Recently, Indian River Community Foundation awarded Ocean Research & Conservation Association (ORCA) a discretionary grant of $25,000 for their Citizen Science Program. ORCA’s mission is to protect and restore aquatic ecosystems and the life that they sustain through innovative technologies, applied research science, education, and citizen...

Big Brothers Big Sisters of St. Lucie, Indian River and Okeechobee Counties works to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. The organization's vision is that all youth will achieve their full potential. One-to-one mentoring programs have a...

In the 2022-2023 school year, the Florida Department of Education identified 554 homeless students in Indian River County. This is nearly a 31% increase from the previous school year. Little Birthday Angels brings hope to this population by providing a birthday celebration for every homeless child living...

On February 20th, IRCF board members, board alumni, and honored guests gathered to celebrate the launch of Giving Forward. Community Foundation President and CEO, Jeff Pickering announced that the goal is to raise $50 million by 2026 to enable permanent support for several key initiatives....

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 March 2024...

Established in 2019, the Clean Water Coalition advocates as a unifying voice of our community partners for action by government and private entities to restore both surface and aquifer water resources of Indian River County for our common good. Recognizing a great need in the...

Villanova University and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee researchers compared nonprofits that earned a Candid Seal of Transparency to those that did not. Nonprofits that earned a Seal averaged 53% more in contributions the following year than organizations with no Seal. The research also found organizations that elect to...

Crossover Mission empowers kids to become successful adults through a program of year-round basketball and one-to-one academic mentoring. The organization provides experiences that can shape the students’ vision about what is possible in their own education and careers. IRCF recently awarded Crossover Mission $25,000 from the Community...

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 February 2024...

Founded in 2004, Feed the Lambs has a mission to provide education, recreation, workforce development, and mentorship services for underprivileged children, youth, and young adults at no cost who would otherwise be unable to obtain those services. Indian River Community Foundation recently awarded Feed the...