CCF Community Initiatives Fund

Annual Giving
$7.1M
000

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $7,119,704 (2022)
  • Success Rate: Not applicable (no public application process)
  • Decision Time: Not applicable
  • Grant Range: Varies
  • Geographic Focus: Los Angeles County

Contact Details

Address: 221 S Figueroa St, Suite 400, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3760

Phone: 213-413-4130

Website: https://www.calfund.org/

Note: The CCF Community Initiatives Fund operates as a supporting organization to the California Community Foundation. Grant inquiries should be directed to the California Community Foundation.

Overview

The CCF Community Initiatives Fund was established in 1999 as a supporting organization to the California Community Foundation. With total assets of approximately $55.5 million (2024) and annual grantmaking exceeding $7 million, the fund administers contributions and distributes grants to nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations engaged in charitable work. The fund operates exclusively for charitable purposes, focusing on positive systemic change that strengthens Los Angeles communities. As a supporting organization, grants are made through trustee discretion rather than a competitive public application process. The fund awarded 64 grants in 2022, supporting nonprofit organizations primarily serving Los Angeles County residents.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The CCF Community Initiatives Fund does not operate distinct named grant programs with set funding ranges. Grants are awarded at the discretion of trustees based on alignment with the California Community Foundation's broader mission and strategic priorities.

Priority Areas

Based on the fund's connection to the California Community Foundation, funding aligns with CCF's focus areas:

  • Education
  • Health care and health equity
  • Housing and homelessness
  • Immigration and integration
  • Civic engagement and public policy
  • Systemic change initiatives
  • Community strengthening programs in Los Angeles County

What They Don't Fund

As a supporting organization operating under California Community Foundation's umbrella, the fund likely follows CCF's restrictions:

  • Organizations outside Los Angeles County (except for regional, statewide, or national public policy efforts benefiting the local population)
  • Private foundations
  • Organizations that discriminate in hiring or services
  • For-profit entities

Governance and Leadership

The CCF Community Initiatives Fund operates under the governance structure of the California Community Foundation. Specific trustees or officers for the Community Initiatives Fund are not publicly disclosed in available filings. The fund reports zero employees, indicating administrative functions are handled through the parent California Community Foundation structure.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process.

The CCF Community Initiatives Fund operates as a supporting organization with grants awarded through trustee discretion. Unlike the California Community Foundation's competitive special initiatives grants, which have a public application portal, the Community Initiatives Fund makes distributions based on trustee decisions aligned with the organization's charitable purposes.

Organizations seeking funding support in areas aligned with the California Community Foundation's mission may:

  • Contact the California Community Foundation at 213-413-4130 or grantsmanager@calfund.org
  • Explore whether they are eligible for CCF's competitive special initiatives grants (separate from this fund)
  • Build relationships with the foundation through their broader engagement opportunities

Decision Timeline

Not applicable due to discretionary grant-making structure.

Success Rates

Not applicable - no competitive application process.

Reapplication Policy

Not applicable - grants are awarded through trustee discretion rather than application submissions.

Application Success Factors

Given the fund operates through trustee discretion rather than public applications, organizations cannot directly apply for funding. However, organizations working in Los Angeles County on issues aligned with the California Community Foundation's priorities may benefit from:

  • Geographic alignment: Being located within and primarily serving residents of Los Angeles County
  • Charitable status: Maintaining 501(c)(3) status and not being classified as a private foundation
  • Mission alignment: Working on systemic change related to education, health, housing, immigration, or civic engagement
  • Non-discrimination: Operating and being organized without discrimination in hiring or services
  • Connection to CCF: Having existing relationships with the California Community Foundation or being known to foundation trustees

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • The CCF Community Initiatives Fund is a supporting organization, not a direct grant applicant opportunity
  • Grants totaling over $7 million annually are distributed through trustee discretion
  • There is no public application process for this specific fund
  • Organizations seeking funding should explore the California Community Foundation's competitive grant programs instead
  • The fund focuses on Los Angeles County nonprofits working on systemic community change
  • Grants support 501(c)(3) organizations only; private foundations are excluded
  • Building relationships with the California Community Foundation may create awareness for potential trustee-directed grants

References

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