OCCF Announces $178,500 in Grants from the African American Alliance Fund

Total granting has reached more than $800,000 since the Fund’s inception in 2020.

IRVINE, Calif.(June 19, 2024) — Communities throughout Orange County, Calif. and surrounding regions have benefited from grants awarded through the African American Alliance Fund (AAAF) at the Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF). In celebration of Juneteenth 2024 and the Fund’s fourth anniversary, OCCF is announcing grants totaling $178,500 to 28 organizations, bringing the total granted since inception to more than $800,000 in support of 71 nonprofit organizations.

Each year, OCCF assembles a committee to review select proposals for funding based on AAAF’s priority areas of education, health, human services, economic opportunity, and civic engagement. 2024 grantees include: 100 Black Men of Los Angeles, Advancing the Seed, Advocates for African American Elders, Anointed Feet Dance School, Boss Programs, Bridge Builders Foundation, Cayenne Wellness Center and Children’s Foundation, Center for Family Health Initiative, Children Youth and Family Collaborative, Dominique Becton Film & Acting Academy, Forgotten Children, Inc., Crop Swap LA, Mervyn M. Dymally African American Political and Economic Institute, NAACP Orange County, National Black MBA Association – Los Angeles Chapter, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Orange County Chapter, National College Resources Foundation, Need 4 Bridges, Nehemiah Project LA, New Hope Presbyterian Church, Peer Voices of Orange County, Project Impact – CSU San Bernardino Philanthropic Foundation, San Gabriel Valley Section of the National Council of Negro Women, The California Association for Community Engagement and Wellness Services, The Enlightened Mentor Project, Thomas House Family Shelter, Tubman Till Foundation, and Urban Excellence.

“New Hope Presbyterian Church is grateful to receive this award from the African American Alliance Fund,” said Reverend Chineta Goodjoin. “This grant goes a long way in helping us to establish a Historically Black Youth Orchestra in Orange County, and we are excited to be a part of a collective vision in partnership with the African American Alliance Fund that advances the cause of racial equity and justice in Orange County.

Last year OCCF granted $163,500 to 20 organizations through the Alliance Fund. AAAF grantees have educated and supported Orange County’s Black communities – connecting them with vital resources for their benefit. The 2024 grantees include organizations that reapplied for funding and new organizations that have met specific eligibility criteria. Grantees have exemplified the AAAF mission by investing in the success of underrepresented and diverse communities.

In addition to granting, the AAAF holds community gatherings that connect OC and LA based organizations focused on racial equity and education. The AAAF hopes to serve as a convener in the county, building on the relationships with grantees to create a supportive community of Black-led and Black-serving organizations.

For more information about previous and current African American Alliance Fund grantees, please visit https://www.oc-cf.org/AAAF.

About Orange County Community Foundation 
The Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF) combines giving strategy, community intelligence, enduring relationships, and heartfelt intention to amplify the power of giving and its profound result: greater good in Orange County, and beyond. We serve as a resource for individual and family philanthropists, facilitate grant and scholarship programs, and lead community-based initiatives. We inspire giving and connect people and resources to create sustainable impact, granting more than $1 billion since 1989 in Orange County, across the country, and around the world. For more information, visit oc-cf.org or call (949) 553-4202. Be a part of our conversation on Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram. View OCCF’s 2023 annual report here.