Your Generosity is Already Changing Lives
Dear Ventura County Community Foundation Family,
There’s a beautiful word from Southern Africa—Ubuntu—that captures the heart of what we are doing together through the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund. Ubuntu means “I am because we are.” It reminds us that our lives are deeply connected, our humanity bound together. As Archbishop Desmond Tutu said:
“My humanity is bound up in yours, for we can only be human together.”
Over the past three weeks, that spirit of Ubuntu has come alive in Ventura County. More than 100 households have already contributed over $136,000 (including $20,000 in pledges). Each gift is a powerful reminder that when one family struggles, the whole community feels it—and when one family is lifted up, we all rise.
Already, your generosity is transforming lives. Just last evening, every dollar received so far was reviewed and approved for distribution by a committee of trusted partners who first came together to launch this effort. This marks the beginning of what we hope will be many rounds of grantmaking. While the need is far greater than we can meet today, together we are laying a strong foundation for hope, dignity, and belonging.
Because of you, parents are receiving direct assistance to cover rent, utilities, and safe transportation to work, school, and critical appointments. Families are being supported with culturally relevant food, diapers, and school supplies. And for those who might otherwise go without, free medical and mental health care is within reach—ensuring that stability and compassion meet people right where they are.
This first round of funding is reaching families through four frontline organizations—MICOP, Westminster Free Clinic, 805 UndocuFund, and Friends of Fieldworkers—whose work reflects the very best of our community.
Please know that your community foundation is hard at work building momentum and awareness for this vital effort. VCCF is taking no fees so that 100% of every donation goes directly to those who need it most. None of this would be possible without you—your generosity, your voice, and your willingness to spread the word.
It is also with great joy that we officially welcome Mike Soules as our Ambassador of Hope & Healing. Mike has long been a champion for compassion and community, and in this role he will help inspire and strengthen the collective generosity fueling this fund.
Thank you for being part of this family of generosity and love. Together, you are reminding the world of who we truly are—a community that strives to ensure every neighbor is seen, supported, and safe.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Vanessa Bechtel
President & CEO, Ventura County Community Foundation
Welcome to Our New Partners
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The Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund provides rapid assistance to families and small business owners through trusted nonprofit and community partners. A dedicated VCCF committee—comprised of respected local leaders—ensures the transparent and thoughtful distribution of resources to address Ventura County’s most urgent humanitarian needs.
Our top priority is to support access to food, shelter, and essential services for local families, while also helping our broader community navigate the economic ripple effects of this multipronged crisis.
County of Ventura Supervisor Jeff Gorell, District 2
“Children, families, and elderly neighbors in our community need our help—and we are a community that always steps up. Time and again, I’ve witnessed how we come together in times of need, supporting those around us. This fund is doing exactly that—providing vital assistance to our most vulnerable.
“I’ve contributed personally, and I encourage everyone who is able to join me. Together, we can make sure our neighbors have the resources they need for life’s basic necessities—so no one is left to face hardship alone.”