[Inland Empire Community Foundation](https://www.iegives.org)

April 30, 2026: Full application deadline

$1,000–$5,000 per award; grant period up to one year

Supports nonprofit projects advancing youth mental health, education, and leadership in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Coachella Valley.

Applicants who received funding in both 2024 and 2025 are not eligible.

--- ## Description The Inland Empire Youth Grantmakers Grant is an annual program managed by the Inland Empire Community Foundation. It is designed to empower youth by involving them directly in the grantmaking process and to support nonprofit organizations and educational institutions serving youth in Riverside, San Bernardino, and Coachella Valley. The 2026 grant cycle prioritizes projects that address youth mental health, academic stress, financial education, community building, minority support (including LGBTQ and immigrant youth), and the beneficial use of artificial intelligence. Funded projects should provide free or low-cost therapy, mental health advocacy, career readiness, financial literacy, and educational resources, as well as programs that foster youth involvement in arts, advocacy, mentoring, outdoor experiences, and real-life learning. --- ## Due Dates - April 30, 2026: Full application deadline (applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. Pacific Time) All applicants will be notified of results by May 30, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Minimum grant request: $1,000 - Maximum grant request: $5,000 - Grant period: Up to one year (projects may start as early as June 1, 2026 and must end by May 31, 2027) --- ## Eligibility - Applicants must be nonprofit, public benefit corporations with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status (not classified as a private foundation), or educational institutions. - Organizations must serve youth residing in Riverside, San Bernardino, or Coachella Valley. - Organizations must not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disability. - Organizations that have received Youth Grantmaker funds consecutively in both 2024 and 2025 are not eligible for the 2026 cycle. --- ## Application Process 1. Carefully review eligibility requirements and funding priorities. 2. Complete the application packet, which includes: - Grant application form (cover sheet, narrative up to two pages, and budget page) - List of Board members and affiliations - Current operating budget - 501(c)(3) determination letter from the IRS 3. Submit the completed application by email or mail: - Email: [grant-info@iegives.org](mailto:grant-info@iegives.org) - Mail: Denisha Shackelford, Sr. Scholarship Program Manager, Inland Empire Community Foundation, 3700 Sixth Street, Suite 200, Riverside, CA 92501 4. Applications must be received (not postmarked) by 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2026. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. 5. Applications are reviewed by IECF staff for eligibility, then evaluated by Youth Grantmakers, with final approval by the Foundation's Board of Directors. --- ## Additional Information - Projects must focus on youth mental health, academic supports, financial education, minority support, or the positive use of AI. - Proposals should demonstrate meaningful youth involvement in project planning and implementation. - Funded activities can include arts, advocacy, mentoring, educational classes, outdoor experiences, and service learning. --- ## External Links - [2026 Grant Guidelines and Application (PDF)](https://www.iegives.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/2026-YG-Guidelines-Application-1.pdf) - [Youth Grantmakers Program Overview](https://www.iegives.org/funds/youth-grantmakers/) - [IECF Nonprofit Grant Opportunities](https://www.iegives.org/nonprofits/overview/) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |------------------------|------------------------------|------------------------------------------|--------------| | Denisha Shackelford | Sr. Scholarship Program Manager | [dshackelford@iegives.org](mailto:dshackelford@iegives.org) | 951.241.7777 | | General Inquiries | | [grant-info@iegives.org](mailto:grant-info@iegives.org) | | For additional details or questions, contact Denisha Shackelford or visit the [IECF contact page](https://www.iegives.org/contact).

2026 Inland Empire Youth Grantmakers Grant

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