Simplify Charitable Giving

Giving money effectively is a big job, and one that every grantmaker wants to do well – in pursuit of its mission, its goals and the desire to make a difference in the communities it serves. But doing it right and assuring that it makes the difference you want can be complex. VCCF can help. We provide:

Cost-effective access to a disciplined and longterm investment portfolio, an investment policy reviewed annually, strong ongoing oversight, and no conflicts of interest among experienced and qualified managers.
Staffing for grant committees, particularly with employees.
Experienced grantmaking staff with knowledge of local nonprofits.
Monitoring grants and providing reports on outcome.
Publicity and media contacts.
Partnering potential maximized to leverage scarce charitable dollars.

Fees are charged based on the assets managed or size of the annual grant program. Fees can include:

Facilitating grant process with board and/or employee committee.
Management of the funds with professional advisors within VCCF’s long-term strategy.
Grantmaking priorities and process.
Grantmaking distribution.
Evaluation.
Reports.
Tax returns (where needed).
Compliance.
Adjustments for size and/or scope of program.

VCCF examples include:

The Limoneira Foundation is a donor-advised fund at VCCF. Company charitable gifts are made through the fund, which also accepts employee contributions. Grants are distributed on its own letterhead.
The Martin V. and Martha K. Smith Foundation is a VCCF support organization with its own board, investment committee and grants committee. Significant grants have been made to Ventura County cultural, art and educational institutions, furthering the visible investment in the county by the family of one of its leading founders.
Swift Memorial Health Care Foundation, whose investment portfolio is managed through VCCF and whose grantmaking committee is staffed by VCCF program staff.