Honoring the Kindness of Others 

November 15, 2023

As a member of CCF’s Sartori Circle, Apryll established a fund at CCF through her estate plans that will support the causes she cares about most. In this way, she honors the acts of kindness that made her life possible. “I’ve had several people show up at critical junctures in my life and they’ve changed my life. And you often can’t go back and say thank you. So, working with the California Community Foundation is one way that I have to give back,” Apryll shares.  

Staff Profile: A Conversation with Emily Stork

As Planned Giving Officer, Emily Stork leads CCF’s Sartori Circle program, which recognizes and brings together donors of testamentary gifts who have decided to make a long-term impact on the lives of others through their charitable bequests. Emily works closely with donors to ensure their bequests, whether they include gifts of real estate, closely held stock or other gifts of cash or complex assets, fulfill their philanthropic visions for supporting the causes they care about. Emily also promotes CCF’s gift planning services by developing and deepening relationships with donors, advisors, and nonprofits. Emily brings over 11 years of fundraising experience, a legal background, and a love for Los Angeles County and its fascinating communities to this position.

The Gift of a Lifetime: Turning Retirement Accounts into Charitable Good

November 6, 2023

Do you or your clients have retirement accounts and charitable intent? If they are 70 ½ or older, they can easily make a qualified charitable distribution and get a tax break. For 2023, donors can transfer up to $100,000 directly from their traditional IRA(s) to charity. Benefits include: The gift comes from the donor’s IRA, […]

Middle East War Resource Guide

October 25, 2023

In response to the crisis, the CCF donor community has inquired about how to best support those in need. Listed below are organizations providing humanitarian aid, supporting mental health needs and combatting against hate crimes. This list is not exhaustive, and it is intended to provide a helpful starting point. Humanitarian Aid Resources American Jewish […]

Advancing Economic Equity through Community Power

October 19, 2023

People power is one of the most effective tools low-wage workers have in the face of stagnating wages, increasing rents and a crushing cost of living in one of the most expensive cities in the country. Worker activism is not new for the City of Angels. Los Angeles has a history of major wins for disenfranchised workers, including the historic El Monte Thai Garment Slavery Case of 1995. This case was led by garment workers trafficked from Thailand like Rotchana Sussman who worked around the clock and slept in a crowded sweatshop surrounded by barbed wire and paved the path to the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA).

Elevating Hope: Miguel A. Santana’s Message to CCF

October 15, 2023

On my first day as President and CEO of the California Community Foundation (CCF) I reflect on the difficult times we are in as our world confronts complex and somber challenges. Indeed, we live in a time when our collective resilience and humanity are being tested.

Morocco Earthquake Relief Resources

September 12, 2023

On September 8, a magnitude 6.8 earthquake struck Morocco in the High Atlas Mountains, about 45 miles from the city of Marrakech. The earthquake devastated towns and villages in the isolated mountain areas and injured thousands of people, leaving many without shelter and basic infrastructure. As one of the strongest earthquakes the country has experienced in over a century, there have been over 2,500 deaths reported. The following organizations are actively involved in providing immediate relief, assistance and essential services to community members,

Migrant Relief Resource Guide

August 24, 2023

On June 14, 2023, the first bus arrived in Los Angeles carrying 42 asylum seekers sent by Governor Abbot of Texas. Migrant arrivals sent from Texas are one of the many examples of the humanitarian crisis that is taking place across the country. As of August 22, 2023, eight more buses have arrived in LA with over 350 asylum seekers, including children. The situation is critical, and community-based organizations who have mobilized to ensure recent migrant arrivals are connected to the necessary housing, food, education, health and social services they need to adjust to life in LA, are struggling to keep up. Learn more about how you can support the LA based organizations who are actively involved in providing immediate relief, assistance and essential services.

Maui Fire Relief Resources

August 11, 2023

On August 8, a devastating fire quickly spread in western Maui, taking many residents by surprise. Thousands have been forced to flee their homes and over 270 building structures were damaged or destroyed, including in the historic town of Lahaina. Maui County officials have reported over 50 deaths with dozens more injured. The President has declared a national emergency to expand federal aid to support the community.

Ending Homelessness by Unlocking Land

July 17, 2023

The availability of public funding like low-income housing tax credits and the $1.2 billion bond for capital costs through Measure HHH is a key component of increasing affordable housing development. However, just as important as increasing funding are the planning and land use tools that reduce costs and expedite affordable housing development by allowing for greater use of land.