Start Your Own Fund

These flexible funds are perfect for individuals, families, and businesses that want to be actively involved in supporting nonprofits locally and beyond. With their ability to accept complex gifts, provide maximum tax benefits, and protect your privacy, Donor-Advised Funds have become the preferred vehicle for effective charitable giving. You can make gifts to your fund when the timing is best for you to receive an immediate income tax deduction, then recommend grants when it’s convenient. We manage all the administration. The minimum gift to establish a Donor-Advised Fund is $25,000.

Interested in ways to simplify your company’s giving? We partner with businesses through Corporate Donor-Advised Funds, providing expertise on tax-wise tools, back-office services, and community benefit to help meet your goals. We are an ideal partner for companies of all sizes that are interested in growing their philanthropy and community impact.

A Nonprofit Agency Fund is an easy way for your organization to establish an endowment or invest reserve funds while eliminating the administrative burden and increasing your ability to handle large and complex gifts. Your Nonprofit Agency Fund benefits from participation in Community Foundation Santa Cruz County’s large investment portfolio while our experienced staff can help you develop planned giving programs and handle gifts of unusual assets.

Strong communities are built on strong minds. Since 2000, we have awarded more than $700,000 in scholarships. A Community Foundation Santa Cruz County scholarship fund is a wonderful way to honor a loved one, or create a legacy for your family while helping local students pursue their higher education dreams.