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.

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: Modernizing systems to provide clean, reliable water for every home.

Affordable Housing Development: Creating safe, affordable housing options for families and workers.

Education & Workforce Development: Providing tools and training to help residents succeed.

Public Safety & Animal Welfare: Enhancing safety while ensuring compassionate care for animals.

Renewable Energy & Sustainability: Promoting green energy projects that benefit the environment and economy.

Food Security & Health Access: Ensuring every resident has access to fresh food and quality healthcare.

We Understand. We Listen. We Act.

Our Commitment to Boron: Building a Better Tomorrow

At the East Kern County Community Foundation, we’re not just problem solvers—we’re advocates for every person in Boron. We’re committed to understanding your needs, responding with empathy, and creating programs that make life better for everyone.

Whether we’re repairing water systems, building affordable housing, or expanding education access, everything we do is rooted in our love for this community.

Let’s continue building Boron’s future, together.

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

Real People. Real Change.

See How the B.A.C.K. Initiative is Transforming Lives

Hear from those weʼve helped and discover the impact of the B.A.C.K. Initiative on real lives in our community.

"Stability and Confidence for My Family"

"The B.A.C.K. Initiative changed my life. The support helped me find stability and confidence for my family’s future!"

- Maria T.

"Saving for My Dreams"

"Thanks to the B.A.C.K. Initiative, I learned to manage my money better and save for my dreams. It’s life-changing!"

- James R.

"A Better Future for Boron"

"I’ve lived in Boron my whole life and was worried about our future. The B.A.C.K. Initiative is the boost our town needed. It’s inspiring to see businesses growing and families succeeding."

- Sandra L.

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]. For inquiries, please visit us at https://fund-nation.org/back-program-inquiries.

What is the BACK Program?

The BACK Program, short for Boron Anchor for Community Knowledge, is an initiative aimed at revitalizing the Boron community through economic and educational support. It combines Universal Basic Income (UBI) with Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to tackle economic instability and foster long-term community investment.

Who is eligible to participate in the BACK Program?

Eligibility is open to residents of Boron, CA, and the surrounding unincorporated East Kern County area. Participants must complete the SBA and/or CFPB financial literacy program to qualify for the program’s lottery entry.

What is required to participate in the program?

Participants must:

- Complete a financial literacy program through the SBA and/or CFPB.

- Commit to automatic monthly savings of at least $100, with the option to save up to $500. These savings are matched through the program and must be reinvested into the community.

How are savings reinvested into the community?

Savings can only be used for three purposes:

1. Purchasing a home or making a down payment on a home in Boron.

2. Starting a small business in Boron.

3. Pursuing further education.

How does the lottery system work?

Eligible participants who complete the financial literacy program are entered into a lottery system. Selected participants receive program benefits, including matched savings and UBI, to support their reinvestment in the community.

What is the Universal Basic Income (UBI) component of the program?

The UBI provides a monthly stipend to selected participants to help alleviate financial instability. This stipend is intended to cover essential needs and support participants in building a stronger financial foundation.

What are the Individual Development Accounts (IDAs)?

IDAs are matched savings accounts designed to help participants achieve specific financial goals. The BACK Program matches participant savings dollar-for-dollar, enabling them to build assets that benefit themselves and the Boron community.

How does the program address community revitalization?

The BACK Program aims to:

- Stabilize the local economy by encouraging homeownership and small business growth.

- Retain longtime residents by making the community more affordable.

- Promote education and skill development to enhance economic mobility.

How is the BACK Program funded?

The program is funded through grants, sponsorships, and partnerships with organizations such as the SBA, CFPB, and other community-focused entities. We continue to seek additional funding to expand and sustain the program.

Can participants use their matched savings for any purpose?

No. Matched savings must be used for one of the three designated purposes: homeownership, starting a small business in Boron, or furthering education.

What is the timeline for the program?

The program runs in cycles, with new participants selected every three months. Each participant is required to actively participate in the program for their designated cycle, with continued engagement opportunities for alumni.

What support is available for participants?

Participants receive:

- Financial literacy training.

- Access to mentorship and resources for small business development or homeownership.

- Guidance on educational opportunities.

What is the ultimate goal of the BACK Program?

The ultimate goal is to empower residents of Boron to achieve economic stability, invest in their community, and contribute to the town’s long-term growth and revitalization.

How can I apply for the BACK Program?

Applications are available on our website and at local community centers in Boron. Stay updated on application deadlines and program news by visiting our website or contacting our office.

How does the BACK Program measure success?

The program evaluates success through:

- Economic indicators like increased homeownership and small business creation.

- Educational achievements of participants.

- Community feedback on overall improvements in quality of life.

Can businesses partner with the BACK Program?

Yes, we welcome partnerships with local and national businesses that share our mission of community revitalization. Interested organizations can contact us to discuss opportunities for collaboration.

Who should I contact for more information?

For more information, please contact us at 1-760-920-1379 or email us at [email protected]. For inquiries, please visit us at https://fund-nation.org/back-program-inquiries.