A grant from The Build Coachella Valley Fund (BCVF) via Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is helping one non-profit organization beat the summer’s economic heat and make a difference in the lives of young people.
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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