Camarillo, CA – The Ventura County Community Foundation, in coordination with the County of Ventura, Amgen Foundation, Southeast Ventura County YMCA, Give An Hour, and the Economic Development Collaborative, has launched a Rapid Response Fund for Ventura County to support nonprofit organizations addressing the needs of individuals and families with food and housing support, childcare, wage replacement, mental health care, and more.
While public health officials are working diligently to prepare for and respond to COVID-19, VCCF’s Rapid Response Fund makes financial support available to those organizations experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, and to enable these organizations to maintain and increase services.
“We appreciate the swift response of the Ventura County Community Foundation in responding to the needs of our community members, especially the most vulnerable, during this time of emergency. We will continue to mobilize county resources, coordinate with agencies and partners and raise awareness about how we can all work together to take action, support one another and be prepared. During difficult times, it is wonderful to have so many community partners throughout our County who continue to give in profound and generous ways. Recent emergencies in our region have demonstrated our resiliency and strength of community. As this situation continues to evolve, the Rapid Response Fund will be powerful in meeting the needs of so many,” said County CEO, Mike Powers.
VCCF is honored to partner with the Southeast Ventura County YMCA who will be providing immediate financial assistance to those in need. For more information, please contact Megan Glynn at (805) 497-3081, ext. 1008.
“The Southeast Ventura County YMCA understands the impact across our region will be vast,” said Ronnie Stone, President/CEO of the Southeast Ventura County YMCA. “We are honored to work closely with the Ventura County Community Foundation to provide financial assistance and support during these difficult times,” said Stone.
“As the challenges associated with COVID-19 continue to evolve, we are committed to supporting our neighbors, colleagues, friends and communities,” said Eduardo Cetlin, president, Amgen Foundation. “Thank you to the Ventura County Community Foundation for initiating this Rapid Response Fund, which will be critical as Ventura County’s nonprofit organizations work to address the needs of those impacted by the virus.”
“Give an Hour is proud to partner once again with Ventura County Community Foundation to support the mental health and emotional wellness needs of our community as it responds to the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Kirsti Thompson, Director of Operations for Give an Hour California. “We encourage all to pay attention to your emotional wellness through this stressful time.”
“EDC and our Small Business Development Center will remain open throughout this crisis, providing direct business advising to help firms navigate through the economic slowdown and connecting businesses with the full range of resources available, including low cost capital,” said Bruce Stenslie, President and CEO of the Economic Development Collaborative. “While our primary concern of course is for our community’s individual and public health, we’re also very concerned about the health of our businesses and economy. At the same time as we adhere to safe practices in hygiene, we also encourage everyone to keep spending with our local businesses, contributing to their survival and investing in our economic resilience.”
“Certainly, over the past several weeks our community has been facing intense challenges,” said Scott Hansen, VCCF Board Chair. “With an international pandemic and volatile global markets, it is natural for us to feel alarm and deep concern. But, our community is a generous one and we know we cannot let fear prevent us from taking the very urgent actions to help Ventura County and those in our community who lack a reliable and consistent social safety net. By taking action in times of great uncertainty, we will collectively demonstrate that we are resilient and it will prevent us from being a victim to things beyond our control.”
To support the Rapid Response Fund, VCCF welcomes financial contributions from individuals, organizations, companies, and institutions. Donations can be made at VCCF.org.
VCCF will not take any administrative fees from this fund, 100% of donations will be awarded based on the criteria of the fund.
For more information, visit vccf.org or contact Vanessa Bechtel at 805-330-6676 or vbechtel@vccf.org.
ABOUT VENTURA COUNTY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Established in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation builds philanthropy in the region by stewarding legacies through careful management of charitable capital. The foundation honors donor intent by protecting endowments. The nonprofit specializes in connecting philanthropic resources with community needs for the benefit of all. The organization also serves the community through scholarships, grantmaking, and collaborative partnerships. For more information, please visit www.vccf.org.
