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Inland Empire Community Foundation

Annual Giving
$38.6M

Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF)

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $38.6 million (expenses/grants distributed, 2024)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly available
  • Decision Time: Not publicly available
  • Grant Range: Not publicly available
  • Geographic Focus: Inland Empire region (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, California)

Contact Details

Overview

The Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) is a major philanthropic force in Southern California's Inland Empire region, established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in 1997. With total assets exceeding $156 million and annual revenues of $67.7 million (2024), IECF serves as a vital community foundation supporting Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. The foundation operates primarily through donor-advised funds and manages multiple signature funds targeting specific community needs. Under the leadership of President & CEO Regis Michelle Decker, IECF focuses on creating lasting community change through strategic investments in equity, economy, education, and environment.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

IECF manages several signature funds, though specific grant amounts are not publicly detailed:

  • Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islanders (AANHPI) Fund
  • Build Coachella Valley Fund
  • CIELO Fund
  • Friends of Veterans Fund
  • Fund for a Creative IE
  • Here for Good Fund
  • IE Black Equity Fund
  • Journalism Innovation Hub+Fund
  • Women's Giving Fund
  • Youth Grantmakers Program

Priority Areas

IECF's impact framework focuses on four key pillars:

  • Equity: Advancing racial and social equity across the region
  • Economy: Supporting economic development and opportunity
  • Education: Promoting education equity and access
  • Environment: Addressing climate and environmental challenges

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions not publicly available

Governance and Leadership

Executive Leadership:

  • President & CEO: Regis Michelle Decker (2024 compensation: $226,608)
  • Chief Development Officer: Brie Griset Smith
  • Chief Impact Officer: Celia Cudiamat
  • Chief Financial Officer: Paula Myles

Board Leadership:

  • Board Chair: Nefertiti Long
  • Vice Chair: Jesse Melgar
  • Board members serve without compensation

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

IECF operates a grant portal at https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=inlandempire. However, the foundation appears to primarily work through its signature funds and donor-advised funds rather than open, competitive grant cycles. Most funding opportunities appear to be through specific fund initiatives rather than general operating grants.

Getting on Their Radar

Given the limited public application information, organizations seeking support should:

  • Contact IECF directly at info@iegives.org to inquire about relevant funding opportunities
  • Explore partnership opportunities through their signature funds that align with your organization's mission
  • Engage with IECF's community initiatives and programs to build relationships
  • Consider applying through specific fund initiatives when announced

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available

Success Rates

Not publicly available

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly available

Application Success Factors

While specific application guidance is not publicly detailed, based on IECF's structure and priorities:

  • Alignment with one of the four impact pillars (Equity, Economy, Education, Environment) appears critical
  • Organizations serving the Inland Empire region (Riverside and San Bernardino Counties) have geographic priority
  • Projects that demonstrate collaborative approaches and potential for lasting community change align with IECF's stated methodology
  • Connection to one of the signature funds' specific focus areas may increase likelihood of support

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • IECF is a well-resourced community foundation with over $156 million in assets but limited public information about open grant opportunities
  • The foundation appears to primarily distribute funds through donor-advised funds and signature fund initiatives rather than open RFPs
  • Direct outreach to IECF staff is likely necessary to understand current funding opportunities
  • Geographic focus is strictly limited to the Inland Empire region
  • The foundation's four-pillar framework (Equity, Economy, Education, Environment) should guide any funding requests
  • Consider exploring partnerships through specific signature funds that align with your mission
  • The grant portal exists but may require direct communication with IECF to understand access and eligibility

References

  • ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Inland Empire Community Foundation (EIN: 33-0748536), accessed December 31, 2024
  • Inland Empire Community Foundation website (www.iegives.org), accessed December 31, 2024
  • IECF Impact page (www.iegives.org/impact), accessed December 31, 2024
  • IECF Nonprofits page (www.iegives.org/nonprofits), accessed December 31, 2024
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