Partnership Gets $1M Grant to Boost IE Organizations

A partnership between Caravanserai Project, the Inland Empire Community Collaborative (IECC) and the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) was awarded a grant of nearly $1 million from Wells Fargo through its Open for Business Fund. The grant advances the partners’ ongoing strategic efforts to strengthen the infrastructure and outcomes of Inland Empire organizations.

During the past 18 months, the organizations have supported hundreds of entrepreneurs and organizations, from serving disenfranchised populations to advancing social justice causes and promoting vaccine equity to arts, culture and education agencies. The grant enables the partners to level-up existing services and launch new initiatives. This includes prioritizing the advancement of minority and BIPOC-led organizations as part of an ongoing commitment to embed diversity, equity and inclusion throughout philanthropic initiatives.

In response to the growing needs that intensified during the pandemic, Caravanserai Project, IECC and IECF have expanded efforts through a range of programs such as the Capacity Building Academy. By the end of 2021, a professional certificate in nonprofit career readiness and advancement will be launched.