IEHP Foundation News
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Igniting Vibrant Health Report
Explore IEHP Foundation’s inaugural Igniting Vibrant Health Report 2025-2026. This comprehensive report highlights our strategic priorities, showcases our impactful initiatives from the past year, and outlines where we are headed. To request physical copies, please reach out to us at media@iehpfoundation.org.
Latest News
One Year Later: Vibrant Villages Barstow Lays the Groundwork for a Healthier Barstow
In it’s first year, Vibrant Villages Barstow is addressing key health challenges in the city and surrounding rural areas through community engagement, strategic partnerships, and a growing coalition of residents, organizations, and local leaders dedicated to building a healthier future for Barstow.
IEHP Foundation Awards Over $700,000 to 19 Inland Empire Nonprofits to Strengthen Organizations and Build Healthier Communities
IEHP Foundation had awarded $719,500 to 19 nonprofit organizations to strengthen organizational capacity, improve health outcomes and empower communities, ultimately helping more families live healthier, more vibrant lives.
IEHP Foundation Honored as a California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Robert Garcia
IEHP Foundation has been named a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Robert Garcia (District 50), joining 14 other Inland Empire organizations recognized at the State Capitol for their service to local communities.
Strengthening Nonprofit Voices to Inspire Change & Impact
Over the course of the Storytelling for Fundraising and Advocacy Training, 20 Inland Empire nonprofit organizations learned communication techniques, including ethical and trauma-informed storytelling and how to identify stories within their agencies for impact.
IEHP Foundation Awards $2.3 Million in Grants for Year Two of its Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network
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.
IEHP Foundation Awards $465,000 in Grants to 28 Inland Empire Nonprofits
IEHP Foundation has recently awarded $465,000 in grants to 28 nonprofit organizations and collaboratives across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, strengthening capacity, driving systems change, and improving access to vital services for vulnerable Inland Empire communities.
Blog Posts
Barstow residents focus on a healthier future with new Vibrant Villages program
ocated at the intersection of the 15 Freeway and Highway 40 and historic Route 66, Barstow is well positioned as a strategic transportation hub with an estimated 19 million vehicles passing through each year. The community also hosts the Marine Corps Logistics Base and Fort Irwin National Training Center and is about to experience significant growth as BNSF railroad is planning the 4,500 acre “BIG” Barstow International Gateway project. The multi-billion-dollar investment will transfer cargo from the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach to rail for distribution from Barstow across the United States. As a result, Barstow is anticipated to add thousands of jobs and new local infrastructure to support population growth.
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire
Neighborhood Housing Services of the Inland Empire (NHSIE) is working to ensure owning a home isn’t a dream but a reality for families across the Inland Empire. NHSIE received a responsive grant from IEHP Foundation to expand financial and homeownership education for low-income residents and to build affordable housing in San Bernardino, supporting clients in building financial skills and achieving first-time homeownership.
Medi-Cal Changes Your CBO Should Know: Helping Our Communities Keep their Healthcare Coverage
Medi-Cal eligibility rules will change in 2026 and 2027, affecting many residents across the Inland Empire who rely on Medi-Cal for their healthcare.
Nonprofits can help our community by educating members on changes to Medi-Cal eligibility, communicating on how to keep their coverage and supporting them through the re-enrollment process.
Riverside County’s Blue Zones Project celebrates a year of impact
In our latest Inspiring Vibrant Health column, we share how the Blue Zones Projects in Riverside, Palm Springs, Banning, and Coachella are making a difference.
One Year Later: Vibrant Villages Barstow Lays the Groundwork for a Healthier Barstow
In it’s first year, Vibrant Villages Barstow is addressing key health challenges in the city and surrounding rural areas through community engagement, strategic partnerships, and a growing coalition of residents, organizations, and local leaders dedicated to building a healthier future for Barstow.
IEHP Foundation Awards Over $700,000 to 19 Inland Empire Nonprofits to Strengthen Organizations and Build Healthier Communities
IEHP Foundation had awarded $719,500 to 19 nonprofit organizations to strengthen organizational capacity, improve health outcomes and empower communities, ultimately helping more families live healthier, more vibrant lives.
Nurturing mental health through community, purpose in the Inland Empire
Originally published in the Redlands Daily Facts part of the monthly column Inspiring Vibrant Health.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Whether focusing on loneliness, anxiety, lack of connectedness or the impact of social media on youth, it’s a topic that is top of mind for individuals, families and communities across America and the Inland Empire.
