Photo courtesy of Tree People
IECF recently partnered with the League of California Community Foundations (LCCF) to regrant $90,000 in wildfire resilience funds across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Funding came through LCCF from the State of California Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), with a focus on supporting local organizations that help residents prepare for fire-related emergencies.
In alignment with our commitment to the Vital Conditions Framework and the essential condition of A Thriving Natural World, the grants bolstered efforts to reach communities that are often hardest hit and least resourced during climate-related events. These efforts prioritized older adults, people with chronic health conditions, families living on low incomes, and communities of color. Organizations used the funds for outreach, education, direct aid, and youth engagement.
This grantmaking work complements our broader role in the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program. As the RFFC block grantee for the Inland Empire, IECF is helping to coordinate a long-term regional strategy for wildfire and forest resilience. We are bringing together partners across sectors to identify shared priorities, strengthen the workforce, and expand access to public funding.
Grant Recipients and Outcomes
- Rivers & Lands Conservancy
Distributed more than 3,000 wildfire resilience guides and reached over 10,000 residents through online education and outreach. Download your copy of the California Native Plants and Fire Resilient Landscaping booklet. - TreePeople
Helped grow 2,000 bigcone Douglas-fir seedlings for reforestation in the San Bernardino Mountains and secured an additional $100,000 in public funding to support long-term efforts. - MySafe Riverside
Held a wildfire safety fair in Wildomar with over 400 attendees, supported HOA certification efforts, and expanded preparedness outreach to more than 1,500 homes. - Building Resilient Communities
Trained 68 community members through emergency preparedness workshops, distributed more than 1,200 disaster kits, and provided direct support to families impacted by wildfire. - Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA)
Reached over 1,600 homes with wildfire smoke safety information, launched a youth-led resilience project, and brought together 20 community members to form a new Northside Alliance.
Photo Courtesy of Rivers and Lands Conservancy
What We Heard from the Field
Grantees used local data, including the Healthy Places Index, to identify and reach at-risk populations. They also relied on community partnerships and direct outreach to build trust and meet people where they are.
Residents shared that this was often the first time they had received clear, accessible information or had a chance to engage in conversations about wildfire readiness. These interactions built trust, strengthened networks, and supported real community preparedness.
Looking Ahead
The organizations we supported through the LCCF grants are continuing to educate, organize, and respond, even with limited resources and growing need. We encourage you to visit their websites and look for opportunities to get involved! Your contributions, whether through volunteerism or financial support, will help us build a safer and more resilient region.
At IECF, we’re in this for the long haul. Through the RFFC program and other local partnerships, we work side by side with communities and nonprofits to prepare, adapt, and care for the places we all share. We’re fostering regional strength that grows through local knowledge, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of both people and the natural environment.
Green Trees and Blue Skies for the Next Generation
Whether your family has lived in the Inland Empire for decades or just planted roots, there are many ways to support a Thriving Natural World for future generations who will call our region home. A long-term investment helps protect the natural places, clean air, and safe communities that tomorrow’s children and grandchildren will depend on. Our Charitable Giving Team can help you shape a fund that reflects your priorities and supports local efforts to care for the region’s land, water, and people. Start the conversation today by emailing us at giving@iegives.org, or call 951-241-7777.
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