YG Grantee: Queen of Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc.
IECF’s Youth Grantmakers recently identified the greatest needs in their community and awarded $38,000 to Riverside and San Bernardino County nonprofits serving youth.
During the pandemic, Youth Grantmakers made the shift to a virtual format for all of its gatherings. Students met over Zoom to do everything from organizing site visits and community service projects to analyzing grants and presenting awards to organizations in virtual ceremonies.
“I was in awe of their resilience during this time,” Shackleford said. “They were all affected by the pandemic, and they still showed up. No matter what they were still here.”
The YG program, which began in 2009, is dedicated to teaching the tradition of philanthropy and community involvement to youth in the Inland Empire. Over the course of nine months students learn to read and analyze a grant application, respectfully debate the most critical needs, and prioritize the many worthwhile requests.
With representatives from 29 high schools in both counties, 108 Youth Grantmakers make up the Riverside, San Bernardino, Coachella Valley, and Native programs. Since the creation of this program, Youth Grantmakers have awarded $509,000 to deserving nonprofit agencies.
Our of the $38,000 in grants awarded, $12,000 were “Charity of Choice” recipients and $26,000 was awarded to 15 nonprofits:
2021 Grantees
Coachella Valley
Boo2Bullying, Inc $1,000.00
Boys & Girls Clubs of Coachella Valley $1,500.00
SCRAP Gallery $2,500.00
The Unforgettables Foundation $1,000.00
Riverside
Assistance League of Riverside $2,500.00
Exceptional Opportunities, Inc. $2,500.00
LGBTQ+ Center of Riverside County $1,235.00
Pomona Economic Opportunity Center – IE Immigrant Youth Collective $1,265.00
Youth for Truth International $2,500.00
San Bernardino
Generations Rise $2,500.00
Magdalena’s Daughters $2,500.00
Pomona Economic Opportunity Center- IE Immigrant Youth Collective $500.00
Project Fighting Chance $2,000.00
Queen of Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. $2,200.00
San Bernardino Fatherhood $300.00
“Although we could no longer meet in person, this obstacle did not stop us from our ultimate goal of helping at-risk youth who needed our help more than ever,” said YG Participant Juan Velasquez. “We may have been delayed, but through many zoom calls and digital problem solving, we still came to a consensus.”
“Thank you to all the nonprofits who applied for YG grants. This exercise prepares our youth to be leaders in our community.” Shackleford said.
To learn more about becoming a Youth Grantmaker or if you’re considering making a gift to the Youth Grantmakers Program, contact Denisha Shackelford, Youth Initiatives Manager at dshackelford@iegives.org.