When Chuck passed away from Parkinson’s disease in April 2020, his family wanted to honor his legacy in a lasting way. In 2024, his wife, Pat, established the Charles “Chuck” Brinker Scholarship Fund at IECF, using a qualified charitable distribution from her IRA. The fund is designed to award up to $10,000 annually to graduating Ramona High School or Riverside Unified School District students pursuing a degree in math or a math-related field.

“College was important in our house,” said Karen, one of Chuck’s daughters. “It wasn’t if you went to college, it was when you went to college. And knowing that was how my dad felt, it’s a huge factor in this scholarship because he wanted other kids to have that option as well.“

The Brinker family made their first award in 2025. The inaugural recipient is Gavin McGowan, a Ramona graduate now studying Civil Engineering at UC Berkeley.

Gavin is exactly the kind of student the Brinker family had in mind: driven, community-rooted, and ready to make the most of his education. And there is one more connection that simply could not be scripted. Chuck was not only a math teacher; he was also a skilled carpenter who built furniture, bookcases, and a playhouse for his own family. Gavin, too, is a woodworker and is using those talents to benefit his community.

In his thank-you letter to the Brinker family, Gavin wrote:

To the family of Mr. Chuck Brinker,

From the bottom of my heart, I would like to thank you for this scholarship and the opportunities that it opens up for me. I am proud to be at UC Berkeley, representing Ramona and the entire Inland Empire. I am so proud of where I’m from and the people from my area who do great work like this. I know that Chuck was an amazing math teacher at Ramona, and I am excited to tackle the math in Civil Engineering at Berkeley and show these kids that Ramona math prepared me well. I also know that Chuck was quite the woodworker, as am I. I am currently the construction quality control officer for a woodworking competition team at Cal, Timber Strong, where we just finished building a playhouse for an elementary school in Oakland. Getting this scholarship took the burden of working off my shoulders for this year, and for that, I am eternally grateful to be able to take advantage of all these opportunities. This is all to say that I am so proud and grateful to have received this scholarship, and from such great people. I will not let you or our city down!

IECF is proud to administer the Chuck Brinker Scholarship Fund and honored to watch its first award go to a student who carries forward so much of what Chuck valued: a love of math, a talent for building things, and deep roots in the community he called home.

We are also saddened to share that Pat Brinker passed away on March 27, 2026. Pat was the driving force behind this scholarship, and her generosity will continue to open doors for Inland Empire students for years to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Brinker family and celebrate the enduring impact of everything she set in motion. The family welcomes donations in memory of Pat to the scholarship fund.

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

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If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether you’re giving to the “right” organizations, you are not alone. This is where IECF can help.

One of the most valuable roles IECF plays is serving as a trusted, knowledgeable partner in your philanthropy. Our team works closely with nonprofit organizations across the region and maintains a deep understanding of the issues shaping our community. This allows us to provide more than just options—we can offer context. For example, if you’re interested in supporting a particular cause, we can share insight into how that issue is affecting our community right now, which organizations are actively addressing it, and where additional support could make a meaningful difference.

In addition to offering perspective, IECF can also assist with due diligence. While many organizations are doing excellent work, it’s natural to want reassurance that your gifts are being used effectively and in alignment with your intentions. Our team can help review organizations’ missions, programs, and governance practices, and provide guidance based on our experience working with nonprofits of all sizes and focus areas. This can be especially helpful if you are considering supporting an organization that is new to you or responding to a timely or urgent need.

For many donors, this combination of insight and due diligence leads to greater confidence—not just in individual gifts, but in their overall approach to philanthropy.

Just as importantly, working with IECF can help you step back and think more strategically about your giving. Rather than approaching each donation as a separate decision, you may find it helpful to consider how your gifts fit together over time. Are there certain causes you’d like to prioritize? Would you like to balance immediate needs with long-term impact? Are there opportunities to involve your family in the process?

These are the types of conversations IECF is here to support. Whether you prefer to remain hands-on in selecting organizations or would like help narrowing your focus, our team can tailor our approach to fit your preferences and goals.

