Dreaming Forward: A Summit for Education Equity
IECF recently held its first Education Equity Summit in partnership with the Youth Mentoring Action Network and Congregations Organized for Prophetic Engagement (C.O.P.E). This event provided a valuable opportunity for participants to learn from leading education...
Rooted in Community: Ben Nate Leads the Way for AANHPI Equity in the Inland Empire
When we talk about community leadership, we’re talking about people who step forward because they’ve seen what needs to change—and they’re willing to help build the bridge to get us there. Ben Nate is one of those leaders. Ben is the inaugural chair of IECF’s newly...
CIELO Fund Grants $450,000 to 40 Organizations in 2025 Grants
The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity, or, CIELO Fund, at IECF announced $450,000 in its 2025 round of grant awards to 40 organizations serving the region. This brings the CIELO Fund’s total investment through its grantmaking, research, narrative change...
Grantee Spotlight: Grant helps Canine Support Teams make a difference
A tall and attentive doodle helps a homeowner pick up a newspaper that’s just been delivered and landed on the lawn. A yellow lab patiently waits for its human owner to provide a directive. A standard poodle graciously eases into the role of a PTSD service dog for a...
Grantee Spotlight: Wildfire Resilience Fund advances efforts of the nonprofit TreePeople
“Trees need people,” professes the nonprofit TreePeople. “And people need trees.” In the wake of the January 2025 Southern California wildfires, the statement holds even greater impact. Now, thanks to the League of California Community Foundations/Wildfire Resilience...
Grantee Spotlight: Grant allows TODEC to continue advocating for immigrants
In August 2023, Tropical Storm Hilary ripped through Coachella Valley, causing widespread flooding and damage, with the City of Palm Springs recording historic rainfall. In the aftermath, assistance came on many fronts and for many months. To that end, a Build...
Grantee Spotlight: Grant helps Rivers and Lands Conservancy expand public resources
To be sure, the January 2025 Southern California wildfires have put the entire state on alert. For Rivers & Lands Conservancy, a revered nonprofit that conserves and stewards a variety of open spaces, the challenges have varied these last few months. “We’ve taken...
Grantee Spotlight: Local journalist, Melissa Daniels, awarded IE Journalism Innovation Hub+Fund grant
Coachella Valley journalist Melissa M. Daniels is writing her way to a vibrant future. The freelancer for Coachella Valley Independent is benefitting from a recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation’s (IECF) IE Journalism Innovation Hub+Fund, which supports...
Grantee Spotlight: With new grant, Oswit Land Trust expands its focus and reach
A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation through the FitzDell Gifting Fund is providing new opportunities for volunteers and potential volunteers at Oswit Land Trust. David Paisley, Community Engagement Director and Deputy Director of Oswit Land Trust...
Grantee Spotlight: Grant helps Danza Azteca Citlaltonac expand its services
Danza Azteca Citlaltonac Indigenous Group and Nonprofit Organization is broadening its creative horizons. The Indigenous Coachella ceremonial group has long been a mission to provide safe, sacred, and healing space where participants can freely express themselves...
