Dennis Collins Administrative Endowment Fund

Established by:  Ventura County Community Foundation

Established on:  September 30, 2001

Purpose of the fund:  The purpose of this fund is to support the Cornerstone Administrative Endowment Fund.

Background:  Dennis Collins retired from his CEO position at the James Irvine Foundation in 2002 after 16 years with the company.  Mr. Collins lead the Foundation during VCCF’s early days.  According to Kate McLean, former VCCF President, “The James Irvine Foundation, with Collins leadership, has played the single, most important role in our success in building philanthropy and strengthening the nonprofit resources in Ventura County.”  From 1998-2001, the Irvine Foundation contributed $2.5 million to VCCF.  At the June 5, 2001 VCCF board meeting, the group resolved to establish the Dennis Collins Administrative Endowment Fund, a permanent endowed fund dedicated to VCCF administrative purposes, to recognize, in perpetuity the leadership, support and vision by Dennis Collins, (former) President of the James Irvine Foundation.