Indian River Community Foundation

Building A Better Community Through Donor-Driven Philanthropy

  • About
    • Our Team
    • Our Board
    • Our Funds
    • Our Founders
    • Our Initiatives
    • Alma Lee Loy Legacy Society
    • Community Needs Assessment
  • Giving
    • Fund Descriptions
    • Establish a Fund
    • My Fund Update
    • Planned Giving: Leave a Legacy
    • Donate Online
  • Grants
    • Apply for a Grant
  • Professional Advisors
  • Resources
  • Better Giving Blog
    • Events
  • Nonprofit Search
    • Current Campaigns
You are here: Home / Archives for 2020

Year-End Gift of $100,000 Has Ripple Effect, Helps Local Individuals, Families in Need

December 30, 2020 Leave a Comment

By Jeff Pickering, President and CEO

IRCF Team - Jeff Pickering, Chiaka Nwosu, Yamilet Cendejas, Frida Randolfi, Jaci Ruppert

2020 was a tough year for everyone in our community.  For the 50 percent of Indian River County households who live in poverty, however, the health and financial impact of COVID-19 and the global pandemic has been devastating, leaving gaping holes in the social fabric of many parts of our community. 

In normal years, charitable organizations like the United Way of Indian River County work tirelessly to distribute resources and stitch together the safety net that keeps many people from falling into despair.  This year, however, community needs stretched the capacity of our local charities, all of which deserve appreciation for stepping up and answering the call to serve.  These organizations and the donors that support them make an impact on thousands of lives, however, I did not expect one act of year-end generosity to have such an impact on me.

On the same day that federal unemployment benefits expired for millions of Americans while a $900 billion aid package sat on President Trump’s desk, Indian River Community Foundation received a gift of $100,000 from a client who wished to remain anonymous.  The generous donation came along with a special request that the money be used quickly to help vulnerable individuals and families in our community who may be struggling and need emergency financial assistance. 

Our team got busy using data and information from our online Nonprofit Search and a recently completed Community Needs Assessment to connect with organizations where these dollars could make life better, even temporarily, for several of our neighbors in need.  Here are just a few examples of how this one gift will help.

  • Tools and a toolbox for one of several men being helped to break the cycle of homelessness by Camp Haven to start work as an electrician.
  • Tuition for several children of low-income families who attend Childcare Resources while their parents pursue new employment opportunities after losing their jobs.
  • Rent at a Motel 6 for a mother and her four children while they wait for a safe, affordable apartment to become available with help from the Homeless Children’s Foundation.
  • Utility deposits for several families moving from Hope for Families Center into their own apartments.
  • Emergency financial assistance for several low-income families whose children attend the Redlands Christian Migrant Association preschool in Fellsmere.
  • Emergency financial assistance for several first-time recipients of aid from the Salvation Army of Vero Beach.
  • Emergency financial assistance for several low-income seniors served by Senior Resource Association.

It costs more than $220 million to operate all Indian River County charities, most of which serve the education, health and human services needs of our community.  While $100,000 may seem like a drop in the ocean, from the stories I heard I can attest that it was a very timely, much needed drop for many of our neighbors in need. 

It didn’t take an act of Congress. It didn’t take President Trump’s signature. It took a drop of kindness that caused a ripple of generosity that I hope will swell to waves of impact in the year to come.

A philanthropic tsunami could be on its way. Time for all of us to get on board.

Filed Under: Community Needs, Current Events Tagged With: 2020, Anonymous, Community Needs Assessment, COVID-19

Intern Outings- Gifford Youth Achievement Center

December 28, 2020 Leave a Comment

By: Alexander Sylvia

The Gifford Youth Achievement Center has been a staple in the Indian River Community for my entire life. Not only do they provide safety and stability for children in low-income areas, but they also provide additional education, life skills training, games, summer camps and a plethora of resources available for the children. I had the pleasure of seeing them in the spirit of the holidays where they decorate the entire facility and the kids don’t have schoolwork. They are already fully utilizing their new building, allowing them to serve more children in the community. Although the GYAC is not immune to the tribulations of COVID, they continue to serve the children of our community with vigor. I strongly recommend checking them out, whether you are looking to donate or volunteer, the GYAC is a great place to do it. 

