Creating a unifying vision for the future of our region is one of the driving forces behind the Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Policy and Philanthropy Summit: Investing to Thrive.
Tomiquia Moss, secretary of the state Business, Consumer Services and Housing Agency, with microphone, speaks Thursday, Aug. 1, 2024, during the Humane Housing for the Inland Empire panel at the Policy and Philanthropy Summit.
“Our policy journey has been made possible through the generous support of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, which has been a cornerstone of our efforts to strengthen nonprofit infrastructure and advocacy in the region,” said Michelle Decker, President and CEO of IECF. “From its inception, the summit aimed to foster dialogue between elected officials and the community. This built upon the promise of what is possible when we work together.”
Held on August 1 and 2 at the Riverside Convention Center, this year’s summit provided a platform for creating a shared vision based on the “Vital Conditions Framework for Health and Well-Being.” These essential measures include reliable transportation, a thriving natural environment, basic needs for health and safety, humane housing, meaningful employment, and lifelong learning opportunities.
Dora Barilla, IECF board member and president and co-founder of HC2 Strategies, emphasized the summit’s collaborative spirit: “We’re not going to tinker around the edges and just work on one thing. We’re going to bring everyone in. We’re really looking at how to transform communities by partnering and avoiding silos.”
This year’s event saw a remarkable turnout, with 600 participants, including nonprofit leaders, funders, philanthropists, and state and local officials. Notable speakers included State Senator Richard Roth (District 31); Tomiquia Moss and Sasha Kergan from the California Business, Consumer Services & Housing Agency; Elena Chavez Quezada, Senior Adviser for Social Innovation for Governor Gavin Newsom; Joe Shea, Senior Cabinet Secretary; Arima Kozina from the Department of Food & Agriculture; and Michael Wiafe, MPP, Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary.
“We were thrilled to report that the event was a sell-out success, highlighting our effective formula for forging powerful public-private partnerships. Together, we are putting the Inland Empire on the map.” shared Decker.
Greg Bradbard, President and CEO of the Inland Empire Health Plan Foundation and one of this year’s summit sponsors, underscored the significance of investing in our region. “The Inland Empire is the future of California,” he stated in a news video of the event. “With its growth and diversity, investing here will drive outcomes across the state.”
Attendees engaged deeply through thought-provoking panel discussions and interactive breakout sessions that addressed core regional issues and explored solutions within the framework of vital conditions.
Attendees network in the lobby
Graciela Moran, Manager of IECF’s Office of Policy and Community Engagement, noted the unique nature of the breakout rooms, particularly one focused on the Interfaith community. “It was one of the most insightful conversations I’ve experienced,” Moran remarked. “Faith leaders came together, acknowledging the divisions within the community and seeking ways to bridge these gaps amidst today’s political climate.”
“There was a lot of bridge-building,” she said.
Brie Griset Smith, CSPG, Chief Development Officer at IECF, highlighted the critical role of donors and sponsors: “Our Presenting Sponsor, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, along with Title Sponsors including The Annenberg Foundation, IEHP & IEHP Foundation, Randall & Janell Lewis, and the Lewis Group of Companies, inspired us to push further in our mission to build a culture of philanthropy that benefits future generations when we pool our resources together. We are grateful to all of our sponsors for their support in making the Summit a wonderful success this year.”
Griset Smith also noted that The IECF Policy and Philanthropy Summit was a testament to the widespread reach and impact of vital conditions work. “We were honored to host colleagues from across the country,” she said, “including the North Sound ACH, the Rippel Foundation, and a delegation from Contra Costa County who are engaged in similar community conversations around thriving. Their presence underscored the importance of shared learning and cross-sector partnerships in advancing equitable and sustainable communities.”
To invest in IECF’s important Policy and Philanthropy work, donate to the Here for Good Fund to provide annual support and community leadership on multiple issues, including advancing regional innovation and nonprofit capacity-building through regional fundraising and advocacy programs. IECF serves the Inland Empire by raising, stewarding, and distributing community assets and working toward a shared vision of a vibrant, generous, and just region – with unlimited opportunities for all to THRIVE.
Contact our Charitable Giving Department to learn how you can join us in being Here for Good for our region today and forever.
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