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Mission Hope
Mission Hope based in Temecula and serving Southwest Riverside County, partners with the community to provide access to healthy food, stable housing and supportive resources that empower individuals and families to live a healthier life.
IEHP Foundation Honored as a California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Robert Garcia
IEHP Foundation has been named a 2026 California Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Robert Garcia (District 50), joining 14 other Inland Empire organizations recognized at the State Capitol for their service to local communities.
Strengthening Nonprofit Voices to Inspire Change & Impact
Over the course of the Storytelling for Fundraising and Advocacy Training, 20 Inland Empire nonprofit organizations learned communication techniques, including ethical and trauma-informed storytelling and how to identify stories within their agencies for impact.
Why Being a Good Teacher Isn’t Always Good Enough
BLU’s Black Educator Pipeline not only provides a supportive pathway towards a career in education for Black Students, but also makes sure to introduce these students to Black educators already doing the work. This story was developed through IEHP Foundation’s Inaugural Storytelling for Fundraising and Advocacy Cohort.
Roger’s Shoes
California Family Life Center provides thousands of gifts to children in foster care. Years ago, a kid name Roger got a pair of shoes, which helped change his life. This story was developed through IEHP Foundation’s Inaugural Storytelling for Fundraising and Advocacy Cohort.
Radical Kindness: A Practice, A Commitment, A Resistance
At RMC Charitable Foundation — where kindness isn’t just a core value. It is the foundation, we believe kindness isn’t just an idea — it’s a skill. Something we practice. Something we learn, refine, and return to again and again.
The El Sol Park and Learning Center – A community led vision for healing, belonging and opportunity
The El Sol Park & Learning Center. This is not just a park. It is a response. A solution. A promise. A multi-use, community-driven space designed to address the root causes of inequity.
This story was developed through IEHP Foundation’s Inaugural Storytelling for Fundraising and Advocacy Cohort.
Introducing the 2026 Vibrant Health Fundraising Cohort
Building on the success of the 2025 Inaugural Vibrant Health Fundraising Cohort, IEHP Foundation has selected 20 Inland Empire-based nonprofit organizations for an in-person training and coaching program focused on individual donor cultivation and major gifts fundraising.
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools – Family Empowerment
For many students, success in the classroom has little to do with what happens inside it.
Across San Bernardino County, families are navigating challenges that make it difficult for students to consistently show up ready to learn. Some of these challenges include food insecurity, unmet health needs and other everyday stressors that come with economic instability. For the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools (SBCSS) Student Services team, addressing these barriers isn’t secondary to education, it’s essential to it.
Childcare deserts pose growing challenges in Inland Empire
Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on April 24, part of the Inspiring Vibrant Health Column.
Families across the country and especially here in the IE are struggling to find and afford care for their young children, and more providers closing their doors are fueling the rise of childcare deserts. The data highlights a stark reality for both parents and early childhood care providers.
Navigating Medi-Cal 2026: Policy, Practice, and Partnerships
As California prepares for Medi-Cal changes in 2026 and beyond, community-based organizations (CBOs) and public sector leaders are essential to ensuring Medi-Cal members, as well as the underinsured and uninsured, continue to access vital healthcare services.
The Inland Empire offers many opportunities for upward mobility
Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on March 27, 2026 part of the Inspiring Vibrant Health Column. Did you know UC Riverside holds the distinction of being
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Citrus Counseling Services
When Inland Empire residents seek care for trauma and mental health care support, they often turn to a trusted partner: Citrus Counseling Services (CCS).
In 2025, CCS received a responsive grant from IEHP Foundation to help expand the local therapist workforce and increase diversity. To address the regional clinician shortage, CCS provides Trainees (graduate students) and Associates (pre-licensed therapists) with the clinical experience required for licensure.
IEHP Foundation program invests in leaders of today and the future
Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on February 20, 2026 part of the Inspiring Vibrant Health Column. Daniela Romero has long been committed to serving
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Never Stop Grinding Impact
Never Stop Grinding Impact serves thousands of residents across Rialto and throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties—ensuring families have access to the tools, resources and essentials needed for a healthy life, especially for those facing financial barriers.
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Operation New Hope
For over 40 years, Operation New Hope has empowered disadvantaged and at-risk youth, particularly those who are out-of-school, homeless, teen parents, in foster care, experiencing mental health challenges, or involved in the judicial system.
IEHP Foundation Awards $2.3 Million in Grants for Year Two of its Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network
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.
How Medi-Cal changes could affect you and your family
IEHP Foundation CEO Greg Bradbard highlights the changes coming to Medi-Cal in 2026 and the impact on nonprofits and families across the Inland Empire. Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on January 24, 2026 part of the Inspiring Vibrant Health Column.
