The Social Justice Fund (SJF) for Ventura County is an educational and grantmaking organization created and guided by a "Giving Circle" of community donors.  The SJF seeks to strengthen social justice in Ventura County by providing education, financial grants and other support to organizations working to address the root causes of some of our County’s most pressing social, economic and environmental issues.  Our objective is to make a difference in the chronic problems of society—problems of justice and fairness—so that our systems and markets work the same for everyone regardless of race, gender or circumstances of birth.

To this end the Social Justice Fund nurtures and supports groups striving to give a voice to the working poor, the disenfranchised and underrepresented, and those protecting the environment that sustains us all.  Our grants help grassroots organizations to develop leaders, mobilize and become increasingly effective advocates for change. 

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.

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 third cycle of grantmaking, and has awarded $150,000 to date.  (Lists of our 2007, 2008 and 2009 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 180 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. 

Today our goal is to build an endowment to finance our work into the future.  An 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.  The James Irvine Foundation awarded SJF a three-year challenge grant so we can continue making grants to local organizations while we embark on this ambitious campaign.  For every two dollars we raise for endowment the Irvine Foundation will give us one dollar to support our work in the community. 

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.

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

Social Justice Fund for Ventura County Website