Build Coachella Valley Fund (BCVF)
Creating a unique funding source and catalyst for lasting change
What Is the Build Coachella Valley Fund?
The Build Coachella Valley Fund (BCVF), established in 2023 by the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), supports the critically urgent social, environmental, and economic resilience of the Coachella Valley. IECF believes the time is right for real, sustainable progress – and that lasting change will come from investing collectively in effective, mission-driven organizations that uplift wellbeing and build prosperity for all residents.
Known worldwide as a desert resort destination – renowned for its sunshine, golf, tennis, and festivals – the Coachella Valley attracts over 14.5 million visitors* each year. Yet, behind the façade of glamour, significant challenges remain. While half of Coachella Valley households have a net worth exceeding $1.2 million, one in four local children live below the federal poverty line.** The region faces disparities in income, housing, education, health access, and environmental security.
Despite rapid growth, the Coachella Valley continues to experience a deficiency in philanthropic investment. Per capita foundation funding in the Inland Empire is approximately $25, compared to the California average of $263 – a gap that limits regional progress and opportunity.
Sources: Visit Greater Palm Springs| U.S. Census Bureau
What are the benefits of joining the Build Coachella Valley Fund?
When you give through the Build Coachella Valley Fund, you join a movement of local donors committed to creating collective impact. Together, we can:
- Multiply our impact by pooling resources to support high-performing nonprofit organizations.
- Learn and engage with experts about pressing local issues and evidence-based solutions.
- Connect and collaborate with others who share a passion for improving the region.
- Stay informed with regular updates on collaborative grantmaking, outcomes, and community progress.
How the Fund Invests
Grant decisions are guided by a community-based committee that evaluates proposals for:
- Sound, data-driven strategies grounded in science and feasibility.
- Community-informed design, ensuring that projects are guided by local voices and needs.
- Collaborative partnerships among nonprofits, environmental groups, businesses, and residents.
- Measurable outcomes demonstrating clear and lasting impact.
Our Impact and Focus Areas
2023–2024: Food Insecurity
The inaugural cycle of the Build Coachella Valley Fund focused on addressing food insecurity across the region.
Together, we distributed $166,000 to nine local organizations, supporting programs that expanded access to nutritious food, strengthened community food systems, and improved wellbeing for vulnerable residents.
2025–2026: Lifelong Learning and Meaningful Work & Wealth
The next phase of BCVF will focus on Lifelong Learning and Meaningful Work & Wealth – investing in programs that build skills, expand educational opportunities, and create pathways to sustainable employment and financial stability.
Through these investments, we aim to strengthen Coachella Valley’s capacity for inclusive growth and long-term prosperity.
Meet the 2024 Grantees
- Cathedral City Senior Center: $25,000
- FIND Food Bank: $25,000
- TODEC: $25,000
- LGBTQ Center of the Desert: $25,000
- Mizell Center: $20,000
- Martha’s Village and Kitchen: $20,000
- CV Volunteers in Medicine: $11,000
- Riverside County Foundation on Aging: $10,000
Our Vision in Action
- Strengthening Coachella Valley’s future through collective giving.
- Investing in impact – supporting nonprofits that uplift wellbeing and prosperity
- Learning together about urgent local challenges and proven solutions.
- Connecting changemakers who share a passion for improving the region.
- Advancing education – backing innovative programs that inspire underserved youth.
In partnership with our donors, we invest in programs that ignite a love of learning, foster critical thinking, and build pathways to lifelong success in the Coachella Valley.
To learn more about the Fund, download the BCVF PDF
Build Coachella Valley Leadership and Grant Committee Members
Karen Cheney
Jack Fitzsimmons
Walter Gendell
Vicki Willock
