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V E N T U R A C O U N T Y C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D A T I O N
Fall 2005
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grants committee. “Thanks to the generous
commitment of our donors and other friends
with whom we partner, the Foundation is
in a unique position to help support many
worthwhile organizations throughout the
county so they can continue to make an
important difference in the lives of those
they serve.”
Among the largest grants awarded in 2005
were two from the Martin V. and Martha K.
Smith Foundation: $1 million to the Seabee
Historical Foundation to build a new Seabee
Museum in Port Hueneme and $500,000 to
the Ventura County Museum of History and
Art’s “Building for the Centuries” capital
and endowment campaigns, establishing the
Martin V. Smith Pavilion.
continued on page 4
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Ventura County Community Foundation Announces Record-Setting Grants in 2005
Board Welcomes New Members . . . . . . . . . . .3Community Response FundAllots $58,000 . . . . . . . . . . .6Medical Education Loans . . .9Women's Legacy FundAwards $85,000 . . . . . . . .10Year-End Giving . . . . . . . . .11Vocational Scholarships . . .12Ten Years of Investment Success . . . . . .14
Smith Foundation41% ($1,707,500)
Special & UrgentNeeds Fund
1% ($53,326)
World Disaster Fund.5% ($18,355)
Women’s Legacy Fund2% ($85,000)
Donor-Advised Endowments11% ($452,180)
Donor-Advised Pass Through8% ($334,511)
Agency Pass Through1% ($31,134)
Community Disaster Fund.5% ($13,000)
Community Response Fund2% ($88,500)
Destino Fund2% ($102,880)
Designated Funds2% ($82,381)
Agency Endowments13% ($567,225)
Scholarship Pass Through2% ($68,500)
Scholarship Endowments13% ($554,675)
FarmworkerHousing
2% ($87,500)
Field-of-InterestFunds
2% ($95,607)
Grants by Fund Type – FY 2005
The Ventura County Community Foundation
made more than $4 million in grants and
pledges in fiscal year 2005 to nonprofit
organizations and local students seeking
scholarship support, the highest total in
the Foundation’s 18-year history.
A significant part of VCCF grants came
from donor-advised funds – both endowed
and pass-through funds – totaling more than
$785,000. An additional $598,000 came
from funds established by nonprofit agencies,
the vast bulk of which are endowments.
“The mission of the Foundation is to enable
and promote philanthropy in ways that
improve our community,” said Wendy
Lascher, chair of VCCF’s programs and
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wWith the shortness of days, this time of the year
always seems to arrive more quickly than I think
it should. Along with family and holiday echoes,
it always is a busy time for nonprofits – scrambling
to be ready for year end and not always taking
the time to count our blessings!
This fall has been a productive one at VCCF
as we embark on the first year of our strategic
plan. This plan is the product of nine months
of work by our board, who focused on the
challenges we face as a growing organization
whose size has doubled in two years. Our
responsibility is to make sure we are ready to
help our partners and donors achieve their goals
in a world with an expanding list of options.
Our new mission statement encapsulates that
approach: to promote and enable philanthropy
to improve our communities, for good for ever.
That remains the heart of our work and the great
opportunity that is philanthropy in this county.
You can see below what the board has set as
mission goals and as goals for the organization.
The latter are important because they guide our
planning, staffing and budgeting; and the former
because they reflect why we build a strong vessel
for partnership over
the long haul. It is
truly to harness for
Ventura County the
power of philanthropy,
and what our donors can achieve here in
strengthening nonprofits, improving lives and
building legacies for the next generation.
In this year, the committees of the board are
reviewing specific goals and strategies to make
sure we can achieve our mission goals within
the five-year timeframe and that our staff and
resources are aligned to achieve the measurable
targets our board has set:
• To double the endowed assets at VCCF so
we can better meet community priorities
through grantmaking and expand the
reach of our donors’ charitable interests.
• To reduce our operating costs – at the
margin – so we can be even more efficient
and effective in serving our current and
new donors.
• To expand the number of workshops we
offer, and the number of nonprofit board
and staff leaders we serve through the
Resource Center.
• To expand our annuities and planned-
giving programs so that nonprofits in the
county can take advantage of wealth
transfers, bequests and deferred gifts,
stabilizing and enhancing their futures.
• To establish new field-of-interest funds to
address donor desires for focused impact
and at an effective cost.
• To explore having a physical presence in
East and West Ventura County.
