OVERVIEW: The Desert Community Foundation supports education, arts and culture, human services and youth in Southern California.
FUNDING AREAS: Education, arts and culture, human services, youth
IP TAKE: DCF does not share publicly share its grantmaking process or application forms on its website, so local nonprofits should contact the executive director to inquire about how to get involved with the foundation. It’s a difficult nut to crack, but open to communication.
PROFILE: Established in 1999, the Desert Community Foundation (DCF) is a community foundation based in Palm Desert, California. DCF exclusively serves the Coachella Valley and partners with local donors, nonprofits and community members. The foundation is "dedicated to the promise of creating a strong and prosperous future for the region.” It funds local efforts for education, arts and culture, human services and youth.
The Desert Community Foundation supports many different types of nonprofits at the local level. Past grants have gone to many educational institutions, as well as some arts and culture efforts, youth-serving organizations and human services groups. It largely operates through donor-advised funds to award grants. DCF also has a trusted advisors program for donors with at least $500,000 to allow an investment adviser to manage funds. In addition to grants, DCF also awards scholarships for local students to attend college.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $100,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on the following local communities in Southern California: Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Bermuda Dunes, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio, Coachella, Thermal, Mecca and Oasis. Past local grantees include the McCallum Theatre Foundation, Galilee Center and Family YMCA of the Desert.
This foundation does not typically accept unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. DCF does not provide a grant application or guidelines on its website. Local nonprofits should contact DCF directly to inquire about any open and accessible application processes. Direct general questions to the foundation’s executive director, Mary Panesar, at mpanesar@desertfoundation.org or 760-674-9080.
PEOPLE:
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