Photo Caption: IEHP Foundation’s Storytelling for Advocacy & Fundraising Cohort with facilitators from KMC Social Impact Strategies. Photo credit: KIN Media

Inland Empire nonprofit leaders are navigating increasingly complex challenges: competing for attention in a crowded media environment, making the case for funding in a shifting philanthropic landscape and advocating for policy change in an era of heightened polarization. Yet too often, their most potent tool, storytelling, is underdeveloped or underutilized.

To address this need, IEHP Foundation has launched the Storytelling for Advocacy & Fundraising Cohort, an eight-class training program to equip 35 nonprofit leaders representing 20 organizations with practical storytelling frameworks, tools and peer support. Each participating organization will receive a $1,500 grant upon completing the program to support storytelling projects that boost fundraising and advocacy.

This program was created based on feedback from local nonprofit leaders who attended IEHP Foundation’s quarterly workshop series, the IE Vibrant Health Forum – Storytelling for Impact: Tools to Inspire & Influence Change. Following the forum, participants shared that they wanted more in-depth training. In response, IEHP Foundation partnered with Kristen Caloca, founder and CEO of KMC Social Impact Strategies, to design a program that combines theory and hands-on skills to help nonprofits share client stories ethically and effectively.

“As a long-time Inland Empire resident, I’m excited to partner with the IEHP Foundation for the inaugural Storytelling for Fundraising and Advocacy nonprofit leader cohort,” said Caloca. “So many nonprofits across the Inland Empire are doing meaningful work, but they don’t always have the time or support to tell their story in a way that matches their impact. This cohort is about meeting organizations where they are and working alongside them to strengthen storytelling skills with more clarity and confidence, so their work connects with funders, advocates, and the community, and gets the support they deserve across our region.”

Why Storytelling Matters for Nonprofits

In today’s competitive funding environment, nonprofits must do more than present data—they must connect emotionally with donors, policymakers and communities. Storytelling transforms statistics into human experiences, making missions relatable and urgent.

“Sharing the stories of real people in real communities is key to effective fundraising and public policy advocacy. But it takes time, intentionality and skill to craft clear, compelling and respectful stories of those in need in our region,” said IEHP Foundation CEO Greg Bradbard. “That is why IEHP Foundation is investing in building the skills and capacity of our nonprofits to tell clear and inspiring stories that illustrate the deep needs in our region and the impact of policy changes on local families and children.”

The need for this training is clear: 85% of participants reported never having engaged in formal fundraising training. While all selected organizations have some communications and marketing practices, for many, storytelling falls to a CEO or an employee juggling multiple roles. On average, cohort participants spend about 50% of their time developing stories for impact, often without formal guidance.

Each organization will have one designated representative that oversees the nonprofit’s storytelling efforts, and executive leaders, managers, and board members are also encouraged to attend classes to help build collective capacity. Storytelling is not an individual responsibility but an organizational responsibility. 

For BLU Educational Foundation, which works with students and young adults to build healthy, productive communities, the training will help amplify stories of those they serve and highlight students’ successes.

“I applied for this training after previously attending the Vibrant Health Forum storytelling training in May 2025 and was able to immediately implement strategies learned,” shared Operations & Communications Specialist Megan Eme. “I hope I’m able to continue building my storytelling muscle to advance BLU’s mission and priorities.”

Dar’rell Jones, Career Programs Manager, will also attend the classes as a member of the organization’s communications committee and can help bring institutional knowledge as both participants learn and grow together.

“Implementing the lessons I take from this training will also help deepen the relationship and connectivity we have with our current stakeholders and community members while expanding our reach to new partners and audiences,” shared Jones.

Meet the 2026 Storytelling Cohort

The 20 selected nonprofit organizations represent a diverse array of sectors, including child services, at-risk youth, homelessness, violence prevention, and basic needs across Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Participants include:

1. BLU Educational Foundation
2. California Family Life Center
3. CASA of San Bernardino County
4. Children’s Fund, Inc.
5. Community Health Action Network
6. El Sol Neighborhood Educational Center
7. Family Service Association
8. Family Service Association of Redlands
9. Food Now
10. Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
11. Goodwill Southern California
12. Inland Housing Solutions
13. Mary’s Mercy Center
14. Mission Hope
15. Path of Life Ministries
16. Restore Unity Incorporated
17. Riverside Medical Clinic Charitable Foundation
18. Starting Over, Inc.
19. Symba Center
20. Water of Life Community Church/CityLink

This is the latest capacity-building training and grant program developed by IEHP Foundation to strengthen nonprofits across the Inland Empire that work to improve the health and wellness of families and children. Previous cohorts have focused on major gifts and individual donor stewardship, as well as strengthening business operations for small nonprofit organizations.

To learn more about IEHP Foundation, funding initiatives, and capacity building initiatives, click here.