With the threat of California wildfires omnipresent, one non-profit organization has strengthened its mission to deliver wildfire education and awareness to homeowners and residents in Riverside County. 

To that end, MySafe: Riverside wants to be part of the wildfire solution. 

“One of our key mission objectives is to create Fire Safe Councils and NFPA Firewise communities,” said David Barrett, Executive Director of MySafe: Riverside. “These are groups of homeowners that understand that wildfire resilience actually has to start with them.” 

MySafe:Riverside actively works with homeowners and residents to share preparation and survival tactics in wildfires. By teaching the community, it builds confidence and reduces risks of greater dangers. For instance, homeowner’s associations can become part of NFPA Firewise USA sites and California Fire Safe Councils. 

“In many places within Riverside County, there are gaps,” Barrett said. “Homeowners know that there’s wildfire risk. They know about heat and wind, and while some don’t admit climate change, regardless, they know there are risks out there that create damaging wildfire potential.”

However, Barrett added that many of those same individuals believe that no matter what happens, the fire department is going to fix everything.  

“But we’re living in different times than we were 20 years ago,” he added. 

Just look back to the January 2025 Southern California wildfires. Fire raged through the region, creating the most devastating fire in years. More recently, The Gifford Fire, which ignited earlier this month and has been estimated to have swept through more than 117,000 acres, is on track to be one the area’s most destructive wildfires. 

“The fire department is terrific at suppression, putting out active fires, and responding to threats like wildfire,” Barrett said. “But there’s two issues that homeowners don’t understand. Typically, the most flammable thing you’ll find out in the open is grass. And the second most flammable thing you’ll find are structures.  

“And if residents don’t take steps to reduce the ignitability of their structures, the chance of loss if a wildfire impacts them, and it doesn’t matter whether it’s Corona, Temecula, Hemet or wherever, there’s a 40 percent chance that they will lose their home,” he added. 

MySafe:Riverside battles the complexities of education and outreach with determination. It actively assists first responders to engage with the community. It encourages residents to join the Riverside Wildfire Alliance. 

A recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is greatly helping with these efforts, Barrett said, adding, “If residents take the steps that we teach, which are made possible, in part, thanks to IECF, they can cut these risks in half to 20 percent.” 

The nonprofit’s website is filled with information to assist residents and in the coming months, outreach will no doubt increase. And while Barrett is pleased that reducing fire risk to 20 percent is good, it’s not enough. 

“Personally, I feel 20 percent is completely unacceptable,” he said. “That’s one-fifth, so for every five homes, one will burn, in theory. That’s not acceptable. What we’re trying to do is build more NFPA Firewise sites and continue supporting the building of Fire Safe Councils.  

“The main difference being that a Fire Safe Council can apply for its own grants related to defensible space, and to be able to help homeowners,” he added. “But for us, none of this is possible without the support of organizations like IECF.” 

Learn more at mysaferiverside.org. 

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise, August 2025.

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 post Grantee Spotlight: Grant to My Safe: Riverside plays key role in battling fire risks appeared first on IECF.

Photo courtesy of Tree People

IECF recently partnered with the League of California Community Foundations (LCCF) to regrant $90,000 in wildfire resilience funds across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Funding came through LCCF from the State of California Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Communications (OCPSC), with a focus on supporting local organizations that help residents prepare for fire-related emergencies.

In alignment with our commitment to the Vital Conditions Framework and the essential condition of A Thriving Natural World, the grants bolstered efforts to reach communities that are often hardest hit and least resourced during climate-related events. These efforts prioritized older adults, people with chronic health conditions, families living on low incomes, and communities of color. Organizations used the funds for outreach, education, direct aid, and youth engagement.

This grantmaking work complements our broader role in the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) Program. As the RFFC block grantee for the Inland Empire, IECF is helping to coordinate a long-term regional strategy for wildfire and forest resilience. We are bringing together partners across sectors to identify shared priorities, strengthen the workforce, and expand access to public funding.

