Power of Purpose – March 2026
Estimada familia de la Fundación Comunitaria del Condado de Ventura,
As we step into March and the first hints of spring begin to emerge, I find myself reflecting on all the beauty surrounding us, especially you, our community foundation family, who make Ventura County so very special to me.
There is truly so much to love about our community. Yes, the natural beauty is breathtaking. But even more powerful is the way our community shows up for one another. Time and again, we have demonstrated a deep and steady care for our neighbors, a willingness to collaborate, and a shared commitment to strengthening the place we call home. That spirit—resilient, generous, and hopeful—is what makes this region extraordinary, and is something I see reflected every day in my colleagues at your community foundation.
Today I’d like to shine a light on my fellow marketing communications and impact counterparts, who work diligently behind the scenes to tell the story of your generosity and our community’s progress.
Lauren Graf Peña, our Marketing & Communications Officer, is approaching her five-year anniversary at VCCF in May and I could not be more thankful for her expertise and passion for the work we get to do. She graduated summa cum laude from California Lutheran University, where she earned bachelor’s degrees in both communication and art, and was raised with volunteering and service to one’s community as an integral part of her life. At VCCF, Lauren helps mentor our growing team, co-manages our popular Almuerzo y formación series, leads outbound communications like the Power of Purpose newsletter, leverages her design skills, manages invitations and announcements for various events and series including Café y conexiones (co-convened by the Cal Lutheran Center for Nonprofit Leadership and VCCF), maintains our website, collaborates on social media strategy, supports all Isabella Project and other initiative communications, and so much more! If you remember the Todos Juntos por los Niños Children’s Festival held in Santa Paula a few years back, Lauren brilliantly designed the joyful marketing materials for the entire event—from banners and flyers to social media posts and eblasts, just to name a few!
Finley West, VCCF’s Marketing Assistant and Newbury Park resident, joined us last summer after graduating from California State University, Northridge with a bachelor’s degree in graphic and communication design. Finley discovered the fulfillment of working with nonprofits through coursework that allowed him to create designs for the Los Angeles Fire Department and the Down Syndrome Association of Los Angeles. Finley’s design background has been a great complement to the team, and he is often the point person for design needs for both print and digital mediums, and a key collaborator on video projects. In addition to this, he drives social media execution and supports Lauren on our various communication channels and is always willing to lend a hand. Just one example of Finley’s talent and heart are the beautiful Valentine’s cards he created for the recent Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund Grantee Reception, where attendees shared their messages of love and encouragement to our neighbors in need.
Christian Erickson, VCCF’s Impact Officer, came on just a few months ago, yet in this brief period has already added such value to the organization. Christian was born and raised in Ventura County and graduated summa cum laude from UCLA with a bachelor’s degree in Spanish language and literature. He has spent over a decade learning Spanish (including months spent living in Mexico) and we’re thrilled he can utilize this skill to connect with our diverse community. As Impact Officer, Christian showcases the positive impact of our community’s generosity through the power of storytelling. Some of you may have already connected with him as he learns more about your organizations, your work, and your “why.” If you haven’t heard from him yet, please keep an eye out for his email as he continues to develop video content that highlights the incredible work of our local nonprofits, celebrates our dedicated Board, and features the donors, volunteers, staff, and community members who make it all possible. Check out his latest video featuring the Museum of Ventura County below!
Okay, I am done gushing about my fabulous team (for now)! I am continually inspired by them, not only for their talents, but for the remarkable people they are. As we move toward St. Patrick’s Day and the renewal of spring, I am reminded that what may look like luck from the outside is actually the result of intentional giving, true partnership, and a dedicated community that cares deeply about one another. Ventura County is strong because of you.
We would love to hear from you. What are you passionate about right now? What issues are on your heart? How can we help connect you to meaningful opportunities to give, serve, or learn?
At VCCF, we are here for you—connecting people, resources, and solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world.
