IECF has received a monumental gift of $4.5 million from the estate of Jane Lykken Hoff. This generous donation is the largest of its kind in the Foundation’s history and, as an endowed gift, will have a profound impact on the Coachella Valley community for generations.
Jane Lykken Hoff, a trailblazing philanthropist, dedicated her life to charitable causes, including arts and culture, education, and environmental protection. Her legacy will live on through The Jane Lykken Hoff Endowment Fund, which will support four organizations she deeply cared about: the College of the Desert Foundation, the Palm Springs Historical Society, the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, and PBS SoCal.
The endowment fund will provide scholarships to veterans and nursing students at the College of the Desert. Additionally, it will benefit programming offered by the Palm Springs Historical Society, the Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, and PBS SoCal.
“We are deeply honored to receive this remarkable gift from Jane Lykken Hoff’s estate,” said Michelle Decker, IECF President and CEO. “Jane’s commitment to philanthropy has made a lasting impact in our region, and this donation will enable us to further her vision by funding organizations that she loved and that uplift our communities in Coachella Valley.”
A passionate equestrian, Jane spent much of her life exploring the Indian Canyons on horseback. Her generosity, wit, and refined spirit will be greatly missed by the community she loved.
Jane with Jackie Autrey
“Jane believed in the power of community,” said Katherine and Greg Hough, executors of Jane Lykken Hoff’s estate. “This gift ensures that her passion for giving back will continue to inspire future generations. We are excited to see the positive impact this funding will bring to our region.”
We are pleased to share these statements from the nonprofit beneficiaries:
“College of the Desert is deeply honored to receive this extraordinary gift from Jane Lykken Hoff, whose generosity will leave an enduring impact on our students and programs. Her commitment to supporting our nursing and Veteran programs serves as a powerful example of how one person can shape the future for countless others. While Jane is no longer with us, her legacy of kindness and compassion continues to inspire. We invite others to follow in her footsteps, helping us uplift future generations and continue the mission she so passionately supported.” – Catherine Abbott, Executive Director, College of the Desert Foundation
“The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation is grateful to be a beneficiary of the bequest of Jane Lykken Hoff. This bequest will support programs and resources at the Palm Springs Public Library in perpetuity. Libraries often find it difficult to purchase the resources that our respective communities should have. Jane Lykken Hoff’s endowment will have a positive impact on our Library’s ability to meet those many needs year after year. We are very grateful to her and we hope her generosity motivates others to support our library in kind.” – Board President, Bill Wylie, Palm Springs Public Library Foundation
Jane with her dad, Carl Lykken
“Jane’s extraordinary planned gift to PBS SoCal embodies her deep belief in community, education, arts and culture, and the environment. Through this legacy, she demonstrates her unwavering commitment to uplifting her community and enriching the lives of future generations, ensuring that public media continues to inspire and connect us all.” – Cindy Galindo, Chief Development Officer, PBS SoCal
“Jane Lykken Hoff served the Palm Springs Historical Society for decades and we are honored that she thought of us as part of her legacy. She was a most remarkable person: always optimistic, always generous, always congenial, always kind. She led a truly remarkable life not just because of her longevity but because of her example of how to live well and fully. Jane is dearly missed, and her gift to the Historical Society is most appreciated.”– Tracy Conrad, President, Palm Springs Historical Society
IECF is honored to play a role in carrying on Jane Hoff’s legacy and ensuring that her generosity benefits the Coachella Valley community for generations to come.
If you would like to learn how you can leave a legacy and support causes close to your heart – today and beyond your lifetime – contact Brie Griset Smith, CSPG, Chief Development Officer at bgrisetsmith@iegives.org or 951-241-7777.
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