The Inland Empire is home to over 4.6 million residents and rapidly growing in population. Despite its size and potential, the region receives just $25.55 per capita in philanthropic investment, significantly lower than California’s statewide average of $262.99. This disparity highlights a crucial challenge for local nonprofits that are vital in providing essential services and fostering healthier communities.
With limited philanthropic dollars available and a decline in federal funding and grants, there is an urgent need to cultivate individual donors and major gifts to ensure the sustainability of these organizations.
Recognizing this pressing need, IEHP Foundation has developed the Vibrant Health Fundraising Training Program. This seven-week free training program aims to equip nonprofit fundraising leaders and staff—who have moderate experience in donor development—with the necessary tools and knowledge to enhance their fundraising capabilities and expand the financial resources to leverage more funds and strengthen their organizations.
This initiative, like many from IEHP Foundation, was shaped by feedback from local nonprofit leaders following their participation in the quarterly workshop series, IE Vibrant Health Forum, which focused on unlocking the potential of individual donors to secure major gifts.
Season fundraising experts, Lisa Wright, founder of Green Parakeet LLC and Launa Wilson, founder of LW Consulting will provide actionable insights and best practices, helping participants create real-world deliverables such as fundraising calendars and donor pitches. Additionally, this program will focus on practical applications designed to improve fundraising strategies and bolster skills in cultivating individual donors and major gifts.
Fundraising is not just a necessity; it is key to the long-term sustainability and success of nonprofit organizations. Unfortunately, accessing free resources and training can often be a daunting task for staff and leaders who are also striving to grow their programs and extend their reach.
“I know firsthand the critical role that fundraising and major gifts play in the success of an organization,” reflected Wright. “However, finding the time and resources for effective fundraising training can be a challenge—that’s why this program from IEHP Foundation is so unique and valuable.”
The 22 selected nonprofit organizations represent a diverse array of sectors, including child services, homelessness, violence prevention and basic need services.
Wilson emphasized that developing a robust donor cultivation strategy is vital for strengthening local nonprofits across the Inland Empire.
“I am thrilled to help support these essential nonprofits in becoming stronger and more sustainable organizations,” shared Wilson.” Our communities cannot thrive without a robust nonprofit ecosystem, and these organizations can’t survive without effective fundraising strategies.”
The need for this training is evident; 38% of participants reported that they have never engaged in any formal fundraising training. Many come from backgrounds in grant writing and are eager to develop their skills in individual donor cultivation.
Claire Jefferson-Glipa, executive director of Family Promise of Riverside, expressed her eagerness to strengthen relationships with individual donors to enhance their impact. “We want to cultivate a stronger donor pipeline,” she stated.
The cohort comprises a mix of seasoned development professionals and those new to fundraising or transitioning from dependence on federal grants. Kristi Piatkowski, development director for Mission Hope, aims to adopt a more strategic fundraising approach with limited resources while reengaging lapsed donors and identifying and cultivating major gift opportunities.
“What I hope to learn over the next few weeks is to be more strategic with our fundraising as we have limited resources and being able to focus more on major gifts,” reflected Piatkowski.
Deanna Alsdorf, community development coordinator at Foothill Family Shelter, emphasized the importance of connecting with donors and identifying mutually beneficial opportunities to make a greater impact for local families in need. “Fundraising should be fun. It has the word fun in it. Most importantly, it’s a great opportunity to spread positivity,” she added.
The organizations participating in this transformative program include:
- Barstow Community College Foundation
- Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties
- Cedar House Life Change Center
- Children’s Fund, Inc.
- Desert Sanctuary
- Family Promise of Riverside
- Family Service Association
- Feeding America Riverside and San Bernardino Counties
- Foothill Family Shelter
- Inland Counties Legal Services Inc
- Inland Empire Immigrant Youth Collective
- Inland Southern California United Way
- Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino
- Making Hope Happen Foundation
- Michelle’s Place Cancer Resource Center
- Mission Hope
- Moses House Ministries
- New Life Fellowship/Barstow Foursquare
- Operation New Hope
- Sahaba Initiative Inc.
- San Bernardino Valley College Foundation
- The Heart Matters Foster Family Agency
Through this training, IEHP Foundation aims to advance the fundraising skills of local nonprofits but also to strengthen the fabric of the communities they serve, ensuring a healthier and more vibrant future for the Inland Empire.