FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 30, 2025
Contact: Press Office, California Community Foundation
Email: connie@cielostrategic.com; press@calfund.org

Los Angeles, CA – The California Community Foundation (CCF) has raised $50 million from more than 36,000 donors across Los Angeles – and the world – to support the most vulnerable and impacted by the region’s devastating wildfires. This overwhelming generosity has allowed CCF to provide over $20 million in critical grants to more than 130 organizations across LA County. This aid, provided within 10 days of the blazes starting, delivers critical aid to help families, workers, and small businesses across the region manage this crisis.  

As thousands remain displaced from their homes, jobs, schools, and places of worship, the need for support remains. CCF is working alongside community partners to assess evolving needs and will distribute additional funding to support long-term stability and rebuilding efforts in the weeks ahead. The organization has committed to giving half the funding to immediate efforts in the first month of the wildfire disaster.

“Once the fires began, CCF instantly mobilized its wildfire recovery fund to provide immediate help. But we know recovery doesn’t end when the fires are contained – this is a years-long journey that requires sustained commitment. We will be here for the long haul,” said Miguel Santana, President and CEO of the California Community Foundation. “Our work would not be possible without the incredible support of our donors – more than 36,000 who have given from 5 dollars to $4 million to express their love for Los Angeles and faith in our resilience.”

As an active partner in the region’s recovery, CCF ensures communities lead the rebuilding process. Its grants support a trusted network of organizations providing direct financial aid, legal support, mental health services, housing assistance, and small business stabilization. This funding has expanded the capacity of organizations like New Economics for Women, allowing them to offer temporary housing, childcare, and direct cash relief to families who lost homes and jobs.

“Thanks to the generosity of the California Community Foundation, we can provide additional direct financial assistance to individuals who have lost their homes, jobs, or businesses,” said Leticia Andueza, CEO of New Economics for Women. “In this time of hardship, our team is here to support those affected and offer a helping hand to rebuild and move forward.” Watch our video here to learn how CCF and New Economics for Women are making a difference.

As LA County moves into long-term recovery, CCF’s grantmaking will continue to align with FEMA best practices, prioritizing rehousing wildfire survivors, providing relief for displaced workers, reopening small businesses, and restoring essential community infrastructure. The foundation granted $15 million on January 17th to support the efforts of hundreds of organizations that provide direct aid to thousands across the County. CCF also oversees the charitable giving of more than 1,900 individuals and families who combined granted out $5 million to support impacted communities. As aid continues to come in, CCF’s wildfire relief efforts will gain further visibility through a feature at this year’s GRAMMYs, helping to raise critical funds.

CCF has led disaster relief efforts in California since 2003. The foundation’s Wildfire Recovery Fund is designed to complement immediate relief efforts with sustained, strategic support, ensuring that communities have the resources they need to rebuild and recover. Committed to transparency and accountability, CCF ensures every dollar is maximized to deliver long-term impact. For a complete list of grantees and more information on how you can help, please visit the official Wildfire Recovery Fund website.

About the California Community Foundation (CCF):
Since 1915, CCF has served Los Angeles County as a public charitable organization dedicated to leading systemic change that strengthens communities. Managing $2.3 billion in assets and overseeing 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies, CCF’s mission is to invest in, partner with and amplify the power of community toward a good life. For more information, visit www.calfund.org.

CCF has raised over $30 million from a cross-section of generous donors, including major corporations, foundations, and more than 27,000 individual donors.

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Fueled by a massive global outpouring of support, the initiative pivots toward securing long-term relief and equity for the region’s most vulnerable displaced residents.

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The widespread funding mobilization directly targets intermediate and long-term support for the thousands of Angelenos facing catastrophic displacement and loss.

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The organization is scaling up its targeted funding to ensure equitable, sustained support reaches marginalized populations facing sudden displacement and trauma.

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As state budget cuts threaten to stall tens of thousands of nearly ready projects, local leaders urge Sacramento to protect vital funding and prevent worsening homelessness.

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A coalition of funders is calling on state lawmakers to reject proposed cuts and safeguard essential safety-net programs for immigrant communities.

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Los Angeles, CA — The California Community Foundation (CCF) Board of Directors announced that Miguel A. Santana will be CCF’s next president and CEO. Santana currently serves as the president and CEO of the Weingart Foundation; he will assume his new role on October 16, 2023. Antonia Hernández will continue as president and CEO through October 13.

Santana was unanimously appointed by the Board after a rigorous interviewing and vetting process conducted by the Board’s Executive Search Committee, with the assistance of search firm Spencer Stuart. The search committee was impressed by the wealth of experience and diversity in the candidate pool. They selected Santana because of his deep commitment to addressing the challenges facing Los Angeles County; his demonstrated success in prioritizing the values of equity and inclusion; his passion for CCF’s areas of expertise, including advocacy, housing, immigration, charitable giving, and civic engagement among other areas; as well as his extensive leadership experience in philanthropy and the public sector.

