News & Events
Inland Empire Community Foundation is committed to delivering clear, helpful information about the work we do to create a thriving Inland Empire region. As a vital link between the Foundation and the press, IECF welcomes requests from the media related to philanthropy, emerging issues, Foundation programs and the Foundation itself. Please also explore our blog for the latest IECF news and upcoming events.
Press Releases
Inland Empire Community Foundation often releases information to the media regarding our charitable funds, donors, grantmaking, and community leadership.
Please view press releases below.
2026
2025
New $5 million revolving loan fund for Inland Empire nonprofits launches Dec. 1, November 26, 2025
CIELO Fund Reaches $3 Million Milestone to Advance Opportunities for Latinos in the Inland Empire, Launches $500k CIELO Endowed Fund, October 7, 2025
Education Grants Awarded to 12 Inland Empire Organizations, September 10, 2025
Inland Leaders Gather for the Common Good at IECF’s Annual Policy & Philanthropy Summit, July 10, 2025
CIELO Fund announces $450,000 to 40 organizations in 2025 grants, April 30, 2025
$49,000 in Grants Awarded! Women’s Giving Fund Empowers Local Causes, March 27, 2025
Inland Empire Community Foundation and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services Unite to Launch New IE Down Payment Assistance Program, February 5, 2025
IECF Announces New Board Chair and Three Members to its Board of Directors, January 14, 2025
2024
Inland Empire Community Foundation Receives Transformative $4.5 Million Gift, October 29, 2024
The CIELO Fund Celebrates Raising $2 Million for Inland Empire’s Latino Community, October 7, 2024
IECF Appoints New Charitable Giving Officer for Riverside, September 16, 2024
Investing to Thrive: IECF’s Annual Policy & Philanthropy Summit Returns to Riverside, July 23, 2024
CIELO Fund Announces $107k in Scholarships for Inland Empire Latino Students June 24, 2024
CIELO Fund Announces $360,000 to 31 Organizations in 2024 Round of Grants, April 10, 2024
IE Veterans Struggle to Find Existing Benefits and Services Across Vast Region, According to New Report, February 29, 2024
One Application, Many Opportunities: Inland Empire Community Foundation Scholarships are Open, February 19, 2024
IE’s Growing Black Population Shows Signs of Resilience, but Widening Disparities Remain, Jan. 25, 2024
2022
CIELO Fund: Call for Applications Now Open
IE Black Equity Fund: Call for Applications Now Open
IECF Announces $589,500 to 40 Nonprofits from Community Impact Fund
IECF Announces Partnership with Amazon for Earth Day 2022
IE Black Equity Fund Announces $740,000 in Grants to 16 Nonprofits
In The News
Press throughout the region covers Inland Empire Community Foundation charitable funds, grantmaking, and community leadership.
View recent news coverage about IECF.
2026 News Coverage
JANUARY 2026
Community Impact Fund reaches milestone in the Inland Empire despite federal funding cuts, Redlands Daily Facts, January 28, 2026
Here’s what these gubernatorial candidates had to say about immigration, the economy, and democracy, CALO News, January 23, 2026
IECF Hosts Professional Advisers Dinner in Palm Springs, Palm Springs Life, January 20, 2026
‘Out in the I.E.’ exhibit to open at Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California, Press Enterprise, SCNG, January 9, 2026
2025 News Coverage
2025
New Cybersecurity Awareness Fund launches in the Inland Empire, Redlands Daily Facts, December 11, 2025
New $5 million loan fund for Inland Empire nonprofits launches, Valleywide Newspapers, December 11, 2025
New $5 Million Revolving Loan Fund Available for Inland Empire Nonprofits, Black Voice News, December 11, 2025
BlackLash 2025: Amid Proposed Funding Cuts, ‘Time For Change’, San Bernardino Housing Nonprofit Persists, Black Voice News, December 2, 2025
$5 Million Inland Empire Nonprofit Revolving Loan Fund Now Open, Associated Press, December 1, 2025
