News

Desert Recreation Foundation Celebrates Major Funding Milestones And Awards Financial Assistance Scholarships for Recreation

News from: Desert Recreation Foundation

The Desert Recreation Foundation is thrilled to announce significant financial support for the Desert Recreation District’s programs across the Coachella Valley. This support underscores the Foundation’s commitment to securing funding and ensuring that quality recreational opportunities are accessible to all who otherwise would not be able to participate.

The Desert Recreation Foundation Board of Directors express their gratitude and excitement. “Over the course of the past two years, the Foundation has exponentially grown and has proven what can happen when community leaders come together to fundraise and advocate for the Desert Recreation District.” said Andres Coronel, Treasurer of the board. “The Foundation’s last two reimbursements of just shy of $200,000 represents $200,000 of taxpayers’ dollars that can be used for other purposes within the District. Truly an accomplishment.”

Over the last two meetings, the DRF has reimbursed the District in the amount of over $197k to offset direct program costs, the Foundation made substantial strides in enriching residents’ lives through a diverse range of programming:

  • $25,000 from the Coachella Valley Spotlight Grant: This generous grant provided support to five senior programs in the Mecca, North Shore, Indio Hills, Thermal, and Thousand Palms communities improving the quality of life for senior citizens in these communities.
  • $7,500 from the City of Palm Desert: Funding under this grant ensured that 38 participants received a year-long adaptive sports and therapeutic recreation membership, where they can find joy through unique experiences tailored to their needs and cultivate a deep sense of belonging within a supportive community.
  • $34,874.86 from the Regional Access Project Foundation: Funds granted by the RAP Foundation supported the R.I.S.E. (Resilience, Inspire, Self-Empower) Programs in Coachella, Mecca, Thermal, and Indio. The R.I.S.E. program provides a safe space for youth to discuss their social-emotional well-being and fostering personal growth and resilience.
  • $9,720 from the Imperial Irrigation District: Through Imperial Irrigation District’s grant, the East Valley Soccer League was able to host various sporting events for youth such as soccer clinics, toddler soccer, and T-ball Rookies in Mecca and North Shore communities.
  • $36,057.32 from the Anderson Children’s Foundation: The generous grant funding from the Anderson Children’s Foundation enhanced youth activities, including glow golf, silent disco, art programs, dance classes, cooking, and fitness programs at the Indio Hills, Thousand Palms, Coachella, Thermal, Oasis, Mecca, and North Shore community centers.
  • $10,000 from the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation: This grant on behalf of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation supported adaptive and therapeutic programs through staffing, vehicle costs, specialized equipment purchases, and annual memberships. These funds enabled 188 individuals to benefit from District adaptive programming and facilitated a total of 871 program registrations.
  • $12,460.85 from the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy: Funds from this grant supported a range of outdoor adventure programming, enabling 141 youth to explore and engage with the nature. The program promoted environmental appreciation and encouraged physical activity through immersive experiences. The grant made it possible for participants to embark on trips to Shumway Ranch, Whitewater Preserve, Oak Glen Preserve, and other outdoor locations.
  • $38,403.54 from the State of California Coastal Conservancy: This grant facilitated 14 trips to the California coast for 302 residents, providing them with invaluable coastal experiences that might otherwise have been inaccessible. These excursions included visits to La Jolla Cove, Laguna Beach, Cabrillo Aquarium, Buena Vista Audubon, and Crystal Cove State Park, among others. The trips catered to a diverse group of participants, including youth, seniors, and individuals from adaptive programs, enriching their lives with unique and educational encounters in the natural coastal environment.
  • $20,000 From the County of Riverside Community Improvement Designation Funds under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA): The awarded funds were used to support the Foundation’s Financial Assistance Program. Through these funds, 299 participants were awarded a scholarship to participate in District programming making recreation accessible to those who otherwise would not be able to participate.
  • $3,300 from the City of Cathedral City: Through the awarded funds, the Foundation was able to award 47 scholarships for swimming lessons to Cathedral City youth at the Cathedral City High School Pool. A total of 6 parent & me lessons (ages 6 months-3 years), 7 penguin 1 lessons (ages 6.5-12), 6 penguin 2 lessons (ages 8-12), 5 stingray lessons (ages 6.5-12), 3 barracuda lessons (ages 7-13), and 1 shark lesson (for ages 8-14) were funded.

Beyond these substantial grants, the Desert Recreation Foundation successfully provided 126 recipients scholarships through the 2023/2024 Financial Assistance Program. The Financial Assistance Program facilitated 235 registrations in District programming, ensuring that individuals could benefit from quality recreational activities regardless of financial limitations. The Financial Assistance Program is currently accepting applications, offering ongoing support for eligible individuals to access recreational opportunities.

The Desert Recreation Foundation works behind the scenes to secure funding to ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate in quality recreational activities, regardless of their financial situation. The Foundation extends its heartfelt thanks to all the grantors for their generous support, which empowers the Foundation to continue its mission of enriching and preserving the quality of life for residents.