Grant Recipients and Outcomes

• Rivers & Lands Conservancy
  Distributed more than 3,000 wildfire resilience guides and reached over 10,000 residents through online education and outreach. Download your copy of the California Native Plants and Fire Resilient Landscaping booklet.
• TreePeople
  Helped grow 2,000 bigcone Douglas-fir seedlings for reforestation in the San Bernardino Mountains and secured an additional $100,000 in public funding to support long-term efforts.
• MySafe Riverside
  Held a wildfire safety fair in Wildomar with over 400 attendees, supported HOA certification efforts, and expanded preparedness outreach to more than 1,500 homes.
• Building Resilient Communities
  Trained 68 community members through emergency preparedness workshops, distributed more than 1,200 disaster kits, and provided direct support to families impacted by wildfire.
• Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action (ANCA)
  Reached over 1,600 homes with wildfire smoke safety information, launched a youth-led resilience project, and brought together 20 community members to form a new Northside Alliance.

Photo Courtesy of Rivers and Lands Conservancy

What We Heard from the Field

Grantees used local data, including the Healthy Places Index, to identify and reach at-risk populations. They also relied on community partnerships and direct outreach to build trust and meet people where they are.

Residents shared that this was often the first time they had received clear, accessible information or had a chance to engage in conversations about wildfire readiness. These interactions built trust, strengthened networks, and supported real community preparedness.

Looking Ahead

The organizations we supported through the LCCF grants are continuing to educate, organize, and respond, even with limited resources and growing need. We encourage you to visit their websites and look for opportunities to get involved! Your contributions, whether through volunteerism or financial support, will help us build a safer and more resilient region.

At IECF, we’re in this for the long haul. Through the RFFC program and other local partnerships, we work side by side with communities and nonprofits to prepare, adapt, and care for the places we all share. We’re fostering regional strength that grows through local knowledge, strong relationships, and a shared commitment to the wellbeing of both people and the natural environment.

Green Trees and Blue Skies for the Next Generation

Whether your family has lived in the Inland Empire for decades or just planted roots, there are many ways to support a Thriving Natural World for future generations who will call our region home. A long-term investment helps protect the natural places, clean air, and safe communities that tomorrow’s children and grandchildren will depend on. Our Charitable Giving Team can help you shape a fund that reflects your priorities and supports local efforts to care for the region’s land, water, and people. Start the conversation today by emailing us at giving@iegives.org, or call 951-241-7777.

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 post Grants Support Wildfire Resilience in the Inland Empire appeared first on IECF.

“Trees need people,” professes the nonprofit TreePeople. “And people need trees.”  In the wake of the January 2025 Southern California wildfires, the statement holds even greater impact.

Now, thanks to the League of California Community Foundations/Wildfire Resilience Fund through Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), TreePeople is broadening its reach in its mission to inspire, engage, and support individuals to take personal responsibility for the environment.

“TreePeople has traditionally been Los Angeles County-focused,” said David Pineda, Director of Strategy for the nonprofit. “And we are focused on restoration and reforestation projects in the Santa Monica and sometimes Santa Monica Mountains and the Angeles National Forest. 

“But this IECF grant really allowed us to advance our partnership and planning efforts that we have with the San Bernardino National Forest to conduct similar on-the-ground reforestation projects,” he added. “This allows us to plan strategically with the forest and partners to begin work and access additional resources to get the projects done.”

The grant specifically gives TreePeople an opportunity to hone in on the Apple and El Dorado fire star areas and plan and build a partnership with the forest service. That would allow the nonprofit to pursue larger public funds.

“Funding is a really crucial piece of that puzzle,” Pineda said.

It’s also an ongoing endeavor for TreePeople. Like most nonprofits, resources are key, yet in a given year, funding fluctuates, making the organization’s mission to inform people all the more challenging.

“People may not realize the scale at which the organization is operating on,” Pineda said. “We’re a staff of about 120 folks across the greater Los Angeles area, and more and more in the Inland Empire region. It’s important for folks to know that, yeah, we are doing work across the mountains in Southern California and across the urban communities in the IE and L.A. areas.”

Launched in 1973, TreePeople has become one of the largest environmental organizations stationed in Southern California. It aims to “inspire, engage, and support” more than 3 million people in the region to act for the environment. This can be done in numerous ways, but planting and caring for trees in forests, mountains, parks, and our neighborhoods is one key initiative. 

To that end, the nonprofit guides communities to create—perhaps “plant”—a more resilient future by greening their neighborhoods. Through its educational programs, TreePeople easily shares knowledge with various policymakers, students, educators, and communities in the region and around the world.

