Dear Donors of the Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity (CIELO) Scholars Fund,

I would like to sincerely thank you for your contribution to not just my academic journey but to the other scholarship recipients as well. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

With your donations you are investing into the careers of our communities’ future Latino leaders and I applaud you for that.

As someone that comes from a low income household, receiving this scholarship will not only help lessen my financial stress but it also serves as a reminder that my hard work is recognized and supported.

I hope that you can continue to donate in order to support other students like me.

Once again from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Ivan Mendez-Perez

Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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July 16, 2026

Dear Donors of The Safe Schools Scholarship Fund,

Thank you very much for your generosity in providing me with a Safe Desert Cities scholarship! This money will help me pay for housing at California State University Fullerton, where I will be studying Biology.

I am not only grateful for this scholarship it helps me financially, but also because of the moral support I feel from Safe Schools for students in the LGBT community. I received such positive feedback at the award ceremony and also at the Pride Prom. What a wonderful group of people.

I believe my wish to someday help the LGBT community in the scientific and/or medical field helped me get this scholarship, and it is people like you that inspire me to do this.

Sincerely Yours,

Francesco Konopka
Twentynine Palms High School Class of 2026

Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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June 26, 2026

Dear donors of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Team Member Dependent Scholarship Fund:

I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the 2026 Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Team Member Dependent Scholarship Fund. I am writing to thank you for your generous financial support towards my academic endeavors.

I am a fourth year pharmacy student whose goal is to specialize in children’s medicine, emergency medicine, and critical care. I currently attend Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona and will graduate in 2027.

After graduation, I hope to pursue further education as a PGY1 resident at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. I am passionate about the health and well-being of children, and much of my activities reflect my dedication.I was the immediate past Community Service Director of the NCPA student organization at my school, in which I spearheaded free health fairs for community members in Pomona, Riverside, and the Inland Valley. In these health fairs, my classmates and I provided free health screenings, such as blood sugar and blood pressure testing, for children and adults. Beginning in 2025, I was fortunate enough to explore my interests in acute care research with Dr. Jignesh Patel, in which my team and I conducted research on the effects of diuretic medicines on fluid-congested and critically-ill patients.

Thank you again for your financial support. Your donation will greatly help me in achieving my academic and career goals. Earning the scholarship will allow me to focus all my energy into doing well in my classes, clinical experiences, and volunteer activities. Your generosity will help me reach my dream of helping children and their loved ones.

With gratitude,
Deanna Tuong
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate 2026A
Intern Pharmacist | Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Immediate Past Director of Community Service | NCPA Student Chapter
Western University of Health Sciences

Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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August 08 , 2026

Dear donors of the California Retired Teachers Association,

I am writing to express my deepest appreciation for your generous support through this scholarship. Receiving this award from the California Retired Teachers Association is an incredible honor and an immense source of motivation for me. It will allow me to focus solely on my studies, relieving my financial burdens and enabling me to dedicate more time to learning. In preparation for my future career in education.

Your investment in my studies means the world to me, especially considering the dedication and commitment of the educators in our Palm Springs community. I am truly grateful for your kindness and for helping future generations achieve their dreams.

Thank you once again for your support and for being a hope for those aspiring to succeed.

Sincerely,

Students can apply for this and other IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity (CIELO) Fund

The notable achievement further fuels the Fund’s efforts to assist Latino-led and Latino-serving organizations across the region. Thus far, the annual grants have supported more than 22 organizations in their education and civil rights, housing, wellbeing, and additional efforts within Latino communities across the region.

IECF made note of these achievements at our annual CIELO Fund brunch on Oct. 3 at the RCOE Conference Center in Riverside, where attendees celebrated the Fund’s efforts and ongoing commitment to the community.

“The CIELO Fund’s impact is just beginning and what this year has shown is that the momentum and need for this kind of work is only growing,” said Jesse Melgar, Board Chair of the Inland Empire Community Foundation and Founder and Chair of the CIELO Fund. “That is evidenced in the more than $5.5 million we’ve raised to date and the investments we continue to raise from supporters in philanthropy, government, education, and local donors.”

Launched in 2022 as a Signature Fund celebrating the Foundation’s 80th Anniversary, the Fund’s key areas of focus include grantmaking, research, scholarships and narrative change. Its main goal is to invest in organizations, initiatives, and ideas led by—and assisting—Latinos in the Inland Empire.

