Max Espinoza, Senior Program Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Graciela Moran, Manager, Officer of Policy & Engagement Michael Wiafe, Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary, Office of Governor Gavin Newsom

IECF Office of Policy & Engagement

The Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Office of Policy & Engagement (OPE) is dedicated to strengthening the region’s policy and advocacy capacity to address regional inequities.

Launched in 2021 with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, OPE collaborates with community-based organizations to uplift their missions and drive meaningful policy change. Through convenings, state advocacy, and alignment of public and private funding opportunities, OPE advances initiatives such as California Jobs First, the Masterplan for Career Education, and IECF’s budget priorities. With a focus on – but not limited to – the Seven Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being, the office ensures the Inland Empire is positioned as a priority region in statewide discussions. OPE also leverages IECF’s convening power to foster partnerships with legislators, state agencies, and funders, ensuring long-term impact.

Heading into 2025, OPE is expanding its efforts to strengthen regional advocacy, increase partnerships, and elevate the Inland Empire’s voice in policy discussions. With the success of the Policy & Philanthropy Summit and the upcoming IEGO Summit, the office is deepening engagement with state leaders and aligning regional priorities. Through strategic growth and coordination, OPE remains committed to fostering inclusive progress and long-term regional resilience.

Read the 2023-2024 Policy Agenda

2024 Policy & Philanthropy Summit

Thanks so much to everyone who joined us for the 2024 Policy & Philanthropy Summit! Together, we’re building a tremendous sense of community and possibility for the Inland Empire. With nearly double last year’s attendance, we were thrilled to witness your enthusiasm and energy for creating a thriving region.

Conversations with local electeds, community leaders and state partners led to a clearer vision for strategies and implementation around Housing, Education and Belonging. There’s a lot of work to do, but the path ahead is coming into focus. We’re committed to using the Vital Conditions Framework to inform our work going forward, and we invite you to join the movement.

Learn how our region is contributing to community well-being using the Vital Conditions framework. Become a part of the newly formed Inland Empire Vital Conditions Network (IEVCN) and hear firsthand how our colleagues and neighbors are incorporating its objectives to enhance their work, while also gaining insights on how you can apply these innovative strategies to your own efforts.

Join IEVCN

We’d be thrilled to have your voice in the conversation as we demonstrate the Inland Empire’s commitment to creating a thriving community for all—no exceptions! Let us know which issues affecting our region are on your mind and tell us how you think they can best be addressed.

Send us an email