Pineda encourages individuals to visit the nonprofit’s website and consider volunteer opportunities. Forestry and school greening projects stand out. When schools are covered in concrete, for instance, TreePeople creates green schoolyards. Additionally, if communities experience food insecurity, TreePeople distributes fruit trees. 

Drought issues are also addressed. During California droughts, TreePeople designs solutions to capture rainwater. 

Two other key initiatives stand out.

One of them is education. TreePeople provides students, teachers, and school communities with knowledge and the tools and support needed to create environmental change. Another prominent anchor is the TreePeople Land Trust, which stewards more than 3,000 acres of land in the Santa Monica Mountains, thereby protecting those spaces for the benefit of future generations. 

To learn more or to volunteer, visit treepeople.org.

This article originally appeared in the Press-Enterprise, April 2025.

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 post Grantee Spotlight: Wildfire Resilience Fund advances efforts of the nonprofit TreePeople appeared first on IECF.

Redlands Accelerate Neighborhood Climate Action Redlands (Redlands ANCA) wants to help build climate-resilient communities—one neighborhood at a time. Thanks to a recent grant from Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) through the League of California Community Foundations Wildfire Resilience Fund, the all-volunteer organization is making huge strides on that front.

“The timing of the grant was fantastic because as an organization, we had been talking for some time about working with our most vulnerable communities and building climate resilience,” said Linda Hamilton, Executive Director of ANCA Redlands. “We were able to hire Bryan Miranda, a former fellow of The California Climate Action Corps, who helped create a program that provided information on, among other things, the dangers of wildfire smoke.”

More than 1,600 households received small packets of information and N95 masks, while several other households received air purifiers. 

“The grant really allowed us to embark on this mass outreach to everyone,” Hamilton said. “It’s interesting what we found out because a lot of people are very concerned about air quality, not just from wildfires but generally speaking.”

ANCA Redlands has grown considerably since its inception several years ago.

Concerned about the ever-accelerating climate change and the huge impact local communities experience, the nonprofit was founded in 2022 as a chapter of a broader, national ANCA organization based in Denver, Colorado. Helping communities prepare for severe climate impacts is key.

To that end, helping reduce carbon emissions that cause the warming factors into its mission as does environmental justice.

ANCA also used several big events as a way to survey more people in the area. One outing was the city’s holiday block party on the north side.

“We reached more than a 100 people there,” Hamilton said. “The surveys we used were pretty in-depth in terms of how people were experiencing the various impacts of climate change, including the poor air quality from wildfires. And so, now, we have a real understanding now of what people are most concerned about.”

Another thing that sprang from these efforts is the group Northside Alliance, which Hamilton describes as a variety of organizations and individuals who reside on the north side who are concerned about the future and well-being of the community.

“We’re thrilled that we have this strong group, right off the bat, to work with and a really great strategy for moving forward with new resources,” Hamilton said. “We’re going to start with planting trees there to increase the tree canopy in terms of dealing with heat and air quality.”

On the horizon will be more in-depth focus groups and building even greater trust in more disadvantaged communities. Those interested in volunteer opportunities and a list of the organization’s monthly gatherings can visit the non-profit’s website.

In the meantime, Hamilton points out the benefits of outreach.

“I remember we were out talking to people and we had told them that we really wanted to help build more climate resilience,” she said. “So, we asked them what they thought we should be doing. And one woman said, ‘Keep doing just what you’re doing. Get us information because we need it.’”

“That really gave us some insight into how to move forward,” she added.

Learn more at redlands-anca.hub.arcgis.com

This article originally appeared in the Press-Enterprise, March 2025.

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 post Grantee Spotlight: New grant helps Redlands ANCA increase outreach appeared first on IECF.

This powerful documentary tells the story of Brandon Smith and Royal Ramey, who met while fighting wildfires in California’s prison system. Overcoming incredible obstacles like institutional hurdles, financial burdens, and the stigma of their past, Brandon and Royal have dedicated their lives to helping others. Through their nonprofit, The Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program (FFRP), they empower formerly incarcerated individuals to find purpose and redemption through firefighting careers. 

