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Hello all,
This season’s newsletter is a combination of “wrapping things up” for the year and looking forward to the new year’s activities. In November, the RAP Board spent the day updating our three-year strategic plan. One of the highlights was reviewing the 36-year history with its many significant milestones. Key initiatives, partnerships, and special people who contributed to RAP’s success over the years that we acknowledged and celebrated.
RAP Timeline - https://rapfoundation.org/about/our-history/
The RAP team continues to grow in number. This is partially attributed to the board’s decision to offer enhancements to local schools with emphasis on topics not covered by the standard school curriculum, such as addressing nutrition, health, and recreation, through our Coachella Valley Healthy Living (CVHL) program. You will meet our newest team member, Marie Rosales, later on in the newsletter.
Building on the success of our most recent Desert Fast Pitch, I am pleased to announce a “Save The Date” for our 2026 Fast Pitch on Thursday, October 1, at 5:30 PM at the Agua Caliente Resort Casino in Rancho Mirage. Besides the new location, there will be other changes to the event necessary to allow us to make this an even more enjoyable experience for those who attend. Recently, we surveyed attendees at the 2025 event, and we appreciate the responses, which aided our planning for our 2026 event.
The RAP Board has decided to accept applications for two board vacancies. Anyone interested in volunteering should complete the board application and return it by 5:00 PM on Monday, February 2, 2026. Feel free to contact me should you have any questions about board responsibilities and the selection process.
I want to congratulate Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and the entire County team for hosting a fantastic State of the County event on December 11 at the Acrisure Arena. If you missed it, you can watch it using YouTube streams:
English: https://youtu.be/OJcd1xiPqBM
Spanish: https://www.youtube.com/live/wylJQDoYdsk
Lastly, I also want to congratulate RAP’s Director of Strategic Development, Stephanie Minor, on her recent successful completion of the Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) accreditation, which demonstrates a high standard of ethics and competence in the fundraising profession.
For now and always, enjoy life and make a difference!
Lety De Lara
Chief Executive Officer
| | Pictured: Leticia De Lara and Jeff Van Wagenen. Riverside County CEO at The State of the County Event on December 11, 2025 | | Pictured: At the AFP Annual Luncheon on November 7, 2025, Vanessa Arroniz, Marie Rosales, Ramon Ramos with The Exception, Taly Fantini, Board Chair, Jan Pye, Board members, Maria Meyer, and Bea Gonzalez, Mireya Reyes, Angie Nieto, Melissa Robles. | | We’re proud to share that the RAP Board of Directors recently approved the following grants: | | | |
Desert Fast Pitch 2026:
Bigger Venue, New Inspiration, Funding Impact
By Taly Fantini, Director, NPO Centric
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Desert Fast Pitch transforms traditional fundraising into an electrifying showcase of nonprofit excellence. Modeled after the hit show "Shark Tank," this highly anticipated annual competition gives nonprofit leaders three minutes to powerfully present their organization's mission, demonstrate real-world impact, and compete for critical funding before a live audience of more than 400 attendees—including funders, government officials, corporate leaders, community influencers, and media. Presented by RAP’s NPO Centric, the event features six nonprofit representatives—from emerging leaders to seasoned founders—who serve the region's most vulnerable populations in areas including health, mental health, and juvenile intervention.
On October 1, 2026, the Grand Finale event moves to the Agua Caliente Casino & Resort, bringing an elevated experience to this celebrated gathering. This year's event will feature an extraordinary source of inspiration: J.R. Martinez, actor, best-selling author, motivational speaker, and wounded U.S. Army veteran. Martinez's remarkable journey—from surviving a roadside bomb in Iraq that left him with burns over 34 percent of his body to becoming a champion on Dancing with the Stars and a tireless advocate for others—embodies the resilience and determination that defines the nonprofit sector. J.R. has traveled the world spreading his universal message: your path in life is decided by your own ability to adapt and overcome. His presence at Desert Fast Pitch will remind every participant that their stories matter, their missions are worthy, and their ability to inspire others can create transformative change.
