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.
Our Impact
College of the Desert Foundation has gifted $100 million to COD over the past 38 years to support EDGE and plEDGE programs, Funds for Student Success and classroom and faculty upgrades.
1,262 SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDED
$1.3 Million in the hands
of deserving students
450 STUDENT EMERGENCY
GRANTS AWARDED
$37 MILLION DOLLAR
ENDOWMENT
Careful investments ensure both current
and future students are served
1,931 GIFTS
AWARDED
in 2020-2021, Gifted from 677 donors,
an increase of 276% YOY
73¢ SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
AND PROGRAMMING
$75K PURCHASED
GRADUATION REGALIA
for graduating seniors
in 2020 and 2021
Over 38 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 Matthew Durkan at mdurkan@collegeofthedesert.edu.
Philanthropy in Action
COD’s Nurses Are Ready for Any Emergency
Nursing program’s fast-paced Simulation Lab is designed to prep nurses for care under Pressure. Hands-on opportunities create decision-makers ready for any situation. Grads will use their critical thinking and clinical judgment while caring for patients - from how to speak to a physician, engage in conflict resolution or handle [...]
Nursing Grads Share Their Gratitude
Every nurse has a story of why they chose their calling. What they gain at COD extends far beyond the classroom creating an individual emotional sensibility and tremendous skillset to care for those of all ages, cultures, races, backgrounds and conditions of health and wellness. They leave the program [...]
Serving Up Excellence
COD’s Hospitality instruction expands to offer virtual hotel simulation training, industry certifications with the American Hotel and Lodging Educational Institute, and exciting plans for internships and study abroad programs. These game-changing initiatives give students the chance to operate a hotel, engage in scenarios and explore the effects of food [...]
Meet Jane Saltonstall, Ed.D.
Co-chair, Stepping Out for COD 2022 and COD Foundation Board of Director Member believes, “Education is essential for one’s personal, social and professional growth. Yet, for so many in today’s world, acquiring an education is a mere dream. When I took my first tour of COD over 12 years [...]
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.
