Orange County Community Foundation hosts online Giving Day on March 24

While the global health pandemic dramatically impacted the economy and workforce, it brought to the forefront the passion, talent and creativity of the brain trust behind it. The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), based in Newport Beach, is hosting “The Future is Working,” a collaborative online Giving Day on Thursday, March 24 to support 15 nonprofits that offer programs and services to remove barriers to employment, create pathways to success for vulnerable communities, and build a flexible and resilient workforce. The goal is to raise $200,000.

Despite its overarching harmful impact and lingering effects, COVID-19 caused a surge of new business formations. According to the Census Bureau, nearly 4.3 million business applications were filed in 2020, up 24% from 2019. Locally, the 2021-2022 Orange County Community Indicators Report reveals that the number of minority-owned businesses increased from 3,000 in 2020 to 3,500 in 2021, and women minority-owned enterprises grew from 1,300 to nearly 1,500. In short, evolving conditions have caused a renaissance in entrepreneurship among these groups. 

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“The Future is Working,” a collaborative online Giving Day scheduled for March 24 will support 15 nonprofits

OCCF’s “The Future is Working,” Giving Day brings together 15 Orange County-based nonprofits that address disparities and help employers, workers, students, and the most vulnerable residents of all backgrounds adjust and set on a path for success in the workforce. Participating nonprofits include Bracken’s Kitchen Inc.; Chrysalis; CIELO; Community Action Partnership of Orange County; Hart Community Homes, Inc.; High School Inc. Academies Foundation; H.I.R.E. OC; Hope Builders; i-5 Freedom Network; JVS SoCal; Kherut; Orange County Academy of Sciences and Arts; Step Forward Academy; Vital Link Education-Business Consortium and Youth Employment Service of the Harbor Area, Inc. (YES) – all leaders in workforce development.

“The generosity of the Orange County community has allowed us to pivot from the sole focus of the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic to ensuring we support a stronger and more resilient workforce,” said Shelley Hoss, president and CEO of the Orange County Community Foundation. “The Future is Working,” supports nonprofits that are bolstering equitable opportunity for Orange County businesses – maintaining our robust economy and vibrant community.”

“The Future is Working,” campaign is part of OCCF’s iheartOC Collaborative Giving Days, an annual initiative that designates 10 cause-specific giving days around community issues. The online giving model matches OC nonprofits with shared missions – from workforce development and homelessness to preserving ecosystems and supporting local veterans – to gain momentum on one shared day and leverage a combined outreach effort for collective success. In 2021, the 10 days secured support from 8,485 donors and raised a record $4.5 million for 112 local nonprofits. Since its start in 2015, OCCF’s Collaborative Giving Days have raised nearly $15 million for Orange County nonprofits. 

To give online during the 24-hour Giving Day, go here. For more information about Orange County Community Foundation Collaborative Giving Days, visit www.oc-cf.org/givingdays.