The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) recently hosted its annual Family Foundation Alliance “Celebration of Giving,” an annual event that brings together Orange County’s philanthropic leaders, donors, and changemakers to inspire charitable giving and explore the evolving landscape of philanthropy. The event’s keynote speaker, Sara Lomelin, CEO of Philanthropy Together, captivated attendees with her presentation on the transformative power of collective giving, which is among the fastest-growing and highest-impact drivers of philanthropy today.
The Power of Collective Giving
Lomelin’s keynote emphasized that collective giving is more than a method of philanthropy; it is a movement reshaping the dynamics of power in the nonprofit sector. By pooling resources—whether through giving circles or collaborative funds—donors and grantees can work together to address systemic challenges.
“These models are not just about moving money; they’re about building trust, creating belonging, and fostering abundance,” Lomelin shared. She outlined how collective giving allows for shared decision-making between donors and communities, shifting away from traditional top-down approaches. This approach ensures that communities with lived experience are at the forefront of decision-making, paving the way for greater equity and scaled impact.
The Rise of Collaborative Funds
A highlight of Lomelin’s presentation was her exploration of collaborative funds, a growing trend in philanthropy. These funds pool contributions from individuals, foundations, corporations, and even governments to achieve systemic impact. Unlike traditional philanthropic vehicles, collaborative funds go beyond grantmaking to include capacity building, advocacy, and even narrative change.
Examples such as the Hive Fund for Climate and Gender Justice and the Fund for Housing and Opportunity illustrate how these models address critical issues, from racial and gender equity to housing justice. With over 500 collaborative funds now operating globally, they are moving billions annually to transform communities.
The Impact of Belonging
Lomelin stressed that the heart of collective giving lies in its ability to foster participation and community. Research shows that donors involved in collective giving give more, volunteer more, and are motivated by proactive, community-centered values.
“Collective giving transforms isolation into community, polarization into shared values, and wealth concentration into wealth abundance,” she explained. “It’s about empowering donors and communities to work hand-in-hand for lasting change.”
A Vision for the Future
Lomelin’s keynote ended on an inspiring note: a call to action for philanthropists to embrace collaborative giving models as a means of driving equity and systems-level change.
“These models ensure that the missing voices are finally at the table, driving decisions and outcomes,” she concluded. “Together, we can create an interconnected philanthropic ecosystem built on trust, relationships, and shared impact.”
Collaborative Giving with OCCF
In an engaging presentation following the keynote by Lomelin, Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), outlined practical ways philanthropists can participate in collaborative giving through the foundation. Shelley emphasized OCCF’s dedication to addressing critical community needs via various collaborative funds and initiatives.
Collaborative Funds and Initiatives
Shelley highlighted OCCF’s notable iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, a series of annual cause-specific crowdfunding events. These Giving Days unite nonprofits with shared missions to raise essential funds, focusing on diverse groups such as youth, veterans, people with disabilities, seniors, and the unhoused. These events are pivotal in fostering community support and addressing specific challenges facing Orange County residents.
Field of Interest Funds
Beyond Giving Days, Shelley introduced OCCF’s field of interest funds, each tailored to tackle unique community challenges:
- The Environment Fund: Aims to enhance environmental literacy and awareness across the region.
- Promising Futures OC: Provides resources to ensure students have the necessary tools to succeed in college or career pathways.
- Orange County Social Justice Fund: Addresses barriers to civic and economic participation, promoting equity for all residents.
Community Initiatives
Shelley also spotlighted several community initiatives:
- Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF): Offers scholarships to Hispanic/Latino students, empowering them to pursue higher education.
- Inspired Teacher Grant Program: Supports innovative learning experiences for public school students, fostering creativity and engagement.
- The Future is Working/Workforce Development: Focuses on creating connections between education and workforce development to meet the region’s labor market needs.
Through these programs, Shelley emphasized that donors have the opportunity to amplify their impact by aligning resources with community-driven solutions. By engaging in collaborative giving with OCCF, philanthropists can contribute to meaningful change and help build a stronger, more equitable Orange County.
Through these programs, Shelley emphasized that donors have the opportunity to amplify their impact by aligning resources with community-driven solutions. By engaging in collaborative giving with OCCF, philanthropists can contribute to meaningful change and help build a stronger, more equitable Orange County.
Better Together
The “Celebration of Giving” was a testament to the power of coming together to drive meaningful change. By spotlighting the potential of collaborative giving, the event underscored the importance of partnerships that transcend traditional boundaries.
The Orange County Community Foundation remains committed to fostering innovation and equity in philanthropy, ensuring a brighter future for all who call Orange County home. To learn more about our work or to contribute to a collaborative initiative, please visit our website, discuss with your philanthropic advisor, or contact Joanne Gonzalez Forster at jforster@oc-cf.org.
For more information on The Family Foundation Alliance and how to become a member please visit, https://www.oc-cf.org/ffa.
