APPLY NOW! Belonging & Civic Muscle Cohort
The Inland Empire Vital Conditions Network (IEVCN) is a voluntary and free network-of-networks striving to reimagine our collective actions to advance equitable well-being for all who call the Inland Empire home. Together, we are building a future where all people and places thrive—no exceptions.
Belonging and Civic Muscle (BCM) is one of seven Vital Conditions for Health and Well-Being. It ensures that all members of a community are valued, feel connected and supported, have meaningful ways to contribute, and have a hand in shaping the future. Across the nation—and here in the Inland Empire—belonging and civic life have been eroded. Trust is down, and opportunities to come together across differences are shrinking.
At this critical moment, IEVCN is turning toward one another to strengthen our collective sense of belonging and civic muscle—our shared capacity to work together for the common good. The Belonging & Civic Muscle Cohort is being launched to help us do just that.
The Opportunity
The inaugural IE Belonging & Civic Muscle Cohort will bring together 10–15 teams from across the region to learn, practice, and innovate together over ten months (February – November 2026). Participants will gain tools, relationships, and support to deepen belonging and civic life in their own organizations, networks, and communities—while co-creating new models for the future we want to see: one where every person and place in the Inland Empire can thrive together.
Who Should Apply
We are seeking a diverse mix of perspectives, including but not limited to:
Groups leading across one or more Vital Conditions
Interfaith leadership and networks
Power-building and organizing groups
Journalism, storytelling, or narrative change initiatives
Artist collectives and cultural networks
Higher education institutions
Regional funders
Children, youth, and education-focused organizations
Cohort Process & Time Commitment
IEVCN partners Community Initiatives Network, Monte Roulier and Stacy Wegley, will facilitate and coordinate this process, engaging state and national partners, and leaders working on belonging and civic muscle.
Each selected team (3–5 members) will participate in:
- Four in-person Learning Labs (up to 6 hours each): immersive, practice-based sessions exploring both the inner and outer journeys of belonging, bridging across differences, cultivating cultural humility, practicing empathy and relational skills, and building civic muscle through collective problem-solving and innovation.
- Four virtual Peer Connections (up to 2 hours each): interactive webinars and peer-learning sessions between labs.
- Team-based work between sessions (up to 4 hours per month): applying concepts, practicing relational and civic skills, and shaping a pilot idea to grow belonging and civic muscle in your organization or community.
- IE Philanthropy & Policy Summit 2026–Belonging and Civic Muscle Momentum: cohort teams participate in the August Inland Empire Philanthropy & Policy Summit; where cohort teams will share learnings, insights and emerging strategies (format to be determined)
- Harvest Session (November 2026): in-person capstone aligned with the IEVC Network-wide meeting, where cohort teams will share updates and opportunities for Network partners to support/spread the work.
Funding & Timeline
Application Timeline
- December 3, 2025 – Online application opens
- January 7, 2026 – Applications due (by 11:59 PM PT)
- Week of January 26, 2026 – Teams selected and notified
Application Information Session
We will offer a Belong and Civic Muscle Grant Overview Webinar to support interested organizations and networks in preparing a strong application. This session will walk through the cohort purpose, eligibility, expectations, timeline, and application questions, with time reserved for Q&A.
Dec. 10, 3-4pm
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to apply, the lead organization and/or team members should:
- Be already using—or curious about using—the Vital Conditions Framework, have led a coalition or network for two years or more, and are ready to bring that experience into a shared learning journey across the IE.
- Able to identify a team of people – other staff, board members, partners, volunteers, residents – to participate
- Demonstrate strong interest in deepening understanding of and practices that grow Belonging and Civic Muscle
- Be interested in expanding cross-sector partnerships to influence regional and local change with a sense of belonging and civic muscle at the center
- Interested in training and supporting others at the close of the cohort to expand the region’s sense of belonging and civic muscle
- Have time to commit to full participation in learning sessions, team engagement between cohort sessions, and piloting/innovating BCM practices
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Applications should be submitted through IECF’s Application Portal.
What is the review process?
Applications will be reviewed by a panel of local and state foundation partners, using a shared rubric to ensure a consistent and equitable selection process. Reviewers will assess applications based on readiness for the cohort, strength of team composition, alignment with the Vital Conditions Framework, and long-term commitment to growing belonging and civic muscle across the region.
When will I be notified of selection?
Teams will be notified of their selection during the week of January 26, 2026, along with next steps for onboarding, scheduling, and preparing for the cohort launch.
Can I preview the application questions?
Yes! You can download the grant application here.