A Brighter Future Starts Here
Together, We’re Building a Better Boron
We know this is a special place filled with resilient people, and we believe in its potential. From cleaner water and safer streets to opportunities for growth, we’re here to make sure every corner of Boron thrives.
Join us on this journey. Together, we can create a brighter tomorrow.
Our Mission
To address community needs through impactful initiatives empowering individuals to overcome challenges and fostering sustainable solutions for a better future.
Stay Connected
Upcoming Events & Community Engagement
Join us as we collaborate, advocate, and make an impact in our community. Stay informed and get involved!
10
February
Boron Chamber of Commerce Meetings
Community Center
5:00pm - 6:00pm
We meet every 2nd Tuesday of the month to discuss local events, business, and committee updates.
18
February
Boron Community Service District Board Meeting
Boron Community Building 26912 John St.
5:00pm - 6:00pm
Happens every 3rd Thursday of the month at 5:00 p.m.
18
February
Boron Alive Meetings
27167 Carmichael St.
6:00pm - 7:00pm
The Boron Alive Meeting is held every 3rd Tuesday of the month
20
February
Boron Aerospace Museum Meeting
Twenty Mule Team Museum 26962 TMT Rd.
4:00pm - 5:00pm
We will meet every 3rd Thursday of the month.
20
February
Monthly Public Board Meeting
Local District Office
5:00pm - 6:00pm
The monthly public board meetings are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month.
Grateful for Our Community
Honoring the partners and leaders who made this year of impact possible
EKCCF is deeply thankful for the support of Kern Intern Connection, Kern Family Health Care, Walmart Ridgecrest, Matthew Lesko, and the Borax Visitor Center Foundation / Rio Tinto, along with the leadership of County Supervisor Chris Parlier and Animal Services Director Nick Cullen. Their partnership and commitment help strengthen programs, serve neighbors, and build a better future for East Kern County.
Boron deserves better
It’s time to stand up, speak out, and fight for the future.
Read out: "Boron Revitalization: A Town on the Brink of Transformation, Then Left To Rot"
Rooted in Community,
Focused on Solutions
At the East Kern County Community Foundation, we see the challenges our neighbors face every day: aging infrastructure, limited housing options, and access to resources that don’t meet the needs of our growing community.
That’s why we’re here, working side by side with residents, local organizations, and businesses to address these issues head-on. Together, we’re shaping Boron into a place where everyone feels proud to live, work, and grow.
This isn’t just about fixing problems. It’s about building a future that works for all of us.
Why We Care
We’re not just here to help; we’re here because we love Boron. It’s where we live, where our families grow, and where our dreams take shape.
Here’s what we’re working toward:
Clean Water, Reliable Systems: Because every family deserves access to safe, dependable water.
Affordable Homes for All: A place to call home shouldn’t be out of reach.
Opportunities for Growth: Whether it’s education or job training, we’re empowering people to reach their potential.
A Safe and Welcoming Community: A community that feels like home, where everyone belongs.
BACK Program 2.0 · Coming Soon
BACK 2.0 is EKCCF's next-generation community development program, being developed in collaboration with AltaOne Federal Credit Union. AltaOne's support of this initiative is documented in a partnership letter, available for review.
The program is being designed around a six-week financial literacy course, followed by supported pathways in Housing, Business, and Education, with an enhanced option for participants who commit to serving their home community.
Serving Boron, Desert Lake, North Edwards, and Aerial Acres. Program structure, eligibility, and enrollment will be finalized and published here before launch.
We are featured in Economic Insider
Read out "How a Small Mining Town’s Bold Economic Plan Could Revolutionize Rural America."
Key Programs
Lifting Up Our Community
The East Kern County Community Foundation is more than an organization. We are your neighbors, advocates, and partners in creating lasting change.
Our mission is to transform Boron into a thriving, sustainable community by addressing critical issues like:
Clean Water & Sewer Access
Advancing water and sewer improvements through assessment, technical assistance, funding, and regional planning.
Working with RCAP, RCAC, and Self-Help Enterprises on a three-system study covering Boron, Desert Lake, and North Edwards.
Pursuing SAFER, Drinking Water State Revolving Fund, and USDA Rural Development funding for East Kern water systems.
Housing Stability
Helping qualifying Boron households access Southern California Edison weatherization services that lower utility bills.
Enrolling survivors of domestic violence, stalking, and abuse in California's Safe at Home confidential address program at no cost.
Preparing the BACK 2.0 housing pathway: matched savings for home repairs, blight remediation, principal reduction, or home purchase.
Education & Workforce Development
Partnering with Human-I-T and Teach Me Tech to get refurbished laptops, internet connectivity, and digital skills classes into Boron households.
Connecting residents to job placement, vocational training, and WIOA-funded programs through Kern County's Employers' Training Resource (ETR).
Teaching free grant writing classes so more outside funding flows into East Kern.
Public Safety & Animal Welfare
Coordinating foster placement, boarding, pet food, veterinary access, and transportation when a family has to leave home.
Managing Boron's stray cat population humanely through the Kitty Klippers Trap-Neuter-Return program.
Bringing East Kern's public safety concerns to the Kern County Sheriff's Community Advisory Council and its COPS subcommittee.
Health Access
Working to bring Valley Fever testing to the town at large, in coordination with Bartz-Altadonna Community Health Center, Kern County Public Health, and the Valley Fever Institute.
Coordinating medical transportation and sitting with residents through Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and other benefits enrollment.
Building the East Kern Medical Resources Directory with Kern Family Health Care at medical.ekccf.org.
Together, We Can Achieve Great Things
We see a Boron where:
Every family has access to clean water, affordable housing, and the resources they need to thrive.
Our schools and local workforce programs create opportunities for everyone.
Renewable energy powers a sustainable future for our homes and businesses.
Thank you to our Partners
A Network of Support
We’re fortunate to work with an incredible group of local nonprofits, businesses, and government agencies that share our vision for Boron’s future.
Together, we’re making a difference:
Revitalizing infrastructure for healthier, safer living.
Providing homes, education, and opportunities to families in need.
Leading the way in renewable energy and sustainability.
Let’s continue to grow this network of support. Become a partner and help us make a bigger impact!
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.
Founder of The East Kern County Community Foundation
Megan Pater
Ready to change your life? Reach out today to learn more about how the B.A.C.K. Initiative can support you and your future!
1-760-920-1379
Learn more at ekccf.org/programs