08/22/2025
Project Understanding Joins Growing List of Nonprofits Forced to Shut down, Leaving a Lasting Legacy of Service
Ventura, CA — [August 21, 2025] — Project Understanding at San Buenaventura, a nonprofit organization that has faithfully served the community for decades, today announced its closure due to a combination of financial challenges, including funding cuts, a decline in donations, and rising operational costs brought on by inflation and the broader crippled economy. The uncertainty surrounding federal, state, and local funding due to budget freezes/cuts, also created a significant challenge, as well as the heightened differences surrounding current politics, changes in government policies, funding priorities, and public discourse.
As with many nonprofits, the organization has tirelessly struggled to continue its mission on limited and declining donations, while serving an unprecedented rise in demand for services. In the past five years they experienced more than a 2,000% increase in capacity and clients served. It went from serving 275 people per month to over 6,300 through its food pantry alone. Unfortunately, this surge in need was not matched by financial contributions, and the organization has not received the level of donations necessary to sustain their programs and operate at maximum capacity. According to the 2024 Nonprofit Finance Fund Survey, 36% of nonprofits ended the year with an operating deficit, which is the highest they have seen in 10 years.
“For decades, Project Understanding has been an important community partner in Ventura. Through times of great challenge, this organization continued to meet the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors with dignity and grace. While it is difficult to see their doors close, the City of Ventura is deeply grateful for the countless lives they have touched, and the legacy they leave behind,” stated Dr. Jeannette Sanchez-Palacios, City of Ventura Mayor. “On behalf of our city I extend a special thanks to the staff, volunteers, and supporters of Project Understanding for the unwavering dedication to our community.”
Since its founding, Project Understanding has provided critical support to thousands of individuals and families in Ventura County through programs such as their food pantry, K-5 tutoring programs, and first step services that assisted individuals to self-sufficiency.
“In 2017 while serving as the Board Chair, the organization was days away from closure due to severe financial challenges,” stated Jann Huling, Chief of Operations. “One of the most important decisions I faced at the time was taking on the responsibility of finding, and hiring, an Executive Director who could help save and stabilize the organization. I had the privilege of bringing in Brandy Beesley, and under her leadership Project Understanding moved from failing to thriving, she was able to build a foundation of strength and growth for an additional 8 years. However, despite the tireless work of staff, volunteers, and community partners, sustaining operations has become increasingly difficult in recent years.”
“This was an incredibly difficult decision for the organization” said Brandy Beesley, Executive Director. “Project Understanding has been a cornerstone of hope and support to those in need, and we are deeply grateful for the trust the community placed in us. Unfortunately, the financial realities we faced made it impossible to continue our programs at the standard of care and service our community deserves. Post covid, we noticed a significant decline in individual donations, which is many times the largest revenue source for nonprofits. For the past 8 years I have been humbled and blessed to witness a giving community who always pulled together, and who helped give a glimpse of hope to so many that faced a world full of uncertainty. I am saddened to say that even after scaling back on staffing costs, essential programs and overall expenses, the reduced revenue and rising costs of providing essential services, the organization can no longer continue its operations to its full potential.”
All remaining assets of the organization will be distributed to the Rescue Mission Alliance in Oxnard, ensuring that resources continue to serve the Ventura County community. Project Understanding is grateful for its relationship with the Rescue Mission, which has graciously volunteered to take on Project Understanding’s First Step clients and serve them to the best of their ability. All food pantry clients seeking assistance are encouraged to visit www.foodshare.com, where a list of hundreds of local pantries is available to connect families and individuals with ongoing food support.
“Over the past 7 years I could not ask for a better team to work with,” stated Project Understanding Board Chair, Jerry Jeffreys. “The selflessness that everyone showed on a daily basis to help serve our community is truly amazing. We did our absolute best, gave our all, but the fact is we could not continue to serve and be effective with the current factors and situation. This decision came only after all other options were exhausted and comes at a time where we have witnessed record numbers of families requiring support, so the decision was even more difficult. Thanks to all that set the groundwork for Project understanding 48 years ago, and we all stand proud knowing we did our best all the way to the end.”
On behalf of the clients and community they served, Project Understanding extends heartfelt gratitude to the many donors, volunteers, faith communities, local businesses, and nonprofit partners who have stood alongside its mission throughout the years. Their support has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals and families, and their impact will continue to be felt long after the organization’s doors close.
Point of Contact:
Brandy Beesley
Executive Director
[email protected]
