Ventura County Community Foundation
Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) is a public charity based in Camarillo, California, formed in 1987. Its mission is to connect people, resources, and solutions to create lasting impact in the shared world. VCCF brings donors together with community needs through grantmaking and scholarships, and it stewards more than 600 individual funds.
Ventura County Community Foundation at a glance
In short: Ventura County Community Foundation gave $11.5M across 243 grants in 2025 (avg $47K), mostly in California. 21% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $11,466,533
- +20.8% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 243
- +13.6% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $47,187
- +6.4% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $15,000
- Total assets
- $250,294,120
- +6.9% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 21% first-time grantees (33 of 155, 2025)
- Primary geography
- California (95% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated October 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to Ventura County Community Foundation
- Review Cycle
- The Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund deadline is October 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific time.
- Deadline
- The Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund deadline is October 6, 2026, at 5 p.m.
- Contact
Mailing address: 4001 Mission Oaks Blvd A, Camarillo, CA 93012
Phone: (805) 988-0196
Website: https://vccf.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
7 open opportunities from Ventura County Community Foundation
Barbara Barnard Smith Fund for World Musics Grant
Ventura County Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Kimberly J. Engberg Fund for LGBTQ+ Equality
Ventura County Community Foundation
Amount
Varies
Deadline
Deadline not published
Limoneira Foundation Fund Grant
Ventura County Community Foundation
Amount
Up to US $10,000
Deadline
Deadline not published
Who Ventura County Community Foundation funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Food Share Inc ($1.1M across 3 grants). Together the top 10 received $4.5M.
Organizations only. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($492,880), which are not listed by name.
Grant Size Distribution
870 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 603 grants of 870 (69%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
VCCF’s stated community focus is Ventura County. Its grant programs include opportunities specifically serving Ventura County residents and organizations, while some funds extend to nearby counties. In filing year 2025, 95% of grant dollars went to recipients in California; smaller shares went to recipients in Washington, the District of Columbia, Ohio, and Arkansas.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 243 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is Ventura County Community Foundation open to new grantees?
21%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 33 of 155 grantees (21%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $42K; repeat grants $83K. How we count
Medians: $15K first-time, $30K repeat.
- 61% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+14%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2019–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2019 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $6.6M (2019) to $13.2M (2020). In 2025 it made 243 grants totaling $11.5M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Food Share Inc Oxnard, CA | $1,000,000 in support of the capital campaign and $100,000 in support of operational expenses, unrestricted | $1,100,000 |
| Interface Children Family Services Camarillo, CA | $510,000 will be used to provide $1,750 in immediate direct financial support to 220 households where the primary home was destroyed or suffered major damage caused by the mountain fire, and an additional $1,000 to 118 households where a member has access | $550,000 |
| 2 grants to individuals Recipients not named | — | $459,380 |
| Interface Children Family Services Camarillo, CA | $288,500 in support of direct financial assistance to the highest priority households (e.g., home destruction/loss or major damage) affected by the mountain fire (ICFS) $28,850 in support of ICFS administrative/infrastructure costs for direct financial su | $340,850 |
| Santa Monica Mountains Fund Westlake Village, CA | To support the ewc focusing on impacted areas of the thomas, woolsey, and hill fires in the counties of santa barbara, ventura, and la, including the santa monica mtns and los padres forest as described in the year 2 signed agreement. Please refer to the | $315,000 |
| Trust for Public Land Los Angeles, CA | In Support of the Rancho Canada Larga Project | $300,000 |
| Santa Barbara Zoological Foundation Santa Barbara, CA | To support the santa barbara zoo conservation center at California state university channel islands with naming right for the nutrition center | $250,000 |
