The Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs recently marked its 75th anniversary at Mary Pickford is D'Place by honoring its legacy of service and investing in the future through $7,500 in mini-grants awarded to six nonprofit organizations making a lasting impact across the Coachella Valley.
The milestone event celebrated seven decades of volunteer service, community partnerships and an enduring commitment to improving the lives of local children and families. Entirely volunteer-run, the Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs transforms community generosity into action, reinvesting funds raised through its events and initiatives into scholarships, youth programs and nonprofit partnerships that strengthen the region.
Among the award recipients was Read With Me Volunteer
Programs, which received $2,000 to expand literacy opportunities for children. The organization pairs volunteers with young readers, helping them to build confidence, improve reading skills and develop a lifelong love of books.
RWM Executive Director Sean Webb said this year the organization is expanding its literacy program to Vista Del Monte Elementary School in Palm Springs. The Kiwanis grant will help provide books and literacy support to students who may have limited access to reading resources, giving them additional one-on-one encouragement during a critical stage of their educational development. By strengthening reading skills early, the program aims to improve academic success, boost self-confidence and foster a lifelong love of learning.
Also receiving $2,000 was New Earth Creator, a grassroots environmental nonprofit founded in 2025 to protect the Coachella Valley's fragile desert ecosystems. What began as neighborhood cleanups has grown into a regional movement focused on preventing pollution, protecting groundwater, restoring wildlife habitat and engaging volunteers in environmental stewardship.
During its first year alone, the organization removed more than 188,500 pounds of illegally dumped waste, diverted 1,780 tires, recovered hazardous materials and restored multiple desert landscapes. The Kiwanis grant will fund five community cleanup events, helping safeguard public lands and natural resources for future generations.
"What we hope to accomplish is a cleaner, safer, desert for our future generation," said Andres Marquez, the organization's founder. Learn more at newearthcreator.org.
Another recipient was Gear It Forward, which received $1,000 to help remove financial barriers that prevent children from participating in sports and recreation by providing athletic equipment and gear. Executive Director Yvonne Garcia said the organization's mission is to ensure that every child has the opportunity to play, grow and belong, regardless of their family's financial circumstances. She said the Kiwanis grant will help create pathways for Coachella Valley youth to discover their potential through sports — an investment not only in athletics, but in the next generation of community leaders. Learn more at gearitforward.org.
The Kiwanis Club's mini-grants also recognized organizations whose work is strengthening lives across the Coachella Valley. Rancho Mirage High School's prevention program received $1,000 to provide sports equipment and essential clothing for at-risk, foster and unhoused students, helping them remain engaged in school and make healthier choices. Learn more at Learn more at rmhs.psusd.us/anti-bullying.
Rancho 3 Agaves de Cielo Azul was awarded $1,000 to expand equine-assisted wellness programs that promote emotional well-being, foster resilience and create supportive experiences for children, youth and families. Learn more at rancho3agavez.org.
Alianza Coachella Valley received $500 to empower youth leaders through mentorship, advocacy training and civic engagement, equipping students with the skills and confidence to strengthen their schools and communities. Learn more at alianzacv.org.
While each organization serves a unique mission, together they reflect the Kiwanis commitment to improving children's lives through education, health, environmental stewardship, recreation and family support.
For 75 years, the Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs has invested in the Coachella Valley, and the anniversary celebration was more than just a reflection on the club's history — it was a renewed commitment to strengthening the community through collaboration, volunteerism and strategic investments in organizations that work to improve lives every day.
As the Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs begins its next chapter of service, these mini-grants will help expand educational opportunities, protect the environment, support youth development and provide critical resources for local children and families — demonstrating that even modest investments can strengthen communities for generations to come.
To learn more or to make a donation, visit kiwanispalmsprings.org.
Sandra Gramajo is a communications and public relations professional with experience in nonprofit communications, media relations, marketing and community outreach. She serves as secretary and communications chair for the Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs and is a board member of Kitty's Wildlife Refuge & Rescue. Her writing focuses on highlighting the people, organizations, and initiatives that strengthen the Coachella Valley through service, education, and civic involvement.
This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Springs Kiwanis celebrates 75 years with mini-grant donations