There was plenty of other good news to share at the recent brunch.

State senators Sabrina Cervantes and Eloise Gómez Reyes have secured $1.5 million in the state budget for the CIELO Fund, and attended the event for a formal presentation. The Fund also launched a media partnership with outlet L.A. TACO, an award-winning, independent digital media platform and L.A. news publication. The result is I.E. TACO, which will provide meaningful coverage about the region.

The CIELO Fund Research & Civic Leadership Initiative was also announced, noting a unique three-year partnership with the UC Riverside School of Public Policy. It will include a Latino Pulse Survey of registered voters in the region, an original report each year, and launch the Cervantes Gómez Reyes Civic Policy Fellowship for policy students to work with local organizations.

One standout at the recent event was the Ofelia Valdez Yeager (Ofie) Awards, which recognized individuals and organizations who have made significant contributions to advancing the IE’s Latino community. The award was named after Valdez Yeager, the founder of the Riverside Latino Network, who passed away several years ago.

Valdez Yeager was the first Latina elected to the RUSD Board of Education as well as the capital campaign chair who brought the Cheech Marin Center for Chicano Art and Culture to life. As the first $5,000 private donor to the CIELO Fund before it formally launched, Valdez Yeager’s influence generated positive ripple effects in the region.

Melgar continues to steer the Fund’s focus with a mix of passion and vision, and recent milestones will certainly spark greater impact.

“Senators Sabrina Cervantes and Eloise Gómez Reyes have long fought to bring state resources home, and this $1.5 million investment will help the CIELO Fund put more resources directly into the hands of organizations doing critical work across our region,” he said. “It will also allow us to expand our research through a new initiative with UC Riverside School of Public Policy, strengthen our grantmaking, and tell a fuller story about who we are and what we are building here through partnerships with outlets like KVCR, the Los Angeles Times, and IE TACO through LA TACO.”

He added that founders created  the CIELO Fund because they believed the Inland Empire deserves to invest in local talent, tell its own story, and shape its own future.

“Senators Cervantes and Gómez Reyes are helping us do exactly that,” he shared.

Regional Latino leaders comprise the Leadership and Grantmaking Committee. More than 300 foundations, companies, colleges, universities, organizations, and individuals have supported the CIELO Fund directly.

The fund awarded more than $550,000 to 22 nonprofits and other partners serving Riverside and San Bernardino counties in 2026. In four years, the Fund has awarded over $1.7 million in grantmaking, research, narrative change, and scholarships that uplift the Inland Empire’s Latino community.

This year’s grantees span a vast spectrum of nonprofits generating positive change or providing key services in the area. Ives Torres Foundation, The Microenterprise Collaborative of Inland Southern California, San Gorgonio Pass Community Foundation, Casa Blanca Home of Neighborly Services, Rotary Club of Coachella East, and Galán Cultural Center are among the grantees this year. Since its inception, the fund has significantly fueled significant research, narrative changes, and ongoing scholarships in an effort to uplift IE’s Latino community.

Learn more at iegives.org/cielofund

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Click to Download

As a valued supporter of IECF’s mission, we’re excited to share our Giving Guide!

Your partnership fuels positive change, and the Giving Guide is designed to help you navigate the various ways your charitable contribution can make a difference.

Our region is in need. Your support is pivotal. Since the Inland Empire receives limited funds from major foundations, you stand on the frontline, ensuring crucial resources for education, healthcare, civic engagement, housing, and more.

Imagine the relief a young mother feels when she turns the key and steps into a safe, clean apartment where her children can grow, play and thrive. Or the sheer, exuberant joy of a high school graduate tossing his cap into the air – knowing a scholarship has paved the way for a college degree that once seemed unattainable.

Now, picture conversations with family around the dinner table as you talk about the life-changing gifts you’ll give next year, and the following year, and for generations to come.  As you realize your generosity is making dreams come true, you’ll also have the enormous satisfaction of creating a lasting legacy.

Inside these pages, you’ll meet donors like the Webb Family, Jack Fitzimmons and Walter Gendell, Randall Lewis, Peggy Fouke Wortz and Aaron Norris. Each of these IE residents has matched a personal passion with a charitable giving tool to create the change they want to see in our community.

