RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif., June 13, 2024 —To help strengthen the infrastructure of Inland Empire nonprofits working to improve health outcomes across the region, IEHP Foundation has launched its inaugural Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network. This two-year leadership development program – with potential for up to $150,000 in general operating support funds – is for Inland Empire community-based organizations (CBOs) that address the social determinants of health.
After conversations with over 100 community-based and nonprofit leaders and an analysis of the nonprofit landscape in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, a significant need to invest in organizational infrastructure and leadership development within the region became clear.
The goal of the Leadership Network is to increase organizational capacity, collective advocacy, private and public funding and expand health equity in the Inland Empire. The program is intended to ensure community members’ core health needs are met by being better connected with resources known as “social determinants of health” that are essential for experiencing Vibrant Health.
Leveraging Local Trusted Messengers
IEHP Foundation CEO Greg Bradbard shared that strengthening the incredible network of nonprofits in the region that are entrenched in their communities is critical to improving health outcomes and helping bring more funding resources to the region. The Inland Empire receives significantly less per capita funding than the neighboring communities of Los Angeles, Orange and San Diego counties.
“We recognize that local nonprofits are well-positioned as trusted messengers to the communities they serve,” said Bradbard. “We aim to invest in organizations that are already addressing a multitude of social and health services and those committed to delivering core health information to their clients and communities furthest away from health equity.”
As part of our leadership network, organizations will be granted two years of general operating support.
Upon selection for the Leadership Network, organizations with an annual operating budget under $1M will receive up to $50,000 over two years, and those with an annual operating budget over $1M will receive up to $150,000 over two years.
Investing in Leadership Development
Participating organizations must identify an existing leader, such as a CEO or executive director, and an emerging leader to participate in leadership training and additional opportunities, including a policy advocacy trip to Sacramento.
Through various listening sessions held by IEHP Foundation, it was evident that nonprofit and CBO leaders want more leadership and professional development opportunities. However, using vital and limited resources on retreats and training is difficult for local nonprofits.
“Nonprofit leaders don’t have the luxury to take time away to attend a leadership retreat or map out succession planning – they are too busy running their organizations and doing the real work in their communities each and every day,” said Board Chair Stephen Bennett. “Through the Leadership Network, we will ensure that both established and emerging leaders will have the time, resources and ability to expand their leadership and business skills to help their organization thrive for generations.”
How to Become a Champion for Vibrant Health
Eligible organizations must be 501(C)3 nonprofits with an annual operating budget of at least $250,000 and have been established for at least three years. They must also have a significant presence in the IE and be headquartered in or serve families with children (18 years and younger) in Riverside and/or San Bernardino County.
IEHP Foundation will accept applications until Monday, July 15, 2024, at 5 p.m. and invite selected organizations for the final round of applications in October. Interested organizations can learn more and sign up for upcoming information sessions at iehpfoundation.org/grants.