Orange County Community Foundation

AAAF & OCBSN Community Convening - December 2025
2025-12-16 15:00 - 17:00 UTC
An Exclusive Event for our AAAF & OCBSN Grantees, Donors, and Partners
The African American Alliance Fund and Orange County Black Solidarity Network will meet to continue advancing the conversation about community and coalition building.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE AFRICAN AMERICAN ALLIANCE FUND

Beyond the Handshake: What Every Business Owner Should Know Before Selling
2026-01-28 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Park Club, 650 Town Center Dr., Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
Highlights from Beyond the Handshake: What Entrepreneurs Need to Know Before Selling

Part 1: Introduction

Part 2: Panel Introduction

Part 3: Introducing Linda Igarashi

Part 4: Introducing Shirin Behzadi

Part 5: Introducing Joe Fries

Part 6: Introducing Bill Koschak

Part 7: Importance of Pre Planning

Part 8: Trusted Advisors

Part 9: Value Creation

Part 10: Negotiations to Closing

Part 11: Types of Buyers

Part 12: Life After the Exit

Part 13: Future Stake

Part 14: Lightning Round

Part 15: Audience Questions

Part 16: Tax Strategies
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) recently hosted a dynamic gathering for business owners titled “Beyond the Handshake: What Every Business Owner Should Know Before Selling.” The interactive program brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and advisors for an engaging discussion on crafting successful business exit strategies.
Event highlights included opening remarks from John Williams, Chair of OCCF’s Board of Governors, and strategies for integrating philanthropy into business exits from Matt Petroski, nonprofit tax partner at Armanino.
Special thanks to our stellar panelists, including Bill Koschak: Founder of Everest Advisors, Linda Igarashi: Partner at Sheppard Mullin, Shirin Behzadi: Former CEO of Home Franchise Concepts and author of The Unexpected CEO, and Joe Fries: President of Navy Blue Group.
For those who missed the event, click here to read the key takeaways.

Preparation Makes for a Great Exit
Many business owners wait until a buyer appears to think about their exit strategy. By then, critical opportunities to maximize value and minimize taxes may have been missed. OCCF recently hosted an engaging discussion with entrepreneurs who have navigated successful exits and business and M&A experts who shared:

What buyers scrutinize that many owners overlook
Common pitfalls that erode deal value (and how to avoid them)
Real-world lessons from founders who’ve been through successful exits
Tax-advantaged strategies that preserve wealth and enable strategic philanthropy

The Future is Working: Driving Economic Opportunity through Education and Workforce Development
2026-02-17 14:00 - 17:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | The Cove @ UCI, 5270 California Ave., Irvine, CA, 92614
Thank you to everyone who joined for the launch of the 2026 Orange County Economic Opportunity Report!
Key findings from the inaugural report were presented by Dr. Wallace Walrod, Chief Economic Advisor for the Orange County Business Council (OCBC). The event featured data, strategic recommendations, and a panel discussion with local experts exploring how education and workforce systems can power a more equitable and resilient Orange County.
Orange County’s future economic vitality is inextricably linked to the strength and alignment of its educational talent pipeline to meet future talent demand. In an era defined by rapid technological change and evolving workforce demands, the journey from early education through postsecondary attainment (PK–16) functions as critical economic infrastructure.
The 2026 Orange County Economic Opportunity Report provides a detailed data analysis and workforce investment strategy to build a more equitable, resilient, and prosperous Orange County economy and workforce.
Ultimately, this landscape analysis serves as a navigational chart, identifying the high-wage peaks of the innovation economy and the high-demand bedrock of Orange County’s service sectors.
By strategically aligning regional workforce investments to connect these economic destinations with the region’s educational pathways, Orange County can build an economy that is not only resilient and competitive, but one that offers a tangible promise of mobility and prosperity to every resident. 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 ﻿

Healthy Aging in Orange County
2026-03-05 12:00 - 14:00 UTC
An Exclusive Event for our Family Foundation Alliance Members
The Orange County Community Foundation’s Family Foundation Alliance recently kicked off its 2026 programming with a learning event focused on one of the most urgent and overlooked issues in philanthropy: the needs of older adults.
Only two percent of philanthropic funding nationwide supports older adults, yet more than 10,000 Americans turn 65 every day, a demographic shift driven by the aging baby boomer generation, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Council on Aging – Southern California
Aging My Way Seminar Series
HICAP – Roadmap to Medicare Seminar

Click here to read the recap: https://www.oc-cf.org/healthy-aging-in-orange-county-funders-explore-solutions-for-a-growing-need/