The stakes are real, and so are the rewards. Participating nonprofits compete for substantial cash prizes that provide immediate funding to advance their missions, along with invaluable exposure to potential donors, strategic partners, and community supporters. Beyond the monetary awards, finalists gain access to pitch coaching, presentation training, and skills in storytelling. Winners emerge with checks in hand, refined capabilities in fundraising strategies, leadership development, and the confidence to advocate powerfully for their causes.
Desert Fast Pitch represents more than a single night of competition—it's an investment in the infrastructure that makes community change possible. The energy in the room is electric as each organization takes the stage, weaving together data and heart, strategy and soul, to make their case for support.
For participating nonprofits, it's a chance to be seen, heard, and validated. For sponsors and attendees, it's an opportunity to witness compelling pitches and to invest in mission-driven work of participating organizations working towards building a healthier community.
Sponsorship opportunities are now available. Please contact Taly Fantini at tfantini@rapfoundation.org to learn how you can support this dynamic and unique community event.
| | | Countywide Nonprofit Workshops Are Underway By Stephanie Minor, Director of Strategic Development | | |
RAP Foundation has officially launched a yearlong series of free countywide workshops and webinars designed to strengthen nonprofit operations across all five Riverside County Districts. This program is proudly sponsored by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, the IEHP Foundation, the Regional Access Project Foundation, and NPO Centric.
We kicked things off with a high-energy webinar, Building a Better Board: Managing Conflict, Boundaries, and Balance, which drew 170 registrants and strong engagement. The training was led by Stephanie Minor and Greg Charleston, whose goal is always the same: give nonprofits usable tools, cut through the noise, and make the learning experience feel straightforward rather than overwhelming.
We are now hosting in-person workshops across the county, and registration has surpassed 250 participants so far. Nonprofits are showing up ready to learn, improve systems, and build stronger internal practices that support long-term stability.
Each District will receive a tailored sequence of workshops throughout the year, focusing on real-world challenges like operational chaos, board effectiveness, strategic planning, and community engagement. These sessions give nonprofits tools they can use immediately, along with continued support through cohort meetings and coaching.
The goal is simple. Strengthen organizations, improve outcomes, and expand impact for Riverside County residents.
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Introducing RAP’s Team Member, Marie Rosales
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Marie Rosales is excited to be a part of the RAP Foundation team as Program Manager for the Coachella Valley Healthy Living.
Marie is a lifelong Coachella Valley resident and a dedicated community leader with a deep background in healthcare and public service. Throughout her career, Marie has demonstrated a strong commitment to serving others and improving the well-being of her community.
Her professional experience includes serving as an Outreach Specialist at Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC), as a Board Member of the Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (CVCC), and as an honored volunteer, recognized as Volunteer of the Year by the GVC. Marie has also supported the next generation of healthcare professionals as a proctor for both nursing and phlebotomy students. Her diverse background includes work as an office manager, a doctor’s assistant, and a nurse, giving her a well-rounded, compassionate approach to care and service.
Marie truly loves helping people and finds purpose in uplifting others alongside her husband and children. On weekends, she enjoys camping, going to the movies, and sharing dinners out with her family. She appreciates the simple things in life—peace, laughter, and creating meaningful memories with the people she loves.
Marie’s professional career, volunteer efforts, and outgoing personality make her a perfect fit for this position, as she engages with our community partners, students, and, especially, the rest of the RAP team.
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Growing Healthy Habits at the
Mecca Boys & Girls Club
By Adam Lackie, CVHL Manager
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This quarter, the Coachella Valley Healthy Living (CVHL) program had the privilege of installing a new youth garden at the Mecca Boys & Girls Club. More than just a planting project, this garden is bringing nutrition education to life. It has quickly become a place of curiosity and pride, offering kids a safe space to learn, grow, and connect with healthy food in a way many never have before.
Through this project, students are getting their hands in the soil. They are learning how to plant, water, and care for vegetables while exploring why these foods are vital for their long-term health. For many of the youth involved, this is their very first experience growing food themselves.
