Orange County Business Journal
by Shelley M. Hoss
For 35 years, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) has been a beacon of innovation in philanthropy. Within Orange County’s diverse and growing population of more than 3.1 million residents is a vibrant community of successful entrepreneurs, trailblazers, and first-generation wealth creators who are eager to leave a legacy of giving. OCCF stands as the county’s foremost expert and facilitator for these forward-thinking philanthropists, helping them maximize their impact and fulfill their philanthropic dreams.
OCCF goes beyond merely advising donors and connecting them to nonprofits. The Foundation has pioneered thoughtful, results-focused programs that empower philanthropists to design and establish high-impact philanthropic funds. These funds support the causes closest to their hearts, creating a ripple effect of positive change that extends far beyond the initial donation. In a county brimming with generous donors and passionate partners, OCCF harnesses this heartfelt intention and transforms it into tangible, lasting impact for good.
PHILANTHROPIC INNOVATION IN OC
OCCF stands at the forefront of philanthropic innovation in Orange County, orchestrating a variety of visionary and strategic programs designed to address our community’s most pressing needs. One of OCCF’s cornerstone initiatives was ConnectOC, launched in 2012 in partnership with McKinsey & Company. This ground-breaking report offered a comprehensive analysis of Orange County’s interconnected areas of need and outlined promising strategies to tackle the community’s biggest challenges.
Inspired by ConnectOC, OCCF introduced OC Nonprofit Central, the region’s only online database providing critical information about the local nonprofit sector, fostering greater transparency and collaboration between philanthropists and organizations working on the front lines of need. Visit ocnonprofitcentral.com to learn more.
Another noteworthy Foundation initiative is their iheartOC Giving Days, first launched in 2015. This countywide giving event was Orange County’s first of its kind, encouraging residents to “give where their heart lives” by donating to local causes across a wide spectrum of needs. The inaugural event saw 6,139 contributions totaling $1.8 million for 347 local nonprofits in just 30 hours. Over the past nine years, iheartOC Giving Days have collectively raised more than $25 million, significantly bolstering the capacity of local nonprofits to serve the OC community. OCCF’s Collaborative Giving Days use an online giving model to match local donors to Orange County nonprofits with shared missions – from homelessness and workforce development to preserving ecosystems and supporting local veterans – to create momentum on a single shared day and leverage combined outreach efforts. Visit iheartoc.org to learn more.
In 2019, OCCF launched a workforce development initiative now called The Future is Working, aimed at equipping graduating high school seniors, disconnected older youth, and underemployed young adults with the skills and credentials needed to secure high-quality jobs that meet local employer needs. This initiative is a testament to OCCF’s commitment to fostering economic mobility and workforce readiness in the region, awarding nearly $2.3 million to 14 projects since its inception.
Additionally, the Social Innovation Fund, also launched in 2019, exemplifies OCCF’s dedication to pioneering new solutions for social and economic challenges. This fund, in partnership with local philanthropists and entrepreneurs, supports nonprofits ready to implement innovative programs or adapt successful models from other regions to address existing problems in Orange County.
Through these and other initiatives, OCCF continues to lead the way in creating a vibrant, resilient, and inclusive community where all have the opportunity to thrive.
OC PHILANTHROPY INNOVATORS
Ambassador Gaddi Vasquez: Modeled on a successful program of the Hispanic Foundation Silicon Valley, Gaddi approached OCCF with the idea of creating a training program to equip Latino professionals in Orange County with the essential skills required for nonprofit board service. Despite Latinos making up over a third of the county’s population, their representation on nonprofit boards remains disproportionately low. The Avanzar Board Leadership Academy, drawing on Ambassador Vasquez’s extensive experience in board leadership, aims to bridge this gap by providing a unique pathway to leadership and community impact.
Joanna Kong: As Executive Director of the Sun Family Foundation, Joanna champions educational opportunities for first-generation college students and uplifts underserved communities in Orange County. Joanna has been instrumental in expanding the Sun Family Foundation’s grantmaking and community presence using a trust-based approach. Beyond her role at the foundation, Joanna co-founded Asian American Futures, a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering the next generation of Asian American and Pacific Islanders through high-impact, collective philanthropy and innovative programs.
Tam Nguyen: A community leader and second-generation family business owner in the nail salon industry, Tam and his sister Linh established the Minh Tâm Nguyễn Endowment Fund for International Education at OCCF in partnership with Cal State Fullerton to honor the philanthropic legacy of their father following his passing last year. This endowed scholarship fund supports U.S. students wishing to study abroad as well as international students aiming to study in the U.S., reflecting a commitment to global educational access and cross-cultural exchange.
BUILDING A FOUNDATION FOR THE FUTURE
The Orange County Community Foundation’s strategic approach to philanthropy marries the best of the head and the heart, blending informed strategy, deep community knowledge, and an enduring commitment as an exemplary philanthropic steward. By amplifying the results of donors’ giving and partners’ visions, OCCF mobilizes key players, applies community intelligence, and leverages enduring ties with visionaries and change-makers. With nearly $700 million in charitable assets and more than $1.1 billion in cumulative grantmaking, OCCF is setting impact into motion, not just in Orange County, but beyond. Innovative philanthropists are truly the engine powering the profound progress that our county, nation, and world depend on for a brighter future.