David Hernandez, IECF’s Regional Forest & Fire Capacity Program Coordinator and Shared Stewardship Advisor, coordinated the screening with FFRP and Blue Chalk Media. He commented, “Firebreak beautifully showcases the power of community support and second chances. We are excited to partner with the Forest and Fire Recruitment Program to highlight the inspiring success story of Brandon and Royal. Their efforts are transforming the FFRP into a leading workforce capacity organization in California.” 

David Hernandez, Royal Ramey, Brandon Smith during the Q&A

Want to learn more? Visit www.forestryfirerp.org to discover how FFRP helps formerly incarcerated men and women find meaningful employment during re-entry.

A big thanks to KVCR Public Media for providing the fantastic viewing space!

The Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) program is a statewide initiative, administered by the Department of Conservation under the auspices of the California Natural Resources Agency. Learn more about the work we’re doing through a 2-year block grant here.

Stay up to date on all the good we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Philanthropy Matters, today!

The post Special Screening of Firebreak: A documentary on the intersection of climate change and social justice appeared first on IECF.

RFFC partners and program managers (LtoR): Jacob Byrne, Department of Conservation; David Hernandez, IECF; Susie Kirschner, Inland Empire Resource Conservation District; Heather Marlow, Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County; Sarah Kevorkian, Mountains Recreation & Conservation Authority; Madison Killebrew, Irvine Ranch Conservancy; Rorie Skei, Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy; Stan Hill, Resource Conservation District of Greater San Diego County; Blair Crossman, Rivers and Mountains Conservancy; Natalie Chapman, Department of Conservation; Kealii Bright, Department of Conservation

On November 13, 2024, Celia Cudiamat, Chief Impact Officer at IECF, and David Hernandez, Regional Forest and Fire Capacity Coordinator and Shared Stewardship Advisor, attended the SoCal Regional Wildfire Resilience Convening at the University of Redlands. This gathering, hosted by Inland Empire Resource Conservation District, California Fire Science Consortium, and the University of Redlands, brought together leaders from government agencies, nonprofit organizations, and academic institutions to discuss strategies for improving wildfire resilience in Southern California. The event emphasized collaboration and the sharing of innovative approaches to address wildfire risks and promote forest health across the region.

Networking session

Reflecting on the day, David Hernandez said, “The SoCal Regional Wildfire Resilience Convening was an incredible opportunity to connect with leaders across the region who are deeply committed to addressing the challenges of wildfire resilience. At IECF, we’re focused on developing a Regional Priority Plan that incorporates the expertise and insights of regional leaders, builds capacity within our communities, and aligns with state and federal strategies to protect both people and natural resources. Events like this are invaluable in strengthening partnerships and advancing our shared mission to foster resilience and sustainability in the face of increasing wildfire risks.”

Celia Cudiamat and David Hernandez

The day opened with a coffee networking session, followed by welcome remarks from Susie Kirschner of the Inland Empire Resource Conservation District and Erin Sanborn of the University of Redlands. Sarah Kevorkian of the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority contextualized the meeting’s purpose, framing it within the broader landscape of organizations working on wildfire resilience.

A series of agency updates followed, with insights from Jeff Heys, Dania Gutierrez, and Lauren Blake of the USDA Forest Service; Gregg Bratcher and Nico Alegria of CAL FIRE; and Keali’i Bright of the California Department of Conservation. Kristen Merrill from the California Wildfire & Forest Resilience Task Force shared updates on statewide initiatives, offering a comprehensive view of current policies and programs

The convening also showcased regional program updates. Heather Marlow of the Southern California Wildfire Resilience Partnership highlighted their efforts to unify wildfire resilience initiatives across the region. Royal Ramey from the Forestry and Fire Recruitment Program emphasized the importance of workforce development in creating equitable solutions, while Austin Parker of the USGS SPARCS Program shared cutting-edge data applications for wildfire management.

SoCal Regional Wildfire Resilience Convening at the University of Redlands

Post-fire restoration and reforestation were explored in depth during presentations by Ian Turner and Thierry Rivard on El Dorado’s post-fire restoration efforts and Madeline Sides on climate-informed reforestation guidance. These sessions provided actionable insights into recovering ecosystems and integrating climate resilience into forest management practices.

