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
“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....
Stepping Out for COD 2026
College of the Desert Foundation invites you to an unforgettable evening celebrating community, philanthropy, and student success at Stepping Out for COD 2026: Citizens of Distinction Gala. Join us on Saturday, January 31, 2026, from 5–9 p.m. at the Cahuilla Ballroom,...
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...
Val Martinez Garcia Named Superintendent/President of College of the Desert
The College of the Desert Board of Trustees has selected Val Martinez Garcia as the college’s ninth Superintendent/President, following a majority vote in favor of his appointment during a special Board meeting on May 14. Mr. Martinez Garcia has served in key...
From Needs to Degrees
COD Foundation’s Transformative Role Through the Fund for Student Success I am personally thrilled by our growing number of dedicated community partners who believe in the potential of our College of the Desert (COD) students – and actively involve themselves in...
COD Launches New $5 Textbook Rental Program
Few people outside of students and their parents may realize that one textbook can cost up to $950. Particularly for students in the STEM programs, required textbooks demand high price tags. The sometimes prohibitively steep cost of these essential learning tools...
Breaking Down Transportation Barriers Helps Students Reach Campus Classes
College of the Desert is always working toward new means of servicing educational access for all students. In response to student transportation issues, COD launched the new Roadrunner Express in January 2024. This first-of-its-kind initiative provides a...
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...
Derick Matthew Talay – Leading By Example
At the age of 15, Derick Matthew Talay and his mother immigrated from the Philippines with hopes of achieving the American dream and pursuing higher education. Derick’s enrollment at COD was a major turning point in his life. As an EDGE/plEDGE student, he received...
Indio’s Child Development Center Nurtures Learning & Growth
In 2023, COD marked significant progress in its capital projects, aligning with the institution’s commitment to preparing students for the job markets of today and tomorrow. The culmination of these efforts is evident in the successful establishment of the 18,000 sf...