Desert Charities News - Jan-Feb-Mar 2025

. Page 38 Desert Charities News – www.desertcharities.com • www.dcnnews.com January/February/March 2025 S teve Tobin, president and director of the Grace Helen Spearman Foundation since its founding in 2003, has been a dedicated, hands-on philanthropic leader in the Coachella Valley for over two decades. His unwavering commitment to helping others stems from a deeply rooted passion for improving the lives of those in need. Under his leadership, the Foundation has provided crucial support in areas such as education, medical research, cultural arts, and services for the impoverished and disabled. Following Grace Helen Spearman’s passing in 2010, Steve took on the significant responsibility of carrying forward her vision. With thoughtful and strategic stewardship, he has ensured that her legacy continues to uplift communities and make a lasting impact. The Foundation’s work has touched countless lives, and its support has extended to over 350 organizations, reflecting Steve’s unwavering dedication to philanthropy. Beyond his role with the Foundation, Steve’s personal journey as a philanthropist is marked by compassion, resilience, and an unyielding belief in the power of giving. His leadership is a testament to the transformative effect of thoughtful generosity. STEVE TOBIN GRACE HELEN SPEARMAN CHARITABLE FOUNDATIONS Q & A Q: Who most inspired you to pursue community philanthropy and why? I was deeply inspired by Mrs. Spearman when I began managing her corporations while representing her parents after their passing. This journey started in 1977 and has continued to shape my life ever since. Her commitment to helping others and her belief in giving back to the community left an indelible mark on me. Witnessing her passion for making a difference was a powerful motivator, and it instilled in me the importance of using my resources and abilities to help others. Q: What did you learn about yourself as you pursued philanthropy? Through my philanthropic journey, I discovered a profound passion for helping the less fortunate. While I had always worked hard and contributed when I could, it was the responsibility of managing the Goodwin and Spearman Estates that brought my commitment to giving to the forefront. This role taught me that philanthropy is not just about financial assistance but about creating opportunities and hope for those who need it most. Q: All philanthropists face difficult decisions. Describe the challenge of determining who receives assistance from among many deserving applicants. Deciding who receives a grant is one of the most challenging aspects of my work. The need is immense, and we often wish we had the resources to assist everyone who applies. However, we approach this responsibility with care and diligence, prioritizing organizations and initiatives that align closely with the Foundation’s mission. Even though we can’t help everyone, we take solace in knowing that our efforts have a meaningful impact on those we can support. Q: What organizations do you support and why? The Grace Helen Spearman Foundation has supported over 350 organizations to date, spanning a wide array of causes. These include educational programs, medical research initiatives, cultural arts projects, and services for the impoverished and disabled. Each grant reflects our commitment to Mrs. Spearman’s vision of creating a better, more equitable world. We chose organizations that demonstrate both a clear need and a tangible plan for making a difference. Q: What are the greatest rewards from being involved in the cause of philanthropy? The greatest rewards of philanthropy are seeing firsthand the difference our efforts make and hearing the stories of lives transformed. Knowing that our grants help lift people out of difficult circumstances or bring joy and opportunity to those who need it most is profoundly fulfilling. It’s a privilege to play a part in making the world a better place, one grant at a time.