Visit GYAC

Filed Under: Current Events Tagged With: 2020, Intern Outings

Intern Outings- Crossover Mission

December 24, 2020 Leave a Comment

By: Alexander Sylvia

Crossover Mission is a wonderful newer non-profit here in Indian River County. Their mission of helping children in low-income often one-parent households in the Gifford area is carried out through basketball training and academic tutoring. They provide their children with any sort of attention they might need along with one-on-one academic tutoring and basketball training. What I learned on-site was that the idea of Crossover Mission is based on the life of co-founder and Indian River local Antione Jennings and his struggles as he grew up in a bad situation. Their new space is currently under construction, but it has limitless potential. Soon, the converted warehouse will have space for several courts, practice courts, and a large academic center. Please visit their website to learn more about the Jennings family and how Crossover Mission is changing lives every day.

Visit Crossover Mission

Filed Under: Current Events Tagged With: 2020, Crossover, Intern Outings

Ballet Vero Beach Produces Nutcracker on the Indian River Film

December 21, 2020 Leave a Comment

Photo by: Kaila Jones

This year Ballet Vero Beach has produced a free live stream event of their 4th annual theatrical production of Nutcracker on the Indian River. The organization partnered with the Indian River Land Trust to have an authentic India River Lagoon backdrop. Dancers dressed as land crabs, sandhill cranes, gopher tortoises, and even a manatee represent the beauty of the community, even during an international pandemic.

Ballet Vero Beach’s Nutcracker on the Indian River Lagoon will be available for free streaming in English and Spanish from December 23rd at 7:30pm through to January 6th. Please click here for a complete broadcast and streaming schedule.

To learn more about the production and filming, please listen to the WQCS station interview by clicking here.

Filed Under: Current Events Tagged With: 2020, Ballet Vero Beach, Indian River Lagoon, Indian River Land Trust

Community Foundation Awards $5,000 to Bike Walk Indian River County

December 17, 2020 Leave a Comment

This giving season Indian River Community Foundation awarded a grant of $5,000 to Bike Walk Indian River County from the charitable giving account of an anonymous client. This donation will help Bike Walk carry out their mission to promote safe bicycling and walking as transportation and recreation for a healthier, more vibrant and connected Indian River County.

Bike Walk donates bikes to individuals who mostly use the lightly refurbished bikes as their primary form of transportation to and from work. The simple donation of a bike can help elevate an individual’s ride into work and promote timeliness and confidence. Bike Walk works with partner organizations such as Camp Haven, Crossover Mission, and Gifford Youth Achievement Center to find local individuals in need of a bike. Interested individuals can visit the “Need a Bike?” link on the Bike Walk website to access the necessary criteria and application.

In addition to providing refurbished bikes to hardworking individuals, Bike Walk also advocates for bike safety on our roadways. The organization was instrumental in planning the bike lanes currently being installed on North A1A. Many volunteers of the organization frequently bike the public roads to note public safety and communicate their concerns to the necessary parties. Click here to learn more about becoming a volunteer.

Please click here to learn about donating bikes or parts, or click here to donate online.

Filed Under: Community Needs, Current Events Tagged With: 2020, Anonymous, Bike Walk IRC

  • 1
  • 2
  • 3
  • …
  • 11
  • Next Page »

Upcoming Events

There are no upcoming events.

View Calendar
  • My Fund
  • Board Login
  • Nonprofit Login
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
  • Donate Online
  • Suggestion Box
  • Staff Login
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Sign up for our newsletter

Copyright © 2021 · Indian River Community Foundation · Log in