Animal Welfare Initiative
About the Animal Welfare Fund
Shortly before the pandemic, VCCF was fortunate to obtain an important source of funding through the California Attorney General for animals in Ventura County from a generous donor who had passed away and who wished to benefit “animals wild and domestic, large and small, on land and in sea.” To assure responsible stewardship of nearly $12 million, VCCF organized a task force of local animal welfare leaders as well as expert advisors from the Humane Society of the United States. The committee embarked on a comprehensive and ambitious listening tour, which included hearing from nonprofits serving a wide range of animals here in Ventura County as well as reviewing the results of the regional report conducted by the Humane Society of the United States. In its first year, the Animal Welfare Fund granted $2,673,037 to 17 local nonprofits.
In the years to come, VCCF looks forward to bringing even more attention to the important causes that are affecting animals in our county and highlighting the amazing work of those who serve them. Thanks to the many passionate and dedicated members of the Animal Welfare Task Force and the organizations who applied during this first round of funding, VCCF is poised to make lasting differences in the lives of animals in Ventura County, and perhaps even serve as a model for programs, practices, and services that promote humane treatment of our non-human friends everywhere.
Projects Funded by the VCCF Animal Welfare Fund
Girl Scouts of California Central Coast – Developing a monarch butterfly breeding and research institute at Camp Arnaz in Ojai (Read our article visiting their project!)
Ventura College Foundation – Partnering with Ohana Pet Hospital and Ventura College to create the county’s first veterinary technology program.
Spay & Neuter Animal Network – Funding their mission to reduce dog and cat overpopulation throughout Ventura County.
Surfcat Café & Adoptions – Rescuing cats that are hard to place to keep the Ventura County Animal Shelter a “no-kill” shelter.
Moorpark College Foundation – Enhancing their parrot aviary for rescued birds.
Humane Society of the United States – Funding their “Pets for Life” program to ensure everyone in our community has access to resources to care for and keep their pets.
And many more!