News & Events | IRCF - Indian River Community Foundation

Preparation for Hurricane Dorian

August 30, 2019 Leave a Comment

In anticipation of Hurricane Dorian, Indian River Community Foundation’s office will close Friday August 30^th at 12:00pm. The office will be closed for the weekend, the Labor Day holiday and likely on Tuesday September 3^rd.

Disaster preparedness information for Indian River County, Florida residents can be found by clicking here to view Indian River County’s website. If you require assistance with your charitable giving account during an extended office closure, please contact our donor services team in Kansas City, MO toll free 1-866-627-3440 or support@greaterhorizons.org.

Bike program needs warehouse space

August 19, 2019 Leave a Comment

VERO BEACH – An innovative program that distributes free bikes to adults and children is in danger due to lack of warehouse space.

The Bike Rehab Project was started about eight years ago by Malcolm Allen, owner of Orchid Island Bikes and Kayaks, and Deputy Teddy Floyd from the Sheriff’s Office.

“Deputy Floyd approached me and asked for a quote to repair a bunch of kids’ bikes that were donated to him that he wanted to give out to needy kids at Christmas,” Mr. Allen said. “I told him OIBK would cover 100% of the cost for the repairs. Thus began an annual tradition of Teddy bringing bikes and then handing them out after our lead bike technician got them back in working order.”

To read full article, click here.

Community Needs Assessment Survey Underway

August 2, 2019 Leave a Comment

On July 8^th, over 50 community organizations gathered at the Intergenerational Center to receive training on administering the Community Needs Assessment Survey. Q-Q research led the training with the support of the Indian River Community Foundation, United Way, the Florida Department of Health in Indian River County and the Children’s Services Advisory Committee. The survey will be conducted through 2019 and findings are expected to be reported to the community in 2020.

As of July 31^st, more than 250 electronic surveys have been submitted covering all areas of Indian River County. With help from organizations in the community, the survey will attempt to identify unmet needs and gaps in services in the Indian River County community.

If you or you organization would like to participate, please contact Frida Flores at frida@ircommunityfoundation.org. All surveys are due on September 3, 2019.

Update: Boys and Girls Club of Fellsmere

July 31, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Boys and Girls Club of Fellsemere are anxious to move into their new facility. BGC of Fellsmere originally opened in 2010 in the old school house building. The “Club” has since provided a home for educational and recreational resources to the children of Fellsmere. Due to issues with flooding, the “Club” has had to close it’s doors limiting the amount of children they are able to serve. Luckily, long time supporters Larry and Karen Mulder and executive director, Elizabeth Thomason initiated a campaign to build a new space for the “Club”.

On July 18th, the Fellsmere kids had the opportunity to tour the newly constructed building. The site superintendent gave tours to four groups to explain the various processes of constructing a building. The kids were very excited to move in and are looking forward to the completed building.

Community Foundation awards $170,000 to 5 Nonprofits serving vulnerable individuals and families

July 29, 2019 Leave a Comment

The Arc Chairman of the Board Reese Brackins, left, with Indian RIver Community Foundation CEO Jeff Pickering and The Arc CEO Heather Dales, with clients Steve, Craig and Christy. The Community Foundation awarded $100,000 to The Arc of Indian River County as part of a $1.1 million effort to build a new Fragile Group Home. (Photo: Maureen Nicolace/Special to TCPalm)

Indian River Community Foundation recently awarded grants totaling $170,000 to nonprofit charitable organizations serving Indian River County.

The largest grant from this most recent cycle was for $100,000 awarded to The Arc of Indian River County, as part of a $1.1 million effort to build a new Fragile Group Home.

“When completed, this project will enable our organization to increase our capacity to provide permanent supportive housing to adults with severe and profound disabilities whose parents are aging and unable to continue caring for them,” said Heather Dales, CEO of The Arc. “With this support, some of our community’s most vulnerable residents will be served.”

To read full article, click here.