With gratitude and hope for the season ahead,
Candice Tang Nyholt
VCCF Director of Marketing & Communications
Grantee Reception, “Stories of Impact”
We celebrated our first grantee reception for the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, themed “Stories of Impact,” where we honored the phenomenal work these frontline nonprofits have done to address critical needs in our region. Over 100 coalition partners, donors, grantees, and community members came together for a time of love and support for each and every one of Ventura County’s residents.
Fondo Barbara Barnard Smith para las Músicas del Mundo
Open Now
El Fondo Barbara Barnard Smith para las Músicas del Mundo se creó en 1992 para mejorar la comprensión de los entornos interculturales globales y multiculturales locales a través de la ampliación del conocimiento de los patrimonios artísticos más allá de las tradiciones de concierto euroamericanas. El fondo, asesorado por donantes, estudiará solicitudes de escuelas y organizaciones creadas para presentar conciertos al público con el fin de apoyar actuaciones de músicas clásicas y folclóricas no occidentales a cargo de portadores de estas tradiciones, y de composiciones contemporáneas para instrumentos tradicionales u occidentales inspiradas en estas músicas e incorporando elementos de las mismas.
Fondo Bert M. y Mildred O. Dahl
Opening Soon
Ventura Housing & Humane Society of Ventura County: VCCF Animal Welfare
Through the VCCF Animal Welfare Fund, Ventura Housing alongside the Sociedad Humanitaria del Condado de Ventura have provided mobile pet clinic support and free pet food distribution to 99 Ventura Housing households!
These residents and their pets have endured challenges of chronic homelessness, and their animals offer stability and emotional support through their recovery and long-term housing success. To help those who must make difficult decisions between veterinary care and essential household expenses, these mobile clinics have provided essential services like health checkups, spay/neuter, microchipping, vaccinations, and so much more. These services meet residents where they live, breaking down transportation, financial, and mobility barriers.
Thanks to Ventura Housing and HSVC, these homes have had a renewed peace of mind, strengthened community, and improved quality of life as residents can keep their beloved pets safely at home.
Donor Peer Network Visits Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing
VCCF’s Donor Peer Network had the delight of visiting the Wallis Annenberg Wildlife Crossing, outside Agoura Hills stretching over the 101 Freeway. During this sunny outdoor excursion, the DPN learned how this project is restoring fractured ecosystems in our region and protecting local flora and fauna. You can learn more and sign up for a tour by visitando su sitio web.
Get to Know Our Local Nonprofits – Museum of Ventura County
In the next video for our new video series, we’d like to introduce you to Elena Brokaw, CEO of the Museo del Condado de Ventura. As the largest repository of our county’s history, learn how their collection of over 100,000 pieces ranging from documents to farm equipment to art and more helps to both create connections in a polarizing environment, as well as to inspire hope for the future.
Ventura County Digital Upscaling Initiative
Over the last four years, VCCF has been an enthusiastic champion of the creation of the Ventura County Digital Upskilling Initiative, led by the Economic Development Collaborative, one of your community foundation’s most treasured partners. This initiative has helped close the digital divide for workers, job seekers, and small businesses, with some incredible impact numbers!
- 1,362+ residents trained
- 1,000+ adults gained essential computer skills and received free Chromebooks
- Bilingual, equity-centered programming reached Spanish speakers and communities historically excluded from digital opportunity
- 124 workers earned industry-recognized ICT credentials
- 170 small businesses strengthened their online presence and digital marketing capacity
With the final report now available, we invite you to check it out and share with others!
Santa Paula Art Museum’s Free Family Days
Did you know that on the first Sunday of every month, the Museo de Arte de Santa Paula hosts all-ages arts and craft events at no cost? Their Free Family Days are made possible in part through funding from the Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund, stewarded by VCCF. Every month has a different theme for their hands-on activities with all materials provided, and their March event focused on “going green” for both St. Patrick’s Day and upcoming Earth Month. This series will be resuming in May, so be sure to visit their website to learn more about family days and other upcoming events.