In the realm of philanthropy, the importance of stellar financial stewardship cannot be overstated. With over 30 years of financial experience and as the new Chief Financial Officer of the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), I see the profound impact of diligent financial management on driving meaningful change in our communities. At OCCF, we are entrusted with managing charitable assets that fund the causes our donors are most passionate about, and we hold this responsibility with the utmost of care, diligence and expertise.
THE STRENGTH OF BOARD GOVERNANCE
An integral component of our success is the intellect, experience and vision of our Board of Governors who bring unparalleled skills and experiences to OCCF. Outstanding board governance is essential to ensuring that our organization remains steadfast in its mission and transparent in its operations. Our board members provide strategic oversight, guide our financial stewardship and help us navigate the complexities of a robust investment portfolio of nearly $800 million in charitable funds. Their expertise and dedication are crucial in maintaining the trust and confidence of our donors and the community.
PROACTIVE INVESTMENT MANAGEMENT
At OCCF, we believe that astute and proactive investment management is key to protecting and growing the value of the charitable capital entrusted to our care. Our expert Investment Committee and independent investment advisor, Cambridge Associates, continually monitor market conditions and make recommendations to ensure alignment with the charitable goals of our donors. This vigilance enables us to respond swiftly to economic changes, protect charitable assets from downside market risk, and leverage new opportunities for growth.
The success of our investment strategy is evident in the remarkable growth we have achieved over our 35 years. Through diligent management and oversight, the funds under OCCF’s care have increased significantly through investment earnings. In fact, over the past 35 years, we have added a staggering $300 million to the assets under our stewardship through earnings on our investment portfolio. This is what we proudly refer to as “growing the good.”
AMPLIFYING THE IMPACT OF PHILANTHROPY
The earnings generated from our investments play a crucial role in expanding the reach and influence of our donors’ contributions. By increasing the funds available for charitable endeavors, we empower our donors to support the causes they care about most effectively. Amplifying resources means more scholarships for students, more support for local nonprofits, and more initiatives that address pressing community needs in Orange County, across the country and around the world.
Our donors’ generosity, combined with our strategic financial management, creates a virtuous, growing circle of giving. As the value of our charitable assets grows, so does the potential for philanthropic impact.
To learn more about how OCCF supports our donors through strategic giving, contact Margita Blattner at mblattner@oc-cf.org.
A LEGACY OF TRUST AND RESPONSIBILITY
Through diligent stewardship, we can ensure that our donors’ philanthropic intentions continue to thrive for generations to come. We recognize the trust placed in us by our donors and the community and approach our work with a deep sense of responsibility and commitment to transparency.
Our success is not measured solely by financial growth but by our ability to support the missions of our donors and the causes closest to their hearts. Through our strategic investment approach, strong board governance, and commitment to excellence, we are not just growing assets, we are growing momentum and potential for lasting change. That is the essence of “growing the good,” a mission we are proud to uphold every day.
For those who wish to leave a lasting legacy for good, I invite you to join us on this journey of impactful giving in Orange County and beyond.
