Neighbors Support Fund passes $1M mark in grants for local nonprofits

This article was written by the Ojai Valley News. Read the full article at their website.

The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund just completed its sixth round of grantmaking and, in total, the fund has now provided more than $1 million in support for Ventura County nonprofits and other local organizations.

“These funds come at a particularly crucial time amid ongoing uncertainty,” said Leah Lacayo, board chair of the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF), which manages the Neighbors Support Fund.

“In this environment, stability and connection are more important than ever,” Lacayo said. “The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund offers a coordinated and trusted way for residents to step up and support one another, addressing immediate needs and the broader ripple effects impacting families, students and local businesses.”

The Neighbors Support Fund grants are awarded by a coalition of 32 community partners, including civic, business, nonprofit, education and faith-based leaders throughout Ventura County, all working to ensure that 100% of contributions from donors go directly toward urgent community needs. 

“We are proud to do this work without taking any administrative fee so that 100% of funds go directly to those who need it most,” Lacayo said. “It is the right thing to do for our community.” 

The fund was first launched by VCCF on July 28, 2025, as a way to provide relief to families affected by changes in immigration enforcement, as well as others experiencing “fear, confusion and uncertainty.” 

The fund continues to grow through community donations, which are received on a rolling basis. 

In April, the fund announced its sixth round of grantmaking, totaling $139,000, and went to 11 nonprofits supporting community members experiencing hardships and disruptions.  

Grantees from this most recent round of funding were 805UndocuFund; ATLAS-Ventura Housing; Boys & Girls Club of Camarillo; Ventura County Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc.; City Impact; HELP of Ojai; Nate’s Place; People’s Self-Help Housing; Rescue Mission Alliance Ventura County; Safe Passage Youth Foundation; and United Parents. 

In the latest round of funding, Lacayo shared that “HELP of Ojai will be able to provide direct help with rent, utilities and supplies, supported by trauma-informed case management and translation services to ensure accessibility for the most vulnerable.” 

When it comes to the more than $1 million granted so far, more than 43 nonprofits, education groups and local organizations have received the support, including Catholic Charities in Ventura County. 

“Funding allotted to Catholic Charities in Ventura County through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund supported 13 families in need with rental assistance,” said Gabriel Rivera, program director for Ventura County Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, Inc. 

Lacayo added that “these grants have empowered 43 nonprofits, education groups and local organizations to serve thousands more meals and provide services to hundreds of people; ensured under-resourced students have access to basic necessities such as clothing, hygiene items, and school supplies; allowed the purchase of diapers, formula, clothing, pantry staples, and expansion of mobile distribution; and provided mental health screenings among many other services and supports.” 

Multiple cities have also joined in as partners of the Neighbors Support Fund by providing donations, including Thousand Oaks, Port Hueneme, Fillmore, Ventura and Camarillo. 

“The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund & Coalition is a powerful reminder of what happens when a community comes together to care for one another,” Lacayo said. “Time and again, we have seen neighbors step forward with compassion and generosity to ensure that families facing hardship are not alone.” 

Those interested in either applying for a grant or making a contribution can learn more at vccf.org/neighbors.