Hi everyone!

Our summer temperatures have finally arrived after getting a nice break with unseasonably cool weather throughout the month of June.

I hope everyone can continue to enjoy some outdoor activities during non-peak heat hours with sun protection and adequate hydration.

Weather has been top-of-mind recently as the Community Action Partnership presented to the RAP Board on their Cooling Centers, now open throughout the County. There are 21 organizations partnering with the County to make this service available. This program is in its 22nd year, and RAP has supported it for the last seven years because it is especially critical with our extreme temperatures. Visitors are offered a cool place to stay during the peak temperature times of the day and receive water, snacks, and information on community resources, utility assistance, financial assistance, and weatherization services.

In addition, the RAP Board recently decided to join forces again with FirstBank and the Desert Community Foundation to present the 2^nd Annual Coachella Valley Giving Day. In the inaugural event in 2023, almost $400,000 was raised by 159 local nonprofits. Mark your calendars - next year’s 24-hour online philanthropic event will take place on March 5, 2024. 

Recent Grants Awarded

Here’s a recap of recent grants awarded to organizations through our regular open application process.

Small Grants

• The Ranch Recovery Center, Inc. - $9,340

Performance Grants

• Community Action Partnership’s Cool and Warm Centers - $20,000
• Lift To Rise - $100,000

New RAP Team members

RAP is excited to welcome two new team members.

Marisol Alaniz, our ARPA Project Manager, joined RAP earlier this year to administer the technical assistance grants, which will be available soon.

What is ARPA? The American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) funding is being made available through the Riverside County Nonprofit Assistance Fund, approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 2nd to provide financial assistance to nonprofits negatively impacted by the pandemic.

The application period opened July 10. Make sure to register for the Applicant’s Conference on July 27th at 10:00 AM.

Vincent Morgan serves as RAP’s student intern. Vincent is a recent Shadow Hills High School graduate attending College of the Desert. We look forward to introducing Vincent to the network of nonprofits we work with and their worthwhile causes.

For now and always, enjoy life and take care,

Lety De Lara

Chief Executive Officer

We are thrilled to announce that, thanks to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors establishing the Riverside County Nonprofit Assistance Fund (RCNAF), we have an extraordinary $14.5 million available to support nonprofits in Riverside County! The financial support is funded through the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA) to develop long-term strategies focused on impact, sustainability, and building economic and community resiliency.

This fantastic initiative is a collaborative effort between us and two esteemed partners. RAP Foundation, Inland SoCal United Way, and Inland Empire Community Foundation are working collaboratively to administer and disperse this funding.

Starting July 10, 2023, the Direct Financial Support and Assistance Grant, administered by Inland SoCal United Way, will be open for applications. These grants, ranging from $10,000 to $150,000, are tailor-made to help nonprofits that have faced decreased revenue, financial insecurity, increased costs, and other pandemic-related challenges.

The programmatic grant funding, managed by Inland Empire Community Foundation, will become available approximately 45 days after the direct financial support and assistance grant opens. With anticipated grant levels between $50,000 and $150,000, this funding aims to assist nonprofits in addressing various pandemic-related impacts. Whether you're working on unemployment, food or housing insecurity, public health, mental health, or other critical areas, we want to help you make a lasting difference in our community.

But that's not all! When you apply for either grant, you'll have the opportunity to opt-in for technical assistance. This additional support, provided by the dedicated team at the RAP Foundation, focuses on enhancing your organization's long-term financial stability and preparing you for future funding opportunities. It's a valuable resource that can help you maximize your impact and strengthen your capacity to serve the community.

We strongly encourage all eligible nonprofits to seize these incredible opportunities. Remember, opting for technical assistance won't impact the amount you receive in direct or programmatic funding. Instead, it offers an additional avenue of support to help you thrive.

There, you will find a wealth of information, tips, and inspiration on how to stay active and safe during these warmer months. We have curated a collection of refreshing beverages, healthy snacks, and much more to support your well-being.

One of the highlights of our recent activities has been the collaboration with Riverside County Behavioral Health to provide adult nutrition education classes. These classes cover various topics such as healthy eating, reading food labels, and budgeting. We believe that educating our community about nutrition empowers individuals to make informed choices and leads to healthier lifestyles.