The result is not a rigid plan, but a more confident and informed path forward.

Philanthropy is personal, and there is no single “right” way to give. But having a trusted partner can make the process feel more manageable—and more meaningful. IECF is honored to work alongside you, helping ensure that your generosity is guided by both your values and a clear understanding of how to make the greatest impact.

Please reach out to our Charitable Giving Team anytime. 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.

The team at the community foundation is honored to serve as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans and pursue your philanthropic objectives for making a difference in the community. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.

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After the deadline has passed, it’s tempting to move on and not revisit these decisions until later in the year. But the weeks immediately following filing your tax return are actually one of the best times to take a step back and reflect—while the details are still fresh. This is especially important in 2026 because so many tax laws have changed.

If you experienced any surprises this tax season, that’s especially worth discussing. Often, small adjustments made early in the year—rather than in December—can lead to better outcomes both financially and philanthropically. 

Here are common regrets and how IECF can help for the 2026 tax year and beyond. 

Giving cash instead of appreciated assets

Many donors regret using cash or credit cards to make large donations instead of gifting appreciated assets (such as stocks, mutual funds, or real estate) held for more than one year. 

The regret: Selling assets to donate the cash results in paying capital gains tax on the profit.

The better move: By donating the asset directly to your fund at IECF or to another qualified charity, you may be able to avoid capital gains tax on the appreciation and deduct the full fair market value if you itemize. 

Missing out on “bunching” to surpass the standard deduction

The standard deduction was increased under 2017 changes to the tax laws and has stayed high ever since. This can cause missed opportunities for charitable deductions.

The regret: Spreading donations evenly across the years and not exceeding the standard deduction threshold.

The better move: “Bunching” multiple years of donations into a single tax year by using a donor-advised fund at IECF to exceed the standard deduction and claim a tax deduction for that year. 

Pro tip: Planning around tax rules is especially important for 2026 and future tax years because not only is the standard deduction still high, but also charitable deductions are now subject to a 0.5% “floor” and a 35% cap. Be sure to talk with your tax advisors early in the year to structure a plan that will work best for you.

Lack of proper documentation 

Sadly, many donors fail to keep adequate records, leading to potential deductions being disallowed by the IRS. 

The mistake: Failing to get written acknowledgment from the charity for donations over $250, or not having a bank record for smaller cash gifts.

The problem: Without documentation, even genuine donations can be disallowed upon audit. 

Honorable mentions

Beyond the “big three,” donors also report regrets such as:

–Overlooking IRA Qualified Charitable Distributions (QCDs). Taxpayers 70½ or older forget they can directly donate to charity from their IRAs, which can help satisfy RMD obligations without increasing their taxable income. (Note that changes may be coming that could allow you to use QCDs to fund your donor-advised fund at IECF. Currently, QCDs can fund other types of funds at IECF, but not donor-advised funds.)  

–Donating to non-qualified entities. Giving to organizations that are not 501(c)(3) nonprofits, meaning that these donations are not tax-deductible. Working with the experienced team at IECF can help you avoid this pitfall. 

–Overvaluing non-cash donations. Inflating the value of donated goods (such as clothing or used cars) rather than using their fair market value (thrift store value). This could come back to bite you in an audit!

Hoping to avoid tax season remorse next year? Please reach out to the team at IECF. We want to be your first call on all matters of charitable giving. Whether you established a fund at IECF years ago, recently became a fund holder, or are considering doing so this year, we are here for you! 

Please reach out to our Charitable Giving Team anytime. 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.

The team at the community foundation is honored to serve as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans and pursue your philanthropic objectives for making a difference in the community. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.

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That dynamic is especially relevant as many are watching the markets closely this spring. Even the possibility of a downturn can influence financial decisions, including charitable giving. It is natural to feel more cautious. At the same time, history shows that community needs often increase during challenging economic periods—making it all the more important to stay engaged in philanthropy.

As you think about your charitable giving this year, this may be a good moment to step back and consider not only where you give, but also how you structure your giving for long-term impact. In particular, it is important for donors and fund holders to consider expanding their portfolio of giving to include giving to IECF itself.

