The mission, purpose and vision statements of the California Community Foundation reflect long discussions with board and staff about the multifaceted roles of the foundation: trusted steward of donors funds, grantmaker and convener for the public good..

Mission

Strengthening Los Angeles communities through effective philanthropy and civic engagement.

Purpose

The purpose of the California Community Foundation is to help strengthen communities and build a brighter future for Los Angeles County. We seek to improve life for all residents, especially those who are most vulnerable; promote philanthropy and act as an effective steward of charitable funds; and work with others to address the core causes of problems facing our region.

Vision

The California Community Foundation envisions a Los Angeles County made up of safe, thriving and diverse communities. By 2015, the foundation will strive to address some of the core concerns — decent, safe affordable housing, accessible health care, quality education and enhanced human development opportunities, including arts and culture — that are critical to quality of life in Los Angeles. It will do so by creating holistic approaches, leveraging its resources, developing collaborative partnerships and increasing donor engagement.

The foundation will attempt to make and measure deep impact by focusing a portion of its discretionary grantmaking in one or more communities. We will leverage resources and encourage other funding partners to invest in the selected areas with a goal of learning from, chronicling and replicating successes.

The foundation will cultivate new donors and encourage a spirit of philanthropic giving in communities across the region, promoting a sense of belonging and common desire to build a better future for our region.

The foundation will demonstrate leadership around issues facing our communities by convening groups, facilitating discussion and helping to find innovative, workable solutions.

The foundation will be well known and respected for these roles and achievements. This visibility is critical to fostering new and continued donor involvement, increasing efficacy as a convener, sharing lessons learned and strengthening partnerships with civic, business and nonprofit leaders who are key to effecting systemic change.