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 bgrisetsmith@iegives.org 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.

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The Soboba Foundation is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations to be considered as beneficiaries of this year’s tournament. The Foundation board will choose 10 organizations to receive $10,000 each in funding.

To be eligible for consideration, the entity must be a nonprofit or Tribal organization located within the San Jacinto Valley or one that provides services for the Hemet and San Jacinto communities.

Organizations must complete and submit a nonprofit beneficiary application that can be found at soboba-nsn.gov/sponsorship and submit it via email to Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos at avallejos@soboba-nsn.gov.

Along with a completed application, each organization must prepare and submit a 30- to 60-second video detailing why the Foundation should consider the organization as a beneficiary and what the funding will be utilized for, if selected.

It is highly recommended that the video be completed as soon as possible because upon submission of a completed application and ensuring all criteria are met, the Sponsorship Coordinator will email a link to the Dropbox. Video submissions must be uploaded to that link by 5 p.m. on Feb. 1, no exceptions.

Submitted applications and videos will be reviewed by the Soboba Foundation Board of Directors. The Board will choose 10 organizations they deem appropriate to receive $10,000 in funding. All eligible organizations will be notified in writing whether or not they were chosen to be a beneficiary of the 13th Annual Soboba Foundation & Soboba Casino Resort Charity Golf Tournament.

All chosen organizations will be required to promote the tournament in addition to providing volunteers for the days of the event for which they will be assigned. This year’s tournament will be April 7-9 at the Soboba Springs Golf Course.

For those that would like to offer support to the selected nonprofits, there are multiple sponsorship opportunities available. “As we continue to grow, we are thrilled to offer the tournament over three days once again this year, providing even more flexibility for your team,” Tournament Director and SCR General Manager Jason Cozart said. Participation will be on a first-come, first-served basis with only 36 teams accepted each day.

An awards banquet at the SCR Event Center will follow each day’s play, where a grand prize winner of $13,000 in cash will be announced as well as winners of on-the-course games. This is in addition to a huge array of outstanding raffle prizes.

All participants are eligible for a reduced room rate at the Soboba Casino Resort Hotel, providing the perfect opportunity to enjoy the course, festivities and everything SCR has to offer.

Available sponsorships include the Premium Package that offers for each of four players tournament entry, a $500 Amazon gift card, a $100 SCR gift card, a $100 free slot play voucher for the casino, a 13-year anniversary premium gift package and a Tee sign to advertise your support.

A Pair Package includes all the same fantastic items for each of two players. Tee and Green Sponsorships are also available as well as outright donations and/or raffle items. To sign up, please visit www.soboba-nsn.gov/sponsorship.

All sponsorships will support the many charitable organizations that are served by the Soboba Foundation throughout the year. The 13^th annual Charity Golf Tournament is just one way that local nonprofits can be rewarded for the selfless work they do on behalf of their communities. Providing them with much-needed funding is a great way to promote goodwill and help them with the meaningful causes they represent.

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