Women’s Giving Fund
The Women’s Giving Fund (WGF) was established in 2017 to educate women about philanthropy and to provide grants to nonprofit organizations in the Inland Empire that address critical quality-of-life issues for women.
The Women’s Giving Fund empowers donors to deepen their understanding of women’s economic security, channel their philanthropy toward transformative initiatives benefiting women and children, and harness the collective strength of collaborative giving to drive lasting social change.
Rooted in the Vital Conditions Framework, grants from the Women’s Giving Fund catalyze systemic change by empowering women and their families across the Inland Empire, fostering long-term well-being and resilience for all women to thrive.
To support the Women’s Giving Fund and help uplift women and their families in the IE, make a gift today.
How does the Women’s Giving Fund make an impact?
- By understanding the state of the community we serve
- By using research to identify and fund the most vital areas of need
In 2024, the Women’s Giving Fund commissioned a study to gain a deeper understanding of the status of women in the Inland Empire. Using the Vital Conditions Framework, the study examines the key factors that enable people and communities to thrive, such as access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities. The report was released at our annual Women’s Giving Fund Spring Fling, March 23, 2025. The study explored how Inland Empire women’s well-being compares nationally and globally, how experiences differ across counties, and what it truly means to be thriving, struggling, or suffering in our region.
What we know is this: when people have what they need to live healthy, stable lives, communities grow stronger. But when these vital conditions are broken or unavailable, people struggle, and the need for urgent services grows. Over time, this cycle drains resources and makes it even harder to create lasting change. This study will help us move beyond quick fixes and focus on long-term solutions that build a fairer, more thriving Inland Empire. We all have a role to play in shaping a future where women and their families can reach their full potential.
Impact Highlights
Since our grantmaking began in 2018, the Women’s Giving Fund has distributed over $320,000 to nonprofits benefitting women and families in the Inland Empire. Grants have allowed families to transition into stable housing, increased women’s employability skills, helped them remain clean and sober, and offered continuing education. Our grantmaking has included:
- Safety and Wellbeing: In 2026, WGF granted $45,000 to NORA, House of Ruth, and Shelter From the Storm to support women and children facing domestic and/or sexual violence.
- Transitional Support: Foothill Family Shelter received $10,000 in 2026 to bolster their housing program and community help desk, aiding those moving towards stable, independent living.
- Life Empowerment: In 2023, the WGF distributed $18,400 to The CARE Project, Inc and Soroptimist International (Montclair/Inland Valley), supporting initiatives from breast cancer survivor services to educational awards for women pursuing new career opportunities. In 2025, Inspire Life Skills received $15,000 to support young women exiting the youth foster system, helping to break the cycle of poverty and homelessness.
Through the power of collective philanthropy, this work creates a more equitable and supportive environment for women across the Inland Empire.
2026 WGF Grantees:
- 2026 – Foothill Family Shelter – $10,000
- 2026 – House of Ruth – $15,000
- 2026 – NORA – $15,000
- 2026 – Shelter From the Storm – $15,000
WGF Grantees Through the Years
- 2018 – Purple Hearts $15,000
- 2019 – Moses House Ministries $15,000
- 2020 – House of Ruth $2,500
- 2020 – Foothill Family Shelter $2,500
- 2020 – Moses House Ministries – $5,000
- 2021 – Society of Extraordinary Women – $10,000
- 2021 – Time for Change Foundation – $5,000
- 2021 – Corona Life Services – $5,000
- 2022 – A Better Way – $10,000
- 2022 – House of Ruth – $10,000
- 2022 – Inspire Life Skills – $10,000
- 2023 – Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center – $15,000
- 2023 – The CARE Project, Inc. – $10,000
- 2023 – Foothill Family Shelter – $10,000
- 2023 – Soroptimist International, Montclair/Inland Valley – $8,400
- 2024 – Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center – $15,000
- 2024 – San Antonio Regional Hospital Foundation – $15,000
- 2024 – Women of Worship and Warfare International – $15,000
- 2025 – Corona-Norco United Way – $15,000
- 2025 – Inspire Life Skills – $15,000
- 2025 – Soroptimist International of Corona – $10,000
- 2025 – UC Riverside’s Center for Community Solutions – $15,000
Women of Achievement
In 2023, we launched the Woman of Achievement award to recognize leaders in Riverside and San Bernardino counties who are making a lasting impact. Our Women of Achievement honorees are nominated by their peers and selected for their vision and their ability to build a more equitable future for women and families in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Each receives a grant to give to the women-serving nonprofit of their choice. In 2026, we expanded the awards to honor three women in the categories of Business, Community and Nonprofit/Government Leadership. (Photo: Candice Shirk, Sabrina Gonzalez, 2026 Awardees. Not shown: Vivian Shaw)
2026 Women of Achievement
- Vivian Shaw: Retired Chair of the RIMS Scholarship Foundation, recognized for her lifelong dedication to education and student success.
- Candice Shirk: Director of Miss Candice’s Dance Center, honored for her work in empowering youth through the arts.
- Sabrina Gonzalez: Executive Director of the Civil Rights Institute of Inland California, celebrated for her advocacy for justice and inclusion.
2025 Woman of Achievement
- Debbie Cannon: President and CEO of the Academy for Grassroots Organizations. Debbie was honored for her legacy of strengthening local nonprofits and her unwavering support for community leaders.
2024 Woman of Achievement
- Dr. Gwen Dowdy-Rodgers: Trustee of the San Bernardino County Board of Education. Dr. Dowdy-Rodgers was recognized for her inspirational leadership and her work in elevating educational opportunities for all students.
2023 Woman of Achievement
- Jennifer O’Farrell: Our inaugural honoree and former Chief External Affairs Officer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County & the Inland Empire. Jennifer was celebrated for her entrepreneurial spirit and her passion for mentorship and social impact.
We are also grateful that this fund has grown through the generous support of new donors, and we look forward to more events and outreach to bring more IE women into philanthropy.
Nefertiti Long – Women’s Giving Fund, Chair
To learn more about the Fund, download the Women’s Giving Fund PDF
Women’s Giving Fund Committee
Nefertiti Long, Chair
Chief Operating Officer,
Alta Loma Enterprises
Susan Freeman
CEO & Founder
Freeman Means Business™
Felicia Alexander
Board Trustee
San Bernardino City Unified School District
Rosie Lewis
Corporate Marketing Manager,
Lewis Group of Companies
Liliana Andriani
Owner,
Angel Jewelers
Margeaux F. Mernick, Esq.
Founding Partner,
Mernick Law
Lynn Bogh Baldi
IECF Emeritus Committee Chair
Lisa Nashua, MSLM, PhD
Friends of Fullerton College Foundation
Contact:
Claudia Preza, CSPG
Giving Officer, Riverside
cpreza@iegives.org
Brie Griset Smith, CSPG
Chief Development Officer
bgrisetsmith@iegives.org