The Generosity Forum 2026

Please join us for The Generosity Forum, a series of engaging conversations hosted at the Community Foundation designed to help you give with confidence and purpose. Each session offers practical strategies, heartfelt insights, and expert guidance on ways to make a lasting impact in Santa Cruz County while aligning your giving with your values and financial goals.

These conversations will offer fresh ideas and opportunities to connect with others who care about our community and discover how Community Foundation Santa Cruz County can help you turn your generosity into meaningful change.

All events will be held at the Community Foundation building at 7807 Soquel Drive in Aptos.

We hope to see you there!

When It’s Time to Let Go — Smart Exit Strategies for Appreciated Real Estate

• April 8, 2026, 10:00-11:30 am
• Featuring: Dave Dawson, Realtor at Bailey Properties, and Community Foundation CEO Susan True

In this session, we will share real examples of what today’s property owners are facing when they consider selling or stepping back from active management. Community Foundation staff will then discuss practical strategies—such as charitable remainder trusts, donor-advised funds, and even partial or deferred gifts—that can ease the tax burden, generate lifetime income, and support the causes you care about.

Income For Life — Charitable Trusts & Gift Annuities

• May 13, 2026, 10:00-11:30 am
• Featuring: Lauren Corman, Estate Planning Attorney at Corman Law Offices, and Community Foundation Chief Philanthropy Officer Kea Gorden

This session introduces two of the most common life-income giving tools: Charitable Remainder Trusts and Charitable Gift Annuities. You’ll learn how these strategies can allow appreciated assets to be sold without immediate taxation, create reliable cash flow, reduce estate taxes, and provide meaningful support to nonprofits—often at a lower cost than an outright gift.

Giving to Meet Local Needs — Where Your Generosity Can Power Community Change

• June 3, 2026, 10:00-12:00 am
• Featuring: Community Foundation Director of Engagement and Impact Kevin Heuer and local nonprofit leaders

Connect with like-minded folks and learn in-depth from nonprofit leaders addressing some of the most urgent local needs. Designed to be interactive and conversation-driven, this session will offer ways to engage through giving, volunteering, or advocacy, and provide guidance on how the tools discussed throughout the series can be applied to support the causes you care about most.

Save the Dates for Future Events

• August 5th- Estate Planning for Community Impact: The Memorandum of Charitable Intent
• September 9th- Tax-Smart Giving Through Donor Advised Funds
• October 1st- The Charitable Power of Your IRA: Smarter Giving for Retirement Assets