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...

Over the years, Indian River Community Foundation has developed several tools and resources that use data to help donors practice more effective philanthropy. Our online Nonprofit Search helps donors find, learn about, and give to local charities that meet the highest standards for transparency and...

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 November 2025...

Founded in 2006, Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) works to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the life that they sustain through innovative technologies, applied research science, education, and citizen science with particular emphasis on the Indian River Lagoon (IRL). Indian River Community Foundation recently awarded...

Indian River Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $235,000 to six nonprofit charitable organizations serving Indian River County. The grants were reviewed by a Grants Committee comprised of volunteers Suzanne Bertman, Pat Brier, and Dawn Michael. The grants were awarded from the Community Enrichment Fund and...

On October 23rd, Indian River Community Foundation hosted a reception to celebrate the publication of the 2026 Time & Treasure Guide to Better Giving. Every year, IRCF and Vero Beach Magazine collaborate to produce the annual Guide to Better Giving. The Guide to Better Giving provides donors...

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 October 2025...

Founded in 1973, Youth Guidance Mentoring Academy is dedicated to enriching the lives of Indian River County youth through mentoring relationships that inspire trust, self-esteem and positive futures. Through one-on-one and group mentoring programs, Youth Guidance helps children graduate from high school, build vocational and...