We recently interviewed Cathi Decker, Executive Director of The Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ).  Read our Q & A below!   Tell us more about Friends of the Santa Ana Zoo?    FOSAZ is a nonprofit corporation organized to develop financial support, growth and community awareness for the Santa Ana Zoo. The Friends of Santa Ana Zoo (FOSAZ) was founded in 1972 by a group of volunteers who bonded with the common goal of enhancing ...
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OCCF’s The Future is Working Giving Day takes place on Thursday, March 23, 2023. This 24-hour collaborative online giving day will support 17 nonprofits that offer programs and services to remove barriers to employment, create pathways to success for vulnerable communities, and build a flexible and resilient workforce. The 17 participating nonprofits are focused on vocational training, economic self-sufficiency, entrepreneurship, and mentorship – sharing the joint mission of helping make the Orange County workforce more ...
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Orange County has a rich history and diverse cultural landscape. It is also a community of many contrasts. Incredible resources and economic opportunity exist here juxtaposed with barriers that prevent many from full participation in the economic and civic life of our region. Our newest initiative, the Orange County Social Justice Fund, was developed to address these challenges head-on. This fund was created through the vision and generosity of Keith Swayne, with the aim of ...
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We are heartbroken by the devastation caused by the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. It is the most powerful earthquake to strike the region in almost a century, and the disaster has killed thousands of people, left thousands more injured, and destroyed thousands of buildings and homes. Several relief groups and NGOs are already on the ground to help victims, search for survivors, and aid in the area’s recovery. If you’re looking for ways to ...
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THE SECURE ACT 2.0 MAY CHANGE HOW YOU THINK ABOUT RETIREMENT PLANS AND CHARITABLE GIVING On December 30, 2022, President Biden signed the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 which contained changes to the 2019 Secure Act (hence – the Secure Act 2.0).  There are several important provisions in the new Secure Act 2.0: Starting age for required minimum distributions has been increased. The original Secure Act, passed in 2019, raised the age for required minimum ...
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Love Is celebrates healthy teen relationships in Orange County. OCCF's Love Is Giving Day takes place every February during National Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a movement to raise awareness about the issue of teen relationship violence. This annual, month-long effort focuses on advocacy and education to stop dating abuse before it starts. This is an issue that impacts everyone – not just teens – but their parents, teachers, friends, and communities as well. Together, ...
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The Orange County Community Foundation mourns the passing of William G. “Bill” Steiner. Bill was a highly respected public servant who dedicated his life to the people of Orange County, with a special place in his heart for our most vulnerable children. He lived a life of leadership and service, serving on the Orange City Council, Orange Planning Commission, Orange Unified School District Board of Education, and Orange County Board of Supervisors. Bill was a ...
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Did you know that you can minimize taxes owed by using your IRA to make a charitable donation? If you are over age 72 and have an IRA, you already know that you must start taking required minimum distributions from your IRA and include those distributions in your taxable income.  If you subsequently donate to charity, you will be donating with after-tax dollars. There is a better way to give to charity and pay less ...
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It is with heavy hearts that we share the passing of the Honorable Judge Frances Muñoz, founding member of the Hispanic Education Endowment Fund (HEEF) and former OCCF board member.   A fierce advocate for the Latino community, Judge Muñoz devoted a lifetime to the issues she was passionate about, including immigration, education, diversity in the legal system and family. Her commitment to the Latino community also led her to co-found The Luévano Foundation and the ...
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We recently interviewed Maricela Rios, CEO of Human Options who opened their endowment fund at OCCF eighteen years ago.  Read our Q & A below!   OCCF- Tell us more about Human Options?   Marciela Rios- We ignite social change by educating Orange County to recognize relationship violence as an issue that threatens everyone, advocating for those affected by abuse, extending a safe place for victims, and empowering survivors on their journey of healing.  Our vision ...
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