Ways To Give
Discover how your generosity can support ongoing progress in Santa Cruz County.
Partner with Us
We’re honored to be your partner in effective giving. We’ve
been a bridge between the giving community and local nonprofits since
1982 and together with donors, have helped organizations across Santa
Cruz County truly make a difference. Whatever issue is close to your
heart, count on us to support your generosity in whatever ways work best
for you. Additionally, our expert team can help you set up a
Donor-Advised Fund or use other charitable tools so you can support the
causes you care about.
A Fund for Every Cause
FEATURED FUND
Greatest Needs Fund
The Greatest Needs Fund addresses a broad range of critical and emerging needs in health and human services, economic and community development, education, the arts, and the environment. Grants support trusted nonprofits working to address pressing local issues.
Santa Cruz County Disaster Fund
The Santa Cruz County Disaster Fund is dedicated to supporting residents impacted by floods, wildfires, earthquakes and other local disasters. Funds raised will be issued as grants to support trusted local nonprofit organizations working on the front lines of disaster recovery.
Bay of Life Fund
Gifts to this fund support the important work of nonprofit organizations who are partners in conservation and education in the Monterey Bay region, with a focus on partnerships and collaborative efforts in the context of the Bay of Life Project launched by Frans Lanting and Christine Eckstrom.
Rise Together Fund for Racial Equity
The Rise Together Fund for Racial Equity provides grants to advance racial equity in Santa Cruz County. Since 2020, the Fund has fueled an intercultural coalition of local Leaders of Color and a team from the Community Foundation in our collective effort to advance racial equity in Santa Cruz County.
Friends of the Foundation Fund
Each year, our donors support more than 800 different causes and charities in Santa Cruz County and beyond. We offer wise investment strategies, local expertise about community issues, and first-class donor services. This fund supports our ability to be the local hub of philanthropy and generosity.
Fund for Women and Girls
An endowed fund to ensure that women and girls have resources and opportunities to thrive. When a woman thrives, a family thrives. When a family thrives, a community thrives.
Diversity Partnership Fund
The Diversity Partnership Fund strengthens alliances, promotes respect, and enhances services for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community in Santa Cruz County. The Partnerships efforts are vital to creating a more open, welcoming, and diverse county.
Laura Segura Scholarship
The Laura Segura Scholarship is intended to support youth or young adults who have been involved with the juvenile justice system (including being on probation, in foster care, or otherwise involved). Gifts to the fund will support Pajaro Valley and Cabrillo College students annually.
Veterans Village Fund
“Veterans Village,” a first for Santa Cruz County, will provide a permanent affordable housing solution for veterans and their families including on-site support services.
Equal Access Santa Cruz County
The Equal Access Santa Cruz County Fund has a simple goal: bridge the digital divide and bring true high-speed broadband to every family in the Santa Cruz community, regardless of income level.
Fund for the Future of the San Lorenzo Valley
An endowed fund started by, and for, the residents of the San Lorenzo Valley, North Coast, and nearby mountain communities. Since 2004, the fund has made grants to nonprofit partners that include Mountain Community Resources, Valley Women's Club, Mountain Parks Foundation, and Valley Churches United.
Fire Recovery Fund
To support the needs of Santa Cruz County residents affected by the August 2020 Lightning Complex fires. The fund addresses the relief and long-term recovery needs throughout the San Lorenzo Valley and North Coast. Grants support nonprofits responding to victims and programs that aid in the rebuilding and recovery process.
Let’s Chat
We take your generosity personally.
Sam Leask, our philanthropic services director, is happy to help you determine how best to transform your compassion and contributions into benefits for Santa Cruz County that are meaningful to you.