At the California Community Foundation (CCF), we believe that meaningful change starts with listening. That’s why, throughout November and December 2024, we hosted a series of Community Listening Sessions across Los Angeles County to understand what people need to a good life. These gatherings provided a space for local leaders, partner organizations, and community members to share their perspectives, needs, and ideas for a stronger, more equitable future.

Engaging Communities Across LA

Between in-person and virtual sessions, over 2,000 participants joined the conversation, offering valuable insights drawn from their lived experiences. Each session provided an opportunity for open dialogue, where attendees discussed the role of community foundations and how CCF can better serve and support their work.

Listening sessions were held in diverse communities across LA County, including the Antelope Valley, the San Fernando Valley, the San Gabriel Valley, Metro Los Angeles, South LA, East LA, and the South Bay. Additionally, we hosted discussions in partnership with Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) and the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) to hear directly from educators, students, and families. For those unable to attend in person, four virtual sessions ensured that more voices could be included in these important conversations.

During each session, participants engaged in small-group discussions, sharing their thoughts through collaborative conversations, individual responses, and group report-outs.

Key Takeaways & Next Steps

In addition to the listening sessions, CCF conducted an online survey in the fall of 2024 to gather input from current and former grantees, partner organizations, and community members, including individuals who had no prior connection with CCF. More than 200 survey respondents contributed their perspectives, adding depth to the findings from our in-person discussions.

This community feedback, along with insights from CCF’s 2015-2025 Strategic Plan, donor and grantee perception reports, and advocacy partner surveys, will help shape our next steps. We are committed to using these learnings to inform our grantmaking, advocacy, and community initiatives in the years ahead.

We are deeply grateful to everyone who took the time to share their voices, experiences, and ideas during these sessions. Your input is invaluable, and your dedication to building a more inclusive and thriving Los Angeles County inspires our daily work.