runDisney Celebrated Charity Spotlight: Anaheim Community Foundation

Anaheim Community Foundation is the celebrated charity of the 2024 Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend.

Hello, friends! My name is Janis Heckel, Executive Director of the Anaheim Community Foundation. ACF has been a part of my life for over 25 years, and I never imagined that one day I would be “running” this amazing organization. In 1995, I came to Anaheim to work in the community services department and quickly learned of the Foundation’s efforts to provide support to Anaheim residents in need. The all-volunteer Board of Directors provides leadership and dedicates hundreds of hours annually to address the needs of community members. Several of the Board members that I met in 1995 are still serving on the Board today and they inspired me to come out of retirement and lead this important organization! This continuity is what makes ACF unique—no one knows Anaheim like we do.

The Foundation raises monies throughout the year to fund our annual Helping Hands grant program which focuses on strengthening youth, veterans, senior citizens, and families through community-based organizations. Since inception, hundreds of thousands of dollars have been awarded to a diverse group of nonprofit organizations to fund vital programs with a wide range of impact. In 2023, over 30,000 Anaheim residents benefitted from a Helping Hands grant.

Throughout the year, I get to “run around” Anaheim to see the meaningful work being done by Helping Hands grantees – with so many generous Anaheim residents providing their time, talent and critical services for those less fortunate.

(Photo One: Swim Lesson Parent – “Because of ACF, my son learned to swim and is water safe. Thank you for the swim lessons.”)

(Photo Two: Anaheim City Librarian – “Thank you ACF for supporting the “Chess for Change” program provided for children living in low-income neighborhoods to increase academic improvement, enhance character development, and build cultural exchange.”)


In addition to the Helping Hands grants, I am beyond proud of the Foundation’s leadership of Accelerating Change Together (ACT) Anaheim, a collaboration of nonprofit partners focused on preparing youth to fulfill their potential. This year, we have been highly effective at addressing the impact of COVID-19 on our young people by bringing preventative mental health programs to Anaheim schools. Over 6,000 youth have participated in programs, activities, and services to improve their mental health.

When unanticipated events happen, our residents may receive support from the ACF Emergency Assistance Fund which provides one-time assistance to cover the cost of a utility bill, rent, car repair or funeral expenses. These funds, while often not large, can bridge the gap until additional resources are available.additional resources are available.

The Anaheim Community Foundation is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year and I am honored to serve as Executive Director. I hope all the members of Team Helping Hands feel appreciated, inspired by the great impact they have on Anaheim residents in need, and empowered that their efforts do make a difference.

Finally, it is an honor to be the Celebrated Charity and I am looking forward to a wicked weekend filled with spooktacular family-friendly fun during the Disneyland Halloween Half Marathon Weekend! Thank you to all our supporters—those who have donated to ACF for years and our newest contributors—for supporting the important work we do!

Janis Heckel - Executive Director, Anaheim Community Foundation