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President’s Letter
2005 – 2010 Mission Goals:" To engage donors to build philanthropic capital
for Ventura County.
" To build and preserve permanent endowments in Ventura County.
" To provide effective grantmaking from donor-advised and other VCCF funds.
" To provide management and leadership training for nonprofits and boards.
" To be an independent partner for philanthropic civic engagement, addressing community needs.
continued on page 7
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Alfredo Plascencia, owner
and president of Lazer
Radio network, has been
elected to the board of
directors of the Ventura
County Community
Foundation. Former
board member Terri
Lisagor has rejoined
the board after a
short absence.
Plascencia founded Lazer Radio network in
1991 and, under his leadership, the station has
grown to become the most listened-to Spanish
radio station in Ventura County. Lazer Radio
network currently has 15 stations and, in
addition to Ventura County, broadcasts in
San Bernardino, Riverside, Imperial, Santa
Barbara, Santa Maria, Salinas, Monterey and
Reno (Nevada).
A long-time supporter of VCCF, Plascencia is a
Founder of Destino: The Hispanic Legacy Fund and
is a co-founding chair of the Destino Business
Council (see story on page 5). Active in civic
organizations throughout the county, Plascencia
has held board/leadership positions with the
Ventura County Council of the Boy Scouts of
America, the Greater Oxnard Chamber of
Commerce, El Concilio del Contado de Ventura,
the Oxnard College Foundation, and the commit-
tee to build the new chapel of the Our Lady of
Guadalupe Church in Oxnard. Yolanda Plascencia
has also served on both the Destino Vision and
Grants committees in prior years.
Board Welcomes AlfredoPlascencia and Terri Lisagor
Bill Bang Leaves BoardAfter Decade of Service
continued on page 12
bBill Bang leaves the
VCCF board of direc-
tors after a decade of
outstanding service
during which time he
served on all major
committees and chaired
the board from 2000-
2004. At the same time, the board has said
goodbye to board members Richard Rush
and Charles Schultz, who resigned effective
September 2005.
Bang chaired the presidential search committee,
which in 2003 identified current VCCF
President Hugh Ralston as VCCF’s third
president. A retired publishing executive,
Bill and his wife Mary Ann have been active
in many philanthropic and civic causes
including the New West Symphony and the
Ventura County Museum of History and Art.
“Bill’s longstanding commitment to
philanthropy and to the work of VCCF has
set a high standard, and we are enormously
grateful for his leadership and generosity
during his many years of service,” said VCCF
Board Chair Mary Schwabauer. “Bill is truly
someone who has made a difference in
Ventura County.
“Bill, Richard and Charles have all made
important contributions to our Foundation,
and their absence from the board will be
felt,” Schwabauer continued. “Fortunately,
we have a talented board anxious to move
forward and tackle the many challenges
and opportunities that are in the heart of
our strategic plan.”
Alfredo Plascenia
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This past fiscal year, VCCF also presented over
$600,000 in scholarship awards to deserving
students. This dollar amount represents a
doubling from just a year ago and reflects both
new memorial funds and new grants for specific
programs. It also reflects an expansion of the
Basile Scholarship Fund that permits renewable
$5,000 annual awards and the second round of
the Orfalea Nursing Scholarships Awards Program.
In addition, FY05 saw Destino: The Hispanic
Legacy Fund award its largest grant total ever –
$102,000 – to various community groups
whose work improves the lives of Latino men
and women in Ventura County. And in
September the Women’s Legacy Fund awarded
$85,000 in grants to ten organizations whose
work improves the lives of women and girls in
Ventura County (see related story on page 8).
VCCF President Hugh Ralston said that the
Foundation’s work in 2006 will continue
to focus in its five core areas: engagement,
education, endowment, grants and scholarships.
“It starts, almost as a virtual circle, with donor
engagement and education, leading to the many
endowments established at VCCF” he said.
“That leads directly to the many grants which
strengthen nonprofits and to scholarships to
seed the next generation. It is good work, and
we are privileged to partner with so many to
make such a difference here in Ventura County.”
Record-Setting Grants...continued from page 1
tThe Ventura County Community Foundation is
pleased to announce the recent promotions of
Clare Brown, Donna Hall and Claudia Sanchez.
Clare, a CPA, has been promoted
to the position of vice president/
controller after serving VCCF
for 11 months as its controller.