| Concerned Resource & Environmental Workers Ojai, CA | To support the ewc focusing on impacted areas of the thomas, woolsey, and hill fires in the counties of santa barbara, ventura, and la, including the santa monica mtns and los padres forest as described in the year 2 signed agreement. Please refer to the | $235,000 |
| City of Thousand Oaks Thousand Oaks, CA | To provide financial support to the city of thousand oaks for the civic auditorium/forum theatre | $226,824 |
| Alzheimer's Association California Central Coast Chapter Carpinteria, CA | In support of the alzheimer's association initiative to launch the increasing access to quality dementia care for California's aging population: a health systems approach program. The total grant is for $600,000 payable in $200,000 installments over thr | $200,000 |
Ready to take the next step with Ventura County Community Foundation?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The organization’s filing narrative says that more than $17 million was added to donor funds in fiscal year 2025, bringing charitable assets under VCCF’s stewardship to $278 million. It also reports maintaining 96 agency funds with net assets totaling $28,244,088 as of September 30, 2025.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $250,294,120 | $25,734,850 | $19,562,314 | $11,466,533 | 243 | $11,195,931 |
| 2024 | $234,037,815 | $44,884,228 | $16,128,525 | $9,489,812 | 214 | $3,933,457 |
| 2023 | $176,830,289 | $17,600,438 | $13,689,404 | $7,689,508 | 130 | $4,712,438 |
| 2022 | $164,442,334 | $29,608,234 | $16,351,945 | $10,096,860 | 111 | $7,318,032 |
| 2021 | $181,940,704 | $53,185,473 | $50,431,964 | $12,780,380 | 172 | $7,034,016 |
| 2020 | $164,460,538 | $21,598,246 | $23,635,357 | $13,182,887 | 283 | $2,686,814 |
| 2019 | $148,269,326 | $38,492,644 | $15,161,918 | $6,626,934 | 90 | $9,355,058 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated October 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
VCCF states its mission as “connecting people, resources, and solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world.” Its grant programs include opportunities in areas such as arts and culture, health care, LGBTQ+ equality, and scholarships for higher education and career training. The foundation also manages a community relief fund that supports urgent needs such as food, shelter, rent, transportation, and critical services.
The 2025 grants show support for a range of organizations and projects. Food Share described its work as feeding people experiencing hunger in Ventura County. Interface Children Family Services said it supports children, teens, individuals, and families facing challenges including domestic violence, homelessness, mental health concerns, and trauma. Casa Pacifica described its work as supporting the mental health and well-being of children, young adults, and families. Other grantees included a university foundation, a zoo, environmental youth organization C.R.E.W., and organizations supporting public land and community facilities.
Grantmaking
In filing year 2025, VCCF reported 243 grants totaling $11,466,533. Grant amounts ranged from $5,031 to $1,100,000, with a median of $15,000. Its largest listed 2025 grants included $1,100,000 to Food Share for a capital campaign and operational expenses; $550,000 and $340,850 to Interface Children Family Services for assistance to households affected by the Mountain Fire; and $389,474 to the California State University Channel Islands Foundation for student research, internship support, and high-impact student experiences.
VCCF’s website lists several fund-specific opportunities. The Smith-Hobson Foundation Fund supports arts and cultural projects in western Ventura County; its application deadline is October 6, 2026, at 5 p.m. Pacific time. The Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation Charitable Fund supports qualifying health-care projects serving Ventura County residents; applications are listed as closed, and typical awards are $3,000–$10,000, with a maximum request of $20,000. The Barbara Barnard Smith Fund for World Musics considers applications from schools and organizations presenting qualifying public performances. The Kimberly J. Engberg Fund for LGBTQ+ Equality supports organizations serving LGBTQ+ communities in Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Luis Obispo counties. VCCF also administers scholarships for Ventura County students; the website describes the selection process as competitive.
The foundation states that grant requests are checked against fund purposes, grants are approved by its board, and grantee standing and IRS status are reviewed. Its website directs applicants to the relevant grant opportunity for application information.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Sean Leonard as chair, Veronica Quintana as treasurer, and Leah Lacayo as secretary. Directors listed are Meryl Chase, Geoff Dean, Jack Edelstein, Scott P. Hansen, Mike Januzik, Leslie Leavens, and Cesar Morales.