$5 million loan fund for Inland Empire nonprofits launching in December, Press Enterprise, November 28, 2025
Inland Empire Nonprofit Loan Fund to Launch in December, NewsBreak, MyNewsLA, November 27, 2025
Gubernatorial Hopefuls Center Health Equity, Inland Empire Needs at UCR Forum, Inland Valley News, November 12, 2025
Inland Empire economy is leaving Latino workers behind, study finds: Barriers keep them from prosperity, UCLA think tank concludes, Press Enterprise, SCNG, November 12, 2025
Candidates for California Governor discuss health and equity at UC Riverside, KVCR, November 11, 2025
New study details well-being of women in the Inland Empire, Spectrum News 1, November 11, 2025
Inland Empire Community Foundation Strengthens Coachella Valley Nonprofits, Palm Springs Life, November 7, 2025
Cielo Fund hits $3 million milestone, advances opportunities for Latinos, Desert Sun, November 7, 2025
Inland Empire nonprofit’s equity work gets boost from recent grant, Press Enterprise, October 29, 2025
Education grants awarded to 12 Inland Empire organizations, Desert Sun, October 24, 2025
Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective is building unity at a vital time, Press Enterprise, October 23, 2025
CIELO Fund Has Invested Nearly $1.5 Million Into the Inland Empire’s Latino Community, The IE Voice, October 14, 2025
A majority of Inland Empire residents are ‘struggling,’ UCR study finds, The San Bernardino County Sun, October 12, 2025
CIELO Fund hits $3 million milestone, advances opportunities for Latinos, Press Enterprise, October 11, 2025
CIELO Fund Marks Three Years of Supporting Latino-Led Initiatives Across the Inland Empire, NBC Palm Springs, October 10, 2025
CIELO Fund reconoce becarios y líderes latinos en su brunch anual, El Informador del Valle, October 8, 2025
CIELO Fund Celebrates Growth, Scholarships and Immigrant Justice at Annual Brunch, Inland Valley News, October 7, 2025
CIELO Fund Raises $3 Million, Launches $500K Endowment to Strengthen Latino Communities via Education and Opportunity, IE Community News, Newsbreak, October 7, 2025
The Inland Empire Community Foundation Announces $ 500K in Community Impact Fund Grants, Desert Charities News, October 2, 2025
12 Inland Empire organizations receive grants for education to ‘shape the future’, Press Enterprise (SCNG Papers), September 24, 2025
IECF announces $500k in Community Impact Fund grants, Desert Sun, September 19, 2025
Amid federal funding cuts, Community Impact Fund aims to help Inland Empire nonprofits, Press Enterprise (SCNG Papers), September 19, 2025
Annual summit attracts key change agents, Desert Sun, August 22, 2025
KVCR Midday News: IECF Policy Summit in Riverside focuses on housing and equity, KVCR News, August 15, 2025
Cumbre de Filantropía: Puntos en Común para el Bien Común, El Informador del Valle, August 13, 2025
Inland Empire Summit Reveals Majority of Rent-Burdened Households Spend Over 50% of Income on Housing, IE Community News, NewsBreak, August 13, 2025
IECF 2025 Summit: Building Thriving Communities Through Civic Engagement, Black Voice News, August 9, 2025
Inland Empire Community Foundation summit focuses on common ground, connections, Press-Enterprise, August 8, 2025
Keynote Speaker Urges ‘Transformative Solidarity’ at IECF Policy & Philanthropy Summit, Inland Valley News, NewsBreak, August 7, 2025
Generous Endowment Will Ensure Regional Jazz Concert, Inland Valley News, August 6, 2025
Inland Empire veterans getting more support with recent grant, Daily Bulletin, July 31, 2025
KVCR’s Funding Crisis Revealed at Inland Film Festival Mixer, Creatives Rally Behind Public Media, IE Community News, July 28, 2025
BlackLash Part 1: Inland Empire Nonprofits at Risk of Funding Loss Amid DEIA Restrictions, Black Voice News, July 25, 2025
De Los turns 2. Here’s what we did over the last year, De Los, July 11, 2025
Giving back: How to support coverage of philanthropies in the Coachella Valley, Desert Sun, June 4, 2025
