Act Now
This giving season presents a unique opportunity to strengthen the place we call home. And this year, there's added reason to act.
2025 Friends of the Foundation Update
Power the Work Behind the Impact
Photo: The Community Foundation staff team is honored to be your trusted partner in giving.
As 2025 draws to a close, we celebrate you — the generous supporters who believe in the unique role that Community Foundation Santa Cruz County plays for donors, nonprofits, and the entire community.
The Friends of the Foundation Fund is the operational backbone of the Community Foundation, enabling us to help donors give with confidence, support nonprofits that thrive, and lead the way in solving urgent community challenges.
Your gift fuels the work behind the impact.
The Foundation is creating collaboration. They are truly a convener, and the biggest safety net in the county. Nonprofits can go to the Foundation for expertise, learning, and sharing best practices.
- Friends of the Foundation Supporter
Here’s a look at what we’ve accomplished from 2020 to 2025, thanks to your support.
Support for Local Nonprofits
Strengthening the Organizations that Strengthen Our County
We provide grants, low-interest loans, professional development, and meeting space so local nonprofits can achieve their missions.
Since 2020, we have:
Community Leadership
Convening and Catalyzing Change
We bring people together to respond to crises and plan for the future, inspiring collective action around the biggest challenges facing Santa Cruz County.
Since 2020, with your partnership we have:
Creating Lasting Impact
Meeting Today’s Needs While Preparing for Tomorrow
We’re proud to be the home of more than 550 charitable funds. Our grantmaking funds get resources out quickly to address today’s needs. Our endowed permanent funds are designed to grow and meet the needs of future generations. Grants are made annually from a percentage of earnings.
Philanthropic Advising
Helping Donors Give Effectively
Our Philanthropic Services team provides expert, personalized advice to donors and their advisors, helping them use tax-wise charitable giving tools to achieve their goals and create meaningful impact.
Your Gift Matters
Your year-end gift to the Friends of the Foundation Fund sustains this essential work — ensuring that we remain attentive, flexible, and innovative in meeting the evolving needs of Santa Cruz County.
As you plan your year-end giving, please consider including a gift to the Friends of the Foundation Fund to help us power our work into 2026 and beyond.
With your partnership, we can continue building a community where everyone belongs, everyone has what they need to thrive, and everyone can take part in shaping a hopeful future.
Thank you for all you do every day.
