April 30, 2025

BVEF Awards 2025 Grants

Share

At the 2025 Grant Awards Luncheon hosted by the Borrego Valley

Endowment Fund (BVEF), community investment and local impact were the focus. Held on April 18 at the iconic Palms at Indian Head, owned by David Leibert and Cynthia Wood, the annual event recognized seven local nonprofits working to support the Borrego Springs region. Over $98,000 in funding was awarded to programs spanning education, food security, the arts, and youth development.


Founded in 1996, BVEF began with a mission to safeguard access to healthcare in Borrego Springs. In 2016, the fund expanded its focus to include a broader range of initiatives that benefit local residents—especially youth, seniors, and underserved groups. Today, BVEF is a cornerstone of community resilience, helping organizations deliver vital services and long-term solutions in the desert region.


2025 BVEF Grant Recipients


BASIC (Basic Assistance to Students in the Community)


Supporting the Summer Learning Academy, a free academic enrichment program for local children to prevent summer learning loss and prepare for the next school year.


Borrego Art Institute


Funding educational programming and agri-tourism projects at the ArtPark, blending food sustainability, outdoor learning, and creative expression.


Borrego Springs Community Resource Center


Providing continued support for the Food Bank and related services that directly help residents facing food insecurity or emergency needs.


Borrego Springs Film Institute


Making independent and international films accessible to the community through public screenings at the Borrego Springs Performing Arts Center.


Borrego Springs Music Festival


Funding the third annual event and establishing a music instruction studio for children and teens, expanding year-round access to music education.


Borrego Ministers Association


Ensuring continuation of the Food Coupon Program, which helps local families access groceries from area stores every week.


Borrego Village Association


Launching a high school internship and interpretation program, which includes CPR and first aid certification to equip students with real-world skills.



These recipients reflect the diversity and dedication of the nonprofits that shape Borrego Springs. From expanding classroom opportunities to nourishing families and inspiring young musicians, each organization plays a part in building a stronger, more connected community.


The luncheon also recognized the donors who make this impact possible. Through their generosity, BVEF continues to fund programs that address immediate needs and support long-term solutions.


Learn More

To support or learn more about the Borrego Valley Endowment Fund, visit bvefund.org.




Learn More About Borrego Springs

33,000 Pounds of Food Shared in One Day

April 19, 2026
More than 400 people served through a coordinated community effort at the CRC

Local Baker Marina Lopez Receives Soroptimist Support

April 18, 2026
Soroptimist awarded Marina Lopez $1,500 to help grow her baking business.

HEATWAVE is coming to The Gallery at The Palms

April 16, 2026
HEATWAVE arrives May 1 at The Gallery at The Palms

Sexually Violent Predator Hearing – Borrego Springs

April 16, 2026
Sexually Violent Predator Hearing – Borrego Springs

Marcia Forman Band Wraps BSCCA Season With Elementary Show

April 14, 2026
BSCCA Brings Music to Community and Students The Marcia Forman Band performed a free community concert on Sunday, April 12, at the Borrego Springs Library, followed by an interactive concert for local students on Monday morning. The Sunday performance provided open access to live music for the community, while the Monday program brought musicians directly into a school setting, where students experienced a more hands-on and educational presentation. Student concerts are a core part of what the Borrego Springs Community Concert Association (BSCCA) provides each season. In addition to public performances, the organization coordinates programs that introduce students to live music, instruments, and different styles in a structured environment. Founded in 1975, BSCCA is an all-volunteer nonprofit that produces concerts for the community while also supporting music education for local youth. The elementary school concert reflected that mission in action, connecting Borrego Springs students with professional musicians and live performance. Elizabeth Renner and Jinny Perrin, both retired music teachers and BSCCA board members, help guide the student programs by bringing hands-on music education and experience directly to local students. The weekend highlighted both sides of BSCCA’s work: expanding access to live music locally and creating meaningful exposure to the arts for the next generation.

Free Film Night: Ox-Bow | April 22 at 7pm

April 14, 2026
A 1943 classic Western exploring justice, morality, and mob rule in a powerful story of law and consequence

Functionally Fit for Life Funds Second Year of Student Scholarships

By Mike Puzzo • April 14, 2026
2025 scholarship recipients

Borrego Springs Blood Drive

April 10, 2026
Donate Blood, April 30 A community blood drive is scheduled at Borrego Springs High School on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Hosted in partnership with the San Diego Blood Bank, the event offers residents an opportunity to donate locally and support regional medical needs. Donors will receive a limited-edition Disney Goofy T-shirt while supplies last. Event Details Date: Thursday, April 30, 2026 Time: 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location: High School Gym Parking Lot Cahuilla Road Borrego Springs, CA 92004 Appointments are encouraged, though walk-ins are accepted. Donors should bring a photo ID, be at least 17 years old, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, and arrive hydrated. How to Participate Appointments can be scheduled online at sandiegobloodbank.org/donate or by calling (619) 400-8251. A QR code is also available on event materials for quick access. Blood donations collected at local drives support hospitals across the region, making community participation an important part of maintaining a stable blood supply.

Creative Workshop Begins in Salton City

April 8, 2026
Creative Workshop Begins

Christmas Circle Park Borrego Volunteer-Run Community Park

April 7, 2026
Volunteer-Run Community Park Christmas Circle Community Park sits at the center of Borrego Springs and remains one of the most recognized public spaces in the area. The park was established in the early 1950s when the DiGiorgio family donated the land in honor of Alphonse A. Burnand, tying the space directly to the early development of Borrego Springs. A Park Run by Volunteers Today, the park is managed by a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization led by a volunteer board of directors. The organization is supported through grants and donations from both residents and visitors who use the park. Jeff Sloan, president of the board, said, “There’s a group of people who really love the park and they put their effort into making it a wonderful place to visit.” What It Takes to Maintain the Park Maintaining Christmas Circle is an ongoing responsibility. The board oversees landscaping, lawn care, tree trimming, and water management to keep the grass maintained throughout the year. The park also provides regularly cleaned public restrooms, requiring daily attention and consistent upkeep. 
Show More

Share This Post