Ways To Support COD Students

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.

President's Circle Logo

President's Business Circle Logo

Scholarships and Program Funds

Planned Giving - Photo of College of the Desert Campus

Endowments Logo

Event Sponsorship

Student Emergency Fund

Employee Payroll Deduction

EDGE plEDGE

Academic Angels Logo

Fund for Student Success

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Why Give

Your Impact

College of the Desert Foundation has raised over $150 million over the past 40 years to support student success via program and scholarship support. In 2012, the Foundation supported the innovative EDGE program which helped institutionalize plEDGE, a program which provides free tuition and wrap around services for students attending College of the Desert.

$

in Scholarships awarded 2024-2025

Emergency Student Grants Given
Since 2020

$M

In endowments that support scholarships and programs 2024-2025

Individual Gifts Received 2024-2025 fiscal year from 495 donors,
including 168 first time donors

¢

The amount of every dollar raised that went to scholarships and programs 2024-2025

$

In commencement regalia purchases since 2019.

$

Distributed to students for emergency needs since 2019

$

Donated to maintain $5 textbook rentals 2023-2025

$

Raised and earmarked for Paid Internships 2020-2025

Latest News

CODF Convo: Your Impact on John Castillo

In this CODF Convo, John Castillo, the graduating nursing student at College of the Desert shares how a Student Emergency Grant helped him overcome financial challenges and stay focused on achieving his goal of becoming a nurse. Stories like John's remind us that...

Spring Newsletter 2026

Our Spring 2026 Newsletter is here! From unforgettable moments like Stepping Out for COD to life-changing global learning experiences and the impact of community giving, this issue highlights how your support is opening doors for students at College of the Desert and...

CODF Convo at GradFest 2026

Because of our incredible donors, every graduate in the Class of 2026 at College of the Desert received their regalia at no cost, with no barriers, just the chance to show up and fully celebrate this milestone. At GradFest, that impact came to life. From picking up...