After seven weeks of strengthening individual and major gift fundraising and development skills, 22 nonprofit leaders celebrated their graduation from the inaugural Vibrant Health Fundraising Cohort.
These dedicated development and nonprofit professionals represented a variety of organizations committed to improving health and wellness for families across the Inland Empire. They participated in a comprehensive training program designed to elevate their fundraising skills, focusing on key areas such as prospect identification, donor cultivation and effective stewardship strategies.
Seasoned fundraising experts Lisa Wright, founder of Green Parakeet LLC, and Launa Wilson, founder of LW Consulting, guided the cohort through best practices, enabling participants to create practical deliverables, such as fundraising calendars and compelling donor pitches.
It was evident that the participants not only had a passion for improving donor cultivation and stewardship but also a strong desire to connect and learn from their peers. Each week, the group convened in Riverside from various parts of the Inland Empire, with some participants traveling from as far as Barstow and Newberry Springs.
“We knew the participants were passionate about their work, but it was exciting to see them engage with one another, helping each other grow and learn,” shared Wright.” For many, the most impactful aspect of the cohort was building relationships and their own networks.”
The coaches delved deep into practical applications designed to enhance fundraising strategies and bolster skills in cultivating individual donors and securing major gifts. Participants left the program equipped with tangible resources, including a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) audit and a customized donor portfolio, empowering them to elevate their organizations’ fundraising efforts.
The cohort fostered a dynamic learning environment, featuring a blend of seasoned fundraising veterans and newcomers who exchanged ideas and experiences. Brandee Zaragoza, Development Manager at Moses House, expressed her enthusiasm: “As a self-taught fundraiser, this experience helped me grow both personally and professionally. I learned how to expand our donor base and engage more people in our mission.”
Michael Cornejo, Donor Relations Manager at Catholic Charities, reflected that the most significant takeaway was understanding the importance of donor stewardship. “As someone who is still kind of new to fundraising, through the cohort, I realized it is essential to make calls to donors and have meaningful conversations for better cultivation and stewardship.”
Many participants expressed their appreciation for the program’s unique structure and the IEHP Foundation’s intentional approach to listening to and supporting nonprofits in the region.
“What stands out most is the individual attention IEHP Foundation gives to each organization they support,” shared participant Deanna Alsdorf, Development Manager at Foothill Family Shelter. “It’s not a one-size-fits-all model, but rather a thoughtful, relationship-driven approach that strengthens our capacity and, ultimately, the well-being of the families we serve. That kind of commitment has been transformative for us as an organization and for the region as a whole.”
In addition to enhancing the development and fundraising capabilities of the organizations themselves, the cohort fostered connections and collaboration among development staff across the Inland Empire.
As these leaders embark on their journey to expand their organizations and secure essential resources, the future looks promising for enhancing community health initiatives throughout the region.
Vibrant Health Fundraising Cohort Summer 2025 Graduates:
- Barstow College Foundation – Elizabeth Hulsey, Executive Director
- Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties – Michael Cornejo, Development Manager
- Cedar House Life Change Center – Jake Strommen, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator
- Children’s Fund, Inc. – Andrea Crawford, Grants and Appeals Officer
- Desert Sanctuary – Rosalinda Palakiko, Executive Director
- Family Promise of Riverside – Claire Jefferson-Glipa, Executive Director
- Family Service Association – Ahlam Jadallah, Grants and Development Manager
- Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties– Angela Jugon, Development Director
- Foothill Family Shelter – Deanna Alsdorf, Community Development Coordinator
- Inland Counties Legal Services Inc – Tessie Solorzano, Executive Director
- Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective – Marlene Chavez, Storyteller and Grants Manager
- Inland Southern California United Way – Jeanine Murphy, Account Executive
- Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino – Pablo Ramirez, Executive Director
- Making Hope Happen Foundation – Erin Brinker, Vice President of Development
- Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center – Amber Berkey, Fundraising & Development Officer
- Mission Hope – Kristi Piatkowski, Development Director
- Moses House Ministries– Brandee Zaragoza, Development Manager
- New Life Fellowship/Barstow Foursquare – Rose Beardshear, Grant Writer
- Operation New Hope – Keilani Caldwell, Fund Developer
- Sahaba Initiative Inc. – Zayn Razi, Chief Operations Officer
- San Bernardino Valley College Foundation– Phylicia Sanchez, Development Coordinator
- The Heart Matters Foster Family Agency – Julian-Anthony Wagner, Community Relations & Donor Manager