Your Neighbors, Your Partners, Your Advocates
A Foundation Built for Boron
The East Kern County Community Foundation (EKCCF) is proud to serve Boron, a community with deep roots, rich traditions, and immense potential. We’re here to address challenges, create opportunities, and help build a future that works for everyone.
Our Vision
To create a world where every individual in the community has the opportunity to thrive, overcoming challenges and achieving their full potential through access to resources, education, and support.
Purpose of the foundation
What Guides Us
The East Kern County Community Foundation seeks to:
Provide resources and funding to initiatives that support education, healthcare, environmental sustainability.
Facilitate access to mentorship programs, scholarships, telehealth care resources for our
underserved community.
Collaborate with other organizations to design and implement programs, affordable sewer connection initiatives, Food Desert solutions, clean water initiatives, small business development incentives that address critical community challenges.
Advocate for mental health awareness and literacy improvement through community engagement and education campaigns.
Meet the Board Members
Megan Pater
Founder
Megan Pater is dedicated to empowering underserved communities in Boron, California. With expertise in financial literacy, grant writing, and nonprofit leadership, Megan drives programs focused on housing, infrastructure, and small business support. Her leadership and vision are central to EKCCF’s mission of creating a resilient, thriving region.
Barbara Nwosu
Secretary
Barbara Nwosu is a grant writer, project manager, and joint venture specialist who has served as an AmeriCorps ambassador. She brings deep experience in nonprofit funding and partnerships to EKCCF, and as Board Secretary she helps keep the organization's work transparent and well documented.
James Moore
Treasurer
James Moore, Treasurer of the East Kern County Community Foundation, is a visionary young CEO driven by innovation and ethical leadership. Since beginning his entrepreneurial journey in 2020, he has focused on creating positive outcomes and bringing fresh insight to every initiative. His values align closely with EKCCF’s mission of lasting community impact.
Corrian Walker
Board Member
Programs Designed for Real Impact
The East Kern County Community Foundation leads initiatives that tackle Boron’s biggest challenges while empowering its people. Our comprehensive approach ensures that no one is left behind.
Water & Sewer Infrastructure: Advancing modernization of water and sewer systems so every home has clean, reliable water.
Housing Stability: Direct household support today, from weatherization to Safe at Home enrollment, and matched savings for repair and ownership when BACK 2.0 launches.
Education & Workforce Development: Connecting residents to devices, digital skills, workforce training, and free grant writing classes.
Public Safety & Animal Welfare: Pet support and Kitty Klippers TNR, plus a seat on the Kern County Sheriff's Community Advisory Council and its COPS subcommittee.
Renewable Energy & Sustainability: Developing community-owned solar and an energy workforce pathway with GRID Alternatives and Kern County ETR.
Health Access: Mobile clinic and Valley Fever testing, medical transportation, benefits enrollment, and the East Kern medical resources directory.
We Understand. We Listen. We Act.
Our Commitment to Boron
At the East Kern County Community Foundation, we work in three lanes. We deliver programs today that make daily life easier for our neighbors. We develop and advance long-term infrastructure projects with named federal, state, and nonprofit partners. And we advocate publicly for the changes Boron cannot wait for.
This page is our public program status overview. Every program is running now, in build with a named partner, or work we are fighting for in public.
Message from the Founder
Megan Pater
I’m Megan Pater, founder of EKCCF. Living in Boron, I recognized the urgent need for improved services and infrastructure, motivating me to create a foundation dedicated to the growth and development of our community in Boron, California.
Transforming East Kern County:
How You Can Help Build a Thriving, Sustainable Community
Boron, CA. The East Kern County Community Foundation (EKCCF) is proud to announce a transformative initiative to revitalize East Kern County, bringing sustainable growth, equitable opportunities, and critical infrastructure improvements to an often-overlooked region. With a clear mission and a robust strategic plan, EKCCF is leading the charge to build a better future, but we can't do it without your help.
1-760-920-1379
Be a Part of the Change You Want to See
How You Can Help Us Build a Better Boron
The BACK program thrives on the collective effort of compassionate individuals and organizations like you. Here’s how you can support our mission and help transform Boron into a thriving community:
💰 Donate: Empower Our Vision
Your donations directly fund programs that uplift residents, revitalize local businesses, and improve Boron’s infrastructure. Every contribution, big or small, makes a meaningful impact.
🤝 Volunteer: Share Your Time and Talent
Join our team of passionate volunteers to help make a difference on the ground. Whether it’s assisting with community events, mentoring local businesses, or providing educational workshops, your time and skills are invaluable.
📢 Share Your Expertise: Partner With Us
Do you have a service or resource that can support our initiative? From financial education and business mentorship to infrastructure improvements, your expertise can help us achieve our goals. Tell us how you can contribute!
Frequently Asked Questions
For more information, please contact us at 1-760-920-1379 or email us at [email protected].
What is BACK 2.0?
A financial literacy course followed by matched savings and specialist support in one of three pathways: housing, business, or education. Every participant starts with the same six-week financial education class.
Who is BACK 2.0 for?
Residents of Boron, Desert Lake, North Edwards, and Aerial Acres. Materials in English and Spanish.
How will matched savings work?
BACK 2.0 is being designed with matched-savings mechanics that reward participants who complete the financial literacy course and reach agreed credit benchmarks. Specific match structures, deposit amounts, and eligibility rules will be finalized as part of the program's operating agreements and published here before launch.
What are the three pathways?
BACK 2.0 is being designed around three pathways: Housing, Business, and Education. Each will offer matched savings, specialist advising, and support tailored to that goal. An enhanced education option is being designed for participants who commit to bringing their skills back to the community.
What is the enhanced education match?
For participants who agree to bring their earned skills back to the community for a set number of years of qualifying work, professional practice, or enterprise, we are designing an enhanced match. Final terms will publish before launch.
Who is our financial partner?
We are working with AltaOne Federal Credit Union on BACK 2.0. AltaOne's support is documented in a partnership letter, publicly available. Final roles and services will be established through operating agreements ahead of launch.
Where does the money come from?
The planned funding model includes operating grants, service contracts, annual giving, restricted participant grants, financial institution contributions, and an operating reserve campaign. Sources will be confirmed and published as agreements are finalized.
What outcomes are we aiming for?
Initial-phase targets and reporting metrics will be finalized as part of the program's operating structure and published here before launch.
When can I sign up?
BACK 2.0 is coming soon. Full eligibility and cohort dates will publish here before launch. Join the interest list to be notified.