Jane Lykken Hoff was a Palm Springs pioneer and a trailblazing philanthropist who dedicated her life to charitable causes, including arts and culture, education, and environmental protection. In 2024, IECF was honored to receive a remarkable $4.5 million gift from her estate, the largest donation in the Foundation’s history.

Her legacy lives on through The Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment Fund, supporting four organizations she deeply cared about: College of the Desert Foundation, Palm Springs Historical Society, Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, and PBS SoCal.

“Jane’s commitment to philanthropy has made a lasting impact in our region,” said Michelle Decker, IECF President and CEO. “This donation will enable us to further her vision by funding organizations she loved and that uplift our communities in the Coachella Valley.”

The endowment fund will provide scholarships to veterans and nursing students at College of the Desert and benefit programming offered by the other three organizations.

Katherine and Greg Hough, executors of Lykken Hoff’s estate, say she believed in the power of community. “This gift ensures that her passion for giving back will continue to inspire future generations,” Katherine said. “We’re excited to see the positive impact this funding will bring to our region.”