IE’s Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islanders populations get support from new fund, Redlands Daily Facts, (SCNG Papers), May 24, 2025
One in Ten: A Call to Invest in AANHPI’s Future in the Inland Empire, The Los Angeles Post, May 22, 2025
CIELO Fund grants $450K to 40 organizations, Fontana Herald News, May 15, 2025
Revolving loan fund to assist San Bernardino County nonprofits, Needles Desert Star, May 12, 2025
Oak Hills resident awarded Woman of Achievement title over 80 competing nominees, Victorville Daily Press, April 16, 2025
IECF Awards $40K to Support Housing, Education, and Domestic Violence Services for Inland Empire Women, IE Community News, April 1, 2025
Women’s Giving Fund gives $49,000 in grants to Inland Empire organizations, San Bernardino County Sun, (SCNG Papers), March 28, 2025
IECF Idyllwild Community Fund Grant – California, FundsforNGOs, March 25, 2025
Time for Change Opens New Shelter, Hosts Gala, Precinct Reporter Group, March 20, 2025
Inland Empire Community Foundation invites applications for Idyllwild Community Fund, Philanthropy News Digest, March 14, 2025
Newly-enacted down payment aid for Inland Empire homebuyers, Calo News, March 12, 2025
IECF and Neighborhood Partnership Housing Services partner to aid new homeowners, Desert Sun, February 28, 2025
Application process is open for 2025 Inland Empire Community Foundation scholarships, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, (SCNG Papers), February 28, 2025
These 12 Inland Empire media outlets get boost from IE Journalism Innovation Hub + Fund grants, Redlands Daily Facts, (SCNG Papers), February 21, 2025
$40k Down Payment Program Announced for Inland Empire, KNBC4, February 11, 2025
$1 Million Program to Help IE Families Overcome Barriers to Homeownership, IE Community News (IECN), February 11, 2025
IE Down Payment Assistance Program Aims to Close Wealth Gap, Community Forward Redlands, February 10, 2025
What’s new: Down-payment program offers up to $40,000 to homebuyers, Daily Bulletin, February 10, 2025
The Inland Empire is a hotbed for Latino culture. De Los wants to tell its stories., Los Angeles Times, January 31, 2025
Inland Empire Community Foundation Boosts Local Nonprofits in Coachella Valley, NBC Palm Springs, January 21, 2025
What’s new: Dual-branded hotel breaks ground at Morongo resort, Press Enterprise, January 20, 2025
Civic Solutions: Homelessness in California Is Getting Worse—but Work Is Being Done to Turn the Tide, Coachella Valley Independent, January 16, 2025
Inland Empire Community Foundation Announces New Chair and Three Members to its Board of Directors, IE Community News, January 15, 2025
Mary S. Roberts Pet Adoption Center in Riverside hopes to keep momentum heading into 2025, Press-Enterprise, January 3, 2025
2024 News Coverage
2024
Brothers of the Desert Launch Scholarship Fund for Black Men in the Inland Empire, NBC Palm Springs, December 30, 2024
Coachella Non-Profit Establishes Scholarship to Support Gay Black Men, My News LA, December 30, 2024
Brothers of the Desert launches new scholarship fund, Desert Sun, December 27, 2024
New CFO appointment for the IECF, The Press-Enterprise, December 23, 2024
Mehta named CFO of local foundation, IE Business Daily, December 22, 2024
Inland Empire Community Foundation announces new CFO, Desert Sun, December 20, 2024
Inland Empire Community Foundation Announces Khyati Mehta as New Chief Financial Officer, City News Group, December 19, 2024
Late Palm Springs philanthropist donates $4.5 million to local nonprofit organizations, Palm Springs Life, November 9, 2024
Inland Empire Community Foundation receives $4.5 million, Fontana Herald News, November 8, 2024
Inland Empire Community Foundation receives $4.5 million gift, Press Enterprise, (SCNG papers), November 7, 2024
Community Foundation Update, Philanthropy News Digest, November 2, 2024
$4.5 million donation will assist pair of city organizations, Palm Springs Post, October 31, 2024
