Dear Imperial Employee Scholarship donors,

I am writing to sincerely thank you for awarding me the Imperial Scholarship. I am incredibly grateful for your generosity and for the support you have shown toward my education and future goals.

Receiving this scholarship means a great deal to me. Pursuing higher education is an important step toward building the future I hope to have, and your support will help make that journey more manageable. This scholarship will allow me to focus more of my time and energy on my studies while reducing some of the financial challenges that come with attending college.

I am especially grateful to know that an organization like yours is willing to invest in students and encourage them to pursue their goals. Your generosity is more than financial assistance, it is a reminder that hard work, dedication, and education are valued and supported by the community. I will carry your support with me throughout my educational journey and beyond.

Thank you again for your belief in my potential. I am honored to be a recipient of this scholarship and truly appreciate the difference your organization is making in my life. With sincere gratitude,

Jocelyn Betancourt

Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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Dear Donors of the Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity (CIELO) Scholars Fund,

I would like to sincerely thank you for your contribution to not just my academic journey but to the other scholarship recipients as well. Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

With your donations you are investing into the careers of our communities’ future Latino leaders and I applaud you for that.

As someone that comes from a low income household, receiving this scholarship will not only help lessen my financial stress but it also serves as a reminder that my hard work is recognized and supported.

I hope that you can continue to donate in order to support other students like me.

Once again from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

Ivan Mendez-Perez

Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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July 16, 2026

Dear Donors of The Safe Schools Scholarship Fund,

Thank you very much for your generosity in providing me with a Safe Desert Cities scholarship! This money will help me pay for housing at California State University Fullerton, where I will be studying Biology.

I am not only grateful for this scholarship it helps me financially, but also because of the moral support I feel from Safe Schools for students in the LGBT community. I received such positive feedback at the award ceremony and also at the Pride Prom. What a wonderful group of people.

I believe my wish to someday help the LGBT community in the scientific and/or medical field helped me get this scholarship, and it is people like you that inspire me to do this.

Sincerely Yours,

Francesco Konopka
Twentynine Palms High School Class of 2026

Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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June 26, 2026

Dear donors of the Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Team Member Dependent Scholarship Fund:

I am deeply honored to be the recipient of the 2026 Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Team Member Dependent Scholarship Fund. I am writing to thank you for your generous financial support towards my academic endeavors.

I am a fourth year pharmacy student whose goal is to specialize in children’s medicine, emergency medicine, and critical care. I currently attend Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona and will graduate in 2027.

After graduation, I hope to pursue further education as a PGY1 resident at Children’s Hospital of Los Angeles. I am passionate about the health and well-being of children, and much of my activities reflect my dedication.I was the immediate past Community Service Director of the NCPA student organization at my school, in which I spearheaded free health fairs for community members in Pomona, Riverside, and the Inland Valley. In these health fairs, my classmates and I provided free health screenings, such as blood sugar and blood pressure testing, for children and adults. Beginning in 2025, I was fortunate enough to explore my interests in acute care research with Dr. Jignesh Patel, in which my team and I conducted research on the effects of diuretic medicines on fluid-congested and critically-ill patients.

Thank you again for your financial support. Your donation will greatly help me in achieving my academic and career goals. Earning the scholarship will allow me to focus all my energy into doing well in my classes, clinical experiences, and volunteer activities. Your generosity will help me reach my dream of helping children and their loved ones.

With gratitude,
Deanna Tuong
Doctor of Pharmacy Candidate 2026A
Intern Pharmacist | Children’s Hospital Los Angeles
Immediate Past Director of Community Service | NCPA Student Chapter
Western University of Health Sciences

Students can apply for IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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August 08 , 2026

Dear donors of the California Retired Teachers Association,

I am writing to express my deepest appreciation for your generous support through this scholarship. Receiving this award from the California Retired Teachers Association is an incredible honor and an immense source of motivation for me. It will allow me to focus solely on my studies, relieving my financial burdens and enabling me to dedicate more time to learning. In preparation for my future career in education.

