About the COD Foundation
The mission of the College of the Desert Foundation is to act as an advocate for the college and to secure financial support, enhancing the educational opportunities for all students.
Your Impact
College of the Desert Foundation has gifted over $100 million to COD over the past 40 years to support Funds for Student Success classroom and faculty upgrades, and as of 2012, supported the EDGE program which helped institutionalize a free tuition component in 2017, plEDGE.
1,471 SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDED
in the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year.
520 STUDENT EMERGENCY
GRANTS AWARDED
since 2020 Fund Inception.
$43.5M IN
ENDOWMENTS
held in perpetuity to support a variety of
scholarships and programs.
1,557 INDIVIDUAL GIFTS
AWARDED
in the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year,
Gifted from 498 donors including 206 new donor gifts.
80¢ SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
AND PROGRAMMING
of every dollar supports
Scholarships and Programming from 2021-2022.
$230K PURCHASED
GRADUATION REGALIA
for graduating seniors
from 2019-2023.
Over 40 years, the COD Foundation has raised more than $100 million to support student services and now manages endowments and other assets of more than $55 million. Endowment funds raised by the Foundation provide financial support for scholarships, textbooks, classroom technology upgrades, faculty positions, equipment and other programs. Yet even with the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, combined with the interest from the endowment providing this critical financial support, there still are unmet needs for thousands of students each year. A portion of all restricted donations will be used to further advance efforts on behalf of College of the Desert. For information about College of the Desert and to learn how you can support student success, contact the COD Foundation at 760.773.2561 or email Catherine Abbott, Executive Director at cabbott@collegeofthedesert.edu.
Philanthropy in Action
Hurricane: Support COD Foundation’s Student Emergency Fund
Support COD Foundation's Student Emergency Fund in Response to Hurricane Hilary's Impact on the Valley The Coachella Valley has just experienced an unprecedented storm! With the most significant rainfall over a 60-minute period in the history of the Valley, our students have experienced extreme flooding and significant damage [...]
Empowering Students to Thrive
When we fund College of the Desert students’ basic needs, we empower them to overcome obstacles and pursue their dreams. By investing in their education and well-being, we are not only transforming individual lives but also enriching our communities and creating a more equitable society. Together, we can make a [...]
Join the Great Alumni Hunt
This fall, College of the Desert (COD) students have the incredible opportunity to win valuable scholarships during The Great Alumni Hunt as they hunt for COD alumni throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond. Each student will earn points for the greatest number of alumni that they add to their [...]
COD Foundation Celebrates 40 Years!
I am deeply inspired by the progress of College of the Desert Foundation and its support of the college and its students over the past 40 years. In my six-year journey with the COD Foundation, I have personally witnessed us provide valuable programs and resources that significantly changed students’ [...]
Membership Privileges
– Why Give –
Whether you are a parent, student, alumni, faculty member, business partner, philanthropist or investor, foundation or organization, part- or full-time resident, or just a fan of College of the Desert, when you step up for College of the Desert with a membership or donation you make a significant difference in higher education, career advancement and lifelong learning.
The Foundation allocated more than $1.5 million to College of the Desert last year. We depend on the private and public sectors to help underwrite underfunded programs, services and facilities that cannot be financed through other means.
In addition to assisting the College of the Desert fulfill its commitment to student success, the Foundation offers opportunities for donors fulfill their philanthropic goals.
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THANK YOU to our generous supporters
