Community Foundation Announces More Assistance to People With Critical Needs, When They Need It

Every Grant for Assistance Must be Repaid – With two Acts of Kindness

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 27, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When a Los Angeles mother of three escaped an abusive husband, she had no money and nowhere to go.  A local nonprofit found her a temporary apartment, but it was too cramped and unfit for her family to live in.  Fortunately, a gift of $4,300 from two anonymous donors to an extraordinary charitable fund turned her life around in just 72 hours.  She was quickly able to pay the security deposit and first and last month's rent for an apartment in which she and her children could truly start a new life.  To express her gratitude, she passes along the act of kindness by embroidering tablecloths and linens to give to neighbors and others who could use them.

This is how the Pass it Along Fund at the California Community Foundation works, and it has changed the lives of more than 1,000 domestic violence victims, disabled adults, people who have lost jobs or homes, and others faced with a critical and urgent need in Los Angeles County.

In order to extend the fund's limited resources to meet the flood of immediate and critical needs, the California Community Foundation (CCF) has announced it is contributing $500,000 to the Pass It Along Fund and asking for donations in any amount from the public.

According to its founding principles, the fund requires that 100 percent of monies received by CCF go directly to assist people in the L.A. community with a critical and urgent need within 72 hours of a request, and with as little paperwork as possible.  The only obligation for recipients of financial assistance is to "pass along" two acts of kindness to others.

"More than 40 nonprofit organizations are partners of ours and recommend clients they believe have a critical and urgent need," said Antonia Hernandez, president and CEO of CCF.  "Over $1.4 million has been distributed in one-time assistance of $100 to $5,000 to qualified individuals.  The acts of kindness that have resulted are countless."    

For more information or to make a contribution today to the Pass it Along Fund, please visit www.calfund.org/pia.

California Community Foundation (CCF) is a public, charitable organization serving Los Angeles County since 1915.  It encourages philanthropy by individuals, families, companies and organizations, and serves as a steward of their charitable funds and legacies.  It also makes grants to nonprofits and collaborates in addressing the needs of vulnerable members of the community.  In addition, it engages in community problem solving with business, civic, government and other organizations.  For more information, visit www.calfund.org or follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/calfund.

Media Contact: Barbara Lee
Phone:  (213) 413-4130 ext 258
E-mail:  [email protected]

SOURCE California Community Foundation