Your investment in my studies means the world to me, especially considering the dedication and commitment of the educators in our Palm Springs community. I am truly grateful for your kindness and for helping future generations achieve their dreams.

Thank you once again for your support and for being a hope for those aspiring to succeed.

Sincerely,

Students can apply for this and other IECF scholarships through our Common Application Portal. If you’re interested in establishing a scholarship fund of your own, contact the IECF Charitable Giving team at 951.241.7777 or giving@iegives.org.

Stay up to date on all the good work we’re doing through the power of philanthropy – sign up for our eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today.

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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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The academy, which recently received a grant via the CIELO Fund at Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), has long been preserving mariachi heritage in the region through education, cultural pride, and community connections. Inspiring children to develop a set of musical skills and preserving a valued tradition for future generations also comes into play.

The IECF grant will further help HERENCIA with those efforts as it continues helping local children find a safe haven while also gaining deeper understandings and appreciation for mariachi music.

“We are always grateful when community partners can support us because it continues to help us keep our doors open to provide mariachi music lessons and inspiration at a very low cost,” said Teresa Serrano, HERENCIA co-founder and executive board member. “When you break it down into the amount of time that we give our kids, I think that every student here represents one less child that’s out there doing things that they shouldn’t be doing.”

“The impact is great,” she added, “and we’re happy to be able to continue providing services to these youth in so many ways.”

The nonprofit’s main mission is to offer a well-rounded education that helps children learn lifelong skills and reassure their value in local communities. By offering a diverse music programs, youth can be steered to a more promising future.

In addition to a series of level-based classes, students can get instruction on the traditional mariachi instruments, depending on enrollment and placement. These include everything from trumpet, violin, and guitar to guitarrón, vihuela, and voice.

Founded a decade ago by Eddie Nuñez and Serrano, Nuñez took on the role of president of the academy. Mariachi Legend Rafael Palomar is the intrepid musical director/maestro.

“When our children were younger, Eddie and I said, ‘Hey, we’re driving all the way to Orange County for lessons. Why don’t we start looking into possibly opening the doors here,’” Serrano said of those early days, noting that overall, the experiences children receive goes “beyond music.”

“It’s the sense that we’re impacting the ability for children to connect and discover themselves,” she said. “There’s a lot that revolves around academic impact, social skills, confident development, and self-confidence.

“Then there’s the music, which does something to you more than many folks can imagine,” she added. “And with the way technology has been, we’re losing that element of social skills. So, just seeing youth interact amongst themselves and really empower each other here is priceless.”

Mark the calendars: Sept. 12 is HERENCIA’s “Summer Concert at Dos Lagos” in Corona. Dubbed a night of “music, pride, and heritage,” it’s an opportunity to see how students have advanced and appreciate their talents.

“Every ticket that is sold to the summer concert means that people support the academy,” Serrano said. “Which helps us continue providing these services and keeping our doors open.”

Overall, Serrano feels a sense of pride and accomplishment having been with the organization since its inception. There have been challenges (learning how to fundraise) and victories (watching her own children thrive in the program and seeing the nonprofit take off).

Mostly, she’s thrilled to have witnessed many of the youth “bloom.”

“So many students grew into their confidence,” she said. “And it’s not an easy thing to go on stage so young and perform and sing. And even now… I was watching some of them being interviewed by Telemundo at an event in Sacramento. Just listening to them, and how they vocalized themselves and talked in front of the camera, is remarkable. We’re really watching them shine.”

Learn more at herenciamariachiacademy.com.

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, July, 2026.

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The intrepid non-profit organization helps people connect with pets as much as it assists animals needing care from public, government, and private facilities. Through the years, the organization has greatly supported efforts to prevent the euthanasia of adoptable and treatable dogs and cats.

They even reunite lost pets and provide owner retention services.

“We’re expanding all of our programs right now, so the IECF grant has been a great asset,” said Michael Phipps-Russell, executive director of Loving All Animals. “Our animal sheltering program has expanded tremendously, so the funds we received will be applied towards the operational funds for our shelter at this time.”

