Why build an endowment?

Currently, the Social Justice Fund must rely on annual gifts to pay for administrative costs, grants and education programs. To maximize our funds, we work hard to keep expenses low, so that the majority of the funds raised can go to grants. Yet, the very existence of the organization is based on year-to-year funding, and many requests for grants and education go unanswered.

Our goal is to build an endowment fund to secure the future of the SJF and allow for the principal of the endowment to generate enough money through investment returns to offset some of the operational costs so that more donor dollars can go directly to support SJF grantees and programs.

Recently, the James Irvine Foundation announced a grant of $200,000 over three years (2008-2010) to the Social Justice Fund. The grant will support the sustainability and capacity building of the Social Justice Fund. Specifically, the Irvine Challenge grant will match $1 for every $2 raised for the endowment fund and provide up to $50,000 in re-granting dollars for each of the three grant years.

The money raised from donations during the Irvine Challenge period will be placed in an endowment that will be managed and protected by the Ventura County Community Foundation to support future core operating costs of the Fund, thus allowing more of all community donations after the completion of the Challenge to be directed to the education and grantmaking of the SJF. The Irvine Challenge monies of $50,000 each year will be granted to organizations in the community who are on the cutting edge of creating community change, thereby maintaining our commitment to grant a minimum of $50,000 each year.

The James Irvine Foundation is one of the largest nonprofit, private foundations in California. Its mission is to expand opportunity for the people of California to participate in a vibrant, successful and inclusive society. As Hugh Ralston, president & CEO of VCCF noted, “This is a tremendous vote of confidence in this effort…. And a significant step forward in providing an enduring source of funds to address community needs”.

Please join us in building a strong foundation for SJF to continue creating a healthier and more equitable Ventura County for us all. Your generosity makes a difference!

Click on the Join/Donate Now! or Make a pledge that is payable over the three years of the Challenge 2008-2010.

Click here to download the pledge form

If you want peace, work for justice.
– Pope Paul VI