“Through this promotion we
are delighted to acknowledge
Clare’s outstanding contribution
to the Foundation as well as our confidence in
the role she plays as a key member of our senior
management team,” said VCCF President Hugh
Ralston. “Clare’s skills and experience will serve
us well as we look to her to manage the growing
financial needs of the Foundation, including our
expanding investment pool.”
Immediately prior to joining the Foundation in
2004, Brown spent 11 years with Ventura-based
Staff Promotions at VCCF
Shallenberger & Roberts. She was also an asso-
ciate with Sandall, Bernacchi & Petrovich in
Oxnard. A resident of Camarillo, Brown is
a graduate of California State University,
Northridge, with a Bachelor of Science degree
in business administration.
Donna Hall was promoted to
finance accountant and in that
role is responsible for accounts
payable/receivable, day-to-day
financial management of VCCF,
donor-fund statements, payroll
and other duties.
Claudia Sanchez is the new
financial associate and now
serves as assistant to the
finance department and
assistant to Swift Memorial
Healthcare Foundation.
Clare Brown
Donna Hall
Claudia Sanchez
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addition of Virginia Espinoza of Bank of
America in Santa Paula adds to the talents of
our leadership team,” said Henry L. “Hank”
Lacayo, chair of Destino. “We call upon all of
those interested in this important mission to
attend one of our upcoming meetings and
become involved; it is a terrific way for
businesses to give back to our community.”
For additional information regarding the
Destino Business Council and upcoming events,
please contact VCCF Director of Donor Relations
Susan Clements at (805) 988-0196, x-115, or
sclements@vccf.org.
As a way to expand its membership efforts, The
Destino Business Council launched a series of
meetings this fall, the first one taking place
October 6 at the VCCF offices in Camarillo.
The Destino Business Council, launched in 2004,
consists of business leaders and owners in
Ventura County who want to give back to the
Latino community and strengthen programs
that help Latinos in Ventura County. Through
their passionate commitment and generosity,
council members help Destino respond to the
most pressing issues facing Latinos today – from
youth employment and workforce education to
healthcare, housing and financial literacy. “The
Destino Business Council ExpandsLeadership and Outreach
Ventura County Star and VCCF Renew Scholarship Commitment
Once again, the Ventura County Star is partnering
with the Ventura County Community Foundation
to award scholarships to deserving seniors at
every high school in Ventura County. This
unique program is a wonderful way for the
Foundation, the Star and local citizens truly to
have an impact on the lives of outstanding
students throughout the county.
“The Star Scholarship program represents an
investment in our future leadership,” said
Virginia Weber, scholarships program officer.
“Each year that we work with the Star and
a growing number of donors, we are able to
provide even more opportunity for talented
and deserving students.”
The VCCF Star Scholarship partnership has
grown significantly over the past two years,
funded through $30 contributions by local
citizens who want to make a difference. To
find out more or to make a year-end donation
that will truly be appreciated, contact Virginia
at vweber@vccf.org.
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in state funding, the Arts Council is developing
an integrated approach to build long-term
funding to support artists and arts organizations
in Ventura County.
Senior nutrition providers received $11,000
in grants to support the transition of senior
nutrition programs from county management to
city-based. Specific grants ranging from $300 to
$3,100 were awarded to programs in Oxnard,
San Buenaventura, Moorpark, Fillmore and
Santa Paula. In addition, $1,000 will go to the
Resource Center for Nonprofit Management to
create a training program for marketing the new
city-run nutrition programs to seniors, which will
include scholarships to attend the workshops.
A $12,000 grant was provided to support the
start-up phase of the county’s pioneering 2-1-1
program, split between Interface Children
Family Services and the United Way of Ventura
County. Launched this year as the first in
California, the 2-1-1 call center provides
information regarding health and human
services throughout the community through
a single entry point, directing callers to the
resources they need – from after-school programs
to securing adequate care for a child or an
aging parent.
VCCF will make additional grants from the
Community Response Fund later this year.
tThe Ventura County Community Foundation’s
Community Response Fund has awarded $58,000
to a number of diverse, community-oriented
organizations in Ventura County who are engaged
in innovative solutions to community problems.
“The Community Response Fund has historically
focused on providing support for nonprofit
projects that do not fit within our other grants
programs,” said Tina Knight, VCCF director
of grants and scholarships. “This year, we
are providing seed funding for programs in
transitional and development stages to help
them address key needs and to build leadership
in solving problems.”
