The Foundation introduced a new mental health Giving Day and rallied philanthropic support for Orange County nonprofits. More than $25 million has been raised for organizations serving the county’s most vulnerable residents since 2015.
IRVINE, Calif. (Oct. 30, 2023) — The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) has announced that its 2023 iheartOC Giving Days garnered a record-breaking $4,964,725 in charitable contributions to fuel the missions of local nonprofits. Launched as a single countywide day of giving in 2015, OCCF’s year-long series of Giving Days concluded its seventh year, bringing together over 7,000 donors and 137 nonprofits to address Orange County’s greatest needs.
OCCF’s iheartOC Giving Days match local donors to Orange County nonprofits with shared missions – from homelessness and workforce development to preserving ecosystems and supporting at-risk youth –on a shared day of giving through an online platform. In May, OCCF launched a first-ever Giving Day devoted to mental health and well-being called Imagining Mental Wellness.
“Each year, our iheartOC Giving Days bring vital support to nonprofits working to make Orange County a better place for all who call our county home,” said Shelley Hoss, President and CEO, Orange County Community Foundation.
OCCF’s Giving Days have raised $25,930,886 for local nonprofits since 2015. The first two countywide Giving Days in 2015 and 2016 raised a combined total of $5 million. The current Collaborative Giving Day model launched in 2017, raising, $20,850,181 to date through the following annual Giving Days:
- Help Them Home (Housing and Homelessness): $10,414,500
- Igniting Potential (Youth): $2,487,754
- Greatness Amplified (Youth): $2,029,022
- Preserving Dignity (Older Adults): $1,000,336
- ImpACT Anaheim (Youth): $835,809
- Imagining Mental Wellness – NEW (Mental Health): $368,001
- The Future Is Working (Workforce Development): $1,024,037
- Empowering Possibilities (Disabilities): $678,995
- Protect & Preserve (Environment): $634,867
- Love Is (LGBTQ+/Youth): $591,016
- Stand & Salute – 2017-2022 (Veterans and Military Families): $785,854
“We’re so thankful to OCCF for bringing nonprofits together for collaborative Giving Days that address our community’s greatest needs, including homelessness. Every night, people experiencing homelessness don’t know where they will sleep or if they will be safe,” said Brateil Aghasi, CEO, WISEPlace. “OCCF’s Help Them Home Giving Day raises much-needed funds to bring hope and housing to thousands that result in a direct and immediate impact for our neighbors.”
“We were tremendously honored to be selected to participate in OCCF’s inaugural Imagining Mental Wellness Giving Day. It helped spur our mission of providing accessible mental health services to K-12 schools and continues to support students, families, and teachers in Orange County,” said Rebecca Kindreich, executive director, SEEDS Therapy. “Our first Giving Day was a heartwarming testament to the power of community coming together to make a positive impact.”
For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, please visit iheartoc.org. Media are encouraged to visit the iheart OC Giving Days Landing Page to view statistics and infographics.
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 $975 million 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, Twitter, and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2022 annual report here.
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