What We Do2024-04-02T10:08:06-07:00

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.

1,471 SCHOLARSHIPS
AWARDED

in the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year.

520 STUDENT EMERGENCY
GRANTS AWARDED

since 2020 Fund Inception.

$43.5M IN
ENDOWMENTS

held in perpetuity to support a variety of
scholarships and programs.

1,557 INDIVIDUAL GIFTS
AWARDED

in the 2022/2023 Fiscal Year,
Gifted from 498 donors including 206 new donor gifts.

83¢ SUPPORTS SCHOLARSHIPS
AND PROGRAMMING

of every dollar supports
Scholarships and Programming from 2022-2023.

$230K PURCHASED
GRADUATION REGALIA

for graduating seniors
from 2019-2023.

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 Catherine Abbott, Executive Director at cabbott@collegeofthedesert.edu.

Philanthropy in Action

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 supporting their success. When I think about [...]

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 campus-to-campus shuttle service, linking all five COD campuses from Desert Hot Springs [...]

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.

President’s Circle
Academic Angels
Legacy Leaders
Giving Guide

Join Our Email List

THANK YOU to our generous supporters
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