The United Way of Ventura County and the
Ventura County Civic Alliance each received a
$12,000 grant. The United Way will use the
grant to help develop a business plan for the
Children’s Health Initiative, which is exploring
ways to provide access to healthcare for uninsured
children. The Ventura County Civic Alliance
will use its grant as it moves forward on its livable
communities and workforce education initiatives,
both outcomes from a two-year community-
oriented process to develop strategies to address
the county’s growth and sustainability (see story
on page 7).
The Ventura County Arts Council was granted
$11,000 to complete its strategic plan, with an
emphasis on cultivating new donors to support
the arts in Ventura County. Hard hit by cutbacks
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Grants focus on Children’s Health, Senior Nutrition, 2-1-1, the Arts and Civic Engagement
Community Response Fund Allots $58,000 to Local Programs
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wWith the June 2005 completion of the initial
three-year funding from the James Irvine
Foundation, the Ventura County Civic Alliance
has successfully moved into its next phase of
funding support. As of September 30, the
Alliance reported it has raised over $85,000
from individuals and institutional partners
in Ventura County, exceeding its first-year
goals for both individual contributions and
local business support.
An initiative of VCCF, the Alliance is focused
on promoting a healthy and sustainable future
for the Ventura County region. It is a coalition
of civic leaders with a shared commitment to
bringing the economic, environmental and
social equity interests (“3Es”) of our region
together to address priority community
issues, increase civic engagement and build
community leadership.
Particularly noteworthy in its latest fundraising
efforts is the fact that 100 percent of Alliance
members made contributions to support its
ongoing operations. Local business support
was greatly enhanced by a 1:2 match from
Haas Automation. The Alliance also received
a generous gift from Sage Publications and
additional important support from leading
businesses such as Procter & Gamble, Santa
Barbara Bank & Trust, and others. In addition,
the Alliance is extremely thankful to the
Ventura County Star for its support and
underwriting of the recent two “Road Ahead”
conferences.
For further information on becoming involved
or contributing to the Civic Alliance, please
visit www.vccf.org/civicalliance or email
civicalliance@vccf.org.
Civic Alliance Exceeds Fundraising Goals
Over the next year, we will be looking at how
we can improve our procedures, our communi-
cations, our materials and our responsiveness.
Our latest donor survey gave us good marks
but also pointed out areas to strengthen. We
recognize that the Community Foundation
can play a unique role in this county, and we
look forward to the good work that we can
do together. Let us know how we can help
you achieve your dreams for a stronger
Ventura County.
Hugh J. Ralston
President & CEO
President’s Letter...continued from page 2
Organizational Goals:
" To be a respected and independent leader inthe Ventura County nonprofit community and one of the best community foundations in California.
" To remain at financial equilibrium.
" To ensure staffing and programs reflect VCCF priorities.
" To provide staff with long-term career opportunities, professional work environment and resources.
" To provide a marketing and communications program that educates and informs.
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The Ventura County Community Foundation’s
World Disaster Fund is open to receive contribu-
tions from local residents who wish to aid victims
of the recent earthquake tragedy in Pakistan and
the overwhelming flooding in Guatemala.
“The physical destruction and human suffering
as a result of these natural disasters is enormous,
and we are joining with donors from all over
the world to reach out to victims, particularly
children, who are homeless and in need of our
support,” said VCCF President Hugh Ralston.
“While the world has seemed to witness one
natural disaster after another this year, each one
has its own devastating effect on the lives it
touches. We are pleased to partner with the
residents of Ventura County who want to direct
their generous contributions to assist in these
two regions of the world which are suffering
from these natural disasters.”
Disaster Relief Funds Aid Katrina Victims and Those in Pakistan and Guatemala
Earlier this year, VCCF served as a local central
point for Ventura County residents to aid vic-
tims of the East Asian Tsunami and Hurricane
Katrina. As in those cases, the grant recipients
for this latest relief effort will be organizations
that provide emergency relief and long-term
recovery in the affected areas. At its November
meeting, the VCCF board approved three grants
totaling $18,000 to support Katrina victims,
partnering with regional community foundations
with local expertise and hands-on knowledge.
Grants were made to the Greater New Orleans
Community Foundation, the Foundation for
the Mid-South, and Foundation for Greater
Birmingham, each of which will assist longer-
term recovery efforts in Louisiana, Mississippi
and Alabama, respectively.
Contributions should be sent to VCCF. Please
make your checks payable to VCCF, note that
it is for the World Disaster Fund, and also note
whether it is intended to help victims in
Pakistan or in Guatemala. Forms are available
on VCCF’s Web site at www.vccf.org.
