Your Support Opens Doors
Our Mission
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.
Ways To 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.
President's Circle
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President's Business Circle
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Scholarships
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EDGE/plEDGE
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ACADEMIC ANGELS
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PLANNED GIVING
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Your Impact
College of the Desert Foundation has raised over $125 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.
SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TOTALING $898,812
in the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year.
STUDENT EMERGENCY GRANTS AWARDED
since 2020 Fund Inception.
MILLION IN ENDOWMENTS
held in perpetuity to support a variety of scholarships and programs.
(Incl. Payroll Gifts) INDIVIDUAL GIFTS RECEIVED
in the 2023/2024 Fiscal Year, Gifted from 498 donors including 206 new donor gifts.
SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS AND PROGRAMMING
of every dollar supports Scholarships and Programming from 2023-2024.
PURCHASED GRADUATION REGALIA
for graduating seniors from 2019-2024.
News & Events
Summer Newsletter 2026
Our Summer Newsletter is here! Inside, discover how Academic Angels is building sustainable support for students facing unexpected challenges, look back at recent Foundation events and graduation celebrations, and save the date for upcoming opportunities to connect...
CODF Convo: Your Impact on Ebonae Cato
Behind every College of the Desert graduate is a story of perseverance, determination, and support. In this CODF Convo, Ebonae Cato shares how College of the Desert's welcoming community and student support programs helped her balance school, family, and work while...
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...
Winter Newsletter 2026
Our Winter 2026 Newsletter is here! Inside, you’ll find stories of generosity in action, updates on initiatives like plEDGE for All, highlights from recent Foundation events, and the meaningful impact your support is making for College of the Desert students across...
Tiny Home Naming Opportunity Coming Soon!
The College of the Desert Foundation will soon offer a unique naming opportunity for the beloved, student-designed and built, approximately 225 sq. ft. Tiny Home. The Tiny House on Wheels started out as a classroom competition between College of the Desert first-year...
Give the Gift of Experience
If you watched the student video above, you can understand how life-changing experiential trips are to COD students. If you didn't watch the video, please do that now by clicking above. As we wrap up another year, we invite you to share in the spirit of giving by...
“Bunching” Donations Can Maximize Impact And Tax Benefits
How to Maximize Your 2025 Gift If you care about supporting College of the Desert students, now may be the perfect time to think strategically about your philanthropy. Upcoming changes to federal tax law could affect how charitable deductions work starting in 2026....
Shaping Tomorrow’s Media Leaders
KESQ, News Channel 3 and the COD Foundation have been allied partners for years. Providing an immersive experience for student interns, they learn the behind-the-scenes of media companies, the back end of production, technical camera skills and creative and news...