In May, we had the incredible opportunity to journey to Sacramento, the heart of our state's legislative body. Our purpose was to advocate for tobacco prevention and raise awareness about the critical work happening locally. The experience was truly inspiring, as we connected with passionate individuals from organizations throughout California who share our vision for healthier communities. The conversations were enlightening, and the camaraderie was palpable as we discussed the challenges we face and the work that still needs to be done. We are excited to share a glimpse of our visit through these captivating pictures:

Pictured above: Local and state agencies from across California pose for a group photo in Sacramento while gathering together to inform and educate legislative leaders on the negative health impacts of tobacco.

Pictured above (left to right): Karely Medina, Imperial County Tobacco Education Program; Diane Morales, Regional Access Project Foundation; Andres Cornel, City of Indio Police Department; and Tana Lepule, Asian Pacific Partners for Empowerment, Advocacy and Leadership

It is through collective action and collaboration that we can effect meaningful change. We are immensely grateful for your unwavering support as we continue our journey toward a healthier and brighter future.

Stay tuned for more updates, upcoming events, and opportunities to get involved. Together, we can make a difference!

We also want to congratulate the 14 organizations that received funding through this grant. Grantees include:

• Alianza
• Barbara Sinatra Children's Center
• Big Brother Big Sister of the Desert
• Boys & Girls Club of Coachella Valley
• Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City

• Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs
• Desert Recreation Foundation
• Genuine. Animate. Navigate. Assist. Succeed. (GANAS)
• Integrated Learning Institute (ILI)

• John F. Kennedy Memorial Foundation
• Olive Crest
• Raices Cultura
• Variety Children's Charities of the Desert
• We Are One United

And as we enter the new fiscal year, we are excited to introduce a change to the NPO Centric Grant that will support additional organizations in our service area. The NPO Centric Grant is now being offered to all qualifying nonprofits through our grant portal, Foundant. The grant provides technical assistance services through NPO Centric, which can include consulting services, an NPO Centric Premium Local Membership, and a Core Capacity Assessment Tool (CCAT).

A CCAT is a diagnostic instrument or framework designed to identify an organization's strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement. It focuses on core areas or capacities necessary for effective organizational functioning, such as governance, leadership, strategic planning, financial management, human resources, program management, monitoring and evaluation, fundraising, communication, and partnerships/collaboration. This assessment tool aims to measure your organization's capacity to fulfill its mission and achieve its goals.

To apply for an NPO Centric Grant or to learn more about our other funding opportunities, click here or contact Grants Manager Gracie Montano by email or phone (760) 257-2487. 

NPO Centric is thrilled to announce updates to our membership pricing structure, tailored to meet the needs of our local nonprofit organizations. Your feedback has been instrumental in this decision, and we are excited to share the details with you. 

Effective immediately, NPO Centric is introducing a fair and inclusive pricing model that aligns with your organization's annual revenue.

NPO Centric's objective is to ensure that all nonprofits, regardless of their financial standing, can access our comprehensive range of resources and support. 

Without further ado, here are the revised pricing tiers: 

• Organizations with an annual revenue below $150,000 will now enjoy the benefits of membership at the affordable rate of $149 per year. We believe in fostering growth and empowering smaller nonprofits to thrive. 
• Nonprofits with annual revenue ranging from $150,000 to $300,000 will be eligible for membership at a cost of $199 annually. We are committed to assisting organizations on their journey toward even greater impact. 
• Nonprofits with annual revenue ranging from $300,000 to $500,000 will be eligible for annual membership at a cost of $249. We are dedicated to supporting organizations as they navigate their path toward expanded influence and increased positive change. 
• Nonprofits with an annual revenue exceeding $500,000, membership will be available at a competitive rate of $349 per year. We aim to recognize your remarkable accomplishments and provide an enhanced platform for your continued success. 

NPO Centric is confident that this revamped pricing structure will allow us to serve your needs more effectively, nurture collaboration, and foster a vibrant community of like-minded individuals dedicated to making a positive difference. 

Members will receive: priority registration for workshops and seminars, 50% discount on all workshops and seminars, exclusive Zoom access to select workshops and seminars, and invitation to semi-annual member-only events. 

Thank you for being part of our invaluable network of nonprofit organizations. We remain dedicated to supporting your endeavors and look forward to the shared accomplishments that lie ahead.