Celebrating 85 Years of Impact
In 1941, Charles Brouse established The Community Foundation to provide scholarships for local students attending Riverside City College. More than eight decades later, his vision has grown into something he could hardly have imagined. Today, the Inland Empire Community Foundation stewards $170 million in charitable assets, entrusted by generous donors to strengthen the lives of students, families, and communities across our region.
We are a Foundation of and for the community. In 2026, as we celebrate our 85th Anniversary, we honor the legacy that brought us here while looking boldly toward what comes next. Inspired by Charles Brouse’s vision, we will continue bringing people, passion, and resources together to build an even stronger Inland Empire for generations to come.
We are Here for Good. Are You?
Through the Here for Good Fund, IECF brings donors, nonprofits, advisors, and community leaders together to build a stronger Inland Empire where opportunity can flourish for generations.
As the cornerstone of IECF’s 85th Anniversary Campaign, the Fund provides the flexibility to respond to emerging needs, strengthen nonprofits, bring partners together, and invest in solutions that create lasting impact across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
What began as a scholarship fund to support students attending Riverside City College grew into a powerful force for change across two counties. This timeline traces IECF’s rapid expansion – and its rising ability to meet the Inland Empire’s evolving needs.
Riverside banker and civic leader Charles Emory Brouse, establishes The Riverside Foundation, an endowment supporting student access to Riverside City College.
Charles Brouse dies, leaving a legacy of philanthropy and a funding structure to grow over generations.
The foundation awards scholarships for students to attend Riverside City College and University of California, Riverside.
Philanthropist, civic leader and board president Peggy Fouke Wortz donates $4 million, the foundation’s largest gift to date (she died in 2008.)
The foundation launches a Youth Grantmakers program to cultivate philanthropy among young people.
Give BIG San Bernardino County and Give BIG Riverside County web-a-thons raise $953,000 for 426 nonprofits.
The foundation names Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds as chair of its board of directors, launches the Office of Policy & Engagement, and announces a slate of Signature Funds to address pressing issues in the region.
Nefertiti Long becomes chair of the IECF board of directors; former Board Chair Paulette Brown-Hinds, Ph.D. leads establishment of the IECF Journalism Innovation HUB + Fund; IECF holds its first Advocacy Day in Sacramento and launches the IE Giving Hub.
IECF convenes local leaders around the concept of Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being to create a platform for alignment and collaboration.
IECF receives $4.5 million gift from Jane Lykken Hoff, marking the largest-ever gift to the foundation; CIELO Fund reaches $2 million milestone; MECCA IE awards $2.2 million to 42 Black-led organizations.
Jesse Melgar becomes chairman of IECF board of directors; IECF and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services launch Inland Empire Down Payment Assistance Program with $1 million investment from US Bank; IECF launches the Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund with City of Riverside, San Bernardino County, and the Nonprofit Finance Fund; IECF Office of Policy & Engagement launches Inland Empire Legislator’s Roundtable; IECF launches Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Fund; IECF named among 11 host foundations of the Gubernatorial Candidate Forum at UCR.
IECF celebrates its 85th anniversary with ambitious goals; 85 new funds, $85 million in planned gifts, 85 professional advisors engaged, and $8.5 million raised for Signature Funds; IECF launches the Out in the IE Fund to support needs of the LGBTQ+ community and the Inland Empire Tribal Communities Empowerment Fund.
As part of our anniversary campaign, IECF aims to establish 85 new charitable funds, secure $85 million in planned gifts, partner with 85 professional advisors, and invest $8.5 million in Signature Funds. Together, these efforts will help ensure IECF remains a trusted partner, a community convener, and a catalyst for positive change — here for good.
Thank you for 85 years!
Our Signature Funds
Grantee Spotlights
Grantee Spotlight: Grant supports summer fun at Boys & Girls Club
A grant from The Build Coachella Valley Fund (BCVF) via Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is helping one non-profit organization beat the summer’s economic heat and make a difference in the lives of young people. Grant recipient The Boys...
Grantee Spotlight: Corona-based Herencia Mariachi Academy students shine on stage, elsewhere
HERENCIA Mariachi Academy, Inc. aims to inspire on many fronts, even with its acronym. HERENCIA stands for Heritage, Education, Reach, Encourage, Nurture, Culture, Inspire, and Accomplish. The academy, which recently received a grant via the CIELO...
Grantee Spotlight: Grant helps nonprofit spread the love to all animals
A significant grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) through the Todd Barajas Legacy Fund has become a valuable resource for Loving All Animals. The intrepid non-profit organization helps people connect with pets as much as it assists...