A highlight of the day was the panel discussion on fuel treatment strategies in chaparral ecosystems, moderated by Nicole Molinari of the USDA Forest Service. Panelists included Megan Jennings of San Diego State University, Mike Rohde of Rohde and Associates, Ryan White from San Diego Gas and Electric, Jeff Heys from the USDA Forest Service, and Ian McBride from CAL FIRE. They discussed the challenges and opportunities in balancing wildfire risk reduction with ecological integrity.

At IECF, we align our work with the Vital Conditions Framework, which highlights the basic needs every member of a community must have to thrive—like safe housing, access to education, and a healthy natural world. Supporting a thriving natural world is essential for building stronger, healthier, and more sustainable communities for everyone. A key part of this is ensuring that forests, wildlife, and natural spaces are cared for in ways that reduce wildfire risks and promote long-term well-being. Through our wildfire resilience projects, IECF is helping communities prepare for and recover from wildfires while restoring and protecting the environment, creating a region where everyone thrives – no exceptions.

The Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) program is a statewide initiative, administered by the Department of Conservation under the auspices of the California Natural Resources Agency. Learn more about the work we’re doing through a 2-year block grant here. 

Stay up to date on all the good we’re doing through the power of philanthropy. Sign up for our monthly eNewsletter today!

The post Wildfire Resilience in Action: Insights from the SoCal Convening appeared first on IECF.

Regional fire officials and TEAM RCD met to discuss collaborations

Here in the Inland Empire, wildfire is a constant threat. But we don’t have to face this challenge alone. IECF is proud to be part of the solution through our involvement in the Regional Forest and Fire Capacity (RFFC) program.

This statewide initiative empowers regions like ours to develop and implement plans for improving forest health and protecting communities from wildfires. As part of the RFFC program, IECF administers a $1.6M block grant to increase forest and fire resilience and plays a key role in fostering collaboration between various stakeholders.

Recently, IECF’s Regional Forest & Fire Coordinator, David Hernandez, participated in a meeting that brought together regional fire officials and TEAM RCD (Temecula-Elsinore-Anza-Murrieta Resource Conservation District). The gathering highlighted the importance of working together across boundaries to build a more fire-resistant Inland Empire. Regional fire officials in attendance included Scott Tangenberg (US Forest Supervisor-Cleveland National Forest), Bill Weiser (Fire Chief-CAL Fire), Bernard Molloy (Fire Chief-Murrieta Fire), Doug Strosnider (Deputy Fire Marshal-Murrieta Fire), and Jeff Bruns (Fire Inspector-Murrieta Fire).

Recognizing that effective wildfire protection requires a joint effort across boundaries, the meeting highlighted a crucial point: collaboration is key. Participants emphasized the importance of proactive, open communication and underscored the need for a united front against wildfires.This spirit of cooperation will be instrumental in developing a comprehensive and well-supported plan. At the coalition’s next meeting in April, they will identify new partners and establish specific goals and objectives to further strengthen our regional fire resilience efforts.

What can you do today?

In an area where wildfires are increasing, informed homeowners are empowered homeowners. One way you can participate in this collaborative effort is by hardening your home against wildfires. Home hardening is a series of steps you can take to make your property less vulnerable to wildfire damage. This can involve:

• Using fire-resistant roofing and siding materials.
• Installing properly screened vents to prevent embers from entering.
• Replacing single-pane windows with double-paned windows with tempered glass.
• Creating a defensible space around your home by removing flammable vegetation and maintaining a clean landscape.

Visit Cal Fire’s excellent resource page to learn more ways you can protect your home and family from wildfire.

We’d love to hear from you! Email David Hernandez for more information, and get regular updates by visiting our dedicated RFFC webpage. By working together, we can create a safer future for our communities.

Learn more about the good work we’re doing at IECF through the power of philanthropy. Subscribe to our free monthly eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters.

The post Southwestern Riverside Regional Collaboration for a fire-safe future (and steps homeowners can take now) appeared first on IECF.

Joesanna Osbourne, BRC Community Preparedness Specialist – Sharing information on ways to be more energy efficient to combat the impacts of climate change at the Winter Wonderland Health and Safety Fair – City of Banning (12/16/23)

The late great Martin Luther King, Jr. once said, “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” Debra Williams may have taken that to heart. Today, the founding CEO of Building Resilient Communities has, along with a dynamic team, helped local communities rise in the face of extreme challenges.

