According to the Funders Alliance, “The Inland Empire is the epicenter of new growth and demographic change in California. With high rates of poverty, and poor education and health outcomes, ensuring its success is critical to the future of the State.” The Inland Empire (IE) comprises two counties, Riverside and San Bernardino. It has 52 cities plus 56 school districts with 850,000 children. By population it is larger than 50% of all U.S. States. It is expected to grow by 1.3 million people by 2020, making it the fastest growing region in California and the fourth in the nation. Yet, with maybe the exception of Palm Springs, there is little recognition of this area outside of southern California. Unlike Detroit, the Inland Empire receives a below average amount of philanthropy, yet on the 2013-2014 Measure of America Index, that rates well-being in health, education and earnings, the IE ranked last amongst the nation’s 25 largest metro areas with ratings below that of Detroit.
In an effort to reverse this trend, Southern California Grantmakers and the Funder’s Alliance of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties held an “Inland Empire 101” session for Los Angeles based funders. The convening was underwritten by Wells Fargo. Gregory Bradbard, President & CEO of the Inland Empire United Way, and the immediate past chair of the Funders Alliance, presented an overview of the two counties and their challenges. Per capita income is $25,000 versus the $31,000 for the State. Unemployment is the highest among all U.S. major metropolitan areas, as is the poverty rate. One in four children live in poverty. Two-thirds of adults are overweight and half of children are overweight. Nonprofits are starved for resources to deal with these challenges. Public charities in the region have a per capita per poor person of $4,055 compared to the State average of $20,095.
While the statistics paint a gloomy picture, there is optimism, hope and plans to make the Inland Empire successful. The Funders Alliance is focusing on capacity building – working with the nonprofit community to strengthen their impact and be able to serve more people. Cities and the counties are bringing together businesses, nonprofits, governments, education, philanthropy and residents to create strategic visions for the future. While these efforts are critical and significant, outside resources will be needed for the Inland Empire to fully achieve its potential.
www.socalgrantmakers.org
www.iecapaciteria.org/funders-alliance
www.ieuw.org