With an esteemed legacy of $169 million in grants and scholarships over 85 years, IECF knows how to simplify philanthropy. Explore the guide to witness our commitment and leverage our expertise. Our dedicated staff is poised to align your giving with meaningful, lasting impact. You can email us at giving@iegives.org, or call 951-241-7777.

Stay informed about all the work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter today!

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Today, that philosophy shapes how he advises clients on charitable giving. Shimoff helps individuals and families align their philanthropic goals with long-term financial and estate planning, creating legacies with IECF to strengthen the communities they call home.

As an IECF Professional Advisor Champion, Shimoff encourages clients to consider local philanthropy whenever it aligns with their goals. He values IECF as a trusted partner that offers the expertise, flexibility, and stewardship needed to help donors make a lasting difference throughout the Inland Empire.

“IECF knows what they’re doing, and they do it well,” he says. Shimoff’s confidence in the Foundation began more than two decades ago when donor advised funds first caught his attention. Curious about how they worked, he established one himself. “I really liked it,” he says. “It performed exactly as advertised.”

Since then, he has recommended donor advised funds to many clients because they simplify charitable giving while offering the flexibility to support causes over time. For Shimoff, partnering with IECF allows him to do more than help clients achieve their charitable objectives. It connects them to opportunities that strengthen the Inland Empire and helps build a lasting culture of local philanthropy.

More than 20 years after first working with IECF, Shimoff still values the foundation’s professionalism, community knowledge, and commitment to serving the region. In many ways, he says, IECF reflects the lesson that first inspired him decades ago: find a need and fill it. As IECF celebrates its 85th anniversary with the theme “Here for Good,” Shimoff explains his enduring partnership simply: “I’m here for good because IECF meets my clients’ needs.”

PAC Champions are recognized for their commitment to the Foundation and the region. To become a Champion, an advisor establishes an endowment or a fund in their own name or in the name of their family, or refers a client who then establishes an endowment or fund at  Inland Empire Community Foundation. Learn more by visiting iegives.org/advisors/.

This story originally appeared in our 2025/2026 Annual Report.

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CIELO Fund committee members at 2025 celebration event

The Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity (CIELO) Fund has launched a region-strengthening collaboration made possible with generous support from The James Irvine Foundation and the Latino Community Foundation (LCF).

The James Irvine Foundation, an early and longtime champion and funder of the CIELO Fund, is investing $150k as part of this partnership. The Latino Community Foundation, a deeply rooted partner in the region, is adding $20k to the CIELO Fund’s work, which the CIELO Fund will match, bringing the total nonpartisan civic engagement investment this summer to nearly $200k. The grantmaking aims to build civic power and generate greater impact across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

This impact and further advancing locally driven, nonpartisan civic engagement initiatives across the region is important, say the funds’ leaders. The result will directly support nonprofit organizations working to increase nonpartisan civic participation, civic information, strengthen community leadership, and ensure Inland Empire residents have a greater, perhaps louder, voice in shaping the important decisions that affect their communities.

“The Inland Empire is home to one of the largest and fastest-growing Latino populations in California, yet too often our communities remain underrepresented in civic life and public decision-making,” said Jesse Melgar, Board Chair of IECF and founder of the CIELO Fund.

“This partnership with The James Irvine Foundation and the Latino Community Foundation is an investment in local leadership and lasting civic infrastructure,” he added. “Together, we’re helping ensure that Inland Empire residents not only have a seat at the table, but the opportunity to help decide the future of our region.”

“The Inland Empire is one of the fastest growing and most diverse regions in California, and its residents deserve access to clear, nonpartisan information,” said Don Howard, President and CEO of The James Irvine Foundation. “We’re proud to partner with the Latino Community Foundation and the CIELO Fund to put resources directly into the hands of community organizations, both new and established, that know how to reach people where they are. When residents have good, trustworthy information, they have more power to shape the future of their own communities.”

LCF CEO Julián Castro added that when Latinos can fully participate in democracy, the outcome is “a stronger future for everyone.”

“As a funder in the region since 2020, we’re proud today to deepen our investment in the Inland Empire, building the next generation of leaders, organizers, and changemakers,” he said. “This partnership with the CIELO Fund and the Inland Empire Community Foundation will help build a future where civic power is in the hands of the people.”

