Desert Community Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $3.9 million in grants (2024) + $2.9 million in scholarships
• Success Rate: Not publicly available
• Decision Time: Not publicly available
• Grant Range: $10,000 - $156,000 (typical)
• Geographic Focus: Coachella Valley (9 cities) exclusively

Contact Details

Website: desertfoundation.org
Phone: 760-674-9080
Executive Director: Mary Panesar (mpanesar@desertfoundation.org, ext. 2)
Address: 75-105 Merle Drive, Suite 300, Palm Desert, CA 92211
CV Giving Day: cvgivingday@desertfoundation.org

Overview

Founded in 1999 by Ronald E. Gother with initial funding from the California Community Foundation, Desert Community Foundation has grown to manage $121 million in assets while distributing over $25 million to Coachella Valley causes over 27 years. As the region's community foundation, they focus on supporting a "healthy and educated Coachella Valley" through donor advised funds, scholarships, and strategic grants. The foundation has earned Charity Navigator's highest 4-star rating with a 92% score for accountability and finance. Their signature initiative, CV Giving Day, has raised over $2 million since 2023, engaging 200+ nonprofits in a 24-hour online giving event that builds community philanthropy across all nine Coachella Valley cities.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

The foundation operates primarily through donor advised funds rather than traditional grant programs:

• Donor-Directed Grants: $10,000 - $156,000 (typical range)
• Scholarship Programs: 200+ scholarships annually totaling $2.9 million
• CV Giving Day: Provides $125,000+ prize pool for participating nonprofits

Priority Areas

• Education (largest funding area): Schools, youth programs, college access
• Homeless and Human Services: Emergency shelter, food security, basic needs
• Health and Mental Health: Medical services, mental health support, wellness programs
• Arts and Culture: Museums, theaters, cultural preservation
• Environment and Animals: Conservation, animal welfare

What They Don't Fund

Specific exclusions are not publicly available. Organizations outside the Coachella Valley are ineligible. Contact Executive Director for clarification on restrictions.

Governance and Leadership

Executive Director: Mary Panesar has led the foundation's growth and expansion of CV Giving Day. She states: "We are overjoyed from the overwhelming response we've received from those who are joining our mission."

Regarding CV Giving Day, Panesar notes: "Early giving is where a lot of the momentum for CV Giving Day really begins," emphasizing the importance of community engagement in their philanthropic model.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

This funder does not have a public application process. Grants are awarded through:

• Donor advised fund recommendations
• Board/trustee discretion
• Pre-existing organizational relationships
• Direct inquiry to Executive Director

To explore funding opportunities:

1. Contact Executive Director Mary Panesar directly at 760-674-9080 ext. 2 or mpanesar@desertfoundation.org
2. Prepare a brief inquiry describing your organization and alignment with foundation priorities
3. Be prepared to discuss Coachella Valley impact and community connections

Getting on Their Radar

• Participate in CV Giving Day (March 3, 2026): The foundation's signature event provides direct exposure to foundation leadership and donors. No fee to participate, with $125,000+ in prizes available
• Connect with Donor Advised Fund Holders: Many grants originate from individual donors who maintain funds with the foundation. Building relationships with community philanthropists can lead to grant recommendations
• Engage with Foundation Events: The foundation hosts donor education and community events throughout the year
• Direct Contact with Mary Panesar: The Executive Director welcomes inquiries from nonprofits serving the Coachella Valley

Decision Timeline

Not publicly available. Timeline varies based on donor advised fund cycles and board meeting schedules.

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed. The foundation made 33 grants in 2024, 11 in 2023, and 15 in 2022.

Reapplication Policy

Not publicly available. Organizations should inquire directly with the Executive Director.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's funding patterns and community foundation structure:

• Demonstrate Clear Coachella Valley Impact: Must serve one or more of the nine cities (Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, Palm Desert, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio/Coachella/Thermal/Mecca)
• Build Relationships with Donors: Since most grants come through donor advised funds, connecting with individual philanthropists is crucial
• Participate in CV Giving Day: Shows community engagement and provides visibility to foundation leadership and donors
• Focus on Education: As their largest funding area, education-related projects may receive priority consideration
• Emphasize Collaboration: The foundation values organizations that work together to address community needs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• This is not a traditional grantmaker - there is no public RFP or application form; success requires relationship building and direct engagement
• CV Giving Day participation is the most accessible entry point for new organizations to engage with the foundation
• Donor advised funds drive most grantmaking - understanding this structure and building relationships with fund holders is essential
• Geographic restriction is absolute - only organizations serving the Coachella Valley's nine cities are eligible
• Direct contact is required - proactive outreach to Executive Director Mary Panesar is necessary to explore funding opportunities
• Education focus is strongest - align proposals with educational outcomes when possible
• Community foundation model means flexibility in funding but requires different approach than traditional foundations

References

• Desert Community Foundation Official Website (desertfoundation.org) - Accessed February 2026
• IRS Form 990 Filing for Desert Community Foundation (EIN: 95-4725924) - 2024 Filing
• Charity Navigator Profile - Desert Community Foundation - 4-star rating, 92% score - Accessed February 2026
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Desert Community Foundation Financial Data - Accessed February 2026
• Inside Philanthropy Funder Profile - Desert Community Foundation - Accessed February 2026
• CV Giving Day Website (cvgivingday.org) - Event details and participating organizations - Accessed February 2026
• Candid Foundation Directory - Desert Community Foundation Profile - Accessed February 2026
• Desert Charities News - Foundation listing and contact information - Accessed February 2026