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.
1,262 SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDED
in the 2020/2021 Fiscal Year.
501 STUDENT EMERGENCY
GRANTS AWARDED
since 2020 Fund Inception.
$43M IN
ENDOWMENTS
held in perpetuity to support a variety of
scholarships and programs.
1,931 INDIVIDUAL GIFTS
AWARDED
in the 2020/2021 Fiscal Year,
Gifted from 677 donors.
73¢ SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
AND PROGRAMMING
of every dollar supports
Scholarships and Programming from 2020-2021.
$119K PURCHASED
GRADUATION REGALIA
for graduating seniors
from 2020-2022.
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 Matthew Durkan at mdurkan@collegeofthedesert.edu.
Philanthropy in Action
Inspired Millions
MacKenzie Scott’s $18M Gift Inspires a New Generation of Donors. In June 2021, College of the Desert (COD) received its largest one-time grant in the College’s 60-year history, an unprecedented $18 million donation from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. Scott identified COD as one of 286 high-impact organizations in communities [...]
Funding Student Success In Uncertain Times
As the pandemic changed the world, many of our students were burdened financially, losing their jobs, housing, and financial security. They were faced with the reality of continuing their education or paying for utilities, rent, gas, or groceries. Now our world is desperate for workers and these students are [...]
When Our Students Thrive, the Valley Thrives
I’m deeply inspired by the progress the COD Foundation has made. I first became involved with COD because, as those who are familiar with the area can attest, it is the hub of the Valley. Here, young adults drive their lives forward and learn to become the person they [...]
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 [...]
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.
