Los Angeles County is a kaleidoscope of communities. It is home to thousands of diverse lenses and perspectives, each interwoven and interlocked. And when we turn together, our actions create something beautiful. When you choose to act, your self-confidence grows. And when your self-confidence grows, your actions grow bolder. It’s a positive feedback loop. Civic engagement means having the courage to act within your community. It is the key to changing systems and addressing the root causes of our challenges.
The California Community Foundation collaborates with leaders, organizations and residents who are closest to the needs of our communities. Civic engagement empowers them to make their voices heard, gain a role in policy decisions and affect institutions that influence their futures and those of their families. At CCF, we focus on building the capacity of underrepresented communities to nurture and empower their members through convening, leadership development and building collaboration across sectors. We pursue systemic change in four interrelated areas: education, health, housing and immigration. These issues are complex, but together we can make real, lasting change in our lifetimes.
The stories within this book illustrate how every person can make a difference. Like Amritpal Kaur, who uses her voice on behalf of immigrants and the LGBTQ community. Or Gaby Gonzalez, who dedicates her life to educating her neighbors so they can live safer, healthier lives. Or Maria Chan, who stood up to those who would push her family from their home and now helps her community members to advocate for themselves. Or Gabrielle Smith, a student activist who helped spur LAUSD to set a new standard for equity in school funding.
I am in awe of the tenacity and passion of our partners, community members and donors who have demonstrated their commitment to address critical challenges directly. I invite you to read this annual report and consider partnering with CCF to realize long-lasting change to Los Angele County’s most pressing issues.
Every one of us are needed to create real change. In the kaleidoscope of Los Angeles, every color and fragment are integral. Only when we are all connected and engaged can a vision for our future come into focus.
Join with us in making an impact and creating a more equitable and prosperous Los Angeles.
Even in the ashes, there is hope. When the devastating Thomas Fire ravaged nearly 300,000 acres and drove more than 100,000 Southern California residents from their homes, people across the country opened their hearts to help those affected through CCF’s Wildfire Relief Fund. Children and seniors, small businesses and giant corporations all came together to meet tragedy with generosity, giving nearly $1.5 million to help communities recover and rebound.
For more than 100 years, the California Community Foundation has helped donors transform passion into impact on the causes they care about most. Their giving spirit has transformed hundreds of thousands of lives, in Los Angeles and around the world.
Real change doesn’t happen overnight. That’s why CCF invests for the long term. We can do this because of the incredible faith and foresight of our donors who have made permanent commitments to Los Angeles. Every dollar we grant is a result of their dreams for a better tomorrow, and their legacies will continue changing futures for generations to come.
As someone who has dedicated his life to public health, I understand that what affects one of us affects us all. When one child gains access to care, a whole community becomes healthier. When one Angeleno finds a good job and housing they can afford, our neighborhoods are more successful. When one student realizes their dream of college, each of us of prospers. When one family is protected and empowered, the rich civic fabric of L.A. grows even stronger.
To all our donors, nonprofit partners, advisors and others who have let us share in their generosity, I offer my sincere gratitude. Thank you for inspiring us and for joining us in building Los Angeles together.
Our experienced Board and leadership help us fulfill our mission and maintain our long tradition of excellence in governance, stability and fiduciary responsibility.