Back in 2012, Williams was inspired to make a difference after listening to a pastor speak about emergency preparedness. She began speaking in churches throughout the Inland Empire about disaster preparedness only to discover there was a need to fill in some gaps in funding and outreach. Soon enough, she launched Building Resilient Communities, which has become a leading resource for faith-based organizations aptly equipped to prepare for natural and human-made disasters. 

“When we first started, we focused on providing resources, tools, and education related to disaster preparedness, response and recovery, with an emphasis on the African American community,” Williams says. “We are Black-led. We work with everybody, but we do focus on the African American community. Most communities are not really prepared for disasters—fire, flood, earthquake, a pandemic. We started working with the faith community, all faiths, to help because we knew when a disaster strikes, people are going to go to the faith community, even if they’re not people of faith.

“The fire department is going to go away, the police department’s going to go away,” she adds. “It’s going to be the trusted messengers in the community that are left to pick up the pieces. If they’re not prepared, then they become part of the problem.”

After more than a decade in operation, the organization now provides training and resources for more than 600 faith-based organizations. It also offers support during times of disaster. One of its main goals is to remove barriers that may unfairly affect people during a disaster and to recover from any disruptive experiences.

“We are the ones who have picked up that mantle since 2012,” Williams says. “When you see the disasters that have happened, it’s the same populations—the BIPOC community is hardest hit. So that’s why we’re important.”

She went on to say that the organization works with all levels of government from local to federal. As such, it can serve as a liaison to help government agencies understand how to reach previously unreachable populations.

“People may have trust issues around past experiences with groups like Public Health, for instance,” Williams points out. “We want to be an important asset in the Inland Empire.

Recently, Building Resilient Communities received a Black Equity Fund grant through the Inland Empire Community Foundation. These resources are vital, Williams assures, as they will fill in the gaps of other funding, which can be restricted in terms of its full reach and impact.

“We are working with the vulnerable and underserved, and we want to do things in a culturally responsible way,” Williams notes. “In order to do that, sometimes that means offering extra incentives.”

Ultimately, it’s all about serving the community, particularly the African American community, in a culturally responsible way.

BRC Team and Governor’s Office of Planning and Research Team at Ark of Safety Community Resiliency Summit (11/16/23 Reconvening)

“A lot of people talk about equity but if you only offer your services in a cookie-cutter way, then you’re not addressing equity,” Williams says. “It’s important to reach the areas that are most vulnerable, and in the African American community, we need to do it in a way that they will hear us. And a lot of the funding we receive doesn’t allow us to do those kinds of things.”

She points out an example. When the organization first started working with Riverside County Public Health on COVID response, Williams says her organization was asked to take the lead on COVID response for the entire African American community across Riverside County. 

“When we went to the clinics they had set up, the first thing we noticed was they were very sterile,” she says. “It was like going to a doctor’s office. Immediately we did two things. We reached out to the African American churches and said, can we set up clinics? We partnered with a trusted segment—the faith community.”

“We said to Public Health, ‘We don’t have funerals. We have homegoing celebrations,’” she adds. “’ These clinics feel like you’re going to a doctor’s office or a funeral. We want to celebrate life. Yes, we know COVID-19 can kill, but we want to celebrate life. We want to say you’re going to live because of this vaccine. We want liveliness in here. That will help us reach the African American community.’”

These nuances generate significantly positive ripple effects and create a rare if not more personalized kind of outreach. In the coming years, several initiatives are in the works. One of them is an eight-month fellowship for African American men ages 20 to 44 on all things related to health—physical health, mental health, and leadership. 

“It’s called Brother to Brother,” Williams says of the pilot program, which launches in March 2024.  

In the meantime, Williams remains forever determined to grow the organization and extend its reach. “I’m tired of being on the surface,” she says. “I say, ‘let’s go scuba diving, let’s go deep, let’s go below the iceberg and figure out the barriers causing communities to be vulnerable and underserved.’”

Learn more about Building Resilient Communities at www.brcus.org.

This story originally appeared in the Press Enterprise December January 2024

Learn more about the good work we’re doing at IECF through the power of philanthropy. Subscribe to our free monthly eNewsletter, Philanthropy Matters.

The post Spotlight on Building Resilient Communities: improving disaster preparedness appeared first on IECF.