More than 600 nonprofits, funders, philanthropists, and civic leaders attended Inland Empire Community Foundation’s Policy and Philanthropy Summit this week.
The annual event, “Common Ground for the Common Good,” took place Aug 6 and 7 at the Riverside Convention Center.
In an era when differences can overshadow common goals, one of the summit’s goals is to offer opportunities to find a shared purpose during complex times. By creating room to “listen, learn, and work toward solutions that reflect the diverse voices of our communities,” IECF’s summit gave Inland Empire leaders time to engage in dynamic discussions and find meaningful connections.
Topics from housing and education to health and the idea of belonging were discussed at the event, which also illuminated strategies and partnerships that are transforming the Inland Empire into “a more vibrant, equitable, and resilient region.”
“We have the leaders, the vision, and the will to create lasting change in the Inland Empire,” said Michelle Decker, IECF president & CEO. “Our goal was simple: to find common ground and use it as a foundation to build stronger, more connected communities.”
Angela Glover Blackwell was the keynote speaker.
“It seems that this is a moment in which common ground is hard to get to,” Blackwell said. “And those kinds of moments are exciting. They’re exciting because people have to talk to each other, spend time and pull apart what’s going on. We have to stretch and allow that vision to be the thing we organize around.”
Blackwell, who speaks on equity and opportunity, is the founder in residence of PolicyLink, a research and action institute that strives to redesign the nation in ways that allows it to “govern for all.”
PolicyLink has been driving strategies aimed at advancing a new design of the nation’s laws and regulations, and new values that shape customs and norms.
This kind of “big picture” thinking is key at an event designed to unite people who want to make a difference.
IECF was quick to note its appreciation to several sponsors, including the Gates Foundation and the Randall Lewis, Janell Lewis & The Lewis Group of Companies for their support as presenting sponsors. Title Sponsors included U.S. Bank and Wingate Foundation.
Founded in 1941, the IECF is the oldest and largest community foundation in the region. The foundation partners with individuals, families, and corporations to help them achieve their unique charitable goals.
Since its inception, the foundation has distributed more than $100 million in grants and scholarships.
For inquiries about sponsorship opportunities, contact Brie Griset Smith, CSPG, chief development officer, at [email protected] or visit www.iegives.org/policy-platform.
Inland Empire Community Foundation works to strengthen Inland Southern California through philanthropy. Visit iegives.org for more information.