This can take several forms, each of which plays a meaningful role.

Operating support

Some donors choose to support IECF’s operations across generations. This type of support helps ensure that the foundation can continue serving as a trusted resource—connecting donors to causes, responding to emerging needs, and stewarding charitable funds with care and expertise well into the future. It is an investment not only in today’s giving, but also in the long-term strength of the philanthropic infrastructure in our community.

Support for grant programs

Other donors focus on increasing IECF’s grantmaking resources so that more money can flow from IECF to nonprofits that are helping those in need, especially when times are tough. Contributions to unrestricted or broadly focused funds allow IECF to respond quickly and thoughtfully to the most pressing challenges facing our region. During periods of economic strain, this flexibility can be especially powerful, enabling support to reach the people and organizations that need it most, at the moment it matters most.

A hybrid approach

In many cases, donors adopt a dual strategy—continuing to support favorite organizations directly or through IECF’s grant programs while also allocating a portion of their giving to IECF itself. This approach can help balance personal philanthropic interests with broader community impact, creating a more resilient and adaptable giving strategy.

IECF’s unique role is what makes any or all of these approaches so effective. As a perpetual institution governed by a local board of directors, IECF is designed to serve the community not just today, but across generations. Our team maintains deep knowledge of local needs, works closely with nonprofit partners, and is positioned to deploy resources where they can do the greatest good over time.

Especially in moments when the future feels uncertain, expanding your portfolio of giving in this way can provide an added layer of confidence. You can continue supporting the causes you care about while also strengthening IECF’s ability to lead, respond, and make a difference—now and in the years ahead.

We are honored to work alongside you as you consider how your philanthropy can support both immediate needs and lasting impact for our entire community.

Please reach out to our Charitable Giving Team anytime. 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.

The team at the community foundation is honored to serve as a resource and sounding board as you build your charitable plans and pursue your philanthropic objectives for making a difference in the community. This newsletter is provided for informational purposes only. It is not intended as legal, accounting, or financial planning advice. Please consult your tax or legal advisor to learn how this information might apply to your own situation.

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For some of the students the office serves, it was a life-changing opportunity.

“We’re incredibly grateful for the grant,” said Summer Steele, Executive Director of the Office of Pre-College Programs. “We were impacted by the Department of Education when they defunded some programs last summer.”

One of those programs was CSUSB’s High School Equivalency Program, which offers instruction and wraparound support for adults who are migrant, seasonal farm workers who did not complete their high school diploma or GED or High School Equivalency Test (HISET).

“We had a great cohort of students who were doing phenomenal,” Steele added. “Some of them graduated and received their HISET and their High School Equivalency Diploma. But there were several who were two or three tests away from actually completing everything and having their high school equivalency when the notice came that our program was going to be defunded.”

Suddenly, the office found itself searching for other options.

“We were so close, and the students were so close to the finish line,” Steele said. “We asked ourselves what we could do to support the students who were currently in our course. A former director, and also the current director of the camp, actually spent his evenings and weekends online, still providing instruction. He did this on his own because all the staff was let go.”

At that critical juncture, providing volunteer instruction for the students and staying in contact created a powerful ripple effect. When the IECF grant opportunity became available, Steele and the team believed it was the perfect opportunity to hire a success coach, who would then continue following that small cohort of students and provide them with the resources they needed to complete the program and receive the high school equivalency.

That included supplying such things as testing fees and supplies.

“We’re excited to continue serving those students, because there’s nothing worse than seeing so much progress than having the doors closed on your kids,” Steele said.

Moving through those hurdles mark another milestone for the Office of Pre-College Programs, which offers nine different and dynamic programs. Its services reach more than 5,000 students from San Bernardino, Rialto, and Colton Joint Unified School districts as well as students in the Coachella Valley.

These programs are designed to assists participants and their families with educational and personal support services with a goal of increasing high school graduation, college enrollment, persistence, and college completion.

Combined, the services encompass everything from academic tutoring to personal and leadership development, and many things beyond and in between.

“The entire purpose of the pre-college programs is to help folks get connected to higher education,” Steele said. “And it doesn’t have to be Cal State San Bernardino. It could be a community college. It could be trade school. We just want to provide those resources.”

“We have 14 different projects that work throughout the Inland Empire,” she added. “Programs like The Federal TRIO Programs, which includes something like the Upward Bound Program. Other projects help us work through the California Student Aid Commission to make sure students are getting their financial aid applications and their Dream Act application submitted.”

Other programs work specifically in key areas such as foster youth, increasing enrollment, increasing math and English fluency, and the College Corps program, which centers around community service.

The latter finds students required to complete 450 hours of community service in exchange for up to $10,000 living allowance and educational benefit/reward at the end.

“We remain committed to providing equitable access to folks throughout the region,” Steele said “If someone wants to obtain a higher education, regardless of their status, regardless of age, regardless of ability, there’s no reason why they should not be able to reach those goals.

“We want to do whatever is in our power to help students,” she added.

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

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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“This will lead into our annual Affordable Housing Mixer with affordable developers, and investors and private investors, as well as local cities, where there’s opportunities to make connections across county lines,” Steele added. “It’s wonderful to see developers and city leaders meet each other and understand their needs for different projects. This helps all of us.”

The event is one of many standout initiatives playing out underneath the ISHC umbrella. A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) through their Community Impact Fund is yet another opportunity for ISHC to expand its impact and reach.

“The grant helped us expand across all our working pillars,” Steele said. “The Collective has four pillars, but there are three foundational ones where we look at for policies.”

There’s the Educate and Advocate for Public Policy pillar, which organizes and strives to gain public will and political support for region-specific housing policies and solutions related to such things as zoning changes, A.D.U./ancillary units, enforcement of SB 35-inclusionary units, workforce housing, and more.

Educating individuals on the housing landscape, market trends, and housing platforms also factors into the mix.

“That pillar can be improved to expand ways to produce affordable housing and attract funding to our region,” Steele added.

Wealth Building and Preservation is another pillar.

“We look at what wealth-building tools exist here to ensure that generational wealth is being created as well as preserved,” Steele said. “Banking and first-loan access falls into that.”

The Expansion of Housing Solutions stands out in the ways it explores the innovative solutions for housing that exist and how the organization and the community can learn from it.

“The IECF grant allows us to be driven in these working groups, not just for us as an organization but for the area and the people,” Steele said. “The grant helps us build out in that way so we can be more committed, do the research, and create thoughtful agendas, invite in speakers, and facilitate the working pillars to really move these strategies.

“It builds our capacity to put things into action for both San Bernardino and Riverside County,” she added.

Another organizational pillar that is active year-round is ISHC’s Increasing Regional Involvement pillar. It strives to create a unified voice on housing solutions in the area and identify marketing strategies to attract and leverage new kinds of funding and investments.

Membership acts as a kind of collective change agent, establishing a united front fully committed to enhancing the region’s reputation.

“Collectively, especially with just general housing, it’s so vast,” Steele said. “Therefore, we look at anything from shelters and emergency shelters to building market rate housing and everything in between.”

Steele is enthusiastic about the road ahead and ISHC’s ongoing mission to “advance collaborative strategies and present innovative solutions to create and preserve safe, decent, and affordable housing in the Inland SoCal region.”

“Every voice is needed in our space,” she said. “You don’t have to be a developer or a non-profit housing service provider, or someone that’s part of the community care. It’s more than that.

“The organization has folks from different foundations—from healthcare, education, cities, transportation—that are a part of the change,” she added. “There’s real value of working together. Everybody can have a voice here. Everybody can contribute.”

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

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PSPLF recently reached a major fundraising milestone in its capital campaign, nabbing its first $1 million toward revitalizing the Palm Springs Public Library. That means it has successfully met the full $1 million match that was pledged by library’s Board of Trustees, which manages the Library Trust Fund and oversees long-term planning.

Raising a total of $2 million now marks a pivotal if not early success of PSPLF’s $7 million goal that will support the community-driven elements of the library’s $52 million major transformation.

