The Idyllwild Community Fund (ICF), a program of the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF), supports nonprofit organizations serving the Idyllwild and surrounding mountain communities of Southern California. The fund was established in the mid-1990s by anonymous donors and is guided by the mission of "Strengthening Idyllwild through Shared Resources." Each year, ICF distributes interest earned from its endowment in the form of small but impactful grants to local nonprofits.
Grant awards typically range between $1,200 and $2,500, with a maximum request cap of $5,000. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and are intended to support programs that nurture the arts, promote education, ensure well-being, protect the environment, and contribute to public safety in the Idyllwild region. The grant period spans from August 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026.
Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, and their programs must serve the Idyllwild community or its surrounding mountain areas. Preference is given to organizations that serve underserved populations and whose proposed projects impact many individuals. The fund also encourages proposals for new or expanded programs. Reasonable administrative expenses up to 10% of the total request may be included, and program-specific stipends may be funded. However, applications for large capital expenses, political or religious programs, or funding for individuals will not be considered.
Applications must be submitted online by 5:00 PM Pacific Time on April 11, 2025. The process includes completing an eligibility assessment and uploading key documentation such as the IRS determination letter, project budget and narrative, board member list, recent financial statements, and competitive bids if requesting equipment. Incomplete or late applications will not be accepted.
All applications are reviewed for completeness by IECF staff before being evaluated by the Idyllwild Advisory Committee. Recommendations are then submitted to the IECF Board of Directors for final approval. Notification of awards will be sent the week of July 19, 2025.