The unique partnership illuminates a shared commitment to strengthening civic health and invest in the long-term leadership of Latino communities in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. To that end, funding will help support nonpartisan voter information guides on KVCR’s website, a community forum focused on the education around the ballot measures, community outreach, nonpartisan civic education, leadership development, and capacity-building efforts that enable local organizations to engage residents year-round.

“We’re grateful to Irvine and LCF for their investments,” said Michelle Decker, President and CEO of the IECF. “The organizations leading this work understand their communities, have earned trust, and know how to connect residents to the issues that matter most to them. This funding will help strengthen civic participation across the Inland Empire and support local leadership that reflects the people and communities it serves.”

The efforts mark yet another milestone for the CIELO Fund. Since its launch in 2022, the fund has supported more than 150 local nonprofits. By employing strategic grantmaking, research, scholarships, and narrative change initiatives, the CIELO Fund has invested more than $2.5 million directly into Riverside and San Bernardino county-based organizations with a goal of helping make the region thrive.

Irvine has continued to focus on the region through its Priority Communities initiative, making millions of investments in the region for years.

Meanwhile, LCF has grown into one of the nation’s leading Latino philanthropies, continuously investing in organizations that build civic and economic power in California and beyond. The partnership represents a shared vision—that lasting change begins with strong local leadership and sustained community investment.

Coming up: the CIELO Fund invites supporters to attend its annual brunch in celebration of scholars and grantees. The 2026 event will be held on Saturday, October 3 at the RCOE Conference Center, 4280 Brockton Drive in Riverside. Tickets are $50 per person. Learn more and RSVP at iegives.org/cielofund.

Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Now celebrating its 85^th Anniversary, the Foundation serves both Riverside and San Bernardino counties with a mission to create a region where everyone thrives – no exceptions. Visit iegives.org or email giving@iegives.org for more information on how you can create a fund to support the causes you care about.

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Grant recipient The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs is using resources distributed by IECF to fuel its extensive summer programming.

“The timing of the grant was so perfect,” said Margaret Keung, CEO and executive director of the organization. “Summer is very busy for us, and every penny is helpful.”

The grant immediately supports the organization’s Triple Play Initiative, thereby fueling its extensive summer camp program.

“Summer is one of the most extensive times of the year for us, because young people attend the club full-time when school was out,” Keung said. “But our summer classes increase costs—everything from gas, utilities, program supplies, and transportation for things like field trips. You name it. It triples.”

She added the grant also helps the organization strengthen its programming and make it possible to support the kids it serves—kids who typically spend more time at the club in summer.

“The resources even help us deal with meal insecurity,” Keung said, “because even though schools are closed, children still need to eat, and we feed them. This place also acts a cooling center. Many of these kids might stay home during the summer, when it’s hot, but at home, the AC might not always work.”

Keung also noted that during summer, the organization serves up to 300 or more young people.

Between the summer programs, and childrens, teen, and health and wellness centers, the organization’s reach and impact continue to stretch far and wide. Other programs stand out, too, of course, such as the Arts Programs, which helps foster creativity in young people, providing unique outlets for self-expression.

Other core programs include the Keystone Club for ages 14 to 18 and the Torch Club (ages 11 to13). The leadership development activities offered here are cornerstones to broader personal developments.

Collectively, these programs enhance and stoke leadership abilities, and help build strong character and integrity for youth.

In terms of funding, Keung cited the importance of grants and other fundraising efforts that take place throughout the year.

“We are fully self-funded,” she said. “We do not rely on a single source of government funding or our national headquarters to keep our doors open. We’re community invested.”

So is the BCVF.

Launched in 2023, the fund supports what is considered to be the critically urgent social, environmental, and economic resilience of the Coachella Valley. Timely in that progress is needed on many fronts in the region, the hope is that lasting change will arrive from wisely investing collectively in effective, mission-driven organizations that uplift wellbeing and also build prosperity for all residents.

To be sure, The Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs also strives to serve the region the best way it can. It began as the Boys Club of Palm Springs, guiding and providing mentorship for boys in the Palm Springs Area. History buffs may appreciate the fact that beloved Palm Springs resident and entertainer Desi Arnaz once held a fundraising party at the Indian Wells Western Hills Hotel where the likes of Lucille Ball, Dean Martin and Walter Winchell cavorted among one another.

