LOS ANGELES, Oct. 8, 2015 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The California Community Foundation (CCF) today announces a $1 billion funding commitment to Los Angeles County nonprofit organizations over the next 10 years to improve the quality of life for L.A. communities and families, especially those who are struggling. The announcement came at a town hall event marking the official launch of a host of activities aimed at galvanizing partnerships toward building a better Los Angeles and to commemorate CCF's 100th year of service to L.A. County.
"Over the next decade, we will invest in the issues that we believe will have the most impact on people's lives and will help enable L.A. County to thrive," said Antonia Hernández, CCF president and CEO. "Every day, our nonprofit community is taxed to do more to serve our neighborhoods with limited resources. Through this pledge, we will invest in the vital work of nonprofit organizations that are helping to transform Los Angeles."
Over the last 10 years, CCF provided $700 million in grants to support a range of issues including health, education, the arts, economic opportunity and helping immigrants succeed. Looking ahead, CCF will help tackle the root causes of the major challenges facing our county, such as homelessness, graduation rates, health access and more. Through this pledge, CCF seeks to enable people in Los Angeles to have better jobs, live in safer and more vibrant communities, receive quality education and enjoy healthier lives.
As a community foundation, CCF's goal of granting $1 billion to Los Angeles by 2025 will be fulfilled by the generosity of donors – whether they are individuals, families, corporations, nonprofits or other foundations. With this pledge, CCF aims to spur action from others in philanthropy, business and the public sector to invest in and care about Los Angeles County.
Today's town hall event brought together more than 400 prominent civic leaders to determine how we can collectively build a stronger L.A. County over the next century. With the findings of a county-wide poll in partnership with the USC Dornsife Jesse M. Unruh Institute of Politics and the Los Angeles Times as the basis for discussion, members of the audience discussed their hopes for the future and ways all residents can get involved.
The poll findings indicate a strong desire for residents to get more engaged in their communities, but found that residents do not know how or if their actions will make a difference. The findings show a need to raise awareness about the complex needs of L.A. County, establish a common ground across diverse communities and provide residents with meaningful opportunities to contribute so that everyone is inspired to a play role in building a better region.
CCF's centennial celebration will continue through 2016 with a series of events that engage residents across the county, including roundtable discussions to continue conversations around building a stronger L.A. County, giving season engagement to spur charitable giving and volunteerism in Los Angeles and a major public art initiative next year.
For more information about CCF's centennial, please visit calfund.org/centennial.
The California Community Foundation (CCF) is committed to improving the quality of life of all Los Angeles County residents by addressing the root causes of the county's most urgent problems. The foundation has served as a public, charitable organization since 1915, empowering donors to pursue their own personal passions and to collaborate with us in transforming Los Angeles County. CCF stewards $1.5 billion in assets and manages nearly 1,600 charitable foundations, funds and legacies. For more information, please visit calfund.org.