From 'House of No' to Millions in Impact: Redlands Community Foundation Celebrates 25 Years

Photo by David James Heiss

Redlands Community Foundation President Chris Alvarez.

By David James Heiss

Redlands News Collective

REDLANDS — Dozens of supporters and beneficiaries of the Redlands Community Foundation gathered to celebrate nearly a quarter-century of local giving during a special Sept. 20 program hosted at the historic Burrage Mansion.

Redlands Community Foundation (RCF) President Chris Alvarez highlighted several initiatives that have received foundation support over the years, ranging from the Redlands Bicycle Classic and Meals on Wheels to helping the Redlands Theatre Arts Festival recover from vandalism and supporting A.K. Smiley Public Library staff during COVID-19.

"Philanthropic leadership: We lead by convening, not lobbying," Alvarez said. "We can convene people and help identify gaps and where money is needed to make an impact in the community. We steward money across generations, not just fiscal years. We exist to sustain and strengthen philanthropy in our community as your community foundation."

Lynn Whitmer, executive director of RCF, thanked attendees for laying the groundwork for local grantmaking.

Photo by David James Heiss

Executive Director Lynn Whitmer.

"Look around at each other, because you guys are the makers and shakers of the philanthropy that we are creating," Whitmer said. "Every grant awarded and every life touched over the last quarter-century exists because you laid the groundwork."

Whitmer outlined three core commitments for the foundation's future: identifying pressing community needs to target aid effectively, deepening connections as a central hub for local giving, and enabling more contributors and beneficiaries to become partners through the foundation's revamped web portal.

Dr. Larry Burgess, a historian and founding RCF board member, reflected on the foundation's origins when it was established in 2000.

"So many people will continue to live in the ‘House of No,’ and if they leave the house, they still may be in the circle of doubt," Burgess said. "We’re referring to people that have dreams and who want to expand educational, cultural and health facilities — all kinds of stuff to benefit the community. So welcome to not being in the ‘House of No’ or the circle of doubt. To the founding board members who are here, thank you for your vision, because it was touch-and-go from the beginning."

According to foundation records, RCF managed roughly $8 million in assets in 2025. Last year alone, 25 local organizations received grants, including the Beloved Foundation, Micah House, the Redlands Bowl and Smiley Library.

Julie Michaels, who joined the foundation’s board of trustees two years ago, noted the role of Donor Advised Funds in local giving.

"My husband and I have called Redlands home for nearly 40 years," Michaels said. "One of the things that sets Redlands apart is the many nonprofit organizations dedicated to improving, supporting and enhancing the lives of our residents. Many residents have chosen the Redlands Community Foundation to manage their Donor Advised Funds, giving them the flexibility to direct their charitable dollars to causes meaningful to them while benefiting from professional oversight."

Photo by Kate Salvesen

Redlands Community Foundation President Chris Alvarez receives a certificate acknowleding the organization’s 25 years of giving from Congressman Pete Aguilar.

For contributors without a DAF, direct gifts can be made to the foundation’s general fund. Each year, the Grants and Recognition Committee awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations within the Redlands Unified School District footprint. Since the 2009–2010 fiscal year, RCF has awarded more than $250,000 in grants to local non-profits.

"Sunday’s event brought together the RCF Board of Trustees, Donor Advised Fund holders and nonprofit organizations that have benefited from the generosity of Redlands residents," Michaels added. "It was a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the spirit of giving that makes our community so special."

Annette Weis, founder of the Redlands Cinema Classic for the Redlands Art Association’s Margaret Clark Art Education Enrichment Fund, and founder of the Youth Art Expo as part of the Redlands Festival of Arts, was among those in attendance.

"The Redlands Community Foundation is a wonderful organization composed of many dedicated individuals who are proud of the quality of life we enjoy culturally and educationally in this beautiful city," Weis said. "By its generosity, RCF continues to inspire our youth and citizens with quiet but generous funding."

Eileen Sanborn, president of the Redlands Educational Partnership — the non-profit organization that hosts the annual Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot — emphasized shared organizational goals.

"REP has been a member of RCF for several years, both contributing to and benefiting from its mission," Sanborn said. "It was wonderful to be among a large group of community members who value being good stewards of our city. While RCF's mission goes beyond education, its objectives align with REP's to generate community support, enhance student learning through enrichment programs, stimulate creativity and respect for teachers, and encourage a supportive relationship with local schools."

Editor David James Heiss is an officer of the Redlands Educational Partnership.