Since the launch of the IE Black Equity Fund in July, the pooled fund has gathered community support from regional funders, corporate partners and individual donors that want to invest in programs that advance racial equity and anti-Black racism in the Inland Empire.
The IE Black Equity Fund was formed by the Black Equity Initiative of the Inland Empire (BEI), in partnership with IE Funders Alliance and the Inland Empire Community Foundation. It’s the first, regional pooled fund of its kind in the region and has a fundraising goal of $5 million over two years.
Recently the Foundation was contacted by organizations, including IEHP ($25,000), Western Wind Foundation ($25,000), United Way of the Inland Valleys ($5,000) and Alta Loma Enterprises ($5,000) that all made a commitment to contribute to the fund.
As corporate partners and individual donors come forward, the Black Equity Initiative and IE Funders Alliance, along with IECF, are also seeking multi-million, multi-year grants from regional funders that have a particular focus on San Bernardino and Riverside counties.
With support for the fund steadily growing donors can help move forward the collective work of Black-led organizations in the IE. All of these groups are focused on issues such as criminal justice reform, education attainment, youth empowerment, civic engagement and more.
Hear what our donors have to say about the IE Black Equity Fund:
“The IE Black Equity Fund is an important effort that will invest in Black-led organizations while also giving significant power to Black leaders to uplift their communities. At Alta Loma Enterprises, LLC, we believe in everyone getting a fair shot and encourage other businesses to unite around this fund.”
–Nefertiti Long, COO of Alta Loma Enterprises & IECF Board Secretary
“The Western Wind Foundation and I are especially proud to support the Inland Empire Black Equity Fund. The Fund will provide invaluable support to Black-led organizations and the communities they serve and, most importantly, focus on issues deemed most important by the Inland Empire’s Black Equity Initiative and community members. These efforts will go a long way to building true equity and inclusion in our region, and will make the Inland Empire a better place for everyone.”
–Jeremy Hobbs, CEO of Western Wind Foundation & IECF Board Member
For more information about the fund, or if you would like to make a gift, please visit www.iegives.org/ieblackequityfund.