Put Your Generosity To Work

Give to your passions. Support effective nonprofits. Create lasting impact.

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Our Community

Sharing stories and upcoming events that bring together people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and accomplish great things.

Featured story

Our Ancestors Would Be Proud

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Nov 15, 2023

Navigating Life Transitions

How to make clear choices, centered in love as we begin end-of-life planning.

story

Dec 1, 2022

Six Tips for Year-End Giving

We can help you make the most of your year-end giving. Our team can ensure that your donations make the greatest impact on the causes you care about while maximizing your tax advantages.

story

Sep 20, 2023

A Safe Place to Study

A unique partnership between Cabrillo College and Pajaro Valley Shelter Services is helping students experiencing homelessness find transitional and supportive housing.
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Flexible Tax-wise Giving

Start Your Own Fund

We can work with you to create a fund focused on supporting the local, national, and global causes closest to your heart.

Maximize Your Impact

Join the Giving Community

You can give any amount, at any time, to support organizations that impact the arts, education, the environment, human services, health and community development, women and girls, the LGBTQ+ community, as well as young children and youth in Santa Cruz County and beyond.

Get Started on Your Plans for Giving

Prepare Now to Give Later

Give to improve Santa Cruz County and beyond as part of your will or trust, with the confidence that Community Foundation Santa Cruz County will act as a faithful steward of your wishes — far into the future.

A Center for Giving

We have a long history of turning generosity into community wins.

Get to know us

OUR VALUES

Solutions, Trust, & Opportunity

We support effective programs and have earned the trust of Santa Cruz County residents. We advocate for a just, equitable, and inclusive community.

The Foundation

WHY WE EXIST

We Create Lasting Solutions

Founded in the wake of disaster in 1982, the Community Foundation was established by generous people who wanted a central organization to send donations and help with long-term recovery.

Our History

How We’ve Helped

$223 Million in Local Grants Since 1982

Four decades of inspired philanthropy has provided a steady source of funding for hundreds of local nonprofit, helping organizations build a county where everyone can thrive.

Our Impact

For Advisors and Nonprofits

Advisor Assistance

Serve Your Clients

Access free expertise. We can help you provide tailored giving options that satisfy your clients’ personal, financial, and charitable goals.

Supporting Nonprofits

Collaborate With Us

Let’s talk about how we can help you achieve your mission, invest your funds, find board members, increase awareness, get meeting space, and much more.

Join Our Giving Community

Contact our knowledgeable staff today to support the causes you care about.

Contact Us