H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Charitable Center helping more than a dozen nonprofits
Peter Daut
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation continue to present Impact Grants to local nonprofits working to improve lives and help those in need. And the foundation is also helping more than a dozen nonprofits achieve their goals at its Charitable Center in Palm Desert.
At the corner of Cook Street and Merle Drive is a building many people pass by everyday, without realizing the big difference being made inside. The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Charitable Center is currently home to 13 nonprofits, all leasing space at a charitable rate.
“They understand the mission these nonprofits have, and how they can best help them and support them. It’s really amazing,” the President and Co-founder of Alzheimers Coachella Valley, Dominick Calvano, said. The organization leases nearly 8,000 square feet at the Center. He said the organization has grown tremendously over the past seven years, and the Berger Foundation encouraged that growth by offering more space for it to flourish.
“They had the foresight, because realizing our growth pattern from way-back-when to present they were saying, ‘You’re going to need this spot.’ We were hesitant, but when we jumped on it we started realizing, ‘Hey, they were right.'” he said.
The discounted charitable rate also includes electricity, water, building maintenance, internet and air-conditioning. The property, which includes two buildings, totals roughly 60,000 leasable square feet.
“As a nonprofit, we rely on the community to fund our program. And so when we can save money on administrative costs, because no funder likes to see a lot of administrative costs for a nonprofit, it’s a benefit to us,” the executive director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Desert, Judy Tobin May said.
The organization leases more than 1,400 square feet at the Center, which it’s been at for 26 years. She said it is also helpful to be surrounded by numerous other Valley nonprofits, allowing them to network and collaborate.
“It’s great. I can just go out the door, go next door, knock on the door and say, ‘Hey, can I talk to you about our program?’ So we have that opportunity here,” she said.
Right now, about 16,000 square feet across the two buildings are available for lease. For more information, head to hnberger.org.