In response to the continuing impact of the economic crisis on our county’s most vulnerable residents, the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) today launched its ReachOut OC 2011 response today to provide a “hand up” to neighbors in need. The OCCF Board of Governors has committed $325,000, and invites local donors and community members to join the effort.
The public is invited to make contributions through June 15, with grants to be awarded to local nonprofits by June 30. And because OCCF is underwriting all program expenses, 100 percent of contributions will be applied directly toward meeting critical needs.
The ReachOut OC grant program will direct funds to Orange County-based nonprofits serving vulnerable families and children with:
• Food
• Shelter
• Access to health care
• Services for those with disabilities or other special needs
2011 marks the third consecutive year the foundation has stepped up to support ”safety net” needs since the economic crisis hit in 2008. OCCF’s 2010 ReachOut OC and 2009 See the Need, Seed the Change initiatives delivered nearly $1.5 million in grants to organizations providing food, shelter and critical aid to those in greatest need.
Orange County Needs Continue to Grow
The impact of federal and state budget cuts continues to ripple throughout Orange County. More than three years into the economic crisis, Orange County’s unemployment rate remains at nearly 9 percent. Second Harvest Food Bank has estimated that 615,000 people or 21 percent of the population in Orange County are at risk of hunger. And families who have lost health insurance are in desperate need of medical care.
“Though the economic downturn started three years ago, thousands of families and children in Orange County are still struggling to make ends meet. The contributions of generous donors and friends to the 2011 ReachOut OC response will be put to work immediately to meet the needs of vulnerable families and children,” said Shelley Hoss, president of the Orange County Community Foundation.
To Donate
Contributions of any amount are welcome. To make a credit card donation online to ReachOut OC, visit www.oc-cf.org or call 949.553.4202. Checks payable to OCCF (with “ReachOut OC” in the memo line) can be mailed to the Orange County Community Foundation at 4041 MacArthur Blvd., Suite 510, Newport Beach, CA 92660.
About the Orange County Community Foundation
Founded in 1989, the Orange County Community Foundation works with donors, strengthens the local nonprofit sector and works to find solutions to community needs. The foundation has granted nearly $180 million since inception. In 2010 OCCF ranked as the 11th most active grant-maker among more than 750 U.S. community foundations. For more information, visit www.oc-cf.org or call 949-553-4202.
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