OVERVIEW: The Kern Community Foundation supports children and youth, women, the environment, human services, community development, education, arts and culture and health in California.
FUNDING AREAS: Children and youth, women, the environment, human services, community development, education, arts and culture, health
IP TAKE: Only a small percentage of KCF’s assets are distributed to nonprofits each year, but there are still some good ongoing opportunities with this community funder.
PROFILE: Established in 1999, the Kern Community Foundation (KCF) is a community foundation based in Bakersfield, California. Curtis Darling and Morton Brown had the original vision for the foundation, and other community leaders joined their efforts to form KCF. The foundation aims to "grow community and philanthropy” in the region. It funds local efforts for children and youth, women, the environment, human services, community development, education, arts and culture and health.
The Kern Community Foundation is made up of various funds, including the unrestricted funds called the Give Big Kern Fund and the Kern Community Foundation Operating Fund. There are also many donor-advised funds, field-of-interest funds, designated funds, agency funds, and scholarship funds at KCF. The funder lists current opportunities that are available on its website. Example opportunities include the Kern Alliance of Nonprofits, Waterman Foundation Rotary Club of Bakersfield Capital Grant Program and Jumpstart Fundraising Technical Assistance Grant.
Grants range between about $5,000 and $200,000. Learn more about this funder’s local giving by examining its recent tax records. Grantmaking focuses on Kern County in Southern California. Past local grantees include the Bakersfield Homeless Center, Bakersfield Symphony Orchestra and Hoffman Hospice.
This foundation accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits for multiple opportunities and uses an online grant platform. Each fund has its own unique set of guidelines and deadlines. Direct general questions to the staff at 661-325-5346 or via online form.
PEOPLE:
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