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The Ventura County Community Foundationwill be awarding forgivable medical educationloans to individuals who promise to practice inVentura County for a minimum of two yearsupon completion of their studies.
The Foundation’s new Medical Education Fund isproviding $2,000 forgivable loans to studentsenrolled in a two-year program for an associate’sdegree of nursing at an accredited institution inVentura County or to students from VenturaCounty pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree innursing in a four-year program at an accreditedinstitution anywhere in Southern California.The deadline for application submission wasOctober 28; recipients will be announced shortly.
“Investing in students and helping them achievetheir dreams is one of the best ways to assure abright future for Ventura County,” said VCCFScholarship Program Officer Virginia Weber.“We are delighted, in partnership with theCounty of Ventura, to be able to expand ourprogram to launch this innovative program toincrease the supply of nurses serving Ventura
County. As an endowed fund, we will be able to do this every single year.”
The Medical Education Fund, established earlierthis year to increase the number of qualifiedmedical and healthcare workers in VenturaCounty, was made possible by a distribution of Tobacco Settlement Funds authorized by theboard of supervisors. Loan recipients will signan agreement pledging to work as a nurse inVentura County for at least two years followingthe completion of his or her studies, at whichpoint the loan will be forgiven. If the studentdoes not work as a nurse in the county, the loanmust be repaid in full.
Medical Education Forgivable Loans to Be Awarded
vCheck Resource Centerfor Upcoming ProgramsVentura County Community Foundation’s
Resource Center for Nonprofit Management is
the only center of its kind in Ventura County.
Since 1991, the center has provided training,
research materials and technical assistance
to nonprofit organizations in Ventura County
with the goal of strengthening the ability of
those organizations to deliver needed services
in the community, giving over 60 workshops
per year on various topics of management
and leadership training.
There are a lot of valuable programs planned
for the coming months. For a complete listing
and for information on attending, please visit
www.vccf.org/resourcecenter or call Resource
Center Director Dena Jenson at (805) 988-0196,
ext. 128.
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The Women’s Legacy Fund (WLF) has awarded$85,000 in grants to ten organizations whosework improves the lives of women and girls inVentura County. These grants were formally presented in September during a reception heldat the Studio Channel Islands Art Center, celebrating WLF’s first decade.
The reception paid tribute to the founders, donorsand grantees who have devoted themselves to the worthy causes of the WLF. The event alsoafforded attendees the opportunity to meet the2005 grant recipients and view a featured artexhibit called “By a Woman’s Hand.” As the only permanent endowment fund specificallydesigned to address the needs of women andgirls in Ventura County, the WLF has grantedover $400,000 to more than 60 locally based programs since its inception in 1995. Each year,grants are made by a committee consisting offounders and WLF donors which reviews proposals from local non-profits.
This year’s grants focused on programs that provide education, training and economicopportunities for women. Some of the organiza-tions honored were those involved in housing,childcare and transportation assistance, all ofwhich provide the temporary cushion somewomen need to get “back on their feet” andachieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency.
“In 2005, there was a special emphasis on supporting programs that provide education and training for women as well as young womenwishing to enter the physical and/or mentalhealth-related fields,” said Tina Knight, VCCFdirector of grants and scholarships.
The largest of the grants, $14,000, was awardedto the Westminster Free Clinic for its Teen
WLF Awards $85,000 in Grants to Assist Women in Ventura County
Healthcare Training Program. The program concentrates on training high school-aged girls to provide clinic outreach and directpatient services as well as providing them with mentorship by healthcare professionalsvolunteering at the clinic.
The Coalition to End Family Violence received$11,000 for its Job Resource Center, which provides educational development and jobsearch assistance, a business clothes closet,vouchers for hairstyling and transportation.
Other grants included $10,000 to The Boys & Girls Club of Santa Clara Valley for theirHow to Launch a Career in Health & HumanServices Program; and The Smart Start ChildDevelopment Centers for the Abriendo Puertas(Opening Doors), serving non-English-speakingwomen with English language instruction specific to employment as well as guidance and classes for getting and keeping a job.
Additionally, $10,000 was awarded to ManyMansions for Stoll House, assisting homelesswomen and their families in the transitionfrom homelessness to permanent housing andeconomic self-sufficiency, as well as to theVentura College Foundation for the PhoenixProgram at the Women’s and Re-Entry Center.
Other grant recipients were the Women’sEconomic Ventures, Many Motors, Kids to Kids, and the Foundation for Education andEmployment Resources.
