OUR WORK | INVEST

Supporting Change,
Together.

At GIA, investing goes beyond dollars. We mobilize time, talent, innovation, and strategic resources to accelerate educational and economic progress across the Inland Empire. Lasting change starts with shared commitment, and we invest in the people and partnerships that make it possible.

BECOME A GIA DONOR EXPRESS INTEREST IN INVESTING

GIA’s investments align directly with the objectives in our 2030 Strategic Plan, and are guided by the CAIR strategy—Convene, Advocate, Invest, and Research. We build the infrastructure for change by channeling not just financial capital, but also expertise, data, coordination, and capacity into efforts that make a measurable difference.

OUR INVESTMENT APPROACH

Investing Beyond
Dollars

We align people, ideas, and resources to support strategies that matter most to the Inland Empire. Whether it’s data support, technical assistance, or regional coordination, we invest in ways that build capacity, strengthen systems, and move collective work forward.

Grant Funding Stewardship

Serving as a trusted intermediary to connect partners with essential resources, ensuring dollars reach the communities that need them most.

Technical Assistance and Capacity Building

Offering coaching, data support, and strategic planning assistance so organizations can implement proven solutions effectively.

Regional Initiative Leadership

Driving region-wide efforts such as Cash for College, College Corps, and guided pathways to expand access and accelerate outcomes.

Facilitating Collaborative Grants

Supporting cross-sector partnerships and joint applications that amplify regional impact.

Investing in People and Ideas

Providing time, expertise, and innovation to pilot new approaches
that advance equity and success throughout the Inland Empire.

FEATURED INITIATIVE

Higher Endeavor

Higher Endeavor is a multi-year initiative to support postsecondary institutions across the Inland Empire in transforming how they serve students. Funded by the Gates Foundation, this initiative aims to enhance student outcomes, close equity gaps, and strengthen institutional capacity.

GIA is one of only six organizations nationwide selected to lead implementation. Our investment goes beyond funding—we facilitate coordination, provide expert guidance, and help campuses align strategies with student-centered goals. This work strengthens the entire postsecondary ecosystem in the region.

  • Facilitating cross-campus collaboration and shared learning
  • Helping institutions turn data into strategy and student-centered action
  • Driving alignment between transformation goals and institutional priorities
  • Elevating promising practices to accelerate equity and completion
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FEATURED INITIATIVE

Cash for College

For many Inland Empire students, financial aid is the difference between going to college or not. Yet thousands miss out on available funding each year due to a lack of awareness, support, or access. Cash for College is a statewide campaign to close that gap, and GIA serves as its regional coordinating organization for Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.

Our investment ensures that students and families across the region have the tools and guidance they need to access financial aid and take the next step toward higher education. By supporting outreach, coordination, and year-round access, GIA is helping more students afford and attend college.

GIA’s role includes:

  • Coordinating hundreds of FAFSA/CADAA completion workshops and live office hours
  • Leading regional awareness campaigns tailored to diverse communities
  • Supporting local partners with training, materials, and outreach guidance
  • Contributing scholarship dollars for local students to further reduce financial barriers
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FEATURED INITIATIVE

Inland Empire Success

For many students and families, the college-going process can feel complex and unclear. IESuccess.org is designed to change that. This regional platform empowers learners in the Inland Empire with the tools, resources, and local information they need to confidently navigate their path to college or career.

Built and maintained by GIA, IESuccess.org provides clear, accessible guidance tailored to the Inland Empire, offering everything from financial aid tips to application checklists to a comprehensive directory of the region’s colleges. It’s a digital gateway to informed decision-making and educational opportunity.

GIA’s role includes:

  • Managing a trusted, student- and family-friendly digital resource
  • Maintaining a robust directory of Inland Empire colleges and programs
  • Curating step-by-step guides and articles on financial aid, admissions, and planning
  • Promoting regional use through outreach, partnerships, and community campaigns
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Partner with Us to Drive Impact

Ready to co-invest your time,
talent, or resources? Whether
you’re a funder, educator,
employer, or community leader,
we invite you to join us.

(Required)

Support GIA’s Mission

Your contribution helps expand access to education, strengthen regional pathways, and open doors for students in the Inland Empire.

Every gift, no matter the amount, makes a difference.

DONATE TODAY