IEHP Foundation awarded more than $2.3 million to 40 Inland Empire nonprofits for the second year of its Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership initiative. The program supports 80 leaders within these organizations, strengthening their skills, networks, and capacity.

The Foundation prioritizes leadership development aimed at improving regional health outcomes. By investing in leadership, the Foundation strengthens Inland Empire nonprofits and prepares them to drive systemic change.

“Investing in our local nonprofits is more important than ever to ensure local organizations can address the critical needs that lead to improved community health,” said Greg Bradbard, IEHP Foundation CEO. “It’s critical to provide opportunities for nonprofit leaders to grow, connect, and collaborate. By doing so, we bolster our region’s safety net and social services infrastructure while empowering these organizations to advocate more effectively for those who rely on them.”

The Leadership Network includes two representatives from each organization, an executive such as CEO or executive director and an emerging leader. After the first year, program evaluation revealed that a majority of leaders increased skills in public policy and change management. Emerging leaders reported increased self-awareness and improved communication skills. 

Daniela Romero, community engagement specialist at TrueCare, shared that the Network boosted her confidence and inspired her to advocate for her community.

“In the past, I would have been in the back of the room,” shared Romero. “This program helped me and gave me the tools, knowledge and confidence to be a leader.”  

Romero’s increased confidence and advocacy skills enabled her to secure funding from a county supervisor for a new food pantry program. Anthony White, vice president of community affairs and the TrueCare executive leader in the Leadership Network, was impressed by her growth and the program’s results.

“Daniela has become more comfortable owning her voice, asking thoughtful questions, and stepping into complex conversations with clarity and purpose,” said White. “The most meaningful part of this experience has been watching that growth happen in real time while also learning alongside her — it’s a true partnership that reinforces the importance of investing in emerging leaders who are deeply committed to community health.”

The Leadership Network brings together experts from leadership and public policy to provide additional tools, training and knowledge for leaders across sectors and at different stages of their careers. Susan Gomez, CEO of Inland Empire Community Collaborative (IECC), a coalition of nonprofits, said the Network has been a valuable experience for her organization.

“The structure, coaching, and peer learning opportunities have helped us integrate adaptive leadership, policy advocacy and systems-thinking more intentionally into our daily work,” said Gomez.

The Leadership Network was created to increase organizational capacity, collective advocacy and funding to help improve health in the Inland Empire. During the first year, it became clear that leaders also needed a space to connect, learn and grow together.

Emerging leader Daniel Castillo, director of community health and policy at Reach Out, noted that the Network has brought together leaders from sectors and regions that don’t always have the opportunity to interact.

“One of the biggest things that I have taken away from the Leadership Network is the partnerships that we could build,” Castillo said. “We work better together than in silos.”

The Leadership Network launched in January 2025 during a period of declining state and federal funding for nonprofits. Policy changes increased interest in the program and highlighted the need to strengthen public policy and advocacy skills.

Surprisingly, over 75% of leaders reported never engaging in public policy or advocacy. However, after the group trained in advocacy, traveled to Sacramento last year and engaged directly with state and federal legislators, it was clear that they are eager and excited to lean more into public policy.

Veteran nonprofit leader Jamie Lamb, CEO of Cedar House Life Change Center shared that the training and trip to Sacramento allowed her to have a greater understanding and desire to engage in public policy.

“For someone like me who had never engaged in advocacy before, this trip truly opened my eyes to where and how decisions are made that affect our communities,” said Lamb.

The 40 nonprofits in the Network support families and children in need by providing services such as affordable housing, basic needs assistance, behavioral health, education, substance use treatment, youth development, and workforce development. All efforts aim to reduce health disparities across the region. After the first year in the Leadership Network, 80% of organizations improved or expanded their services.

Carly Bennett-Valle, CEO and CFO of Boys & Girls Club of Southwest County, shared that the grants and training have directly strengthened their ability to serve youth and families.

“This investment helped us grow our capacity, improve internal systems, and increase our reach, ensuring we could better support youth across multiple domains of health and well-being,” shared Bennett-Valle. “It has allowed us to address organizational needs around staff development, infrastructure, and program expansion.”

The 80 nonprofit leaders are beginning their second year, which will include four in-person sessions, another advocacy trip to Sacramento, and a three-day strategy summit. Leaders like Patricia Etem, Vice President Southern CA & Coachella Valley of Health Career Connection appreciated the opportunities in year one and is eager to continuing to strengthen relationships and skills in their second year.

“I am looking forward to continuing strategically insightful and action-engaged mentorship from the policy and leadership coaches,” shared Etem. “Additionally, deepening engagement and connection with the 80 leaders in the Network to advance Vibrant Health collaboratively across the Inland Empire.”  

To learn more about IEHP Foundation, funding initiatives, and the Leadership Network, click here.