“It’s an exciting time,” said Jeffrey Norman, board member and one of PSPLF’s Capital Campaign co-chairs. “Having $1 million matched by the library trustees, we’re well on our way toward $7 million.”

Recent grants from the FitzDell Gifting Fund and the Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment Fund via Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) create yet another win for the project.

“The IECF grants will also help get things accomplished beyond just the building’s infrastructure, which state and city money pays for,” Norman said, expressing his enthusiasm for the interior improvements, which will enhance “people-centered” outposts, such as the community room.

“We’ll have state-of-the-art equipment, making it easier for many community organizations to come in and use the space—everything from the film festival to something like a string quartet,” Norman said.

There will also be placemaking activities spaces for teens and children who can create and connect with others.

“The Foundation Board has really stepped up to the plate to bring us to this point where we finally understood what the needs were and could speak about it publicly,” Norman added. “We’re grateful to the board for doing a great job and the recent grants are incredibly beneficial.”

These new milestones accelerate the progress on all enhanced spaces, innovative programming, and a long-term endowment to ensure sustainability for future generations.

In addition to the IECF funding, recent donors include: Friends of the Palm Springs Public Library; Karla Kjellin-Elder & Jeff Elder; the Lamb Family Foundation; Jim Gray and Bernard Rottner and Betty Rae Smith; David Engen and Ken Pengelly; and Deborah Schwarz.

An anonymous gift of $100,000 filters into the mix alongside dozens of other donations ranging from $50-$50,000.

The Next Chapter campaign launched in October 2025. The renovation will modernize the 35,000-square-foot main library building and the 4,000-square-foot JC Frey Building, while preserving its architectural significance.

Every year, the Palm Springs Library serves 20,000-plus cardholders, and welcomes more than 140,000 unique visits.

Mark your calendars. The estimated reopening is Summer 2027.

“The library has been so important to the civic life of Palm Springs,” Norman said. “The donations and grants will help bring us into the future,” Norman said, stressing how vital the library is as a place that offers more than just books.

“Sometimes people look at Palm Springs and say, ‘Oh, it’s a very wealthy community,’ or ‘Why do people need to go to the library when they have their own Wi-Fi and their own books and DVRs,’ and what have you,” Norman said. “But there’s a considerable percentage of children whose families live below the poverty level here. The library has become a huge resource for them.

It has also been a cooling space during summer and a warm place in the winter.

Not to be left out: job seekers, who walk in and, with the help of trusted librarians, learn to navigate the various job sites or get help preparing their resumes.

“There are more than 300 programs a year at the library,” Norman beamed, “and now, even in our temporary space, we’re still hugely active.”

Bill Wylie, PSPLF board president, added: “Palm Springs has a long tradition of generosity and civic pride. Our community has always championed the institutions that make this city unique, and our library is definitely one of them.”

This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, March, 2026.

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A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation through its Community Impact Fund will allow the nonprofit organization to strengthen its work on that front and continue empowering individuals, communities, and local governments to help free systems from racist and discriminatory roots. 

Janice Rooths, CART’s executive director, credits the non-profit organization for using a combination of systems change, community action, and youth engagement to generate real social change.  

Partnerships are key here. 

“We are always collaborating with other organizations,” Rooth said, noting that the nonprofit provides racial equity tools and resources which can assist policy makers in reaching “enlightened decisions.” 

“We also appreciate people who want to volunteer,” she added. “Depending on their interests or concerns, we will try to find ways to work with them and perhaps point them to other community organizations that might specifically be doing something that falls under their concern. 

Individuals interested in volunteering can submit an email on CART’S website. 

Meanwhile, the broader view finds CART’s collaboration with various organizations to be instrumental in its progress. 

“We’re currently working with several organizations in the City of Riverside, including Antiracist Riverside, Starting Over, and Fair Housing to organize and try to retain the $20.1 million in Homekey+ funding from the state that four city council members decided to decline,” Rooths said. 

On Jan. 13, the Riverside City Council voted 4-3 to nix a state grant designed to convert a Quality Inn into 114 units of supportive housing for the homeless and low-income seniors. 

