Barkers: Giving as a Family Value

Born and raised in Pomona, CA, Richard Barker is a retired banker and founder and president of the Citrus Roots – Preserving Citrus Heritage Foundation. Over the years Richard has been the driving force behind keeping citrus heritage alive through publications, education and artistic works.

After retiring in 1992, Richard became actively involved his community in the West End area of San Bernardino County. He started out by founding the Upland Public Library Foundation and becoming its first president. There he oversaw fundraising for special projects that included installing new carpeting in the library. As he and the board wanted to support broader interests in the community, the Upland Community Foundation was formed. At the Upland Community Foundation they commissioned a mural in downtown Upland and installed a local skate park. Perhaps the most prominent project Richard oversaw during his time at the Foundation was the development of a new community center. With city funding, and with help from students of the Baldy View ROP program, Richard led the restoration of the Andrew Carnegie Arts Building where the community center is today.

Richard’s love of community and giving back is something he wants his family to follow. In December, he and his wife, Pamela, opened the Richard H. and Pamela A Barker Fund at the Inland Empire Foundation. The fund is for general charitable uses and will involve his daughter and granddaughters in selecting nonprofits to receive a grant from their fund.

“With this fund, I want my granddaughters to learn about philanthropy and this a great vehicle to do that,” said Richard. “More importantly, it’s difficult to raise money in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. There’s not enough resources coming in the area and I contacted the Foundation because I wanted to make a difference.”  

After serving in the military, Richard graduated from the U.S. Army Intelligence School – Counterintelligence Corps. Before his military service, Richard received a degree in Economics from UCLA where he met his wife of 62 years. Together they reside at Claremont Manor in Claremont, CA.

For more information about a family donor advised fund or how Inland Empire Community Foundation can help you meet your philanthropic goals, please contact IECF at 951.241.7777.