“Antonia Hernández has built CCF to a position of great strength and incomparable reputation; Miguel Santana is the right leader to build from that extraordinary foundation to greater heights for the Foundation and for the Los Angeles region,” said Thomas A. Saenz, chair of the CCF board of directors. “His unmatched and lengthy leadership track record of successfully confronting myriad challenges in our dynamic region demonstrate that he will increase the positive impact of CCF on the Los Angeles that he has loved and served throughout his life.”

Santana began his career as a community liaison at MALDEF, before serving as former L.A. County Supervisor Gloria Molina’s chief of staff. He eventually became the city administrative officer for the City of Los Angeles, where he oversaw the City’s $9 billion budget and designed the City’s first comprehensive homeless strategy, resulting in a $1.2 billion voter-approved housing bond and a doubling of the City’s general fund investment on programs to end homelessness.

Santana was appointed president and CEO of the Weingart Foundation in 2021. Prior to joining the Weingart Foundation, he served as president and CEO of the Fairplex, a nonprofit community benefit organization based in Pomona.

“The California Community Foundation’s mission of fulfilling the promise of Los Angeles County aligns deeply with my core values of unapologetically fighting for equity, justice, and for a Los Angeles region where everyone thrives,” said Miguel A. Santana, CCF’s incoming president and CEO. “As a native Angeleno and the son of immigrants, it will be a privilege to work with the CCF team and the community on the tremendous legacy that my predecessor, colleague, and friend, Antonia Hernández has built. I know that together, we can deliver on the promise of Los Angeles.”

His commitment to creating a more equitable Southern California region is reflected in his leadership at the Weingart Foundation. The Foundation partners with communities across Southern California to advance racial, social, and economic justice. With $850 million in assets, the Foundation supports organizations focused on human services, housing, health, education, and community power building. Santana has been able to further the Foundation’s mission while centering community voices.

The Weingart Foundation has been one of CCF’s strongest philanthropic partners and allies. With Santana assuming his new role we expect our partnership to only strengthen.

“On behalf of the Weingart Board, we want to congratulate Miguel A. Santana on his appointment as president and CEO of CCF,” said Monica Lozano, chair, Weingart Foundation board of directors. “From immigrant inclusion to strengthening the capacity of LA’s nonprofits, we are proud to stand side by side with CCF in advancing our shared vision for a just and equitable Southern California. With Miguel’s appointment, we will continue our long-lasting partnership, working together for a better Los Angeles.”

“We at CCF are grateful to our colleagues at the Weingart Foundation for the ongoing working collaborations between our two powerful philanthropic organizations and view our choice of Miguel Santana as a mark of our shared commitment to grow that critical relationship,” said CCF board chair Saenz.

Santana’s numerous civic efforts include serving on the L.A. County Affordable Housing Solutions Agency (LACAHSA) board. He has also served on numerous nonprofit boards, including the Whittier College Board of Trustees. Santana holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and Latin American Studies from Whittier College and a Master in Public Administration from Harvard University.

Santana succeeds President and CEO Antonia Hernández, who announced that she was stepping down in March of 2023, after nearly two decades of leading and transforming CCF into a strong, vibrant advocate for Los Angeles County.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Paula Valle Castañon at pvalle [@] calfund [.] org or 213.452.6233

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The California Community Foundation (CCF) has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915. Its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF stewards $2.3 billion in assets and manages 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. For more information, please visit www.calfund.org.

Los Angeles, CA — The California Community Foundation (CCF) released the following statement from President and CEO Antonia Hernández on the passing of former Los Angeles County Supervisor and Board Chair Gloria Molina:

“Los Angeles has lost a political pioneer, a champion for the underrepresented and a trailblazing Latina. The Honorable Gloria Molina dedicated her life to public service becoming the first Latina elected as California State Assemblymember, Los Angeles City Councilmember, and Los Angeles County Supervisor.

“Her legacy and impact in Los Angeles, the state and the nation will live on through the policy changes she secured and communities she served. Gloria joined the CCF Board of Directors as a board member in 2016, becoming the chair of the Board in 2021. As chair, Gloria sought to reimagine our resources to ensure that all Angelenos have access. Her unwavering commitment to strengthen communities throughout Los Angeles County will be felt for generations to come.

“Gloria opened doors for future leaders so that others would walk through those doors to impact and transform lives. Her keen intellect, passion, work ethic and strong sense of right made her a forceful advocate and a force of nature. As we celebrate the incredible life and career of Gloria, we can honor her by continuing to fight for equity in our vulnerable communities.

“CCF will always be incredibly grateful to the Honorable Gloria Molina for her service and commitment to our communities. We thank Gloria for her dedication and public service. Our hearts and thoughts are with her family, friends and colleagues at this difficult time.”

MEDIA CONTACT:

Paula Valle Castañon at pvalle [@] calfund [.] org or 213.452.6233

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*In lieu of flowers, Gloria’s family requests that donations be made to Casa 0101 and LA Plaza de Cultura y Artes in her memory to inspire and empower future generations through the arts.