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The Mecca garden also supports broader CVHL goals by building practical life skills, reinforcing teamwork, and creating opportunities for healthy movement and play. Youth participants are learning responsibility through consistent garden care, patience through the growing cycle, and collaboration through shared tasks and group learning. The project has strengthened engagement and continues to generate excitement for future planting seasons.
CVHL’s Nutrition Education program focuses on meeting families and youth where they are, addressing barriers to healthy food knowledge, and creating environments that support sustainable healthy choices. By blending engaging lessons with hands-on gardening, physical activity, and interactive programming, CVHL is helping cultivate not only vegetables, but confidence, knowledge, and healthier futures for Coachella Valley youth.
| | If you have any questions about the Coachella Valley Healthy Living Project, please don’t hesitate to contact us at alackie@rapfoundation.org. | | |
A Valley United: CV Giving Day 2026
By Taly Fantini, Director, NPO Centric
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The countdown has begun.
On March 3, the Coachella Valley will come together for CV Giving Day, a 24-hour celebration of generosity that promises to be the most impactful yet. NPO Centric is leading the charge for nonprofits along with fellow founding partners, California Bank & Trust, Desert Community Foundation, and The Auen Foundation. With over $125,000 in prize incentives on the line and last year's record-breaking $827,000 still fresh in everyone's minds, the excitement is building across the valley.
The journey toward March 3rd kicks off with two crucial events in late January. First, Taly Fantini, Director, NPO Centric will present the CV Giving Day Orientation webinar on Tuesday, January 27 where nonprofit leaders will learn winning strategies, discover new fundraising tools, and hear all the details about the prizes! Just two days later, on January 29th, the energy shifts to Acrisure Arena for the official CV Giving Day Kick-Off event—a dynamic gathering that will bring together nonprofits, donors, community leaders, and volunteers under one roof to celebrate the power of local giving and set the stage for the big day ahead.
For RAP, our $50,000 contribution to the prize pool represents more than just financial support—it's a statement of belief in the valley's nonprofit sector. "Supporting CV Giving Day aligns perfectly with our mission to strengthen and sustain local nonprofits," said RAP Foundation CEO Leticia De Lara. "By contributing to the prize incentive pool, RAP is helping to inspire even greater community participation and ensuring that local organizations have the resources they need to continue serving the Coachella Valley." This year's prize structure emphasizes unique donor counts, encouraging organizations to expand their reach and engage new supporters.
As nonprofits prepare their campaigns, design their social media strategies, and rally their communities, there's a palpable sense of anticipation. NPO Centric members are already competing in pre-event social media contests, building momentum and testing creative approaches that will capture hearts and open wallets on March 3rd. The organizations that invest time now—attending the orientation, participating in the kick-off, and utilizing the free training webinars—will be the ones telling success stories when the 24-hour giving marathon concludes. The question isn't whether CV Giving Day 2026 will break records; it's by how much, and which organizations will be ready to seize the moment.
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Upcoming Funding Opportunity
By Melissa Robles, Grants Manager
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Additional RAP Office Space Now Available
Mireya Reyes, Administrative Director
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RAP has successfully met many challenges in its nearly four-decade history, and it’s about to encounter another major milestone—an occurrence which could likely prove beneficial to current or potential clients.
Guthy-Renker, long a fixture in Palm Desert, is about to terminate its lease in RAP’S 22,000 square foot building on Eclectic Street. That means more room for desert nonprofit agencies as the facility becomes “Nonprofit Only,” since Guthy-Renker was the only commercial lessor.
As a result of this change, RAP is now offering newly-available office space to nonprofit organizations at below-market rates. Currently, 23 nonprofit organizations are benefiting not only from affordable rent but also from being housed in the same building—making collaboration, connection, and shared impact easier and more effective.
One of the many benefits of being a RAP tenant includes complimentary access to our meeting rooms, based on availability.
If your organization is looking for an affordable, collaborative, and mission-driven workspace, this could be a great opportunity. Private offices and cubicles are available.
Interested in learning more? Please contact Mireya Reyes at mreyes@rapfoundation.org.
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