Several nonprofits focused on supporting youth programs, shelter for the unhoused, the arts, and health and wellness causes saw double-digit revenue growth in Orange County over the 12 months ended June 30, according to the latest Business Journal data.
The 117 organizations surveyed by the Business Journal—with operations and headquarters in OC and annual revenue above $500,000—reported combined revenue increased 8.1% to $3.2 billion.
“Philanthropy in Orange County is vibrant and strong,” Wendy Arenson, executive director of the Jewish Community Foundation Orange County, which saw revenue jump 168% to nearly $44 million. “Our donors continue to give with tremendous generosity, using their donor-advised funds to support thoughtful, high-impact work.”
Of the organizations reporting data to the Business Journal, 33 showed revenue increasing 10% or more as of June 30. Two of the biggest jumps came from the Jewish Community Foundation and Arts & Learning Conservatory.
Arenson credited the 168% growth in revenue to “several exceptionally large contributions to donor advised funds, nonprofits and foundations investing their funds at JCFOC and legacy gifts to endowed funds.”
The Irvine-based nonprofit jumped from No. 36 in 2024 to No. 19.
Costa Mesa-based Arts & Learning Conservatory also saw a triple-digit jump, increasing revenue 151% to $4 million as of June 30. The No. 104-ranked organization, which provides performing arts education across Southern California, was founded by Debora Wondercheck.
The chief executive of the nonprofit told the Business Journal that revenue growth was driven by $2.1 million raised this past year to support the building of a 200-seat performing arts center in Costa Mesa. Two significant donations came from the Samueli Foundation ($125,000) and the Sun Family Foundation ($300,000).
“Through it, we will run classes, host meetings, events, performances, and gatherings, ensuring that the space remains active and community-centered,” said Wondercheck, who wrote this week’s Leader Board.
“Our growth reflects a clear alignment between our mission and the community’s willingness to invest in long-term youth development.”
Top-Ranked Nonprofits
The No. 1-ranked nonprofit on this year’s list, Sequoia Climate Foundation, is new to this year’s survey, with estimated revenue of $281 million (see page 57). It knocked off Think Together, which fell to the No. 2 slot this year, with revenue of $244.5 million as of June 30, up 4% from the prior year, same period.
Out of the $240 million increase on the list, Sequoia accounted for a third, $75 million.
Other notable gainers included Giving Children Hope, whose revenue increased 102% to $18.4 million, followed by Providence St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, up 53% to $20 million, and Habitat for Humanity of Orange County, up 39% to $20 million.
Cure Duchenne rose 46% to $13 million, while National Christian Foundation increased 31% to $177 million. Orange County Rescue Mission Inc. grew 26% to $31.6 million, Families Forward climbed 25% to $11.3 million and Orange County United Way and Providence St. Jude Memorial Foundation each reported 18% gains, to $33.9 million and $16.4 million, respectively.
No. 20-ranked Santa Ana-based Orangewood Foundation grew by 14% to $43.1 million.
Combined volunteers among the 117 organizations increased 6% to 125,537, while clients served declined 1%.
Banner Year of Giving for OCCF
It was another banner year for Orange County Community Foundation (OCCF), led for 25 years by CEO Shelley Hoss.
The No. 3-ranked nonprofit, one of the nation’s largest and fastest-growing community foundations, reported revenue growth of 9% to $232.7 million for the year ended June 30.
Hoss told the Business Journal that a combination of increased giving by OCCF donors and significant growth in investment earnings drove the $20 million increase.
“At the heart of the Orange County Community Foundation is a steadfast belief in the transformative power of community,” she said. “Our donors, through their thoughtful and strategic philanthropy, are catalysts for positive change, fostering vibrant, resilient communities in Orange County, across the country and around the world.”
OCCF connects donors to more than 650 charitable funds that they desire to support. Two weeks ago, at its annual meeting, the Irvine-based organization said it had awarded $125 million in grants and scholarships in fiscal year 2025—the largest amount awarded in a year in the organization’s 36-year history.
Declining Revenues
Of the largest nonprofits surveyed, 29 reported revenue declines, including Planned Parenthood of Orange and San Bernardino Counties, CHOC Foundation, Pacific Symphony, Richard Nixon Foundation, Pretend City Children’s Museum, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire and TGR Foundation.
Revenue at No. 31-ranked Pacific Symphony declined 8% to $22.5 million. Emily Rankin, vice president of development, told the Business Journal that for the first time in 30 years, the Irvine-based organization is experiencing its first non-pandemic-related deficit.
She said the board has taken immediate action by adopting “a new balanced operating budget” for the next fiscal year that included “reducing the level of risk by including cost-cutting measures, committing to growing revenue, managing expenses and tightening spending where necessary.”
“The organization is encouraged that it will erase its operating deficit from the support of its patrons and longtime donors,” said Rankin, adding that $50 million has already been secured during the quiet phase of its endowment campaign
No. 55-ranked Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County and the Inland Empire saw revenue drop by 8% to $11.3 million. Julia Rios, vice president of marketing, said a reduction in COVID-19-related government support primarily drove the year-over-year decline in revenue.
Research Director Desmond Celo contributed to this report.
