In 2018, the Ventura County Community Foundation engaged a philanthropic consultant to lead a series of one-on-one meetings and focus groups with our donor-clients. Our goal from this effort was to gain an in-depth understanding of the needs of our clients and to best determine the ways we could help meet those needs as we support them in their philanthropy.
It immediately became clear that our donor-clients were seeking relationships with others engaged in giving. For example, 80 percent shared that learning from their peers (other donors) was their most trusted source of information guiding their philanthropy. One-hundred percent of those participating in the focus group sessions shared they wanted to learn more about the challenges and issues facing our community and build relationships with other VCCF donor-clients.
Following a series of robust discussions, our donor-clients asked VCCF to create an inaugural Donor Peer Network where they could engage with others, explore best practices, and learn more about the needs of our community. We were excited to launch the first VCCF Donor Peer Network in January 2021, led by co-Chairs Catherine Sepulveda and Jack Edelstein.
For more information, please contact Calleen Pardinas at cpardinas@vccf.org and (805) 330-6987.