Honoree and Founder of the WLF Dottie Loebl (center),accompanied by Board Members Sally Yount (left) andRobin Woodworth (right), receives an award for making"A Decade of Difference" to the Women's Legacy Fund.
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As you consider your year-end gift giving,
don’t forget the great work going on right in
your own community by the Ventura County
Community Foundation. Through the
Foundation, there are many ways for you to put
your dollars to good use.
Some choose to make a gift to an endowment
fund – either one established by individual
donors or one established by VCCF itself.
Endowment gifts live in perpetuity and, for that
reason, are an attractive option for many
donors. Many of the same funds can also be
supported through annual gifts. Gifts of this
nature increase the annual grants budget for
2006, provide for operating Foundation
expenses, or assist in a particular project.
“Philanthropy is for anyone who wants to have
an impact in the future of Ventura County,”
says VCCF President Hugh Ralston. “That’s
why we’ve created many opportunities and
options for people who want to partner with
VCCF and strengthen their connection with
the wonderful county where they work or live.
Your contribution is one way to make this
connection real.”
Among the many funds at the Foundation that
can be supported through either endowment
gifts or annual gifts are:
• Heritage Fund
• Destino: Hispanic Legacy Fund
(including the Latino Literacy Initiative)
• Women’s Legacy Fund
• Community Response Fund
• Disaster & Recovery Funds
• SUN (Special & Urgent Needs) Fund
• Scholarship Fund for Ventura County
(which supports the Star Scholarships)
• VCCF Vocational Scholarship Fund
• Medical Education Fund – Forgivable Loan
Program for Nurses
• Social Justice Giving Circle
• VCCF Arts Funds
• Ventura County Fund for
Farmworker Housing
• Mental Health Initiative (2006)
Gifts can also be directed to help cover operating
costs so that VCCF can do a better job of serving
its missions and strengthening its partners.
• VCCF Associates Program
• Resource Center Workshop Sponsorships
• Civic Alliance Partners Program
Further information on any of these programs
or your gift-giving options may be obtained at
www.vccf.org or by calling (805) 988-0196.
A gift to the Ventura County Community
Foundation will spread the holiday joy
throughout the year and help support those
locally based organizations whose missions
you care about and who serve those in need.
Consider VCCF for Your Year-End Giving
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d
VCCF is expanding its grants for students
pursuing training in technically related fields,
reaching out to a larger segment of Ventura
County youth not immediately pursuing a
college degree.
In announcing the $2,000 vocational scholarships
grants, VCCF President Hugh Ralston said that
it is “important to provide assistance to those
who aspire to focus in the professional areas that
often drive our economy. These occupations are
crucial to the growth and infrastructure of
Ventura County, and we are proud to encourage
all students who wish to master their vocations
to take advantage of this opportunity.”
The Fund was created through the generosity
of Haas Automation, one of Oxnard’s leading
businesses. Additional contributions to this
year’s grant pool are welcome as VCCF builds
this new resource for Ventura County students
into an annual source of scholarship assistance.
The 2005 Vocational Career & Technical Education
Scholarships was open to all graduating Ventura
County high school seniors or graduates of any
Ventura County high school currently enrolled,
or planning to enroll, in a number of specialized
education programs at technical institutions in
Ventura County.
Eligible categories include cosmetology, building/
property maintenance, machine shop, electrical/
electronic engineering, medical assistant,
administrative assistant, data processing, licensed
vocational nurse (LVN), software/computer IT
and business administration. Applicants must
demonstrate financial need.
“We are honored to have someone with Alfredo’s
knowledge and strong community commitments
join our board of directors,” said VCCF Chair of
the Board Mary Schwabauer. “He and his wife are
both dedicated to making Ventura County an even
better place to live, and we know that his passion
and energy will be put to good use as a member of
our board.”
Terri Lisagor rejoins the
VCCF board after resolving
some scheduling conflicts
with her responsibilities as
a professor of nutrition/food
sciences at California State
University, Northridge. Terri
is now serving as vice-chair
of VCCF’s programs and
grants committee and is on the communications
committee as well as the organizing committee for
a new social justice giving circle.
