THE CEO'S REPORT

Hello all,

Hard to believe it’s that time of year again, but with a twist this go-round. This year, of course, marks a special occasion on Independence Day. 250 years ago, one fourth of a millennium! our forefathers went through a rather messy dissolution of a relationship with King George III. I wish you a special July 4^th on this particular anniversary… 250 years young! Enjoy the barbecue with family and friends and the ubiquitous fireworks displays and drone shows. 



The months of May and June were once again the season for graduations of college, high school, and the ever-so-cute kindergarten brigade. RAP hosted our own ceremony on June 12, 2026 to celebrate the 2026 UCR Nonprofit Management Certificate Program graduates at the UCR Palm Desert Campus. We’re proud to partner with UCR Extension in providing an opportunity for 11 nonprofit professionals to participate in the upper management 35-week course. Congratulations to all of the students who completed this program. We also appreciate the nonprofits which supported them, and we’ll all benefit from this investment in developing and honing the students’ skills.  

Pictured top row: Jennie Rayner, Shannon Martin, Eva Alvarez, Nikki Butler, Leticia Gomez, Lorena Gomez, Maria Gonzalez, Ivonne Moreno, and Shamora Wright

Front row: Jan Pye, Maria Meyer, Aurora Wilson, Lety De Lara, Joe Pradetto, Melissa Evans, Claudia Galvez.

This summer we have the excitement of World Cup of Soccer and we reach the halfway mark of the baseball season. I mention baseball not only because I love baseball, but to publicize and reach out to those people who have not attended the annual NPO Desert Fast Pitch event because they actually think that it involves a game of baseball. Well, the event, hosted by RAP does not involve a physical sport but rather an exciting afternoon of nonprofit professionals competing for cash prizes by pitching (get it?) their organization.

This year’s “Inspirational Speaker” for the event is Army Veteran, actor, and author J.R. Martinez. You’ll definitely want to Save the Date, October 1, 2026 to experience the excitement and support our nonprofits who will be represented this year. Read on to learn who will be preparing for the opportunity to compete as one of the six Finalists at the main event.

For now and always, enjoy life and make a difference!

Lety De Lara

Chief Executive Officer

Welcoming Karina Moreno back to the RAP Foundation Board of Directors

As the City of Palm Desert’s RAP representative, Karina rejoined the RAP Board in January 2026 after a one-year absence. Karina was elected to the Palm Desert City Council’s District One in 2020 and re-elected in 2024. Karina’s vision for Palm Desert “is one of growth, safety and opportunity for families and businesses alike.”



Karina is most proud of raising her two daughters. She celebrated her marriage to Gilbert Moreno earlier this year.  She is extremely busy representing the City of Palm Desert on the following committees:  

·        Coachella Valley Animal Campus Commission

·        Cove Communities Services Commission

·        CVAG Public Safety

·        Joslyn Board of Directors

·        Artists Council

·        Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

·        McCallum Education Committee

·        Palm Desert Civic Engagement Committee

·        SunLine Transit Agency Board

Along with her many city commitments, Karina enjoys continuing her education and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Public Administration.



Karina is looking forward to serving on the RAP Board once again to support nonprofits providing the essential services in our community. 

NPO Centric Financial Compliance Workshop

This workshop was hosted in June at the Coachella Library. Featured speaker was George Holliday, RAP's Controller.

Meet the 12 Nonprofit Leaders Selected for this Year’s NPO Desert Fast Pitch 

Twelve finalists. One journey. This year’s NPO Desert Fast Pitch cohort has been chosen, and the road ahead will be transformative. Selected from a competitive pool of applicants, each finalist will embark upon an intensive program of training, mentorship, and pitch coaching designed to sharpen their voice and broaden their impact. For last year's finalist, Lauren Bruggemans, Executive Director, TEAM GPS Foundation, the experience did more than prepare her for the stage — it boosted her confidence to new heights and helped her grow into a stronger leader. 

Over the coming weeks, finalists will work closely with mentors to refine their pitches, build their confidence, and prepare for the spotlight. But beyond the coaching sessions and rehearsals, something else takes shape: a bond between cohort members who are all reaching for the same thing, the chance to tell a compelling story and watch it land. 

As this year’s twelve finalists step into the work ahead, one thing is clear: NPO Desert Fast Pitch isn’t just a competition. It’s a launch pad for growth, leadership, and lasting impact. 

Join us in congratulating this year’s NPO Desert Fast Pitch participant, listed in alphabetical order and pictured above: 

Join Us For This FREE Workshop!

Five Convenient Locations Throughout Riverside County 

Available In July 2026. 

Sign Up Now, As Spots Are Filling Up Fast!

Introducing Anitza Juarez, NPO Centric Program Manager

Growing up in Thermal, Anitza’s role model was her mom.

“I learned from the strength and confidence she carried herself with every day. More importantly, I admired her incredible work ethic and the sacrifices she made for my family,” she says.

