IECF 2026 Policy & Philanthropy Summit: All Together
About this Event
IECF 2026 Policy & Philanthropy Summit: All Together
Join us August 6, 2026 at 8:00 AM (Pacific Time) at the Riverside Convention Center for a day full of inspiring talks, collaboration and networking. This summit brings together changemakers passionate about policy, philanthropy, and working together to create a more vibrant region.
What to Expect:
A Partnership for Regional Stability The 2026 Summit will focus on the mechanics of community health and the policy decisions that influence our daily lives. By working as a collective, we'll analyze the Inland Empire’s current standing and map out specific changes required to reach our goals over the next ten years.
Fireside Chat: Rip Rapson We're thrilled to welcome Rip Rapson, President & CEO of The Kresge Foundation, for a fireside chat. Rapson has spent decades advancing work in philanthropy, public policy, and community investment. As President & CEO of The Kresge Foundation, he has helped shape national conversations around equitable development, climate resilience, health, arts and culture, and the role philanthropy can play in strengthening communities.
Summit Agenda Highlights (more details below)
- Local and Regional Leaders: Conversations with regional and local elected officials and leaders will examine the issues shaping the Inland Empire and the public decisions influencing communities across our region.
- Panel discussions throughout the Summit will bring together voices from government, philanthropy, business, and community organizations to explore the opportunities and challenges ahead for the Inland Empire.
- Building Collective Capacity: Concurrent sessions will examine community ownership strategies, housing production, and the impact of misinformation on our civic life.
- Immigration and Regional Stability: A focused session will look at how policy shifts affect families and what the path to stability will look like after a year of significant change.
- Belonging Strategies: An interactive closing session will reflect on how stewards of place can center on the people of our communities and strengthen our collective civic muscle.
Join us at the Riverside Convention Center on August 6, 2026!
*This agenda is subject to change. Please check back frequently for new details! Please note, we are unable to offer refunds, but we are happy to transfer your ticket to another guest if you are unable to attend.
What's Included
Wednesday, August 5 | 6:30-8:30 pm | Riverside Convention Center
Zócalo heads to Riverside for the Inland Empire Community Foundation’s 2026 Policy & Philanthropy Summit to host a free pre-summit conversation with health workforce manager Vicky Bocanegra, higher education and workforce policy leader Su Jin Jez, and Growing Inland Achievement president and CEO Ashish Vaidya on how best to prepare California’s students for the big, bright world ahead.
SUMMIT DAY
Thursday, August 6 | 8:00 am - 7:00 pm | Riverside Convention Center
The Policy & Philanthropy Summit: All Together offers a very full day of engaging sessions designed to inspire collaboration and drive action. Attendees can expect:
- Thought-Provoking Keynotes: Hear from influential voices shaping policy and philanthropy.
- Interactive Panels & Breakouts: Dive deep into key focus areas like housing, education, health, and community resilience.
- Community-Led Discussions: Engage with local leaders, students, and community members on creating lasting change.
- Hands-On Workshops: Participate in real-time strategy sessions aimed at building solutions for our region.
- Networking Opportunities: Connect with policymakers, funders, and change-makers committed to a stronger Inland Empire.
- Cultural Expressions & Performances: Celebrate community and shared purpose with live performances and storytelling.
- Breakfast, Lunch & Refreshments: Enjoy provided meals and breaks throughout the day, with opportunities to network and recharge.
- Fellowship Reception: Wrap up the day with food, drinks, music, and time to connect with peers.
This summit is your chance to be part of meaningful conversations that shape the future of our region.
Requesting Accessibility and Dietary Accommodations for the Policy & Philanthropy Summit
As we gear up for the Policy & Philanthropy Summit, we want to ensure that every individual's experience is inclusive and accessible. If you require any accessibility or dietary accommodations to fully participate in the event, we are here to support you!
To request accessibility or dietary accommodations, please contact Kim Potter at [email protected] no later than 3pm on Monday, July 27, 2026. The sooner we are informed of your requirements, the better we can ensure that the necessary arrangements are made.
Prayer and Meditation Space
We are pleased to provide a dedicated space for prayer and meditation throughout the Summit.
Lodging
Staying overnight? There are several options available, conveniently located in historic downtown Riverside:
The Mission Inn
Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown
Hampton Inn Riverside Downtown
Photography & Video Notice
Please be advised that photographs and videos will be taken at this event for use on the IECF website, in the press, IECF marketing materials, and in social media publications.
By entering this event, you consent to our photographing/videoing and using your image and likeness.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM
Registration, Breakfast, and Networking
🕑: 09:00 AM
Welcome
🕑: 09:15 AM
Stewards of Place: Building Belonging, Sharing Power
Info: Through stories, engagement, and shared reflection, the Belonging and Civic Muscle Cohort will help frame belonging as a practice of sharing power, building trust, and showing up differently across communities.
🕑: 10:00 AM
Fireside Chat with Rip Rapson, CEO of The Kresge Foundation
Info: Facilitated by Michelle Decker, President & CEO of IECF, this mainstage conversation will cover place-based investment, coordinated leadership, and how philanthropy can help communities move through complex moments.
🕑: 11:00 AM
Democracy and Elections: A Conversation with Elected Leaders
Info: A conversation with our elected officials on how federal policy and funding decisions shape local capacity to deliver housing, health, and economic stability.
🕑: 12:00 PM
Climate Resilience: What It Takes to Protect and Invest in the Inland Empire
Info: Over lunch, a main stage panel will talk about what climate resilience requires in the Inland Empire, from wildfire prevention and disaster preparedness to public health, infrastructure, and long-term investment. With the launch of the Salton Sea Conservancy and new climate bond funding moving forward, this session will focus on what it takes to turn policy wins into effective protection, implementation, and community benefit.
🕑: 01:00 PM
Let's Talk About H.R. 1
Info: A main stage briefing on how H.R. 1 is showing up across California, the cross-sector response underway, and what this moment requires from regions like the Inland Empire. This session will also look ahead to the next administration, the transition, and where state leadership needs philanthropy, local government, community organizations, and public systems to be ready.
🕑: 02:00 PM
Breakout Sessions: Building Together
Info: Six concurrent sessions on how policy, capital, and community leadership can work together to produce long-term stability.
🕑: 03:15 PM
Celebrating Immigrants: Strategies for Belonging in this Moment
Info: A working session on what communities, institutions, and systems need to respond to real pain while sustaining long-term stability.
🕑: 04:15 PM
Our North Star: Modeling the Changes to Reach Our Regional Goals
🕑: 05:00 PM - 07:00 PM
Fellowship Reception
Info: Continue the day's conversations with a refreshing beverage and delicious hors d'oeuvres.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 100.00 to USD 161.90