Programs have expanded in anticipation of having a greater volume of animals to care for as the months unfold.

“We have more animals now, particularly more cats that we didn’t used to have,” Phipps-Russell shared, noting both the importance of sheltering services and veterinary care access.

These additional services will help accommodate “little, tiny bottle-baby kittens,” Phipps-Russell said, adding that, “the largest number of animals serviced, instead of being euthanized, are those animals under 120 days old.

“Those are the animals that are most at-risk of euthanasia in our county facility,” he added. “They need to have instant access to a veterinarian. And now that we have that for them, we can take on those cases and prevent them from going to the county. Then we could help them develop and get them ready for adoption.”

A greater focus on puppies and other animals has emerged recently.

“Sometimes you have to hold these animals for a longer period of time,” Phipps-Russell said. “Because they may be too young to be standard neutered or too young to get certain kinds of care. But they are not so young that they can’t contact certain diseases, like parasites or some sort of upper respiratory or skin problem.

“Holding animals longer than we used to is important because they need a little more care as they develop,” he added. “And if they’re here longer, we need funding to help keep them become adoptable.”

Veterinary care is key, of course.

One of the biggest developments recently has been the announcement of the nonprofit’s new veterinary clinic, which is opening in the Fall 2026. The organization will relocate the organization’s existing clinic from Cathedral City to 46920 Jefferson Street in Indio.

It comes off a miraculous donation from philanthropist Lindi Biggi’s multi-million-dollar investment in a 12,000-square-foot veterinary clinic. The result, and unique collaboration with Loving All Animals will make spay and neuter services more affordable and accessible for pet owners throughout the Valley.

The clinic will also provide low-cost vaccines and microchips, thereby assisting local families to better care for their pets before smaller problems become bigger ones.

“The great thing is that we can do high volume, spray and neutering services,” Phipps-Russell said. “From the practical perspective, having space is important. So, let’s say, you want to do 30, 40 animals in a day. You need to place them somewhere, and then you need to be able to provide them your services, vaccinations, and other things. Then you need to have a place for them to recover.

To that end, square footage and real estate is vital.

“So, being able to set up [the new clinic] to be a high-volume speed leader clinic, and make it work, is incredible,” Phipps-Russell said. “Because right now, we rely a lot on mobile vehicles in the Valley.”

In addition to the new clinic, Phipps-Russell encourages locals to explore the organization’s impressive list of programs and education services, which range from agility training and behavioral training to an extensive list of resource, which can be valuable when taking care of a pet.

Those resources include unique ties to other standout organizations like Animal Samaritans, Animal Action League and Palm Springs Animal Shelter.

Not to be overlooked: adoption. Head to the nonprofit’s website and click on the “Adopt” vertical to see a list of all animals that are ready for adoption.

Learn more at lovingallanimals.org.

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, July, 2026.

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A recent grant from the CIELO Fund at Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is giving the nonprofit yet another opportunity to expand its impact and make a difference in the region.

That’s key for the local chapter—the national organization boasts more than local councils nationwide. Its mission is “to empower and advance” many economic conditions, educational goals, political influences, and the health and civil rights of the Latino community through community-based efforts.

“The grant was immediately beneficial to us because it takes a lot of money to organize the events we do,” said Sira Uribe, president of the Riverside chapter of LULAC. “Even though we are all volunteers, we obviously still have to pay for various venues, like when we do a candidate forum.”

“Resources like the one from IECF are a big help,” Uribe added. “If you think about what it takes to put on an event, like our free healthcare event, even though everybody participating is a volunteer, including the providers—from dentists and more—we still have to get the venue. We have to get a certain type of insurance. We have to rent equipment, and that would all not be possible without additional support.”

Obtaining a grant, and even acquiring additional sponsors, helps alleviate financial pressures so that the organization can focus on hosting.

Overall, the organization’s reach stretches far and wide in the region.

The Riverside council was founded in 2010. It is 100 percent volunteer and strongly advocates for the local community through conducting citizenship and voter registration drives, working towards the development of low-income housing units, and distributing scholarships to local students.

