Nonprofits

Setting up an agency endowment with VCCF is simple. All that is required is:

• A name for your fund.
• A purpose for your fund, such as what programs you wish to support.
• Approval of your Board and the minutes that reflect that approval.
• A copy of your Articles of Incorporation.

Can nonprofit agencies be fund holders?

Yes! Many nonprofit agencies have started funds at VCCF in order to stabilize their operations and allow for long-range financial planning. For more information on how a fund could benefit your organization, please contact Jim Rivera, Chief Philanthropic Counsel, at jrivera@vccf.org.

Can individual donors establish a fund specifically to support us?

Yes! VCCF is home to many Designated Funds. Once established, these funds can be used for the benefit of one or more specific public charities.

How can I access the VCCF Resource Library?

Please call or e-mail to schedule an appointment (805) 330-6675 or jlambert@vccf.org.

Guide for Grantseekers

Each year, the Ventura County Community Foundation awards grants for all areas of community need. Grant dollars are derived from designated funds, donor advised funds, endowment funds, field-of-interest funds, special funds and greatest needs funds.

VCCF accepts proposals only in response to an open Request for Proposals (RFP).

Competitive Grant Cycles

Only certain funds are open to application. All Request for Proposals are publicly announced and specifically describe the focus areas for which proposals are being sought. The VCCF looks for projects where a moderate amount of grant money may affect a significant result, and where there is a well-planned and/or new approach to solving community problems. We encourage proposals with cooperation and partnering among charitable organizations.

Fiscal Sponsorship Policy

Organizations that do not have 501(c)(3) status as designated by the Internal Revenue Service may apply for grants using a fiscal sponsor.

Click here to review our fiscal sponsorship information.

Current Requests for Proposal:

Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation
The Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation was established in 1984 with the assets of the sale of the Oxnard Community Hospital to Republic Health Corporation. Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation awards grants to agencies that provide health services to Ventura County residents. The Foundation was named in recognition and honor of Dr. Floyd J. Swift and his wife, Ida Swift, who both made significant contributions to the quality of life in Ventura County.

The Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation is a private 501(c)(3) foundation that contracts with VCCF for administrative, investment, and staffing services.

The Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation has two grant cycles. The application deadlines are October 14 and April 14 each year. The Swift grant cycle is currently closed.

Questions about grants may be sent to Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Operating Officer, at jlambert@vccf.org.

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Barbara Barnard Smith Fund for World Musics
The Barbara Barnard Smith Fund for World Musics was established in 1992 to enhance understanding of global intercultural and local multicultural environments through expanding acquaintance with artistic heritages beyond those of Euro-American concert traditions. The donor-advised fund will consider applications from schools and from organizations established to present concerts for the public to support performances of non-Western classical and folk musics by bearers of these traditions, and of contemporary compositions for traditional or Western instruments inspired by and incorporating elements of these musics.

Applications are accepted annually by September 30th for performances in the following calendar year. Time from the application deadline to decision is approximately 2-3 months, usually by the end of that calendar year.

Questions about grants may be sent to Jeffrey Lambert, Chief Operating Officer, at jlambert@vccf.org.

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Limoneira Foundation Fund
The Limoneira Company has been building and sustaining community for 130 years. Our commitment is deeply embedded in our culture and drives value creation for our supply chain, the communities in which we live and work, the environment, our employees and the long-term success of our company. Our teams work together to raise awareness, generate resources and participate in events that resonate with our local area, customers and community members. We believe and have shown we can make a difference. We invest in the economic, social, and cultural vibrancy of Santa Paula, Oxnard and the communities of the Santa Clara Valley including, Piru, Fillmore and Ventura.

Applications for the Limoneira Foundation Fund are now closed.

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