Why Give
When you support College of the Desert, you’re not only contributing to a college and its students, you are investing in the future of our community. Your gift helps put nurses in local medical facilities, firefighters and paramedics in regional stations, auto mechanics in garages, and chefs in the kitchens of your favorite restaurants. Your help will put teachers in classrooms and send budding scientists on a cosmic journey.
Whether you are the parent or grandparent of a current student, a member of our alumni, a local business leader, or simply someone who knows how education empowers, your gift is greatly appreciated. It funds scholarships, fuels innovative programs, and fortifies our resources. Contributions are the literal and figurative foundation of our existence.
Your generosity helps keep students in school, helps them graduate on time, positions them to transfer and ensures they step confidently into the careers and lives they’ve worked so hard to build.
Ways To Support COD Students
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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
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
$1 MILLION+ Awarded in Scholarships
in 2024 – 2025
Your gift helps students achieve their dreams and build brighter futures. Make a donation to the College of the Desert Foundation today.
Latest News
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....