On that note, the LULAC National Scholarship Fund offers legal U.S. students—and individuals who qualify for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA)—stellar opportunities to expand their education.

“We have always been very adamant about making sure that future generations have more of an education,” Uribe said, “because it helps them as an individual and their immediate family, and also because the majority of them want to give back to the community once they have achieved what they wanted.”

Uribe came on board the nonprofit in 2010.

“I was a general volunteer for a health fair event and that was my first exposure to the organization,” she said. “One of the main reasons the organization was founded at that time was because of health-related concerns.” Organizers, she says, recognized health concerns within the community and that having access to quality healthcare and preventative care is vital.

“It can make such difference,” she stressed. “We’re trying to empower a community that been marginalized and underserved for generations. That’s one of our main focuses.”

“A lot of our volunteers are people that they were first generation college students,” she added. “And they saw what big of a difference everything from scholarships to volunteering makes in opening up doors and opportunities. They want to be able to give that to the community still so they can continue to grow.”

Learn more at lulacofriverside.org.

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, July, 2026.

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Riverside Children’s Theatre – a 2026 grantee

The Aaron Norris Creative Fund completed another robust round of grantmaking to arts organizations and individuals in the region. A recent grants celebration on July 1 found grantees expressing gratitude for the resources, which Joey Romero, who oversees the fund, says was downright inspiring and groundbreaking.

“We hold the event every year on the day that Aaron passed,” Romero said. “We did that collectively and on purpose so that we could turn a day of grief and sorrow into a day that we would celebrate Aaron and his legacy. This was our third year, and it was the most attended.”

Norris launched the fund before his death through the help of Inland Empire Community Foundation. It is yet another example of Norris’s generosity of spirit.

Norris rose to prominence in Riverside as a sharp businessman and passionate community philanthropist. His death in 2022 from Stage 4 Intimal Sarcoma sent shockwaves through the community, but his legacy lives on today through the fund.

IECF commended his leadership and dedication to the Give Big Riverside campaign, which once generated nearly $1 million for charities in Riverside County.

This year’s grantees include:

Ballet Folklórico de Riverside, which was awarded a 2026 annual grant to fund dancer training and community cultural preservation.

Riverside Arts Academy received support for their ongoing community music and youth education drives.

Riverside Children’s Theatre garnered support for local youth theater productions.

Rockstars of Tomorrow accepted a grant for its distinctly unique creative community music programs.

The Sam and Alfreda Maloof Foundation for the Arts and Crafts was a grantee—the unique gardens and gallery supports the work of wood sculptor Sam Maloof.

Empower You Edutainment will use its grant for its mission: to empower, educate, and transform the lives of the voiceless via song, dance, and theatre.

San Bernardino Symphony Association, a stalwart creative force in the area, was another grantee.

Family Promise of Riverside, which is dedicated to helping families at risk of or experiencing homelessness, and artist Roberto Cervantes round out the recipients.

“The entire fund is designed to support the arts,” Romero said. “Aaron’s passion was the performing arts. But Aaron, as a philanthropist, gave where he lived, which was in Riverside. This is the first year that we’ve actually expanded that a little bit to include organizations in San Bernardino.”

He noted that one big focus of the fun is arts organizations that benefit children.

“Because that’s where Aaron grew up—in the Riverside Children’s Theatre,” Romero added, “and that’s where he truly found his voice and really became who he really was. It gave him the confidence to be truly Aaron.”

He is quick to note the evolution of the fund and its progress over the last few years.

“We’ve given about $75,000 at this point,” Romero said. “The first year we put the annual event together, we had about 40 people there, and we gave away some money. The following year, I said to our friends—Aaron’s and mine—’Hey, let’s all get together; be on the board with me and help me with the fund.

“That year, about 80 people attended the event,” he added. “This year, because we’ve been so diligent in planning and application processes, we actually had to turn some groups away, which is not something we wanted to do, but because of our steady diligence, about 200 people attended this year’s event.”

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, July 2026.

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