TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Jonathan Serret, Cultural and Community Services Director DATE:August 26, 2025
SUBJECT: Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund
RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve joining the coalition of named supporters of the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund and approve a one-time contribution to the Ventura County Community Foundation in the amount of $100,000.
2. Approve budget appropriation and authorize expenditure in the amount of $100,000 in FY 2025-26 from A/C #001-0000-311-1000 (General Fund, Fund Balance) to A/C #001-0970-646-5920 (Grants and Donations).
3. Find that this action is not a project as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: No
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
$100,000 Increase to Adopted FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget. $100,000 increase to the Adopted FY 2025-26 General Fund Budget is requested to make a contribution to the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund with Ventura County Community Foundation.
BACKGROUND:
Founded in 1987, the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) has established itself as a reliable and responsive philanthropic partner in Ventura County. VCCF has a proven track record of mobilizing community-wide resources during times of crisis, including the immediate establishment of relief funds following the Borderline tragedy and the Woolsey Fire, which collectively raised $5.75 million for affected residents.
Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund
August 26, 2025
On July 28, 2025, VCCF established the Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund (VCNSF), a collaborative initiative aimed at providing critical financial and humanitarian assistance to non-profits and families across Ventura County. The VCNSF, supported by a broad coalition of public agencies and private sector partners, addresses urgent needs impacting residents across the county.
The VCNSF serves as a centralized and trusted mechanism for distributing resources to community-based non-profit organizations. These organizations are well-positioned to deliver immediate relief in the form of food, transportation, housing assistance, and other essential services. By contributing to the VCNSF, donors can be assured that their donations are being distributed to a wide range of legitimate organizations.
The City has a long-standing tradition of supporting community well-being through targeted grant programs. In 1985, City Council established a fund to “provide a benefit for the community through competitive grants to individuals and organizations for services, construction or improvement of facilities, or promotion of the City.” Since then, these grants have supported a wide range of initiatives, including cultural programming, recreational facility enhancements, community environmental benefits, and social service delivery. In the past year, City Council has doubled its support for social services grants to better respond to rising costs and broader cuts to grant funding.
The following four grants are issued annually to a variety of community-based organizations:
•Community Events Grants (CEG)
•Community Sports Grants (CSG)
•Community Environmental Enhancement Grants (CEEG)
•Community Social Services Grants (CSSG)
In addition to these recurring programs, City Council has historically provided one-time funding in response to emergent community needs. Notable examples include:
•Social Services COVID-19 Relief Grants
•COVID-19 Emergency Arts Grants
•Bank of America Performing Arts Center Rental Relief Program •COVID-19 Rental Assistance Program
•Commitment to fund up to 50 percent of the purchase cost for the East County Family Justice Center
Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund
August 26, 2025
DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
The VCNSF will provide 100 percent of donated funds to local, trusted nonprofit organizations addressing needs across Ventura County. This approach not only provides donors with confidence that their contributions are being used effectively, but also alleviates the fundraising burden on community-based organizations, allowing them to focus on service delivery rather than resource acquisition.
A contribution to VCNSF is consistent with City Council’s commitment to community resilience and its history of supporting collaborative regional relief efforts.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goal:
A. Create a more equitable, accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive government and community regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, language, education, and/or socio-economic status.
PREPARED BY: Melissa Hurtado, Deputy Cultural and Community Services Director
ccs:100-20/L:\Common\Community Services\City Council Items\2025 Staff Reports\8-26-25\08262025 Ventura County Neighbors Support Fund.docx