Grantee Portal

IEHP Foundation awards $2.3 million in grants to strengthen the leadership of local nonprofits

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., December 10, 2024 — IEHP Foundation is investing over $2.3 million to strengthen the organizational infrastructure of local nonprofits through its Inaugural Leadership Network, a two-year leadership development program for Inland Empire community-based organizations (CBOs) that address the social determinants of health.

Over the next two years, IEHP Foundation’s Leadership Network will invest a total of $4.6 million in direct grant funding to 40 CBOs serving families with children across San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Dependent on the size of their annual operating budget, selected organizations will receive a total of $50,000 or $130,000.

Selected organizations have a proven track record for supporting families and children in need, providing a wide range of services, including affordable housing, basic needs assistance, behavioral health, education, substance use treatment, youth development and workforce development— all aimed at reducing health disparities across the region.

Each organization nominated an established executive leader, such as a CEO or executive director, and an emerging leader, both of whom will participate in the Leadership Network throughout 2025 and 2026. The 80 leaders will convene quarterly to bolster their skills in business management, communication, strategic thinking, change leadership, team building, succession planning and public policy and advocacy. In addition to grant funding, the Foundation will underwrite all training and travel costs for participants, including two advocacy trips to Sacramento and two multi-day leadership retreats.

The goal of the Leadership Network is to increase organizational capacity, collective advocacy and operational funding aimed at increasing physical and mental health across the Inland Empire. The program, aptly named Champions for Vibrant Health, is also intended to equip the selected organizations with quality health information to share with those they serve in the community.

The concept differs from a traditional grant, explained IEHP Foundation CEO Greg Bradbard, as it extends beyond funding a specific program or project.

“We are investing not only in the mission of these organizations but also leadership for the future of the region,” said Bradbard. “To foster healthy neighborhoods and cultivate healthy living for all residents in the Inland Empire, we need a strong and thriving nonprofit network to address the social, behavioral and systemic factors that impact a person’s overall health and well-being.”

The program’s design was informed by input from hundreds of local nonprofits over the past year. Investing in the development and growth of nonprofit leaders and their ability to develop and operate effective programs that address social drivers of health is a key goal of the Foundation.

Carolyn Fajardo, CEO of Feeding America Riverside | San Bernardino, shared that the grant, coupled with the two years of leadership building, will help strengthen their nutrition-focused programs and build meaningful partnerships to better support their work across the region.

“This opportunity will enhance our ability to collaborate effectively and create lasting, positive impacts for the communities we serve,” said Fajardo.

In addition to strengthening leadership skills and organizational capacity, the two-year network aims to foster collaboration amongst the organizations to work collectively to influence change and combat systemic health disparities throughout the region.   

“This opportunity will allow us to work collectively with a network of leaders to improve the communities we serve,” said Cesar Navarrete, CEO of Children’s Fund. “We will be focusing on strengthening each other, our organizations and our collective impact.”  

Children's Fund family fair.
Photo courtesy of Children’s Fund.

Even though the Inland Empire’s geographic size is one of many assets, it can be difficult for nonprofits across both counties to collaborate and connect. Therefore, it was intentional for the network to represent all communities of the sprawling region, including population-dense areas as well as rural communities in the High Desert, Coachella Valley and the San Bernardino Mountains.

Nicole Orr, the chief philanthropy officer at the Providence St. Mary Medical Center Foundation in Apple Valley, expressed that due to the large size of the region, CBOs often operate in isolation, making it challenging for them to collaborate with others in different industries and subregions.

“I am excited for myself, and our emerging leader to be able to connect with others from throughout the region to hear about their challenges and opportunities, to learn and grow from them and ultimately bring those lessons back and implement them here,” said Orr.

Professional development is often viewed as a luxury that many nonprofits can’t afford in both time and resources. Providing funding, time and space for two leaders, especially an emerging leader, to learn, grow and collaborate with others is a rare and meaningful opportunity for up-and-coming leaders, like Cynthia Gutierrez at Children’s Fund. 

“This recognition means so much to me, as it serves as a reminder that growth is never a solo journey, and it takes the support of others and the strength of a community to truly thrive,” said Gutierrez.

The Inaugural Leadership Network champions are:

  • Lift To Rise 
    • Heather Vaikona, President and CEO and Jessika Pollard, Policy and Pipeline Manager  
  • Martha’s Village & Kitchen 
    • Espy Ortiz, Vice President of Programs & Operations and Alejandra Diaz, Director of Programs & Operations  
  • Mary’s Mercy Center 
    • Dan Flores, Executive Director and Sandra Scott, Director of Housing Programs 
  • Pacific Clinics 
    • Maria Murillo, Regional Executive Director – Inland Empire Region and Dr. Candy Curiel, Senior Clinical Director 
  • Reach Out West End 
    • Natalie Hidalgo, Vice President of Strategy and Innovation and Shermineh Davari, Director, Health Workforce  
  • Sahaba Initiative Inc.   
    • Malek Bendelhoum, Executive Director and Shaheen Nassar, Development and Outreach Manager 
  • Visión y Compromiso     
    • Melinda Cordero- Bárzaga, Associate Director of Programs and Norma Benitez, Director, Network of Promotoras  

IEHP Foundation will share the stories, successes and outcomes of the Leadership Network over the next few years. You can join the champions on their journey by following IEHP Foundation on social media @IEHPFoundation and at iehpfoundation.org.

Share this post

Get in Touch With Us

Stay up-to-date on the latest news and information from IEHP Foundation by signing up for our monthly newsletter. 

Join Our Community Newsletter

IEHP Foundation:
9500 Cleveland Ave. Suite 120,
Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 

Email: hello@iehpfoundation.org