As we commemorate the 35th anniversary of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), we are filled with immense pride and gratitude for the remarkable journey that has brought us here. Since our incorporation on September 28, 1989, we have been dedicated to transforming our community’s heartfelt intention into greater impact for good. We have accomplished this by working hand-in-hand with local donors, nonprofit partners, and community leaders as expert advisors and innovators.
Judy Swayne, Founder of OCCF
Our story began modestly, with a makeshift home office, a rolltop desk, and a visionary leader who passionately believed that Orange County deserved its own community foundation. That trailblazer was the late Judy Swayne. Judy’s experience with the California Community Foundation and the Orange County Board of Supervisors equipped her with the insight and determination needed to launch what would become one of the largest and fastest-growing community foundations in the United States.
Judy leaves behind an unparalleled legacy for all who call Orange County home. The Orange County Community Foundation owes its very existence to her passion, persistence, and devotion to philanthropy. Her extraordinary accomplishments have forever changed the philanthropic landscape in Orange County, setting a high bar for community service and generosity.
Today, OCCF is proud to be home to more than 650 charitable funds benefiting a wide range of causes, including human services, education, health and wellness, the environment, the arts, and community development. We stand as the 7th most active grantmaker among more than 800 U.S. community foundations and were one of the first in the nation to pass the National Standards accreditation process, a testament to our transparency, accountability, and effectiveness.
Our mission is to serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitating grant and scholarship programs and leading community-based initiatives. We inspire giving and connect people and resources to create sustainable impact.
Over the past 35 years, we have granted more than $1.1 billion, making a significant difference not only in Orange County but across the country and around the world.
As we look beyond our 35th anniversary, we are committed to building a foundation for the future, energized by the vision of an Orange County where all have the opportunity to thrive.
We are immensely grateful to our donors, partners, and the Orange County community for your unwavering support over the past 35 years. Your generosity and commitment have been the driving force behind our success.
Thank you for being a part of our journey. Here’s to the next 35 years of growing the good, together.
With heartfelt gratitude,
Learn more about how we are celebrating 35 years of impact at oc-cf.org/35years
