Founded in 2002, Dogs For Life, Inc. is a non-profit organization devoted to improving the quality of life for veterans and other individuals in need through training hearing and service dogs, providing therapy dogs for first responders and school resource programs, and owning an off-leash dog park....

On November 18, 2025, IRCF President and CEO, Jeff Pickering, presented the 2025 Community Needs Update to the Indian River County Board of Commissioners. The 14-minute video of this presentation can be viewed below. https://youtu.be/_ReeB-h1zVc In 2019, major funding organizations, donor groups, local government, and...

Tara Wright, Leslie Bowen, Heather O'Shea, and Jeff Pickering Founded in 2009, The Buggy Bunch is dedicated to building relationships and meeting the needs of Indian River County moms and their families. Their vision is that all Indian River County moms and families are thriving emotionally, financially,...

In partnership with Vero Beach Magazine, Indian River Community Foundation’s President and CEO, Jeff Pickering, writes a monthly column called Indian River Insights. These articles explore the root causes of community needs, celebrate successes, analyze meaningful solutions, and offer insights into persistent challenges. In the January 2026...

No one likes talking about evictions. If you’re a renter struggling to pay the rent, an eviction draws an indelible line between being housed and unhoused. If you’re a landlord, it’s an unpleasant but necessary part of doing business. For the sheriff’s deputies tasked with...

In Indian River County, many streams—the high cost of rent, the scarcity of affordable housing, and the growing numbers of people living in poverty amidst plenty—have converged into a relentless river sweeping too many individuals and families into homelessness. Even with shelters like The Hope...

Economists talk about barriers to entry to discuss how difficult it is for an entrepreneur to break into a competitive market. How much capital will they need to get started? Are there complicated licensing or other legal requirements that have to be overcome? It’s helpful...

In the 2024-2025 school year, the Florida Department of Education identified 655 homeless students in Indian River County. For over ten years, Little Birthday Angels has brought hope to this population by serving homeless children on their birthdays. The Birthday Bags of Hope program delivers birthday bags each...

Established in 1978, The Arc of Indian River County supports and empowers individuals with special needs to achieve their life goals. This organization operates six residential group homes, and provides adult training, behavioral services, supportive employment, and transportation services. The Arc supports over 200 individuals,...

In partnership with Vero Beach Magazine, Indian River Community Foundation’s President and CEO, Jeff Pickering, writes a monthly column called Indian River Insights. These articles explore the root causes of community needs, celebrate successes, analyze meaningful solutions, and offer insights into persistent challenges. In the December 2025...