The funds raised at the event helped build the organization’s clubhouse, which is now known as the Children’s Center. It still serves as the main clubhouse today.

Keung’s love of the organization shines through. Every day, she says, offers something new to appreciate—and observe. Like the lingering aftereffects of the pandemic.

“COVID certainly changed things for all of us, but I can see it in the kids needing more help, and I don’t think the parents always know how to help them,” she said. “That’s why here at the club, we’re putting money aside to help with training for employees, which we’re very selective about—from lifeguards to staff—because mentorship comes into play for these kids.

“A lot of times these kids don’t talk to their parents,” she added, “but they will talk to the mentors here. Sometimes, they can connect with me better.”

Looking ahead, the calendar is full. Save the date: On Oct. 25, the club is hosting a bash dubbed “Be a Hero for Kids.” The Halloween-themed event will celebrate the nonprofit’s 2026 honorees. It takes place from 4:30-7 p.m. at the Hilton Palm Springs. All proceeds will benefit the club’s youth.

Donations and volunteer opportunities abound. Keung encourages people to visit the organization’s website.

Learn more at bgcps.org.

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, August, 2026.

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The academy, which recently received a grant via the CIELO Fund at Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), has long been preserving mariachi heritage in the region through education, cultural pride, and community connections. Inspiring children to develop a set of musical skills and preserving a valued tradition for future generations also comes into play.

The IECF grant will further help HERENCIA with those efforts as it continues helping local children find a safe haven while also gaining deeper understandings and appreciation for mariachi music.

“We are always grateful when community partners can support us because it continues to help us keep our doors open to provide mariachi music lessons and inspiration at a very low cost,” said Teresa Serrano, HERENCIA co-founder and executive board member. “When you break it down into the amount of time that we give our kids, I think that every student here represents one less child that’s out there doing things that they shouldn’t be doing.”

“The impact is great,” she added, “and we’re happy to be able to continue providing services to these youth in so many ways.”

The nonprofit’s main mission is to offer a well-rounded education that helps children learn lifelong skills and reassure their value in local communities. By offering a diverse music programs, youth can be steered to a more promising future.

In addition to a series of level-based classes, students can get instruction on the traditional mariachi instruments, depending on enrollment and placement. These include everything from trumpet, violin, and guitar to guitarrón, vihuela, and voice.

Founded a decade ago by Eddie Nuñez and Serrano, Nuñez took on the role of president of the academy. Mariachi Legend Rafael Palomar is the intrepid musical director/maestro.

“When our children were younger, Eddie and I said, ‘Hey, we’re driving all the way to Orange County for lessons. Why don’t we start looking into possibly opening the doors here,’” Serrano said of those early days, noting that overall, the experiences children receive goes “beyond music.”

“It’s the sense that we’re impacting the ability for children to connect and discover themselves,” she said. “There’s a lot that revolves around academic impact, social skills, confident development, and self-confidence.

“Then there’s the music, which does something to you more than many folks can imagine,” she added. “And with the way technology has been, we’re losing that element of social skills. So, just seeing youth interact amongst themselves and really empower each other here is priceless.”

Mark the calendars: Sept. 12 is HERENCIA’s “Summer Concert at Dos Lagos” in Corona. Dubbed a night of “music, pride, and heritage,” it’s an opportunity to see how students have advanced and appreciate their talents.

“Every ticket that is sold to the summer concert means that people support the academy,” Serrano said. “Which helps us continue providing these services and keeping our doors open.”

Overall, Serrano feels a sense of pride and accomplishment having been with the organization since its inception. There have been challenges (learning how to fundraise) and victories (watching her own children thrive in the program and seeing the nonprofit take off).

Mostly, she’s thrilled to have witnessed many of the youth “bloom.”

“So many students grew into their confidence,” she said. “And it’s not an easy thing to go on stage so young and perform and sing. And even now… I was watching some of them being interviewed by Telemundo at an event in Sacramento. Just listening to them, and how they vocalized themselves and talked in front of the camera, is remarkable. We’re really watching them shine.”

Learn more at herenciamariachiacademy.com.

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, July, 2026.

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