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FAMILY FOUNDATION ALLIANCE

OC Social Justice Fund Convening 2026
2026-03-18 11:00 - 13:30 UTC
An Exclusive Event for our OC Social Justice Fund Grantees, Donors, and Partners
The OC Social Justice Fund is delighted to host its 2026 convening, bringing together grantees to discuss current challenges, share capacity-building insights, and begin planning for the next phase of our work together.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE OC SOCIAL JUSTICE FUND

Watch With Us: The Power of Community Episode #1
2026-03-23 17:00 - 17:30 UTC | Online
The Power of Community Series Premiere:
Child and Youth Mental Health: A Hidden Epidemic
We are thrilled to announce the launch of “The Power of Community,” a landmark documentary series brought to you by OCCF and OC World, an award-winning multimedia nonprofit founded in Orange County in 2020. This inspiring series will explore six areas of significant need in our community, and how innovative nonprofits and philanthropists are collaborating to bring help and hope to our most vulnerable neighbors.
In our inaugural episode, Child and Youth Mental Health: A Hidden Epidemic, we will examine startling local data, see real-world solutions in action, and hear heartfelt stories of resilience and healing from local youth and families tackling mental health issues with the help of local nonprofit resources. Hosted by Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation, you won’t want to miss this eye-opening episode!
Click Here to Stream Live on KLCS PBS

Want to get an exclusive sneak peek? Watch the episode on YouTube below.

The Future is Working Giving Day 2026
2026-04-02 00:00 - 23:59 UTC | Online
A Giving Day to Develop a Stronger Workforce for Orange County
Mark your calendars! The Future is Working supports organizations that help employers, workers, students, and our most vulnerable residents to build a more adaptable and resilient workforce for tomorrow.
More information on participating nonprofit organizations coming soon!
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Help Them Home Giving Day 2026
2026-04-22 | Online
A Giving Day for OC’s Homeless
Mark your calendars! Help Them Home Giving Day supports organizations working to end homelessness in Orange County by connecting individuals and families to shelter and resources to keep them safe and secure today, and every day.
More information on participating nonprofit organizations coming soon!
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Empowering Possibilities Giving Day 2026
2026-05-13 | Online
A Giving Day for OC Neighbors with Disabilities
Mark your calendars! There are over 250,000 people with disabilities living in Orange County. Empowering Possibilities supports organizations working to bring people together to advocate for and serve this vulnerable population. On May 13, 10 organizations are coming together to raise $180,000 in support of our OC neighbors with disabilities.
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Watch With Us: The Power of Community Episode #2
2026-05-18 17:00 - 17:30 UTC | Online
The Power of Community:
Earn and Learn: Tomorrow’s Innovation Economy
We are thrilled to announce “The Power of Community,” a landmark documentary series brought to you by OCCF and OC World, an award-winning multimedia nonprofit founded in Orange County in 2020. This inspiring series will explore six areas of significant need in our community, and how innovative nonprofits and philanthropists are collaborating to bring help and hope to our most vulnerable neighbors.
In this episode, Earn and Learn: Tomorrow’s Innovation Economy, we will explore the critical role of workforce development in building bridges of economic opportunity in Orange County and beyond. Join us for another insightful episode hosted by Shelley Hoss, the CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation.
Click Here to Stream Live on KLCS PBS

Want to get an exclusive sneak peek? Watch the episode on YouTube below.

Promising Futures: Opening Doors Through Education
2026-05-20 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
Join us for an inspiring evening exploring how education can open doors and shape the future of Orange County.
In partnership with Ranney Draper, philanthropist and founder of Promising Futures OC, this event will spotlight a bold initiative for advancing educational access and opportunity for students who need it most. Through powerful storytelling and highlights from the latest episode of OCCF’s Power of Community series brought to you by OC World, we will bring to life both the challenges facing our communities and the promise of a thriving future for all who call Orange County home.
To learn more about this event, please contact Keri Mesina, (949) 464-4160, kmesina@oc-cf.org.

