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.
It Might be Hot Outside, but it's Chilly at the Summit
The meeting rooms will be well air-conditioned! Please bring a sweater or jacket for maximum comfort throughout the day.
Lactation Room
A lactation room is available on the first floor of the convention center in Meeting Room 3. Privacy screens and refrigeration are provided.
to Stay Connected and Print out Your Name Badge at Registration
Please be sure to and sign in using the email you registered with on Eventbrite. Swapcard is your key to printing out a name badge when you arrive, viewing the agenda, and connecting with attendees before, during, and after 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
A Conversation with Rip Rapson of the Kresge Foundation
Info: Lessons Learned from American Cities: A mainstage conversation on place-based investment, coordinated leadership, and how philanthropy can help communities move through complex moments.
🕑: 11:00 AM
Celebrating Immigrants: Strategies for Belonging in this Moment
Info: Working session on what communities, institutions, and systems need to respond to real pain while sustaining long-term stability. How do we do this better?
🕑: 12:00 PM
Shaping the Next Chapter of Climate Resilience in the IE
Info: Over lunch, a main stage panel will talk about how California’s approach to climate resilience has evolved beyond responding to individual disasters. The state is increasingly investing in regional partnerships, community leadership, and long-term systems needed to strengthen landscapes and communities. This conversation will bring together Secretary Wade Crowfoot and Silvia Paz, moderated by Assistant Secretary Joe Shea, to reflect on lessons from California’s wildfire resilience efforts, the creation of the Salton Sea Conservancy, and the opportunities ahead for the Inland Empire
🕑: 01:00 PM
H.R. 1: State Response, Regional Readiness, and Philanthropy's Role
Info: H.R. 1 is reshaping the landscape for health, human services, and communities across California—including the Inland Empire—creating new challenges that require coordinated action across sectors. In this main stage conversation, California Health & Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson will discuss how the state is responding to the law's impacts, while The California Endowment's Chief Strategy Officer Carolyn Wang Kong will explore philanthropy's role in strengthening regional resilience, supporting communities, and partnering with government during this period of transition. Looking ahead to the next administration, the discussion will examine how philanthropy, government, community organizations, and public systems can align to prepare for what's ahead. IECF Board Chair and The California Endowment Vice President of Government Affairs, Jesse Melgar, will moderate the conversation.
🕑: 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.
🕑: 03:30 PM
A Conversation with Congressman Pete Aguilar
Info: A conversation with our congressional representative on how federal policy and funding decisions shape local capacity to deliver housing, health, and economic stability.
🕑: 04:15 PM
Leading a Region on the Rise
🕑: 04:45 AM
Making Great Strides Together: All Together from Other Places
Info: This closing session will bring the Summit back to that shared regional goal. Too many Inland Empire residents are struggling or simply surviving. The conversation will focus on what philanthropy, government, institutions, and community leaders must do together to create the conditions for all people and places in our region to thrive, no exceptions.
🕑: 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