Ventura County Community Foundation is led by Vanessa Bechtel, President & CEO on every filing since 2019; 6 of 21 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Vanessa Bechtel
President & CEO
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$204K (2019) → $357K (2025)
Sean L. Leonard
Chair
Director → Secretary & Incoming Chair, 2021
Secretary & Incoming Chair → Chair, 2022
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Kirsti Thompson
Scholarship Director
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
$102K (2025)
Geoff Dean
Director
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Scott P. Hansen
Director
Chair → Immediate Past Chair, 2022
Immediate Past Chair → Director, 2025
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jack Edelstein
Director
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Meryl Chase
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Venkat Yepuri
Director
On filings since 2021
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Catherine Sepulveda
Director
On filings since 2022
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Brando Pozzi
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Cesar Morales
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Mike Januzik
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Richard Yao
Director
On filings since 2024
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leslie Leavens
Director
New on the 2025 filing
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Jim Rivera
Chief Philanthropic Counsel
COO → Chief Compliance Officer, 2020
Chief Compliance Officer → Chief Philanthropic Counsel, 2023
On filings since 2019
20 hrs/week
$150K (2019) → $114K (2025)
Michael Silacci
Chief Philanthropic Officer
Vice Chair & Treasurer → Chief Philanthropic Officer, 2024
On filings since 2019
40 hrs/week
$210K (2024) → $223K (2025)
Bonita Gilles
Vice President & Cfoo
Vice President & CFO → Vice President & Cfoo, 2025
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$228K (2022) → $288K (2025)
Tracy Tagawa
Chief Compliance Officer
On filings since 2022
40 hrs/week
$141K (2022) → $184K (2025)
Veronica Quintana
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2021
On filings since 2019
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Leah Lacayo
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2022
On filings since 2020
2 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Gary Byrne
Vice President
New on the 2025 filing
40 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (13)
- Former: Claudia Raiti (2024) — Assistant Controller
- Former: Leslie Levans (2024) — Director
- Former: John Kearney (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Jeffrey Lambert (2022–2023) — Chief Operating Officer
- Former: Jim McGee (2019–2022) — Director
- Former: Mike Powers (2021–2022) — Director
- Former: Gustavo Zarate (2022) — Director
- Former: Bonnie Gilles (2019–2021) — Vice President & CFO
- Former: Stanely Mantooth (2021) — Director
- Former: Charles Maxey PhD (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Michael Powers (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Stanley C. Mantooth (2019–2020) — Director
- Former: Tim Gallagher (2019–2020) — Secretary
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2019–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $357K, to Vanessa Bechtel (President and CEO). 6 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about Ventura County Community Foundation
How much does Ventura County Community Foundation give each year?
Ventura County Community Foundation gave $11.5M across 243 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $9.5M across 214 grants.
What is Ventura County Community Foundation's typical grant size?
Ventura County Community Foundation's median grant in 2025 was $15,000, and its average grant was $47,187, across 243 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from Ventura County Community Foundation that year got $42K on average.
Where does Ventura County Community Foundation give grants?
Ventura County Community Foundation gives mostly in California: 95% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Ventura, CA (50 grants), Camarillo, CA (25 grants), Oxnard, CA (25 grants) and Thousand Oaks, CA (22 grants).
Does Ventura County Community Foundation give general operating support?
Yes: 28% of Ventura County Community Foundation's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (68 of 243) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are Ventura County Community Foundation's largest grantees?
Ventura County Community Foundation's largest 2025 grantees include Food Share Inc ($1,114,201 across 3 grants), Interface Children Family Services ($1,021,850 across 5 grants) and Santa Monica Mountains Fund ($451,156 across 4 grants), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. It also paid 4 grants to individuals ($492,880), which are not listed by name. Together they received 23% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is Ventura County Community Foundation?
Ventura County Community Foundation reported $250.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $25.7M.
What does Ventura County Community Foundation fund?
VCCF states its mission as “connecting people, resources, and solutions to create lasting impact in our shared world.” Its grant programs include opportunities in areas such as arts and culture, health care, LGBTQ+ equality, and scholarships for higher education and career training. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from Ventura County Community Foundation?
Ventura County Community Foundation has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check vccf.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is Ventura County Community Foundation's EIN?
Ventura County Community Foundation's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 77-0165029. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2019–2025.
Data last updated October 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated October 2026.
Data update history
(8)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS July 30, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS August 1, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS August 10, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS August 12, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS August 12, 2025)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2019 (received by the IRS July 31, 2020)
- Added Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS August 12, 2026)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2024
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in Ventura County Community Foundation's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). Ventura County Community Foundation funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/ventura-county-community-foundation-morg_2e3c29369fb9421a9d3c43d06d8ad920
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_770165029_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{Ventura County Community Foundation funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/ventura-county-community-foundation-morg_2e3c29369fb9421a9d3c43d06d8ad920},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from Ventura County Community Foundation's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
Ventura County Community Foundation down — hundreds of funders to go?