IEHP Foundation Launches Storytelling for Advocacy & Fundraising Cohort to Strengthen Nonprofit Voice Across the Inland Empire
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.
Charitable investments in the Inland Empire will pay lasting dividends
Originally published in the San Bernardino Sun on Friday, December 26, 2025, part of the Inspiring Vibrant Health Column. As the holiday giving season comes
IEHP Foundation Awards $465,000 in Grants to 28 Inland Empire Nonprofits
IEHP Foundation has recently awarded $465,000 in grants to 28 nonprofit organizations and collaboratives across Riverside and San Bernardino Counties, strengthening capacity, driving systems change, and improving access to vital services for vulnerable Inland Empire communities.
Inland Empire takes center stage at governor candidate forum
Originally published in the Daily Bulletin on Friday, November 28, 2025, part of the Inspiring Vibrant Health Column. In a region often overlooked in statewide
Empowering Change in the Inland Empire Through Economic Mobility and Partnership
Insights from the Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network from Russell Degnan, CEO of Operation New Hope.
Inland Empire nonprofits stretch for new funding sources
Originally published in The San Bernardino Sun, October 24, 2025, part of the monthly series, Inspiring Vibrant Health Column.
Introducing 2025-2026 Randall Lewis Health Policy & Public Policy Fellows
IEHP Foundation is thrilled to welcome Randall Lewis UCR Policy Fellow Jocelyn Escobar (left) and Randall Lewis Health Policy Fellow Stephanie Fang (right).
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Out of the Ashes
Founded in 2023 and based in Hemet, California, Out of the Ashes emerged from devastating personal loss. Its founder, a longtime healthcare provider, Royer, lost her 18-year-old son, Richard, to a counterfeit fentanyl-laced pill. What began as a mother’s mission to raise awareness has grown into a powerful community organization educating thousands about the dangers of fentanyl and the importance of compassion in prevention.
IEHP Foundation Announces New Members to its Board of Directors
IEHP Foundation recently announced the appointment of Michelle Rai and Gerard V. Tamparong to its Board of Directors, effective immediately. Both individuals bring valuable expertise from their respective fields: Rai in marketing and communications, and Tamparong in financial investment.
Enhancing Fundraising Efforts for a Stronger and Vibrant IE Nonprofit Network
After seven weeks of strengthening nonprofit fundraising and development skills and enhancing best practices and materials, 22 nonprofit leaders celebrated their graduation from the inaugural Vibrant Health Fundraising Cohort.
Strong from the start: Childhood checkups prevent later health challenges
Originally published in The Daily Bulletin on September 26, 2025, part of the monthly series, Inspiring Vibrant Health Column.
Creating a California where our kids can afford housing
California is facing a well-known housing shortage, particularly in the Inland Empire. Originally published in The Daily Bulletin n on August 30, 2025, part of the monthly series, Inspiring Vibrant Health Column.
In response to the urgent need for improved housing availability and affordability, various efforts are underway at multiple levels to increase production across Riverside and San Bernardino counties.
IE Vibrant Health For A Community Centric Approach to Health – Lessons from the Blue Zones
August is National Wellness Month, making it an ideal time to explore evidence-based tips and tools for creating healthier environments at home, in the workplace, and within our communities. Nearly 100 nonprofit and chamber leaders gathered for the IE Vibrant Health Forum: A Community-Centric Approach to Health on August 14, 2025, where they heard from experts affiliated with the Blue Zones Project in Riverside County.
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counites
Catholic Charities San Bernardino & Riverside Counties was established in 1980 as a compassionate response to the urgent needs of disadvantaged communities in the Inland Empire. The organization aims to tackle the root causes of poverty and instability, addressing critical issues such as food insecurity, affordable housing, healthcare access, and immigration services.
Introducing the 2025 Summer Vibrant Health Fundraising Training Cohort
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
Champion for Vibrant Health Spotlight: Health Career Connection
Health Career Connection (HCC) is a national organization with a strong presence in the Inland Empire dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the health, behavioral health and public health workforce. HCC is also participating alongside many of their internship partner organizations in IEHP Foundation’s Champions for Vibrant Health Leadership Network.
How Inland Empire communities are getting more access to fresh food
Originally published in The San Bernardino Sun on July 25, 2025, part of the monthly series, Inspiring Vibrant Health Column.
Communities across the Inland Empire are experiencing food insecurities. Learn how multiple organizations are coming together to provide fresh fruits and vegetables across the region.