VCCF Expands Scholarships With New Vocational and Technical Career Awards
Board Welcome...continued from page 3
Terri Lisagor
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Working through the Ventura County Community
Foundation, a Ventura County family has made
a gift of $1 million to the Ventura County
Museum of History and Art’s capital campaign
to fund construction and programming in the
museum’s research library. The generous gift
will enable the library to quadruple in size and
will create an endowment to fund acquisitions,
conservation, special programs and other library
needs. While the donors prefer to remain
anonymous, a family member noted that “the
gift is made in recognition of the tremendous
value of the library to the county, and in the
hope that its collections will continue to grow.
In addition, we hope that this gift will generate
a challenge to other families to come forward
and support the museum.”
Originally the archive of the Ventura County
Historical Society, the museum library collection
has grown over the years with the addition of
rare collections, many of which are one-of-a-kind
and irreplaceable. “The museum research library
collections represent nothing less than an entire
region’s appreciation of its own history and a
commitment to the preservation of that history,”
said Librarian Charles Johnson. “Almost a
century old, the collections continue to grow
in both established and emerging areas and is
the single most important historical resource
concerning Ventura County available anywhere.”
A $250,000 endowment fund at the Ventura
County Community Foundation, created as
part of the library gift, will provide yearly
income to fund special library projects, such as
purchases of new materials and equipment, and
to sponsor special publications and programs
dealing specifically with the library collection.
Income from the endowment will become
available in October 2006.
$1 Million Gift Secures Future of Museum Library
Charitable Gift Annuity Rates
Looking to get a higher monthly return on your
investments at a guaranteed rate? To help a local
charity? To expand Ventura County’s philanthropic
resources? Perhaps you wish to leave a legacy for
good for ever? Open a charitable gift with VCCF and
benefit a local charity, the Community Foundation
and the community.
• VCCF annuities provide guaranteed
income to donors.
• The annuity rate is determined by the
donor’s age at the time the gift is made;
individual rates apply to specific ages.
• VCCF annuities can support nonprofits
throughout Ventura County.
For more information about eligibility
requirements and program details, contact
Hugh Ralston at hralston@vccf.org or call
(805) 988-0196, ext. 116.
For One Life(yourself)
For Two Lifes(yourself and another)
14
dDonor fund statements have been expanded
with the September 30, 2005, statement, bringing
more background information to fund advisors
and agencies investing with VCCF. “Providing
additional information about our investment
process and our advisors is important to those
who entrust funds to us,” noted VCCF President
Hugh Ralston. “We are very proud of our long-
term record, particularly given the importance
of our policy to preserve the purchasing power
of capital over time.”
VCCF’s historical return of 10 percent exceeds
the current 5 percent annual distribution policy,
fees and inflation, allowing the core funds to grow
over time to expand the charitable grantmaking.
Investment Process
VCCF manages its endowment funds in a pool,
which is overseen by an investment committee
consisting of VCCF board members and others
with expertise in the investment markets and
experience managing large endowment and
foundation portfolios. The committee meets a
minimum of six times annually to review the
performance of managers, potential changes in
managers and market updates. The current
committee chair is Robert Katch, VCCF board
member and founder of Manchester Financial.
Other members include VCCF Directors Pierre
Tada, Stacy Roscoe and Denis Dupuis as well
as former VCCF Directors Richard Shipley and
! engagement ! educat ion ! endowment ! grants ! scholarsh ips
Donor fund statements expand investment data
Ten Years of Investment Success
Performance Summary as Septmber 30, 2005 Manager Allocation Summaryas Septmber 30, 2005
Core BondAlternative AssetsAlternative AssetsLarge Cap ValueLarge Cap Growth
Large Cap GrowthMid Cap GrowthMid Cap ValueSmall Cap CoreInternational Large Core
Last Fiscal Last 3 Last 5 Last 10 Since Quarter YTD/ Years Years Years Incep. 1 Year Dec. 1991 Total Fund
Total Fund Composite 5.7 16.0 17.2 7.0 9.9 10.0
Total Funds Universe Rank 6 12 10 8 18 -
Custom Index** 3.3 12.0 14.1 2.8 8.2 8.8
Manager Index* 3.9 13.0 14.9 4.3 9.2 9.4PIMCO Total Return
29.3%
BernsteinDiversified Value
14.6%
Archstone2.1%
Montauk Triguard0.0%
Aetos2.0%
Eubel Brady4.9%
Westcliff11.5%
Roxbury7.7%
IntechLarge Growth
6.0%Lateef6.4%
EuroPacific Growth15.6%
** Custom Index is 50% Russell 3000/15% MSCI EAFE after taxes/35% Lehman Brothers Aggregate Bond
* The Manager Index is composed of the Russell 3000/Lehman Bros. Aggregate Bond/MSCI EAFE components based on the actual allocation percentages of the Total Fund.
