Put Your Generosity To Work

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

Our Community

At the Community Foundation, we bring together people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and accomplish great things. 

Read recent stories about the impact we are having together.

Credit: Jeremy Lezin

Featured story

Funding Conservation On The Central Coast

Read Story

story

Mar 26, 2025

Coming Together, Again

Practical ways you can strengthen community support.
Photo: Sarah Williams

article

Jan 14, 2022

Report to the Community

2024 Report to the Community
Grey Bears Santa Cruz County

article

Feb 1, 2022

2024 Grants List

Thanks to donors past and present, we’re celebrating an exceptional year of giving and grantmaking in 2024.

HERE FOR GOOD

Our Purpose

Our vision is to make Santa Cruz County thrive for all who call it home, now and in the future. Our mission is to bring together people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and accomplish great things. 

Get to know us and how we can help you invest in what you love. 

A Center for Giving

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

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.

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.

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.

Join Our Giving Community

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