosity.
Our values
Trust
We apply sound financial principles and invest wisely to steward the assets entrusted to us.
Transparency
We conduct our work with honesty, intentionality, and accountability.
Compassion
We bring empathy, respect, and heart to all of our interactions.
Equity
We listen to and elevate diverse voices and experiences to advance fair and just opportunities.
Tenacity
We respond to dynamic challenges strategically and with immediacy, persevering until sustainable success is achieved.
Excellence
We consistently invest in education, operations, technology, and our human capital to ensure the highest quality of service and support to our donor clients and those we serve.
Authentic Connection
We engage all partnerships with open collaboration and forthright communication, co-creating impactful solutions.
VCCF's Legacy Magazine
A Legacy of Generosity.
The Ventura County Community Foundation is proud to release our first-ever legacy magazine, “A Legacy of Generosity.” This 42-page publication captures the spirit and heart of our donors, community members, grant recipients and nonprofit leaders as they live out VCCF’s values of trust, transparency, compassion, equity, tenacity, excellence and authentic connection.
This magazine tells the story of your community foundation and the roles it plays in the stories of Ventura County through its philanthropic consulting and community leadership.
We invite you to read this love letter to our community, as we carry forth the message “Somos Vecinos y Todos Contamos” — we are all neighbors and we all count! With 17 moving interviews and beautiful photography of our community and its inspiring members, this magazine will make you smile, cry and want to read it over and over again.
Read Our Legacy Magazine
Read inspiring stories from donors, nonprofit leaders, grant recipients, students and more to see the ways VCCF has touched the lives of thousands in our community, with stunning photography and uplifting interviews.
See your contributions make the immediate, lasting impact that you can feel
Join VCCF
And be a part of a compassionate, inspired community of givers and doers. Together, we build a brighter, stronger future for our Ventura County.
