5 Ventura County nonprofits seek donations in grant-funding program. Here's what to know

Staff reports
·4 min read

Five Ventura County nonprofits qualified for A Community Thrives grant program offered by Gannett, the parent company of the Ventura County Star and USA TODAY Network.

The Housing Trust Fund Ventura County in Camarillo, kidSTREAM in Camarillo, MiniNature Reserve in Oxnard, Ojai Unified School District Family Fund and Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation in Ventura are among more than 750 nonprofits participating nationwide in the grant program.

The organizations are in the fundraising phase of the program, which runs until Aug. 12.

“The program offers not only grants but opportunities for organizations to extend their networks and deepen their donor base by creating connections with our consumers," said Sue Madden, director of the Gannett Foundation. "In addition, participation in the A Community Thrives program can result in national and local media exposure. Year after year, we hear fantastic anecdotes from participants on how the program has accelerated development."

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The 2022 A Community Thrives program, a $2 million initiative created by the Gannett Foundation, will award grants to groups looking to improve their communities. A Community Thrives is a grantmaking and crowdfunding program sponsored by Gannett.

Since the program’s inception in 2017, over $17 million have been donated through crowdfunding efforts, which have been dispersed to over 500 organizations across the country.

The nonprofits are raising money first by crowdfunding, and then they will be eligible for 16 project grants up to $100,000: three $100,000 grants, seven $50,000 grants and six $25,000 grants, according to the A Community Thrives website.

Other grants include operating grants for eligible entrants with community operations in Gannett’s markets, incentive grants for groups that raise the most funds and bonus challenge grants for those who wish to compete.

So far, Camarillo's kidSTREAM has raised nearly $30,000 from about 465 donors. With its effort to gather donations, the nonprofit ranks No. 1 in its category for A Community Thrives.

The 6-year-old nonprofit reaches an average of 10,000 children a year with its emphasis on science, technology, reading, engineering, arts and math. During the pandemic, kidSTREAM distributed hundreds of learning kids in English and Spanish.

While the Camarillo organization has space in a former library building, it is seeking to build a new learning space. To learn more about kidSTREAM's work and to donate, visit https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/organization/Kidstream.

The Housing Trust Fund Ventura County has collected $1,400 from five donors during the crowdfunding period. Since its inception in 2013, the fund has leveraged public-private partnerships to provide low-cost, flexible loans. To find out more about the nonprofit and donate, visit https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/organization/Housingtrustfundventuracounty.

The Ventura County Family Justice Center Foundation has generated $1,182 from six donations since the fundraising began July 18. The foundation provides funding and resources for crime victims and survivors who are assisted at the Ventura County Family Justice Center. To learn more about the nonprofit and to donate, visit https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/organization/Ventura-County-Family-Justice-Center-Foundation.

The Oxnard-based MiniNature Reserve has raised $55 from two donors with the crowdfunding program. The nonprofit took part in the Native Plant Fest in Oxnard earlier this year.
The Oxnard-based MiniNature Reserve has raised $55 from two donors with the crowdfunding program. The nonprofit took part in the Native Plant Fest in Oxnard earlier this year.

The Oxnard-based MiniNature Reserve aims to restore nature in urban environments through landscape projects that engage, educate and empower the local community. The organization does this by helping low-income communities create what's called "MiniNature Reserves" and "Community Nurseries." The nonprofit has raised $55 from two donors with the crowdfunding program. To read more about their work and donate, visit https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/organization/Downtown-Oxnard-Foundation.

The Ojai Unified School District Family Fund is participating in the 2022 A Community Thrives program. The family fund supports wellness of students and their families, including this bicycle giveaway in December 2020.
The Ojai Unified School District Family Fund is participating in the 2022 A Community Thrives program. The family fund supports wellness of students and their families, including this bicycle giveaway in December 2020.

Ojai Unified School District Family Fund has yet to raise funds through A Community Thrives program. Founded in fall 2019, the family fund supports wellness of students and their families with everything from bicycles and clothing to after-school care and fieldtrips. Through its 2021 Holiday Family Tree, the Ojai nonprofit gave out $17,000 in gift cards to families in need. To learn more about the Ojai district's family fund and to donate, visit https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/organization/Ojai-Unified-School-District-Family-Fund.

Donations to Ventura County's qualifying nonprofits must be made through the grant program to be eligible for additional funding opportunities. Recipients will be announced on Oct. 5. For more information, visit https://acommunitythrives.mightycause.com/giving-events/act22/home.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: 5 Ventura County nonprofits quality for Gannett grant, seek funds