June 2024 Member Meeting (Learning Meeting; hybrid in-person/Zoom)
2024-06-12 10:00 - 13:00 (America/Los_Angeles)
The IE Funders Alliance holds bimonthly general meetings available for all staff and board members of IEFA member institutions.
This meeting will be a “Learning Meeting” emphasizing a topical discussion of current issues and initiatives in the region. Learning meetings are offered in a hybrid format, both in-person and on Zoom.
Please save the date; more details will follow when available.
If you are interested in attending, fill out the form below to RSVP for this and our other 2024 member events.

Partnering for Equity: San Bernardino — Ecosystems and Equity: Centering Community in Health and Development
2024-06-26 - 2024-06-27
Community-driven approaches to complex change — whether for health equity or inclusive economies — require an ecosystem approach to addressing systemic barriers, leveraging opportunities, and supporting innovation.
As funders, how do we partner with community stakeholders to arrive at a shared understanding of the nuances and priority strategies? And how can we collectively support the elements of an inclusive ecosystem?
To engage these questions, the Inland Empire Funders Alliance invites you to join us for the second in our Partnering for Equity San Bernardino County learning series on Ecosystems and Equity: Centering Community in Health and Development.
Ecosystems and Equity
This two-day program will offer an immersive co-learning experience for grantmaking staff and trustees to understand the operating conditions and real stories on the ground in disinvested communities — and explore the opportunities to partner for health and inclusive economies through increased strategic investment in regenerative alternatives.
By grounding our exploration of issues affecting health and economic development in the local context of the Morongo Basin and the City of San Bernardino, these communities will serve as a window into broader countywide and regional concerns and initiatives.
Featured Speakers

Dr. Michael Sequiera, Public Health Officer for San Bernardino County
George Lamb, President/CEO of the Faith Advisory Council for Community Transformation (FACCT)
Cindy Schmall, CEO of Morongo Basin Healthcare District
Sheheryar Kaaosji, Executive Director of Warehouse Worker Resource Center
Andrea Vidaurre, Co-Founder of People’s Collective for Environmental Justice
Leaders from Riverside San Bernardino County Indian Health, Youth Action Project, Just SB, and numerous other direct service and power-building organizations

What you will receive
Over the course of this two-day overnight learning visit, you will have the opportunity to:

Foster meaningful relationships with community leaders, cultural workers, and experts who are working and advocating for constructive change on these topics.
Deepen your understanding your role as a funder or public leader, building trust and empathy to shift power relationships and activate more equitable philanthropic practices.

Learn about your peers’ funding priorities and activities, enabling you to better coordinate your grantmaking for deeper and broader impact.
Reduce the burden on community partners by participating in a shared learning experience alongside other funders.

Day 1: Community-Centered Health Systems
This immersive learning tour will begin by highlighting public health approaches to improving health conditions outside the doctor’s office while also understanding the unique needs and circumstances of Native and Black communities.
Together we will:

Explore the history and context of the rural communities of the Morongo Basin, an often overlooked and underfunded subregion of San Bernardino County and the Inland Empire.
Look back on San Bernardino County’s role leading the way nationally in its declaration of racism as a public health crisis and take stock of where we are now. We will hear from County leaders and the non-profit partners who championed the original resolution on how they are implementing strategies to address systemic racial inequities that shape health outcomes.
Look ahead toward collective action rooted in community-driven approaches in the most impacted communities, and the critical role of partnerships among community-based organizations, the Department of Public Health, and private philanthropy.
Address the importance of holistic health and wellness, recognizing that traditional health care alone cannot address the impacts of a health care system rooted in racism and white supremacy.
Spotlight health and racial justice, including the unique needs and opportunities for investment in Black birth justice and Native American health services.

Day 2: Igniting Change for Inclusive Economies
Join local leaders, organizers, and strategists building the power of people and institutions who are collaborating and developing innovative approaches to create more inclusive local community and economic development strategies in San Bernardino County. We will learn about collaborative work in the region that advances a common vision: creating sustainable, equitable and healthy communities in San Bernardino County.

