The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County (SJF) is a social change grant-making and educational organization created and guided by Ventura County donors.  SJF has been established to advance equality and opportunity for all.  It brings together the resources of a "Giving Circle" - a place where SJF donors come together and have a say in the grants we give - and the organizing power of grassroots groups.  Together, we are working to advance solutions to poverty and inequality.

  SJF focuses on creating real community change through funding and education that develops leaders, inspires and motivates people to become involved, and advocates for change.  It is a bottom-up vision of justice and participatory democracy that is building a safer, healthier, more equitable Ventura County.

   By using a Giving Circle model, grantmaking and decision-making is conducted in a hands-on experience by donors to the Fund.  Together we explore the social justice issues facing our community, nurture dialoge with local activists and develop requests for proposals. After an interactive, educational review process, we select local organizations doing community organizing work to receive funding. SJF has just completed its fourth cycle of grantmaking, and has awarded $200,000 to date.  (Lists of our grant recipients can be found on our website, see below.)

  To quote Judy Bysshe, Giving Circle member and first Chair of SJF's Steering Committee, "We are investing in organizations that are empowering people to recognize their rights and their responsibilities, to step up and participate in advancing change and promoting social, economic and environmental justice.  It is a privilege to stand as partners with them to change our communities."

  The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County has become a model for similar organizations across the country.  Our institutional partners are the Ventura County Community Foundation (VCCF) and the Central Coast Alliance United for a Sustainable Economy (CAUSE).  The Fund has been financially supported by over 325 people and organizations, with major grants provided by the McCune Foundation, James Irvine Foundation, The California Endowment, Marisla Foundation, School of the Pacific Islands Foundation and Sage Publications. 

  The values of social justice are rooted in democracy.  Social justice embodies the principle of fairness, equal treatment, human rights, having a voice in decisions that affect the community and access to the tools to meet basic needs.  Social justice fosters partnership and interaction among all segments of a community.  It creates alliances across public and private sectors, and encourages the wise use of available resources.  The Social Justice Fund for Ventura County embodies all of these values.

  Because systemic change takes time, we are committed to the long-term view. Our vision is to be the leader in social change philanthropy for Ventura County, a dependable resource for financing social justice and environmental organizations.   We are building an endowment to finance our work into the future.  This endowment will pay our core operating costs, so that nearly 100% of every dollar we raise will work effectively for social justice in Ventura County.   

  Please join us in building a strong foundation for SJF to continue creating a healthier and more equitable Ventura County for us all.