Overview: The Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Women’s Giving Fund has awarded $55,000 to four nonprofits, bringing the total amount distributed to $320,000 since its inception in 2017. The fund supports programs and research focused on improving outcomes for women and families in the region. The 2026 grantees include NORA, House of Ruth, Shelter From The Storm, and Foothill Family Shelter. The awards were presented at the WGF Spring Fling, which also honored three women with The 2026 Women of Achievement award.
Alyssah Hall
As part of their annual Women’s Giving Fund (WGF) grants, the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF) has announced awards totaling $55,000 to four nonprofits. With this year’s awards, the Fund has now distributed a total of $320,000, supporting nonprofit programs and research focused on improving outcomes for women and families in the region.
The 2026 grantees and their funded projects are: NORA (formerly Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center) to support their outreach services, which educate and protect survivors of sexual abuse ($15,000); House of Ruth, to continue their efforts of preventing domestic violence and ensuring safety for women and families effected by abuse ($15,000); Shelter From The Storm to support their daily operations of providing safety, counseling and outreach ($15,000); and the Foothill Family Shelter to bolster their Housing Program and Community Help Desk ($10,000).
The Women’s Giving Fund (WGF) was established in 2017, by a diverse group of professional women whose mission is to create an inclusive opportunity for female donors to learn about women’s economic security, education, and health. They focus their giving on issues affecting women and children, and experience the power of collaborative philanthropy.
“We were so thrilled to bring our annual event to the desert this year. Elevating awareness of the fund and expanding resources for women in this community is essential to our mission,” stated Nefertiti Long, Immediate Past Board Chair of IECF and Chair of the IECF Women’s Giving Fund.
“This year, we proudly announced four grantees and honored three remarkable leaders whose vision, strength, and dedication continue to strengthen our communities in extraordinary ways,” Long said.
The grant awards were presented at the WGF Spring Fling on March 22, in Coachella Valley at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa. Over 200 guests attended the annual brunch, where non-profits, community leaders, and donors celebrated women championing the IE region.
The WGF honored three women at their event with the “2026 Women of Achievement” award. Sabrina Gonzales, Executive Director of Civil Rights Institute of Inland California, Vivian Shaw, Retired Chair RIMS Scholarship Foundation, and Candice Shirk, Director of Miss Candice’s Dance Center, all received $5,000 for the charity of their choice that serves women in the IE.
According to a 2025 report commissioned by the Women’s Giving Fund, “Thriving in the Inland Empire: Women and Well-Being through the Lens of Vital Conditions,” many women in the IE are struggling and are uncertain about the future. Prior research indicates that individuals struggling with financial difficulties are more likely to experience unstable resources, financial stress and emotional strain, emphasizing the need for policies and investments that enhance the vital conditions for well-being in the IE.
For more information or to donate to the Women’s Giving Fund, visit iegives.org/womensgivingfund.