Air Force Flight Test Museum

Kern Community Foundation staff had the unique and exciting opportunity to visit the Air Force Flight Test Museum at Edwards Air Force Base. Exploring the museum's exhibits gave us a deeper appreciation for the vital role that Edwards Air Force Base has played in advancing aviation and aerospace technology. During our visit, we were treated to an exclusive tour of North Base and South Base, providing us with a firsthand glimpse into the rich history and groundbreaking innovations that have taken place at these facilities. Our visit also took us to the ruins of Pancho Barnes Happy Bottom Riding Club, a historic landmark that once hosted aviation legends and was emblematic of the region's storied aviation history.



Exploring these remarkable sites not only deepened our appreciation for the heritage of Edwards Air Force Base but also highlighted the invaluable contributions of the dedicated individuals who have made it an epicenter of innovation and progress. 

While our visit was primarily for educational purposes, we always find ways to have fun too! In the picture above, we are posing in our new WW I “Snoopy” flying scarves. In the picture below, you will find that Aaron couldn't help himself from hopping onto an inert nuclear weapon and waving his hat around, just like Slim Pickens.

The Wildlands Conservancy - Wind Wolves Preserve is a hidden gem in Kern County that spans a massive 93,000 acres, providing a haven for a diverse range of flora and fauna. The Wildlands Conservancy manages several preserves throughout California and a few other states, each with its unique charm and natural wonders. Wind Wolves Preserve is just one of them, and its beauty serves as a testament to the organization's dedication to preserving the state's wild and scenic landscapes.

KCF staff recently had the pleasure of visiting to connect with the Wildlands Conservancy team and take a short tour. The weather on that August day was nothing short of magical. It was the perfect setting, with a comfortable 72-degree temperature and a light drizzle.

One of the highlights of our visit was learning about the Behold the Beauty Association, which is an integral part of The Wildlands Conservancy's mission. It is dedicated to fostering an appreciation for the natural world and inspiring stewardship in the next generation. Behold the Beauty encourages visitors to deepen their understanding of the environment and their role in preserving it.

The Wildlands Conservancy dedicates a lot of its time to its Outdoor Education Programs. During the school year, they are booked nearly every day with at least one group of kids getting to experience the preserve's beauty potentially for the first time. We also discovered that Wind Wolves Preserve offers corporate retreat options. The preserve provides an ideal setting for organizations to connect with their teams, rekindle their passion for environmental conservation, and recharge. For those who wish to immerse themselves in nature for a more extended period, Wind Wolves Preserve has campgrounds. Camping here is an opportunity to experience the magic of the preserve at sunrise and sunset, making it perfect for families, friends, or anyone seeking a retreat into nature's embrace.

Thanks for having us, Wind Wolves Preserve!

Thank you Nickel Family and Rio Bravo Ranch! Kern Community Foundation’s Nickel Family Scholarship recipients had the opportunity to visit Rio Bravo Ranch in August. They enjoyed a nice lunch and learned more about the agricultural history of California. The Nickel Family Scholarship for Agricultural Education is for students interested in production agriculture and a farming or agricultural business career.

BYJP Internship Opportunity:

Parks Mobile Recreation Internship Program

The Parks Mobile Recreation Internship Program is an eleven-week, paid internship where youth ages 18 – 30, will work part-time with the City’s Recreation & Parks Department. As a pipeline to a career in public service, Interns will gain experience working with diverse groups of children, take part in pop-up recreation activities, facilitate recreational programming and special events, and help children develop lasting memories of a great experience. Youth will receive career development services from the Kern Community Foundation and Recreation & Parks Department, including regular professional workshops, travel stipends, mentorship, and field trips.

Application Deadline: September 22, 2023 @ 11:59 PM

The application window for the Kern River Valley Community Fund is now open. All KRV nonprofit organizations are welcome to apply.

Application Window: September 1 – October 15, 2023.

The City of Bakersfield’s new Business Security Improvements Grant program will provide American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) monies for improvements such as installing alarm systems, security cameras, lighting, and repairing damaged or destroyed windows. The grants will be available to businesses and non-profits in Qualified Census Tracts within the City of Bakersfield to offset the cost of security improvements up to $5,000.

• Business Security Improvements Grant Program Guidelines (PDF)

Job Opportunity:

The Center for Sexuality & Gender Diversity seeks Executive Director

The Wildlands Conservancy's Wind Wolves Preserve is hiring!

Are you passionate about nature and sharing your love of the outdoors with others? They are seeking a part-time Naturalist for their education team!

Bilingual (English/Spanish) is not required but highly desired.

Interested in applying?

Send your cover letter and resume to jobs@wildlandsconservancy.org.

SeedCore Foundation was started in 2018 by John-Paul (JP) and Ingrid Lake

to invest in people’s God-given purpose so that they can improve their

communities. SeedCore endeavors to be an organization that plants and

nurtures seeds of hope and love that will yield thirty, sixty, or even a

hundredfold in the lives of those they support. They do this in several ways,

one being to offer scholarships to graduating high school seniors from Kern

County schools.

College is an important investment, but funding a college education can be

challenging and SeedCore Foundation understands that. They desire to assist

local high school seniors by going beyond providing financial support. JP and

Ingrid understand the importance of building and maintaining strong

relationships and genuine connections. They have seen and experienced the

power of meaningful relationships and how this can connect people to not only

individuals but to an entire community. They want to be part of the connection

that students from Kern County have to where they came from.

People are the greatest asset a community has to offer. Investing in the

education of our youth is important to the continued growth and relevance of

Kern County. SeedCore Foundation looks for high school seniors who are

graduating from high schools in Kern County with a GPA between 3.2 and 4.0.

They specifically chose this range to focus on the Core of the applicant pool

and help Seed their college funding efforts. They saw that oftentimes,

students in this middle group are overlooked, and they want to show these

students that they are seen, valued, and worthy in their community. After

recipients are selected, they will be invited to reapply for the scholarship

throughout their college career as long as they continue to meet the eligibility

criteria.

• Shelter on the Hill, A Humane Society
• Birthmom Buddies
• 3C Capital Fund Inc.

• September 9: Kern Athletic Fencing Foundation 3rd Annual En Garde Gala
• September 15: emPOWERment Dess Perkins Foundation: The Grateful Gala
• September 20: Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN): Nonprofit Law Members Training
• September 23: 2023 Bakersfield Walk like MADD + Dash
• September 30: Flood Ministries: 2nd Annual Clay Shoot
• September 30: Links for Life: Lace 'n It Up 2023

• October 3: Kern County Cancer Foundation Community Forum
• October 14: Noel Alexandria Foundation: Running with the Angels 5K
• October 16: 6th Annual Global Family Invitational

Community members, did you know Kern Community Foundation has a Community Calendar? To make it easier for you to stay in the loop, KCF created a Community Calendar that lists all upcoming nonprofit events, including workshops, galas, and marathons, as well as volunteer opportunities.

Nonprofits registered with Kern Community Foundation, did you know you can share your events? If you have an event you would like to post on our community calendar and social media, please send the information to Teems at Fatima@kernfoundation.org.