The Inland Empire has one of California’s fastest growing economies and has been referred to as a “region on the rise.” However, recent job growth has been concentrated in lower-paying jobs such as those fueled by the warehouse and logistics industry, which bring further harm to the health of lower-income and BIPOC communities where they are located. At the same time, these challenges have also created opportunities to reimagine more regenerative alternatives with community leaders working to uproot extractive systems and advance collective power.
We will learn how:

Community-based organizations are building power to hold warehouses and new developments accountable to better labor standards and environmental practices.
Coalitions are fighting for a just transition uniting environmental and economic justice by advocating for community benefits agreements and promoting green jobs.
Cross-sector collaborations are fostering community and economic development that is more environmentally sustainable and generates good quality jobs accessible to the diverse residents of the Inland Empire.

Together, we will engage with local local leaders who are collaborating and developing innovative approaches to create more inclusive local community and economic development where all residents can thrive.
Event Sponsors
We are grateful to The California Endowment for providing major funding for this learning series, as well as to our other sponsors who have joined in support.

Day Sponsor

Supporting Sponsors

About the Inland Empire
Southern California’s Inland Empire (San Bernardino and Riverside counties) comprises one of the fastest-growing population centers in the United States. Located 40 miles east of Los Angeles, the IE is rich in diversity, culture, history and economic opportunity. It is also home to innovative, resourceful, mission-driven nonprofit organizations working in partnership to transform lives, communities and the region as a whole. San Bernardino County is home to a dynamic and growing population of 2.2 million people, serving as a microcosm and a bellwether for the future of California.

Register to Attend:
Register Now
For more information:

August 2024 Member Meeting: Reflecting and Advancing: Strategic Directions for Funders in a Post-Election Inland Empire
2024-08-14 10:00 - 13:00 | TruEvoluation, 3839 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA 92501, 3839 Brockton Ave, Riverside, CA, 92501, United States
Looking beyond November’s elections and to the coming year, what have we learned about Inland Empire communities’ needs? And what are we called to do to strengthen community voices, both as individual funders and as a Funders Alliance? Over the past year, the IE Funders Alliance has introduced innovative approaches to learning and connection, collaborating with CBO partners to set a shared agenda for learning and action. This connecting meeting will be an opportunity to reflect on our experiences and look ahead with valuable insights, stronger connections, and actionable plans for 2025 and beyond.
Over the past year, the IE Funders Alliance has introduced innovative approaches to learning and connection, collaborating with CBO partners to set a shared agenda for learning and action. This connecting meeting will be an opportunity to reflect on our experiences and plan ahead while gaining valuable insights, stronger connections, and actionable plans.
The IE Funders Alliance holds bimonthly general meetings available for all staff and board members of IEFA member institutions.
This meeting will be a “Connecting Meeting” emphasizing peer learning, relationship building, and co-learning. To foster quality conversations, connecting meetings are offered in-person only; no Zoom option will be available.
Location
Our meeting will be hosted by TruEvolution at their newly inaugurated space in Riverside. TruEvolution fights for health equity and racial justice to advance the quality of life and human dignity of LGBTQ+ people. Home to Project Legacy and the Inland Empire LGBTQ+ Center, TruEvolution offers 48 beds of transitional housing on a 1-acre community campus.
TruEvolution provides the region with comprehensive HIV health services, behavioral health care, emergency housing, community health education, and LGBTQ+ advocacy.
If you are interested in attending, fill out the form below to RSVP for this and our other 2024 member events.

October 2024 Member Meeting (Learning Meeting; hybrid in-person/Zoom)
2024-10-10 10:00 - 12:00
The IE Funders Alliance holds bimonthly general meetings available for all staff and board members of IEFA member institutions.
This meeting will be a “Learning Meeting” emphasizing a topical discussion of current issues and initiatives in the region. Learning meetings are offered in a hybrid format, both in-person and on Zoom.
If you are interested in attending, fill out the form below to RSVP for this and our other 2024 member events.

December 2024 Member Meeting (Connecting Meeting; in-person only)
2024-12-11 10:00 - 12:30
The IE Funders Alliance holds bimonthly general meetings available for all staff and board members of IEFA member institutions.
This meeting will be a “Connecting Meeting” emphasizing peer learning, relationship building, and co-learning. To foster quality conversations, connecting meetings are offered in-person only; no Zoom option will be available.
Please save the date; more details will follow when available.
If you are interested in attending, fill out the form below to RSVP for this and our other 2024 member events.

February Bimonthly Member Meeting: Emergent Needs, Continuing Commitments
2025-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | IEHP Foundation in Rancho Cucamonga
IEFA’s first bimonthly member meeting of 2025 is next Wednesday, February 12th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Learning Meeting,” this discussion will be offered in a hybrid format with the option to attend either in-person or on Zoom. The meeting will not be recorded.
RSVP Here

Meeting Details

With major — and rapidly unfolding — impacts expected from the new federal Administration’s executive actions and policies, our focus this meeting will be on how community-based organizations (CBOs) are balancing rapid response work with longer-term commitments — and how funders can support CBOs’ evolving prioritization.
This session will bring together CBO leaders and funders to discuss how they are navigating the urgent need for rapid response funding while staying committed to long-term goals. We will hear from two IEFA grantees about the challenges they face and the support they need to stay focused on both immediate and ongoing initiatives. Together, we will explore how funders can be more responsive and adapt funding strategies to create sustainable and impactful solutions in these challenging times.

Speakers

Vonya Quarles Esq., BS, BM, JD.
Co-founder and Executive Director of Starting Over Inc., aiming to eradicate poverty and incarceration. Starting Over employs a hybrid model blending direct services with civic engagement and public policy work addressing both the direct effects of and the destructive policies and the root causes of homelessness, recidivism, and reentry. Starting Over Inc. has been a recipient of both IEFA’s Civic Engagement Pooled Fund and Emergent Needs Rapid Response Fund.

Malek Bendelhoum
Malek is a co-founder and the CEO of Sahaba Initiative, an organization whose mission is to transform communities and support families in crisis through addressing core areas in housing, hunger, economic stability, and well-being. Sahaba Initiative has been a recipient of IEFA’s Civic Engagement Pooled Fund and Emergent Needs Rapid Response Fund.

Felicia Jones
Felicia Jones is Managing Director for Programs & Operations at Social Good Solutions and Consultant to the Black Equity Initiative of the Inland Empire (BEI-IE), a member organization of the IEFA and partner in the Black Equity Fund. The Black Equity Initiative aims to support Black-led and empowering organizations in the Inland Empire through core support, program and project support, and capacity building, all driven by the leadership and voice of the members of the Black Equity Initiative-IE.

To attend, please RSVP using the form below.

April Member Meeting: Drinking from the Firehose: Navigating Information Overload & Uncertainty in the New Reality
2025-04-09 10:00 - 12:00 | SAC Health, 1003 E Brier Dr, San Bernardino, 92408, United States
IEFA’s April bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, April 9th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Connecting Meeting,” this discussion will only be offered in person.
We will be meeting at SAC Health’s new building: 1003 E Brier Dr, San Bernardino, CA 92408 (5th Floor – Banquet Room)
To attend, please RSVP using the form below:

June Member Meeting: Beyond Elections: Building Civic Trust & Belonging
2025-06-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Reach Out, 8300 Limonite Ave STE. G, Jurupa Valley, CA, 92509, United States
Join us for our June Member Meeting, as we explore a broader perspective on civic engagement with a discussion of how the region’s community media can help strengthen civic trust and belonging — and how funders of all types have a stake in the results.
We will hear from Dr. Paulette Brown-Hinds and Armando Carmona of the IE Journalism Hub, as well as from Manny Sandoval & Denise Berver, publishers of IE Community News, on the IE media landscape and the importance of community media for building civic muscle and belonging.
Following that discussion, we will turn more directly to collaborative grantmaking for civic engagement with an update and opportunity to provide input on the planning process for the next cycle of IEFA’s Civic Engagement Pooled Fund. We will also provide an update on the next phase of our Emergent Needs Rapid Response Fund.
As a “Learning Meeting,” this discussion will be offered in a hybrid format with the option to attend either in-person or on Zoom. The in-person meeting will be held at Reach Out’s Jurupa Valley office. The business portion of our meeting will be from 10 am – 12 pm, with an optional lunch to follow.
To attend, please RSVP using the form below:

August Member Meeting: Trauma-aware Grantmaking: Caring for our partners, caring for ourselves
2025-08-13 10:00 - 12:00 | COPE, 1505 W Highland Ave Suite 1, San Bernardino, CA, 92411, United States
In a landscape marked by repeated shocks and threats — from immigration raids and anti-LGBTQ+ attacks, to “DEI” prohibitions and drastic cuts to vital services — the toll on our communities and partner nonprofits is immense. Many grantmakers are from those communities ourselves, and we have developed deep, longstanding personal relationships with organizational and community leaders. This challenging environment demands that we take a conscious and compassionate approach to philanthropy, both with our grantees and toward ourselves.
Join your fellow grantmakers for our August member meeting, a vital peer-to-peer conversation dedicated to exploring trauma-aware grantmaking. We will delve into the distinct yet interconnected experiences of trauma in our sector: both the immediate trauma affecting our community partners on the frontlines, and the secondhand trauma felt by grantmaking professionals.
This session will explore how we can be present with our grantees in their own time of difficulty, while also addressing the heart-level and embodied impact on us. We will candidly discuss the moral injury that may arise from witnessing hardship while also having to navigate institutional constraints limiting our ability to fully respond to the communities from which many of us come.
This confidential peer conversation is an opportunity to resource ourselves and support one another toward meaningful action in our own contexts. Together, we will ask: How are we holding pain and supporting resilience? What does a trauma-informed site visit or grantee communication look like? And what can we do as individuals and a funder community to create more personal resourcing and support? By sharing our own practical, strengths-based strategies with one another, we will explore how we can build a grantmaking practice that is healing and sustainable for everyone.
Please RSVP below to reserve your spot! As a “connecting” meeting, this member meeting will be held completely in person at COPE, 1505 W Highland Ave Suite 1, San Bernardino, CA 92411.

October Member Meeting — Trust and Fortify: A Funder's Playbook for Grantee Resilience
2025-10-08 10:00 - 12:00 | TBD
At the intersection of a shrinking safety net, a softening economy, and challenges to civil society, the Inland Empire’s nonprofit sector is being called upon to do more with more constraints, while also preparing for an uncertain future. Parameters of discourse and strategy are shifting, and our nonprofit community partners are on the front lines of navigating this unfolding new reality.
In this pivotal moment, the role of philanthropy must also evolve. How do we move beyond rapid response or programmatic funding to become proactive partners in building a resilient nonprofit sector for our region? How do we equip our grantees to not only be first responders to immediate needs but also the long-term builders of civic muscle for a thriving region?
Join your fellow funders for a critical and confidential conversation on turning trust into tangible resilience. You will come away with practical, actionable strategies for investing in the core infrastructure, financial health, and collaborative power our partners need to lead our community forward with strength.
As a “Learning Meeting,” this discussion will be offered in a hybrid format with the option to attend either in-person or on Zoom. The business portion of our meeting will be from 10am –12pm, with an optional lunch to follow.
Location details to come…
To attend, please RSVP using the form below:

December Member Meeting
2025-12-10 10:00 - 12:00 | TBD
IEFA’s December bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, December 10th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Connecting Meeting,” this discussion will only be offered in person. Details to come.
Please RSVP below to reserve your spot!

February Member Meeting
2026-02-11 10:00 - 12:00 | TBD
IEFA’s February 2026 bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, February 11th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Learning Meeting,” this discussion will be offered in a hybrid format, both in-person and on Zoom. Details to come.
Please RSVP below to reserve your spot!

April Member Meeting
2026-04-08 10:00 - 12:00 | TBD
IEFA’s April 2026 bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, April 8th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Connecting Meeting,” this discussion will only be offered in-person. Details to come.
Please RSVP below to save your spot!

June Member Meeting
2026-06-10 10:00 - 12:00 | TBD
IEFA’s June 2026 bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, June 10th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Learning Meeting,” this discussion will be offered in a hybrid format, both in-person and on Zoom. Details to come.
Please RSVP below to save your spot!

August Member Meeting
2026-08-12 10:00 - 12:00
IEFA’s August 2026 bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, August 12th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Connecting Meeting,” this discussion will only be offered in-person. Details to come.
Please RSVP below to save your spot!

October Member Meeting
2026-10-14 10:00 - 12:00 | TBD
IEFA’s October 2026 bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, October 14th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Learning Meeting,” this discussion will be offered in a hybrid format, both in-person and on Zoom. Details to come.
Please RSVP below to save your spot!

December Member Meeting
2026-12-09 10:00 - 12:00 | TBD
IEFA’s December 2026 bimonthly member meeting will be Wednesday, December 9th from 10am-12pm, with an optional informal lunch to follow.
As a “Connecting Meeting,” this discussion will only be offered in-person. Details to come.
Please RSVP below to save your spot!
