Coffee & Connections

Embracing Community, One Cup at a Time

At the Ventura County Community Foundation, we believe in the power of connection. We and our co-partners at the California Lutheran University Center for Nonprofit Leadership invite you to join us. These networking and sharing opportunities are more than just a series of events; it's a movement towards a more connected, supportive, and thriving Ventura County.

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About Coffee & Connections

Coffee & Connections is designed to foster community-based, mutually beneficial relationships among local community and nonprofit professionals. Our bi-monthly virtual and in-person gatherings dive into facilitated conversations with local nonprofits and organizations, discuss challenges and successes with peers, and deepen our understanding of our community's needs.

All nonprofit professionals are welcome to join us. Help us spread the word by inviting your nonprofit peers to join Coffee & Connections. Together, we can weave a stronger fabric of support and collaboration throughout Ventura County!

Why Join Coffee & Connections?

Cultivate Relationships

Build lasting connections with fellow nonprofit and community professionals who share your passion for making a difference.

Learn and Grow

Engage in meaningful discussions that focus on real-world solutions, shared experiences, and collaborative learning.

Strengthen Community

Together, we can create a stronger, more resilient Ventura County, united by our commitment to service and compassion.

Vanessa Bechtel speaking to a crowd at Coffee and Connections

Upcoming Coffee & Connections

Join us for our next Coffee & Connections event on Friday, February 27 from 8 to 10:30 a.m. for "Aligning for Impact: How Nonprofits and Corporate Partners Work Better Together" on Friday, Feb. 27 from 8 to 10 a.m.

This in-person gathering will focus on a candid, community-minded conversation between nonprofit leaders and corporate philanthropy partners who are navigating uncertain times with a shared commitment to doing good, together.

This is not a traditional “Meet the Grantmakers,” but an honest dialogue about how employee giving, volunteerism, community leadership, and generosity can create meaningful win-win impact.

We’ll explore practical grantsmanship practices, authentic relationship building, and how nonprofits and corporate partners can better align priorities to strengthen our region. Come ready for insight, connection, and real talk about what effective partnership looks like today.

Our Meetings

Aligning for Impact: How Nonprofits and Corporate Partners Work Better Together

February 27, 2026
In person

Giving USA 2025: A Coffee & Connections Lunchtime Edition

July 9, 2025
Virtual

Navigating Market Forces and A Changing Economy with Canterbury Consulting

May 23, 2025

“QUEST” by Cristina Gallegos & John Kobara.

November 1, 2024
In person

Meet the Funders

May 15, 2024
In person

Ventura County State of the Region Report

February 9, 2024
In person

Change Management with Intention

September 27, 2023

Enough Already! Avoiding Burnout and Building Workplace Wellness

May 3, 2023

Nonprofits and Social Media

March 1, 2023

Keeping Your Board Focused: The Power of Dashboards

January 11, 2023

Strategic Restructures and Sustainable Leadership

November 2, 2022

Board Burnout and Transition

September 7, 2022
Date Nonprofit highlights/issue area Meeting materials
February 27, 2026Aligning for Impact: How Nonprofits and Corporate Partners Work Better TogetherIn person
July 9, 2025Giving USA 2025: A Coffee & Connections Lunchtime EditionVirtual
May 23, 2025Navigating Market Forces and A Changing Economy with Canterbury ConsultingView Recording
November 1, 2024“QUEST” by Cristina Gallegos & John Kobara.In person
May 15, 2024Meet the FundersIn person
February 9, 2024Ventura County State of the Region ReportIn person
September 27, 2023Change Management with IntentionView Recording
May 3, 2023Enough Already! Avoiding Burnout and Building Workplace WellnessView Recording
March 1, 2023Nonprofits and Social MediaView Recording
January 11, 2023Keeping Your Board Focused: The Power of DashboardsView Recording
November 2, 2022Strategic Restructures and Sustainable LeadershipView Recording
September 7, 2022Board Burnout and TransitionView Recording