The California Community Foundation (CCF) has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915. Its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF stewards $2.3 billion in assets and manages 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. For more information, please visit www.calfund.org.

Los Angeles, CA — The California Community Foundation (CCF) Board of Directors, with gratitude to our longtime President and Chief Executive Officer Antonia Hernández, announces her plans to retire. After nearly two decades of leading and transforming CCF into a strong, vibrant advocate for Los Angeles, Hernández is ready to start a new journey.

“I have known Antonia for over half a century and have seen her professional journey starting as a civil rights lawyer, counsel to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee, and leading MALDEF, the nation’s leading civil rights law firm for the Latino/a community,” said California Community Foundation Board Chair and former Los Angeles County Board of Supervisor Gloria Molina. “During her two decades at CCF she has transformed a small well respected community foundation into a leading civic philanthropic leader.”

Under Hernández’s inspirational leadership, CCF has expanded its impact with a philanthropic focus on education, health, housing and economic opportunity, immigration, civic engagement, and the arts for the residents of Los Angeles County. CCF’s assets, including donor-advised and other contributed funds, have grown nearly five-fold from $540 million when Hernández became president on February 17, 2004, to $2.3 billion today. During her tenure more than $3.4 billion has been granted to diverse non-profit organizations strengthening the fabric of society throughout Los Angeles, prompting national philanthropic recognition.

Earlier this year, Hernández led CCF’s move to its first permanent home in its 108-year history, a beautifully renovated 54,000 sq. building in the center of Los Angeles at 717 West Temple Street.

“Antonia has transformed CCF into the most influential philanthropic institution in Los Angeles County, and into an unmatched model for community foundations nationwide. Her legacy of extraordinary transformative leadership will make it difficult to find her successor; nonetheless, the Board is committed to ensuring that the next president and CEO will continue and build upon the critical role crafted by Antonia for the Foundation in and beyond Los Angeles County,” said Thomas A. Saenz, chair-elect of the California Community Foundation Board of Directors.

During Hernández’s tenure, CCF’s discretionary assets have grown significantly, allowing CCF to focus on changing the systems that create injustice and inequality in our community. Sheldon Stone, co-founder of Oaktree and former chair of the Board stated, “Antonia and I both joined CCF’s board 20 years ago. At that time, we were both newbies, and I had no idea that Antonia would ultimately be heading the organization. To say that she transformed CCF is an understatement. The organization grew dramatically under her watch, and its mission serving the most vulnerable in Los Angeles blossomed. The Foundation greatly benefited from Antonia’s tireless leadership, and just as importantly Los Angeles County had an advocate for those most in need. The organization she leaves behind clearly has her imprint, but, most importantly, it has the people and procedures to advance its mission of serving our community.”

Jane Pisano, the chair of the Board who led the hiring of Antonia, stated the following, “For two decades the California Community Foundation has grown to meet the needs of Los Angeles’ diverse community. Antonia Hernández’s sterling leadership and execution has been central to this work.”

Former Board Chair Reveta Bowers shared, “I had the honor to begin serving on the California Community Foundation Board the same year Antonia Hernández became its new president. I watched as Antonia embraced every opportunity and accepted the challenge of turning CCF’s Board, leadership team, staff and resources into one of the largest and most successful community foundations in the country. Under her able and impassioned direction, the Board and staff bring their expertise and dedication to improving the communities, organizations, and the lives of the individuals in those communities.”

Tom Unterman, former chair of the Board, commented, “Under Antonia, CCF has grown beyond philanthropy to be a leader in the effort to build a more just and fair Los Angeles. Antonia has also been an excellent steward of the Foundation’s resources, grown them beyond expectations and used them strategically to support policy initiatives that matter to all Angelenos.”

“I have been privileged to lead CCF for two decades. My entire career has been devoted to serving those in need. CCF has allowed me to work to improve the lives of all Angelenos. Together with our generous donors, contributors, and partners, we have been able to address issues affecting the most vulnerable persons in our society. I am proud to have expanded the role of a community foundation to be more than a grant maker but also a convener, advocate and change agent. The CCF staff and Board of Directors have built a strong foundation for the future of Los Angeles,” said Antonia Hernández, president and CEO of the California Community Foundation.”

The Board of Directors has retained the firm of Spencer Stuart to assist them in leading the search for the next leader of CCF. Hernández will serve as president and CEO of the Foundation until her successor is identified and named, which is anticipated to take place later this year.

Hernández leaves a remarkable legacy. During her tenure she has transformed CCF into a 21st century activist community centered foundation.

Below are highlights of achievements during Hernández’s tenure as the president and CEO of CCF:

MEDIA CONTACT:

Paula Valle Castañon at pvalle [@] calfund [.] org or 213.452.6233

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The California Community Foundation (CCF) has served as a public, charitable organization for Los Angeles County since 1915. Its mission is to lead positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. CCF stewards $2.3 billion in assets and manages 1,900 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. For more information, please visit www.calfund.org.