Anitza graduated from Desert Mirage High School and attended California State University of San Marcos. During this time, she began working as an intern for the office of Fourth District County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. She credits this period for developing skills in creating collaborative partnerships, communicating effectively with diverse groups, and understanding the unique needs of community-focused organizations.

Anitza transitioned to the county’s Workforce Development Department, first as a Career Development Coordinator and later as a Business Services Specialist. Both positions expanded her experience in career development, employer engagement, and community impact.

“What I love most about my role as a Program Manager at the RAP Foundation is the shared commitment in serving the community and helping nonprofit organizations succeed. It's rewarding to be part of a team that is driven by collaboration and united by the common goal of creating a meaningful, positive impact.”



Outside of work, Anitza enjoys spending time with her three puppies, spending quality time with her family, trying new restaurants with her partner, and watching or listening to ghost and horror podcasts. 

Anitza also serves on the Thermal-Oasis Community Council. As a council member, she is building a deeper connection with her community while learning firsthand about the concerns and priorities of residents.

"I was especially motivated to serve after learning that I would be the youngest member and the only woman representing the community. I saw this as an opportunity to bring a fresh perspective, ensure younger voices were represented, and advocate for the needs of our diverse communities.”

29th Annual Math Day Hosted by

Coachella Valley Rotary Clubs

Pictured: Ben Guitron, Rotarian, Lety De Lara, Maria Meyer, Rotarian and RAP board member, and Nyron McLean Rotary District Governor

Grants Update

By Melissa Robles, Grants Manager

RAP thanks all those who applied for the Health/Mental Health Grant and for your organization’s commitment to strengthening and improving the quality of Mental Health Services in Coachella Valley. In the most recent funding availability, RAP awarded more than $1 million in Mental Health grants over two years to nonprofits which had submitted proposals.



The 20 organizations which received funding through this grant are included in “Recently Awarded Grants” in this Newsletter. 

RAP thanks all those who applied for the Health/Mental Health Grant and for your organization’s commitment to strengthening and improving the quality of Mental Health Services in Coachella Valley. In the most recent funding availability, RAP awarded more than $1 million in Mental Health grants over two years to nonprofits which had submitted proposals.



The 20 organizations which received funding through this grant are included in “Recently Awarded Grants” in this Newsletter. 

Senior Inspiration Awards

Every year, the County of Riverside and the Coachella Valley's nine cities honor senior citizens who inspire others through their volunteerism and active engagement in the community.  The SIA event took place on March 27, 2026 in Indian Wells. RAP awarded a total of $11,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations of the honoree’s choice. 

CV Healthy Living Launches New Partnership with DHS Senior Center

By Adam Lackie, CV Healthy Living Program Supervisor

The session focused on making healthy eating both approachable and enjoyable. Participants learned about the nutritional benefits of incorporating lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains into their meals while watching a live cooking demonstration featuring stir-fry chicken and broccoli served with brown rice.



One of the goals of CV Healthy Living is to provide hands-on learning experiences that empower community members to make healthier choices. Cooking demonstrations allow participants to see nutritious meals prepared step-by-step, making it easier to recreate recipes at home and build confidence in the kitchen.

Those in attendance gave glowing feedback for the class. Participants praised both the meal and the educational experience with one attendee sharing, “Yummy! Loved the preparations and discussion. Hope to see you again soon.” Another participant commented, “The demonstration was very detailed and easy to follow.”

The program also received enthusiastic feedback from the Desert Hot Springs Senior Services Director Melanie Hoyt-Ferrone, who wrote, “We love activities that keep our members engaged, informed, and connected, and this class was a wonderful fit for our center.” She also noted that the class was quite popular and generated positive feedback from senior center members.

Coachella Valley Healthy Living is grateful for the warm welcome from the Senior Center and looks forward to returning on a regular basis to offer additional nutrition education classes and cooking demonstrations.

By providing engaging, practical nutrition education opportunities, Coachella Valley Healthy Living continues its mission of helping individuals and families develop lifelong healthy habits that support overall wellness and quality of life.

Recognizing Youth for Excellence

Do the Right Thing honored students for accomplishments, and good behavior at their monthly event in Palm Springs. RAP Chairperson Aurora Wilson and board member Jan Pye were in attendance.

Office Space Available

By Mireya Reyes, Administrative Director

RAP recently completed improvements to newly available office space including a private suite, offices and cubicles. 

Currently, nonprofit tenant organizations have the opportunity to get below market rate rent, access to meeting rooms and most beneficial, being housed in the same building—making collaboration, connection, and shared impact easier and more effective.

If your organization is looking for an affordable, collaborative, and mission-driven workspace, this could be a great opportunity. 

Interested in learning more? Contact Mireya Reyes at mreyes@rapfoundation.org.

We are pleased to share that the RAP Board of Directors approved the following grants this quarter: