Donor Stories
Donor Advised Funds: Your personal philanthropy toolkit
Learn from a Donor Advised Fundholder, Ann Sheffer Ann Sheffer, former IECF board member, founder of the Fund for a Creative IE, and a generous donor at the Inland Empire Community Foundation,...
Desert Inspiration: The Brian and Lori Rennie Legacy Fund
From trekking through the surreal landscape of Joshua Tree National Park to hiking 100 exhilarating miles in the Swiss Alps, Brian and Lori Rennie have spent 25 years with a shared appreciation for...
The Cuevas family: staying active in the community through volunteerism and philanthropy
The Cuevas family moved from the San Gabriel Valley to Inland Southern California 27 years ago and soon became committed community members. Looking for the most effective use of their philanthropy, they contacted their attorney who directed them to The Community Foundation. The Cuevas family quickly shifted their view of how they could become involved.
In memory of Jane Lykken Hoff: her legacy lives on
IECF joins the Coachella Valley and beyond in mourning the loss of the legendary Jane Lykken Hoff, who died at the age of 103 – just two months shy of her 104th birthday. Widely known for her...
Honoring Katy Webb: a family’s tribute
It has been over four years since Matt Webb’s wife Katy passed away. Matt and his children, Emily and James, wanted to do something to honor her memory, so in 2014 they opened the Katherine C. Webb Memorial Scholarship Fund with the Inland Empire Community Foundation.
The Webb Family: transforming their community through philanthropy
This idea underpins Webb Family Enterprises’ partnership with IECF to create the Webb Family Fund for Parity.
Dr. Daksha Jain and Sudhir Kapadia create local impact through a scholarship fund at IECF
Dr. Daksha Jain and her husband, Sudhir Kapadia, discovered the meaning of giving back early on while growing up in India. The couple credits their parents and grandparents for learning this...
The Ripple Effect: how board giving builds a stronger community foundation
IECF's Board of Directors is deeply committed to the work we do. We're proud to say that 100% of our board members contribute as individual donors, demonstrating leadership by example. The Inland...
Donor Partnerships: San Manuel Band of Mission Indians is Turning College Dreams into Reality
The Tribe’s fund supports its team members’ educational goals The cultural values and beliefs that the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians hold dear inspired the SMBMI Team Member Dependent...
Larry and Helen Hoag Foundation Donates $100K to Support Educational Equity in Riverside
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, schools faced extraordinary challenges. Remote learning, staffing shortages, rolling school closures and spotty access to the internet were the norm for all,...
Jack Fitzsimmons and Walter Gendell: steering support to meaningful causes – today and forever
Jack Fitzsimmons and Walter Gendell have long championed causes and organizations they believe in but felt their efforts were a bit scattershot. When the Sonoma County couple retired from corporate...
Phil Savage IV: Championing IECF for its Time-tested Stewardship
Phil Savage IV has been named IECF's Professional Advisor Champion for 2023! Phil joins 39 other Professional Advisors who have received this distinction for their expertise in supporting the region...
Building an Equitable IE: Dr. Robert K. Ross is “all in” for the IE Black Equity Fund
This story originally appeared in our 2022-23 Annual Report. When it comes to building healthy communities, Robert K. Ross, M.D., understands the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion. As...
Graduation Day and They’re on Their Way! Scholarships Help Local Students Achieve Their Dreams
For more than 80 years, scholarships have been a vibrant part of IECF's mission to support equitable education. IECF’s founder, Charles E. Brouse, held a profound belief in the transformative power...
Phil and Karen Hudis: Hope and Healing Through Philanthropy
All philanthropy starts with a story. We're honored that our donors entrust IECF with their funds so lives can be changed for the better, and it's a distinct privilege to learn about the events that...
Gloria Macias Harrison: Leading by Example
For over 50 years, Gloria Macias Harrison has dedicated her life’s work to the betterment of her community through communication, activism and education. As co-founder of El Chicano newspaper and...
Jane Lykken Hoff: The Coachella Valley’s Legendary Trailblazer
Jane Lykken Hoff is one example of a true legacy. This Palm Springs pioneer, who passed away in December 2023 just two months shy of her 104th birthday, is considered a bit of a legend. Known as a...
Nefertiti Long and a Gift to Remember: The Laverne Jones Legacy Fund
As the daughter of a single mom, Nefertiti "Nef" Long grew up in humble circumstances. Her family moved frequently when she was a child. Although Nef faced adversity, she was fortunate to have...
Peggy Fouke Wortz: The Embodiment of Grace, Elegance and Generosity
Peggy Fouke Wortz was an extraordinary woman who transformed a life of privilege into a legacy of generosity. She gave of her wealth, her personal resources and her untiring spirit to those in our...
Victress Bower: A Teacher and Her Legacy
Born in Minnesota in 1874, Victress Bower was the youngest of four children. She began teaching in Minnesota and then moved to Escondido, California before coming to Riverside in 1908. She...
Satisfaction Through Service to Others: A Conversation with Rose Mayes
A Riverside icon shares how tough times taught her to give to others. In honor of January's Martin Luther King, Jr. Day and February's Black History Month, we're pleased to share the story of one of...
Phil and Lynda Savage III – Philanthropists for Today and Tomorrow
Philanthropy can take many forms, including volunteerism, community service and charitable giving. These are just some of the outward-focused practices that enrich our communities and promote the...
George and Vici Nagel: Their Love of Community Includes a Plan for the Future
At IECF, we’re privileged to serve as the link between hardworking nonprofits and generous donors in our united efforts to create a vibrant region. We’d like to introduce you to George and Vici...
Remembering Aaron Norris
With heavy hearts, the Foundation mourns the recent passing of friend and community philanthropist, Aaron Michael Norris. Aaron was a beloved member of the community, an expert in real estate...
Dr. Judy White’s MOSAIC: Building Unity, Inspired by Humanity
IECF is proud to manage the MOSAIC fund, which was established to promote the education of multicultural enrichment; advocate for unity among races; provide a curriculum that teaches empathy; and...
Randall Lewis Invests $80K in IECF’s Here for Good Fund
Randall Lewis, renowned regional homebuilder, developer and longtime philanthropist, has made a generous gift of $80,000 to IECF’s Here for Good Fund in honor of the Foundation’s 80th Anniversary....
In Honor of Gracie: Giving Begins at Home
May is National Pet Month, and we’re privileged to share this story about a wonderful donor whose beloved pet, Gracie, inspired a philanthropic legacy. “If I can put food on the table and take care...
A Conversation on the Arts: IECF Board Member Ann Sheffer Paints the Picture of a Vibrant Region
Our series of Conversations with Board Members continues in celebration of IECF’s 80th Anniversary and new Signature Funds, each of which will raise $80,000 in their inaugural year. Each of our...
Carol Newkirk and Beverly Rashidd: Champions for Women’s Rights and Racial and Social Justice
As part of Women’s History month, IECF is highlighting two of our donors, Carol Newkirk and Beverly Rashidd. Both women spent their careers championing women's rights and fostering opportunities for...
On Community, Legacy, and Saving the Salton Sea: A Conversation with Board Member Jeremy Hobbs
At IECF, our board members are instrumental in helping us achieve our mission of strengthening the Inland Empire through philanthropy. They’re our ambassadors, advocates, strategists, and...