IECF is pleased to announce a request for proposals for the Community Impact Fund (CIF)! Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply for up to $20,000 to strengthen their work that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and diversity in the communities they serve.
This request for applications launches IECF’s milestone journey of granting with an equity lens.
In March 2020, IECF adopted a focus on racial, gender, and economic equity. This focus will ensure its staff and Board reflect the communities it serves. In addition, IECF endeavors to offer grants that “build the voice and power of grantees to transform their communities.”
In order to “create a fairer Inland Empire,” 2021 CIF grants will explicitly support groups in Riverside and San Bernardino County that embrace and forward these ideals. The organization is using data that show where disparities exist in local communities to ascertain its grantmaking priorities. IECF is also actively listening to community members and the organizations that serve them to understand where there is a struggle to achieve safety, health, and prosperity.
“IECF wants to learn about organizations’ vision of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and their diversity, equity and inclusion journey, at whatever stage of development it may be,” IECF’s Senior Vice President, Grants and Community Impact, Cudiamat said.
In order to qualify, organizations must be a nonprofit, public benefit organization with evidence of tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and not classified as a private foundation. The organization must have an operating budget of $2 million or less. Applicants must not discriminate in the hiring of staff or in providing services on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability.
Grants awarded are unrestricted, for general operating costs and may support efforts that enable an organization to effectively carry out its mission by strengthening organizational capacity and infrastructure. The maximum request and award is $20,000 for one year.
Applications must be completed and submitted by midnight on January 17, 2022, and submitted through IECF’s online process. Nonprofits wanting to learn more about the granting process can attend a Technical Assistance Workshop on January 6, 2022.
Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. Applications will be screened for eligibility and completeness by IECF program staff. The Grant Committee will evaluate eligible applications and will forward grant recommendations to the IECF Board of Directors for final approval.
Funding priorities include the organization’s demonstration of a commitment to practicing and institutionalizing equity, diversity, and inclusion in governance, staffing, organization practices, and collaborative relationships. An organization’s mission, goals, and programming should address the critical needs of those most impacted by racial, gender, and economic inequity. These programs, services, and core activities should also be culturally and linguistically responsive to the needs of those served. The applicants should also demonstrate that clients, constituents, and individuals most impacted by inequities are involved in informing the organization’s strategies and work.
“Our community is stronger when voices from diverse, vulnerable, and isolated communities are lifted up,” Cudiamat said. “and when people have access to opportunities and resources and can participate in decision making to improve conditions and quality of life.”
Closing Date: January 17, 2022
Technical Assistance Workshop: January 6, 2022 from 4:00-5:00PM
Apply here
Phone: 951.241.7777