According to the article, California could see a substantial reduction in funding available for wildfire prevention and resilience projects over the next several years. Experts warn that the shift could affect efforts already underway to reduce wildfire risk through forest management, fuel reduction, prescribed fire, and other proven strategies.

As California prepares to elect its next governor, questions about the future of wildfire prevention funding are becoming increasingly urgent.

The issue is the focus of a new video from the Wildfire Solutions Coalition, which features voices from across California discussing what is needed to make communities and natural landscapes safer.

In the video, IECF President and CEO Michelle Decker shared this message for future state leaders:

“The average California voter really wants to solve this, and they vote with their wallets. They approve bond measures that invest billions of dollars in wildfire resilience. That’s a profound public trust. Not every electorate in the country or the world is prepared to do that. It’s incumbent on state leaders to treat that trust with respect and make sure that we can demonstrate to the voters that we’re making progress and show to the world that progress is possible.”

For the Inland Empire, there is much at stake. Continued investment in wildfire resilience helps protect lives, homes, infrastructure, watersheds, and the landscapes that define our region.

We encourage you to read the Los Angeles Times article and watch the Wildfire Solutions Coalition video to learn more about the funding challenges ahead and the solutions already being put into practice across California.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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. 

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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.

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