“It’s a shame because it’s gone through an entire process,” Rooths said. “The state says, ‘We are going to give this money to the city of Riverside,’ one of five locations in the state that got the funding, then city council members say they didn’t want any of it.  

“It’s a terrible thing,” she added, “but it feels like a trend. Because my work is across the region, I’ve seen it happening in different places like the Unified School District declining $7.7 million from the Board of State and Community Corrections for disinvolved youth who are in the Palm Springs Unified School District.” 

Five community-based organizations collaborated with the district to write the proposal and send it to the state.  

“Then it comes back, and someone internally decides they’re going to decline $7.7 million,” Rooths said. “It feels like there’s some kind of ideology operating out there.” 

CART’s various programs and educational arms may offset any perceived setbacks. 

Various events, such as the Inland Empire Annual Antiracist Summit, also create opportunities for CART to expand its reach. In 2025, the organization featured social justice icon, scholar, and author Dr. Angela Davis, who addressed her book, “Are Prisons Obsolete?” and the importance of Restorative Justice. 

On that note, the nonprofit encourages individuals to consider its antiracist library, which features the works of other impactful writers—Ibram X. Kendi (“How to Be an Antiracist”), Richard Rothstein (“The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America”), and Howard Zinn (“A People’s History of the United States”), to note but three. 

Looking ahead, Rooths is hopeful for today’s youth, who can morph into true change agents. 

“Many of them are graduating this year, and they understand,” she said. “They care about having youth public spaces where they can congregate, and they care about community concerns are.  

She cites one group, the Perris Youth Coalition.  

“They’re a totally independent group,” Rooths said. “Our job is to support them in their work. We provide training and have meetings to help them to reach out to public officials. On March 3, they’ll be talking to Perris City Council member David Starr Rabb about their concerns and desires around youth public spaces and public transportation. 

“I find young people to be extremely caring and concerned about everything that’s going on,” she added. “They want to do something about it. They just need the opportunity and support to make it happen.”  

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

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To be sure, the nonprofit’s ongoing mission to provide quality guide dogs is significant, but so is maintaining general operating expenses. 

A grant from the Hemet Lions Club Endowed Donor Advised Fund via Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) will help on that front. 

Robert Maher, Executive Director of Guide Dogs of the Desert, says the IECF funding will factor into “everything we do here.

“For instance, in 2025, we had 77 puppies, which is wonderful,” he added. “However, those wonderful puppies go off to volunteer puppy raisers for 18 to 24 months, which is fantastic, but all of those puppies need training equipment.” 

Maher is referring to toys, balls, leashes, harnesses, and other items that fall under the “general operating expenses” umbrella.  

“People may not know that each of those dogs are valued at about $100,000, which is what it costs us to bring them through the three-year training process,” he said. “It’s basically 24 months to three years of getting those dogs trained from the time that they’re a puppy to the time that they’re being placed as a guide dog.” 

He also noted the high success rate of puppies that become guide dogs.  

“It’s about 55 percent, which is higher than a lot of the national average,” he said. “And that really speaks to the high quality of our volunteers and what they’re able to provide us as well as our direct guide dog training staff.” 

The organization has several puppy trainers and those who work with the volunteer puppy trainers. Collectively, the dogs are taught basic dog obedience.  

“It’s much more than most of us do for our own house pet,” Maher said. “Our dogs are taught to go to the bathroom, even on command. After that initial puppy-training period, the dogs come in for formal guide dog training, and those are done by formal guide dog trainers here.” 

Those individuals are called Guide Dog Mobility Instructors. At this point, they work with the dog for another six months for formal training.  

“The thing that I always try to emphasize with people is the next time you’re standing on a street corner, close your eyes and say, ‘How am I going to get myself across the street?’” Maher said. “If you were visually impaired, and if you had a white cane with you, do you feel comfortable stepping out into the traffic with that white cane to get yourself across the street?  

“But when you know that you have this dog by your side, you know you have the complete trust, confidence, and ability in that dog to safely walk you across that street,” he added. “And that’s just a life-changing experience to have that comfort level.” 

