IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 15, 2024) — The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing community foundations, has marked its 35th anniversary by awarding over $86 million in grants and scholarships in the 2024 fiscal year alone, supporting a broad range of issues including education, health and wellness, human services and the environment. With cumulative grantmaking now surpassing $1.1 billion, OCCF is the 7th most active grantmaker among 800 U.S. community foundation peers.
OCCF’s $86 million in recent grants and scholarships reflect its dedication to amplifying the impact of charitable giving. The Foundation stewards more than $700 million in charitable assets through 650 funds supporting a wide array of issues in Orange County, across the country and around the world. Key initiatives and milestones over the past year include:
- Promising Futures Orange County Fund – Launched to advance college and career readiness for underrepresented students, this fund awarded $385,000 to 16 local nonprofits committed to educational equity, community building, and economic opportunity.
- Inspired Teacher Grant Program – Dedicated to enhancing project-based learning for Orange County students, this program awarded $200,000 to 60 local schools, funding 66 projects and field trips that benefitted over 15,000 students.
- Avanzar Board Leadership Academy – Launched in 2023 with the support of Adelante Partners, this program graduated its second cohort of 22 Latino professionals, equipping them with the skills and confidence to serve as board members and leaders for Orange County nonprofits.
- African American Alliance Fund – This fund granted $178,500 to 28 organizations, furthering social justice and empowerment for Black residents of Orange County. Since its inception, the fund has contributed over $800,000 to 71 nonprofit organizations addressing systemic inequities.
OCCF’s financial growth has been equally robust. As of June 30, 2024, OCCF’s investments experienced annualized returns of 11.1% over the past year, 5.4% over three years, and 8.4% over five years – driving long-term sustainability to fuel the Foundation’s philanthropic impact.
For 35 years, the Orange County Community Foundation has served as a robust resource for local philanthropists and their families, offering unique insights, expertise, and a range of giving strategies to make a meaningful impact through lifetime and legacy giving. OCCF invites community members, local leaders, and organizations to join in advancing its mission for Orange County’s future. To learn more about the Orange County Community Foundation and how you can make a difference, visit www.oc-cf.org.
About Orange County Community Foundation
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) combines giving strategy, community intelligence, enduring relationships, and heartfelt intention to amplify the power of giving and its profound result: greater good in Orange County, and beyond. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. We inspire giving and connect people and resources to create sustainable impact, granting more than $1.1 billion since 1989 in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2023 annual report here.
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