Investment Performance
For more information on VCCF’s investment management results for donoradvised, agency endowment and other funds see, www.vccf.org/funds
15
! engagement ! educat ion ! endowment ! grants ! scholarsh ips
William Hart. Countrywide Executive Vice
President Anne McCallion also serves on the
committee, which is staffed by VCCF’s Vice
President/Controller Claire Brown and
President. In addition, a longstanding relation-
ship with Canterbury Consulting provides
VCCF with objective advice and comparative
data on the performance of its managers, both
in actual terms and compared to benchmarks
set out in VCCF’s investment policy.
Asset Allocation
According to Katch, one of the committee’s
key responsibilities is allocating the portfolio
among asset classes – stock, bonds and
alternatives. “The current policy is 60 percent
equities, 30 percent bonds and up to 10 percent
alternative assets, which creates a diversified
portfolio and sets up the endowment for
long-term growth of principal,” says Katch.
“The committee is also reviewing other
options, including a family of ‘socially
responsible’ funds that would mirror the
Foundation’s asset allocation targets.”
Within equities, the committee has set targets
for large cap (25 percent – 12.5 percent for
growth and 12.5 percent for value), mid-cap
equities (10 percent) and small-cap equities
(10 percent) as well as 15 percent for international
(non-U.S. based) large-cap stocks. These ranges
are approved by the board, as is the annual
distribution rate, which is currently 5 percent
of the value of the fund, calculated over a
12-quarter rolling average as of June 30 of
each year. These monies are available October 1
of each year for distribution as grants to local
nonprofits.
Due to the volume of individual donations
and contributions to VCCF funds and
programs since our last newsletter, we
are unable to list all of our donors in this
quarterly newsletter. Please look for a
listing in our upcoming annual report
and on VCCF’s Web site at www.vccf.org.
We thank you for your generous support
of the good work of the Community
Foundation, expanding the impact of
philanthropy in Venture County.
A Thank You to Donors
The committee monitors the allocation targets
on a regular basis, and new funds invested
into the portfolio are spread among the
various managers to preserve the appropriate
allocation. “Studies have shown that the asset
allocation decision is one of the most important
determinants of long-term performance, and
we take the disciplined review seriously,” noted
Katch. “One of our key responsibilities is to be
a careful steward of the funds entrusted to us,
and our goal is to achieve long-term growth
while ensuring that funds invested with
VCCF are safe and well looked after.”
Fund advisors are invited to an annual open
meeting in November to discuss the portfolio
strategy and performance; the presentation is
posted on the VCCF Web site at www.vccf.org.
c
NonprofitOrganizationU.S. Postage
PAIDOxnard, CA
Permit No. 210
Board of DirectorsMary L. Schwabauer, ChairRonald L. Hertel, TreasurerSally S. Yount, SecretaryDenis A. DupuisRobert J. KatchHenry L. "Hank" LacayoWendy Cole LascherTerri LisagorTimothy J. McCallionAlfredo Plascencia M. Carmen Ramirez Stacy A. RoscoeScott B. SamskyPierre Y. TadaRobin C. Woodworth
President & CEOHugh J. Ralston
V E N T U R A C O U N T Y C O M M U N I T Y F O U N D A T I O N
1317 Del Norte Road, Suite 150, Camarillo, CA 93010-8504805-988-0196 Fax: 485-5537 vccf@vccf.org www.vccf.org
Investing in Ventura County. For Good. For Ever.
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Congratulations to the newest winners of the
Staff Leadership Award, a quarterly commendation
recognizing outstanding effort and leadership:
• Virginia Weber (2nd Quarter)
• Clare Brown and Claudia Sanchez
(3rd Quarter)
“These awards are given to staff colleagues who
have stretched above and beyond the call of
duty,” says VCCF President Hugh Ralston. “As
program officer for scholarships, Virginia’s deft
and thoughtful handling of a three-fold increase
in scholarship applications this past year was
truly outstanding – and was evident in our
successful grant reception. Claudia and Clare
were exemplary in preparing all of the materials
for the national standards review in a very short
period of time, with materials updated and
received in good order. I am pleased to recognize
these exceptional individuals for their great
work.” Award recipients received a gift certificate
for their extraordinary efforts.
Staff Leadership Awards Announced
From l to r: Claudia Sanchez, Virginia Weber, and Clare Brown