Love Is Giving Day 2026
2026-05-27 | Online
A Giving Day to Invest in Mental Wellness and Healthy Relationships
Mark your calendars! Love Is supports organizations working to provide tools, support and resources needed to for encouraging mental wellness and creating healthy relationships. On May 27, 23 nonprofits are coming together to raise $350,000 to provide support for healthy relationship services and raise awareness of critical mental health needs in Orange County.
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

ImpACT Anaheim Giving Day 2026
2026-06-10 | Online
A Giving Day for the At-Promise Youth in Anaheim
ImpACT Anaheim Giving Day supports organizations committed to providing youth in Anaheim access to essential programs, including STEM, arts, recreational, leadership development, and more.
More information on participating nonprofit organizations coming soon!
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Protect & Preserve Giving Day 2026
2026-06-24
A Giving Day to Sustain the Ecosystems of Orange County
Protect & Preserve Giving Day supports organizations working to protect and preserve Orange County’s undeveloped open spaces and marine protected areas that enrich 52 miles of California’s coastline.
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Watch With Us: The Power of Community Episode #3
2026-06-29 17:00 - 17:30 UTC | Online
The Power of Community:
Promising Futures: The Path to College and Beyond
We are thrilled to announce The Power of Community, a landmark documentary series brought to you by OCCF and OC World, an award-winning multimedia nonprofit founded in Orange County in 2020. This inspiring series explores six areas of significant need in our community and highlights how innovative nonprofits, community leaders, and philanthropists are working together to create meaningful change.
In this episode, Promising Futures: The Path to College and Beyond, we explore how education, mentorship, and philanthropy can help students unlock opportunity and achieve long-term success. Hosted by Shelley Hoss, CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation, the episode features a special conversation with philanthropist Ranney Draper and spotlights the people and partnerships expanding access to higher education and brighter futures for students across Orange County and beyond.
Click Here to Stream Live on KLCS PBS

Preserving Dignity Giving Day 2026
2026-07-08 | Online
A Giving Day for OC’s Older Adults in Need
By 2040, it is projected that almost 1 in 4 OC residents will be 65 or older. Preserving Dignity Giving Day supports organizations in support of OC’s Older adults in need.
More information on participating nonprofit organizations coming soon!
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Greatness Amplified Giving Day 2026
2026-07-29 | Online
A Giving Day for Boys & Girls Clubs in Orange County
Boys & Girls Clubs exist to enable all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Our local Boys & Girls Clubs are critical partners in the next stage of supporting Orange County children as they re-engage with their schools, academics and other development activities. Greatness Amplified Giving Day supports Boys & Girls Clubs throughout Orange County.
More information on participating nonprofit organizations coming soon!
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Together We Belong Giving Day 2026
2026-09-02
A Giving Day to Celebrate Orange County’s Diverse Communities
Save the date for our Together We Belong Giving Day! Nonprofits across Orange County are teaming up to support community and inclusion.
More information on participating nonprofit organizations coming soon!
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Family Foundation Alliance - September Luncheon
2026-09-10 12:00 - 14:00 UTC
An Exclusive Event for our Family Foundation Alliance Members
The Orange County Community Foundation’s Family Foundation Alliance will host a luncheon for its members in September 2026. More details to follow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FAMILY FOUNDATION ALLIANCE

Igniting Potential Giving Day 2026
2026-09-16 | Online
A Giving Day to Support the Youth of Orange County
Igniting Potential Giving Day supports organizations working to ensure all children have equitable access to resources that elevate their academic and social/emotional success.
More information on participating nonprofit organizations coming soon!
Click Here to Learn More and Give!
Questions about Giving Days? Please contact us!

Annual Meeting 2026
2026-11-19 11:30 - 13:30 (America/Los_Angeles) | Hyatt Regency Irvine, 17900 Jamboree Rd., Irvine, CA, 92614
Save the date!
Our 2026 Annual Meeting will be held on November 19th, 2026 at the Hyatt Regency Irvine. Join us for this exciting event and reflect on another year of impact and growing the good in Orange County. Hear from two of Orange County’s most inspiring leaders who will share their insights and visions for Orange County’s thriving future, and be the first to hear of OCCF’s plans to make a significant impact over the next five years! Together, we will celebrate the remarkable progress we have made and explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.
Thanks to exceptional community interest, the online registration portal is now closed. If you wish to register, please contact us at events@oc-cf.org and we will try our best to accommodate you.
Please consider Powering Good by becoming a Sponsor!
Your support will help us sustain critical initiatives and programs that benefit our community. Hyatt Regency Irvine
17900 Jamboree Road, Irvine, CA 92614

Complimentary Self-Parking
Valet Parking $47

Family Foundation Alliance - Celebration of Giving
2026-12-08 12:00 - 14:00 UTC
An Exclusive Event for our Family Foundation Alliance Members
The Orange County Community Foundation’s Family Foundation Alliance will host a luncheon for its members in December 2026. More details to follow.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FAMILY FOUNDATION ALLIANCE