$4.5 million from late Palm Springs philanthropist to three valley causes, Desert Sun, October 30, 2024
Four Coachella Valley organizations to share $4.5 million in donations, KESQ-TV, October 30, 2024
Four Coachella Valley organizations to share $4.5 million in donations, MyLANews.com, October 30, 2024
Poll reveals nearly 80% of IE Latinos struggle to find affordable housing, IECN, September 2024
CIELO Fund hits milestone with more than $2 million raised for Inland Empire’s Latino community, Press Enterprise (SCNG papers), October 10, 2024
CIELO Fund hits milestone, raising more than $2 million for the Latino community, Desert Sun, October 18, 2024
Empowering the IE: CIELO Fund marks two years of impact, Calo News, October 17, 2024
IECF Combatting Inland Empire News Deserts with Launch of Journalism Innovation Hub + Fund Collaborative, IECN, June 5, 2024
Inland Empire Community Foundation Fights to End Food Insecurity, Palm Springs Life, May 31, 2024
IECF Fund makes annual donations, IE Business Daily, April 26, 2026
Empowering Women: Women’s Giving Fund awards $50,000 in grants, IE Community News, April 26, 2024
CIELO Fund offers $360,000 to 31 organizations in new round of grants, Desert Sun, April 26, 2024
Women’s Giving Fund awards $50,000 in grants, Precinct Reporter, April 25, 2024
Empowering Women: Women’s Giving Fund awards $50,000 in grants, City News Group, April 25, 2024
IECF Empowers the Arts in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs Life, April 22, 2024
Helping Inland Empire women in need is goal of Women’s Giving Fund, Press Enterprise (SCNG papers), April 21, 2024
CIELO Fund offers $360,000 to 31 organizations in new round of grants, Press Enterprise (SCNG papers), April 20, 2024
City of Riverside makes historic investment in nonprofits through revolving loan fund, Black Voice News, March 27, 2024
New report reveals Inland Empire vets struggle to find benefits, services, Desert Sun, March, 15, 2024
City of Riverside launches revolving loan fund for nonprofits, HeySoCal, March 14, 2024
New report reveals Inland Empire veterans struggle to find benefits and services, Press Enterprise (SCNG papers), March 14, 2024
Growing Black population in the Inland Empire faces many challenges, study says, Press Enterprise (SCNG papers), March 3, 2024
Black Equity Fund report reveals inequities in the Inland Empire, Black Voice News, February, 28, 2024
IE’s growing Black population shows signs of resilience, but widening disparities remain, Los Angeles Sentinel, Jan. 29, 2024
Events
The Power of the Purse: 2026 Women’s Giving Fund Spring Fling, Desert Edition!
Join us as we bring the Women’s Giving Fund annual Spring Fling to the Coachella Valley for the very first time! Bring your friends and enjoy a weekend getaway – special room rates are available! Mention IECF Women’s Giving Fund when reserving your room.
✨ Celebrate local women making a difference
✨ Cheer on our Grant Awards and Women of Achievement honorees
✨ Try your luck in the Designer Purse Opportunity Drawing
🗓️ Sunday, March 22, 2026
⏰ 11:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
📍 Location: Rancho Mirage | Omni Rancho Las Palmas | 41000 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage
It’s a celebration of women leading change in our region. Save the date and join us for an unforgettable afternoon.
With thanks to our sponsors:
Alta Loma Enterprises | Lupe Cardenas | C.C. Vest | The LaVerne Jones Legacy Fund | Vanessa Cardenas | Karen Spiegel, Riverside County Supervisor – 2nd District | Kathy Wright Glusker Family | CIRE Equity | The Bohon Family
Annual Reports
Learn about IECF’s work, programs and initiatives through our publications.
Logos
Please use the full color or black-and-white logos without changing their color or shape.
For more information, contact Charee Gillins, Marketing and Communications Director at cgillins@iegives.org.
Charee Gillins
Marketing and Communications Director
951.241.7777
extension 123
