With enthusiastic support from the community, IECF awarded $15,000 to three nonprofits through its Lift Up Local program. From November 27-December 31 the community was invited to support their favorite charities for a chance to win a $5,000 grant. At the end of the program, IECF received over 11,000 nominations!
The winning organizations are:
Animal Friends of the Valleys, Lake Elsinore, CA ($5,000): Animal Friends of the Valleys is dedicated to promoting the humane care of animals through education and a humane, proactive animal services program. The organization is also committed to preventing the suffering of animals and to ending pet overpopulation in the communities they serve.
Steps 4 Life Community Services, Redlands, CA ($5,000): Steps 4 Life’s mission is to empower individuals and families to receive the necessary training, education, and life-skills to re-enter society as positive individuals to community. Steps 4 Life serves many populations, including: veterans, homeless, domestic violence victims, those recovering from substance use and mental health disorders, victims of sex trafficking, and individuals who are re-integrating from the legal system.
Friends of the College of the Desert Library, Palm Desert, CA ($5,000): This organization promotes support for literature and libraries within the Coachella Valley and raises funds to benefit the College of the Desert Library.
“As you can imagine it takes a lot of support to help feed and care for these loving pets,” said Beth Soltysiak, Director of Development for Animal Friends of the Valleys. “We are honored to be awarded this grant.”
The winning organizations were selected through a random drawing. A combined total of 522 entries was submitted for the charities during the nomination period.
“As nonprofits continue to be impacted by the COVID-19 crisis, we are encouraged by the outpouring of support from the community and the 11,000 nominations we received through the Lift Up Local program,” said Michelle Decker, IECF CEO. “Congratulations to all three of the recipient organizations and thank you Inland Empire for showing so much love and care for our nonprofit community.”
Thank you to the community for your participation. Lift Up Local will be returning in 2021 and visit www.iegives.org/liftuplocal for the latest updates!