Guide Dogs of the Desert’s operates from a six-acre campus that includes a 12-bedroom dorm. A common area for socialization creates other opportunities to learn and bond. The facility’s 400-seat multi-purpose room also serves as an auditorium where graduations take place upon completion of training. 

Meanwhile, an onsite kennel complex can accommodate up to 25 dogs while they’re moving through training or if they require any medical attention. The Frank M. and Gertrude R. Doyle Foundation Wellness Center provides yet another space for health and welfare matters for puppies and dogs during their formal training. 

Maher said there are many ways the public can learn more about the nonprofit. 

“Our graduations are held here on campus and those events are free and open to the public,” he added. “People can check our website for upcoming events. But everybody is always welcome to participate in a scheduled tour of the campus and facilities.”  

In the meantime, mark your calendars for the nonprofit’s special event on March 25 at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge in Palm Springs.  

“It’s an exciting Easter bonnet auction party,” Maher said. “People in the community are making Easter bonnets that we’ll auction off. There will also be a silent auction. This is a really fun event where everybody gets together and has a good time.” 

This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, March, 2026.

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Recent funding from the Community Impact Fund via Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is offering TEC new opportunities to strengthen its mission to promote tolerance, respect, and understanding while also eliminating hatred and bigotry.  

“The recent grant has been very impactful because it helps us with our regular programming and the mission of the organization,” said Nancy Kaye, head of Marketing and Development at TEC. The resources from the Community Impact Fund directly help us do that.” 

TEC has long been a change agent in Coachella Valley, providing knowledge through education and engagement in the hopes of fostering a mindset that, according to TEC, “rejects prejudice, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates diversity.” 

Kaye says the grant arrives at an ideal time. 

“The Center has really found its footing in the past year since reopening after the pandemic,” she said.  “We’re adding in more regular programming and bringing in more students. That’s what we really hope to focus on in the coming year—the education of students in the Coachella Valley middle and high school students. We want to teach them about tolerance, stability, respect, and understanding.” 

Founded by Holocaust survivor Earl Greif in 2006, TEC opened doors to the public several years later in 2009. (Greif passed away in 2016).  

The goal of eliminating hatred and bigotry seemed grand, however, through TEC’s various programs, activities, and exhibits, it has provided ample educational opportunities for students and the community at large to not only learn to see and understand prejudice, but to also practice critical thinking. 

Feeling empowered to take active roles in the community also factored into the equation with the idea of creating, “a more just and humane society.” 

The organization’s variety of programming and events stand out. Kaye says that when middle and high school students visit TEC on field trips, they often will hear first- or second-generation accounts of Holocaust survivors. Power, strength, and resilience shine through most of these testimonies, making for a truly illuminating experience. 

Shining light on other atrocities and genocides is also key. To that end, TEC hopes its visitors leave the center with a mindset that can reject hate and prejudice, but also deeply question stereotypes. 

Mark your calendars. Upcoming events include a presentation/book signing with Jana Zimmer, author of “Chocolates from Tangiers,” a Holocaust replacement child’s memoir (Feb. 8), and a film screening of The Rape of Europa, dubbed a “whirlwind of fanaticism, greed, and warfare that threatened to wipe out the artistic heritage of Europe” (Feb.17). 

One special event is also of note. “Violins of Hope” (March 8) features a collection of more than 70 instruments that were played by Jewish musicians in camps and ghettos. These instruments were found and collected, often in battered or beaten conditions. They were later restored to prime quality, then played by top violinists across the globe, each instrument carrying its own unique tale. 

“What I particularly like about being part of the organization is the encounter with people who have incredible stories to tell about resistance and courage,” Kaye said. “It’s only through an organization like this one that we get to meet Holocaust survivors and their descendants, and learn about unbelievable—and believable—accounts.  

“We have a unique opportunity here to learn from these people about creating a more just and humane world,” she added. “Through these encounters with survivors and their descendants, we come face to face with authentic, first-hand oral testimony that is rare and impactful.” 

This story originally appeared in the Desert Sun, February, 2026.

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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