From Survival to Leadership Together
East Kern United:
Where Nonprofits Grow and Stakeholders Lead
East Kern United is a collaborative movement empowering local nonprofits and community leaders to move beyond survival and into a new era of growth, influence, and impact. It's time to lead with purpose, side by side.
Local stakeholders, businesses, agencies, and funders, want to invest, but rarely have structured, consistent access to the grassroots leaders doing the real work on the ground.
We’re here to change that.
FREE TRAINING FOR NONPROFITS
Free nonprofit leadership and grant writing classes for East Kern organizations
EKCCF is proud to offer free nonprofit leadership and grant writing classes for East Kern organizations. These sessions are open to all rural nonprofit founders, directors, board members, and program leads; whether you’re just starting out or have been in operation for years.
What You’ll Learn:
How to lead without burning out
How to structure your board, budget, and programs for growth
How to write compelling, fundable grants using proven methods
How to build relationships with stakeholders before you need the money
How to join a regional coalition that shares resources, staff, and funding wins
These aren’t just lectures. These are working sessions, network-building moments, and access points to the real decision-makers in Kern County.
Sign Up to the Free Grant Writing Masterclass
Hosted by Megan Pater, founder of Fund-Nation. Learn about grant strategies to kickstart your grant writing journey.
This Wednesday at 7pm Eastern | 6pm Central | 4pm Pacific
Get Free Grant Resource and a List of Grants as a bonus!
Invitation to stakeholders: Funders, Business Owners & Agencies
If your business or institution operates in Boron, Mojave, California City, North Edwards, or Lake Isabella; we want you at the table.
We are inviting you to:
Speak at a class to share your funding priorities and how nonprofits can partner with you
Sponsor seasonal events so nonprofits can focus on impact, not decoration
Join our Community Events Sponsorship Committee
Help us build a Regional Economic Development Roundtable with shared accountability and planning
Your presence matters. When funders, business owners, and government partners show up and speak directly to nonprofit leaders, we unlock real alignment. That’s when funding becomes collaborative, not competitive.
Let’s Co-Create the Future of East Kern
We’re not asking for charity. We’re building a structure.
We want to turn “one-man operations” into regional systems of support.
We want grant teams embedded in local orgs.
We want seasonal events pre-funded by stakeholders, not emergency-subsidized by nonprofits.
We want our local leaders and funders building lasting partnerships that reflect the real needs of our people.
Join Us. Stand With Us. Build With Us.
EKCCF Introduces the BACK Initiative
EKCCF is done waiting for change. That’s why we’re launching the Boron Anchor for Community Knowledge (BACK) Initiative, a transformative program designed to tackle Boron’s most urgent challenges head-on.
The BACK Initiative pairs Universal Basic Income (UBI) with Individual Development Accounts (IDAs) to provide immediate relief and long-term economic opportunities. Here’s how it works:
UBI Component: Monthly cash assistance to stabilize struggling families.
IDA Component: Matched savings accounts to help residents invest in homeownership, small businesses, or education.
The BACK Initiative is the first step toward a future where Boron residents no longer have to choose between basic needs and long-term goals.
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
Restoring water systems so every home has access to clean, safe water.
Connecting homes and businesses to modern, efficient sewer systems.
Educating the community about sustainable water use for future generations.
Affordable Housing Development
Creating temporary housing solutions for local workers and families.
Revitalizing unused properties into modern, affordable housing.
Partnering with developers to build vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods.
Education & Workforce Training
Equipping schools with the tools they need—like computers and internet access.
Developing workforce programs that teach the skills needed for local jobs.
Supporting lifelong learning opportunities for adults and youth alike.
Safety & Animal Welfare
Collaborating with law enforcement and residents to keep neighborhoods safe.
Expanding programs like Trap-Neuter-Return to care for community animals.
Planning for a community animal shelter to support humane solutions.
Food Security & Health Access
Addressing food deserts by increasing access to fresh, healthy groceries.
Expanding telehealth options so residents can get the care they need.
Developing community gardens for local food production and education.
Join Us in Making a Difference!
The Kitty Clippers Program relies on the dedication and generosity of our community. You can help us achieve even greater impact by:
Volunteering: Sign up to join our team of compassionate volunteers.
Donating: Your contributions help fund spay/neuter procedures, microchipping, and other essential services.
Partnering: Collaborate with us to expand our reach and impact.
East Kern doesn’t need another temporary fix
We need a shared solution, and you’re part of it.
Sign up for classes: https://fund-nation.org/wednesday-masterclass-pre-registration-form
Sponsor an event or speak at a session: Email Megan directly at [email protected]
Learn more about how we’re organizing East Kern: https://ekccf.org/
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!
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