The High Desert local proved her community impact over dozens of women who were nominated for the award throughout San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

Cannon is the President and CEO of the Academy for Grassroots Organizations (AcademyGO), a Barstow 501c3 organization founded in 2001 that connects nonprofit professionals and volunteers throughout the Inland Empire region with resources and mentors.

Founded in 1941, the Inland Empire Community Foundation is the oldest and largest community foundation serving the Inland region, according to the nonprofit’s website. The Foundation has dispensed more than $212 million in grants and scholarships since its inception, including scholarships to every college and university within San Bernardino and Riverside counties. 

Cannon was honored with the award for her dedication to empowering Inland Empire nonprofits, Nefertiti Long told the Daily Press, Women’s Giving Fund Committee Chair.

“I am honored to lead the Women’s Giving Fund committee,” she said. “This year, we received an extraordinary eighty applications from all over the region. Among this impressive group, Debbie Cannon truly stood out [for] helping [nonprofits] broaden their reach and impact.”

Cannon donates her winnings to three charity groups that support women in the Inland Empire: Moses House Ministries, Her Sisters Keeper Foundation, and AcademyGo. To donate or apply for IE Community Foundation funds like the first-time home buyers Down Payment Assistance Program or student scholarships, visit www.iegives.org.

IECF – Woman’s Giving Fund

The Women’s Giving Fund (WGF) partners with the IECF to spotlight exceptional women in the San Bernardino and Riverside counties.

It was established in 2017 by a diverse group of professional women to learn about women’s economic security issues. The philanthropic mission of the WGF focuses on supporting issues that impact women and children.

WGF has given over $249,000 in grants to nonprofits and research benefiting women and families.

The Women’s Giving Fund also released its commissioned research study at the IECF Spring Fling, entitled “Thriving in the Inland Empire: Women and Well-Being through the Lens of Vital Conditions.”

This data helps the Women’s Giving Fund best allocate where award funds are needed throughout the Inland Empire community.

The study revealed that most women are struggling in the Inland Empire. More specifically, it reported that most women are uncertain about their future and face financial stress, unstable resources, and emotional strain, “highlighting the need for policies and investments that strengthen the vital conditions for well-being in our region.”

Some key data points in 2025:

• Thriving: 36% of women in the IE are thriving.
• Struggling: 58% of women in the IE are struggling.
• Suffering: 6% of women in the IE are suffering.
• Optimism Gap: 36% of women in Riverside County anticipate being worse off in 5 years compared to 9% of women in San Bernardino County.

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