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.
Scholarships awarded to 2,743 students in the 2025-2026 FY
Student Emergency Grants Given
Since 2020
In endowments that support scholarships and programs 2025-2026
Individual Gifts Received 2025-2026 fiscal year
The amount of every dollar raised that went to scholarships and programs 2025-2026
In commencement regalia purchases since 2019.
Distributed to students for emergency needs since 2019
Program funds provided 2025-2026
Funds raised in support of the plEDGE
2025-2026
$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
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...