June 8th is World Oceans Day, an international day dedicated to supporting worldwide public interest in the protection of the ocean and the sustainable management of its resources. One prominent local organization working to achieve these goals is the Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA), whose mission is...

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 June 2024...

Literacy Services Team: Catherine Daily, Andreina Curiel, Shannon Maitland, & Elida Gomez It is estimated that 1 in 5 adults in Indian River County struggles with completing a job application, reading a newspaper, reading to their children or helping them with schoolwork. Founded in 1971, Literacy...

Approximately 15.9% of people in Indian River County live independently with a disability, and over half of those individuals experience ambulatory difficulty. The Indian River County Volunteer Ambulance Squad provides free non-emergency transportation for ambulatory and wheelchair passengers from their places of residence to and from medical...

The Gifford Youth Orchestra (GYO) strives to provide education, experience, and training in various cultural and performing arts, including music, drama, dance, and the vocal arts for the youth of Gifford, Florida and neighboring communities with a core focus on mastering stringed instruments. IRCF recently awarded...

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 May 2024...

​LifeBuilders of the Treasure Coast, Inc. works to change lives and build strong communities. The organization seeks to reduce crime, recidivism, and assist low-income individuals who come in contact with Treasure Coast courts as a consequence of criminal behavior or a dependency action. Recently, Indian River...

Vero Beach Rowing is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and teaching the sport of rowing to the community in order to develop physical fitness, personal character, and an ethic of cooperation through competitive and recreational opportunities. IRCF recently awarded Vero Beach Rowing $25,000 from...

Indian River Community Foundation awarded grants totaling $185,000 to eight local nonprofit organizations serving Indian River County. The grants were reviewed by a Grants Committee comprised of volunteers Suzanne Bertman, Pat Brier, Dale Jacobs, Toni Hamner, Wanda Lincoln, Dawn Michael, and Angelia Perry. The grants...

The Substance Awareness Center (SAC) of Indian River County strives to reduce the impact of substance misuse and behavioral health disorders in Indian River County through prevention, education, treatment, and recovery support. IRCF recently awarded SAC $25,000 to support their Peer Outreach and Recovery Support...