VCCF Power of Purpose – September 2025
Estimada familia de la Fundación Comunitaria del Condado de Ventura,
Today marks the last day of our fiscal year. For me, this moment always invites deep reflection, offers a pause for gratitude, and serves as a joyful reminder to celebrate all we’ve accomplished together.
This year, because of you, we contributed nearly $14 million to make our community a better place for all. Together, you mobilized to raise close to $1.5 million for those who lost their homes in the Mountain Fire, ensuring that critical support reached those most affected. Collectively, you awarded nearly $2 million in scholarships to help local students pursue their educational and career aspirations. You stood by families facing financial hardship to ensure their beloved pets were cared for; you provided groceries for thousands of households; and you strengthened local small businesses by supporting education, access to small business loans, and consulting services to navigate complex challenges. These are just a few of the many ways you’ve served our community.
From supporting the arts to animal welfare, environmental protection to public health, access to local journalism to after-school care, you have been there. And now, you’ve once again risen to the occasion through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, which has already raised $430,000 to support families most impacted by recent events. We are so close to announcing our next round of grants!
Truly, you have touched countless lives. This is the magic of being part of your community foundation. What inspires me most is that none of this happens alone. Every gift, every act of generosity, every volunteer hour, and every hand extended to a neighbor in need has rippled outward to strengthen our entire Ventura County community. Together, we are proving that generosity is the glue that holds us together.
As we look ahead to a new fiscal year, I’m filled with hope and excitement for what we will accomplish side by side. Thank you for believing in the power of community, for your compassion, and for your unwavering commitment to creating a brighter, more equitable future for all.
With my deepest gratitude,
Vanessa Bechtel
Presidente y Director General de la VCCF
P.S. Please enjoy these photos of the birds of prey that you are helping to give a new sanctuary at the Moorpark College Teaching Zoo.
Matching Donation Opportunity!
With our new donation matching opportunity for the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund, you can double your impact to support your community! We are extremely grateful to the Brokaw Family Fund for their generous contribution to match donations up to a total of $50,000. Learn more and donate below!
Apply for Funding!
The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund is now accepting applications from nonprofits and educational partners providing direct support to families and small businesses most impacted by recent events. Grants will help organizations meet urgent needs such as food, housing, childcare, healthcare, and other essential services. Together, we can ensure our neighbors receive the care and stability they deserve.
Thank You to Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Fillmore, and Camarillo!
We are deeply grateful to welcome our first five cities as partners of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Coalition. A special thank you to the City of Thousand Oaks, which began this engagement by voting unanimously (5–0) to commit $100,000 in support of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and joining as a founding coalition member. With their leadership and the partnership of Ventura, Port Hueneme, Fillmore, and Camarillo, we are able to directly support neighbors, friends, and families across our county with vital humanitarian aid. Together, these cities are demonstrating the power of local leadership and collaboration, and we couldn’t be more grateful!
“I am so very proud of our City Council’s unwavering commitment to funding grant programs that bring timely and truly meaningful benefits to all,” said David Newman, mayor of Thousand Oaks. “We are also very grateful to partner with the Ventura County Community Foundation, an organization dedicated to the well-being of all county residents. This collaboration allows us to make a real difference in the lives of our neighbors and build a stronger, more vibrant community for everyone.” David Newman, Mayor of Thousand Oaks
“The City of Port Hueneme values that the Ventura County Neighbors Support Coalition coordinates assistance through trusted partners, reducing confusion and duplication while ensuring timely help. The Fund is guided by a committee of community leaders, and 100 percent of contributions go directly to relief such as food, transportation, emergency shelter and rental assistance, and other urgent needs.” Martha McQueen-Legohn, Mayor of City of Port Hueneme
Welcoming Our New Coalition Members
In addition to our local cities, we’re honored to welcome our newest members to the Ventura County Neighbors Support Coalition!
Grant Opportunity Now Open! Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund
The Smith-Hobson Foundation supports arts and cultural projects, such as those associated with museums, historical societies, fine and performing arts, and arts education and access, in western Ventura County. Deadline to apply is Wednesday, October 8!
Visit the New VCCF Portal!
We are also excited to introduce our new portal for VCCF fund holders and grant applicants, with a brand new look! For increased security, multifactor authentication has also been activated, which you can learn more about here. Please contact Aaron Weissman for any questions.
Welcome to the Team, Finley and Mike!
We’d like to introduce VCCF’s newest team members: Michael Soules, Interim Vice President; and Finley West, Marketing Assistant! Learn more about them and the rest of our incredible team below.
Congratulations to 2025 Nonprofits of the Year!
Community Action Ventura County and Westminster Free Clinic & Community Care Center
Enhorabuena a Clínica gratuita de Westminster y Acción Comunitaria del Condado de Ventura for their recognition as 2025 Nonprofits of the Year! The organizations were selected by Senator Monique Limón and Assemblymember Steve Bennett, respectively, and they received honors at this year’s Nonprofit Town Hall, which VCCF was proud to support.
You can view the full list of nominees across California here, or learn more about Westminster and CAVC below!
(L-R) Assemblymember Gregg Hart, Center for Nonprofit Leadership’s Director Dena Jenson, VCCF Incoming Board Chair Leah Lacayo, VCCF’s Kinsey Cohen, Assemblymember Steve Bennett, CalNonprofits CEO Geoff Green, and VCCF’s Candice Tang Nyholt