Volunteers at Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino prepare food boxes as part of the IEHP Foundation’s Champions for Vibrant Health program. (Courtesy of IEHP Foundation)
The IEHP Foundation is investing $2.3 million in a new two-year program to develop leaders in Inland Empire community organizations addressing social health factors.
Program Overview Called Champions for Vibrant Health, the program will provide direct grants to 40 organizations serving families with children in San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Grants range from $50,000 to $130,000, depending on the organization’s annual budget.
Riverside County Participants Local organizations receiving support include:
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County
Catholic Charities Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
Martha's Village & Kitchen
“This opportunity will boost our ability to work together effectively and make lasting, positive changes in our communities,” said Carolyn Fajardo, CEO of Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino.
What the Program Offers The Leadership Network is designed to:
Build organizational capacity
Support joint advocacy
Provide operational funding
Each participating organization has selected an executive leader and an emerging leader to attend quarterly meetings. These sessions will focus on developing key skills like business management, communication, and strategic thinking.
“We're investing in these organizations’ missions and in leadership for the region's future,” said Greg Bradbard, CEO of the IEHP Foundation.
Collaboration for Impact Cesar Navarrete, CEO of Children’s Fund, highlighted the collaborative spirit of the program. “This opportunity lets us work together with other leaders to improve our communities. We’ll focus on strengthening each other, our organizations, and our overall impact.”
Expanding Across the Region The Leadership Network includes communities across the Inland Empire, from rural areas in the Coachella Valley to Riverside County.
Looking Ahead Over the next two years, the IEHP Foundation will share stories, successes, and results from the program on social media and its website.
