To bring together people, ideas, and resources to inspire philanthropy and accomplish great things. Our vision is to make Santa Cruz County thrive for all who call it home, now and in the future.
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County’s largest recent grant was $7,509,167 to the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project to support the Watsonville Community Hospital acquisition. That scale is consistent with a funder that works through major operating support, capital needs, disaster response, and community infrastructure across Santa Cruz County. The foundation’s recent grants also include $2,020,050 to Amah Mutsun Land Trust for general operating support and property purchasing, showing that it backs both institutions and place-based assets. Its portfolio reaches across health, education, food access, environmental stewardship, and arts and culture. Santa Cruz Community Health Centers received $1,920,645 for general operating support, vaccine pop-up clinics, and outreach with Cradle 2 Career, while Land Trust of Santa Cruz County received seven-figure support for general operations and conservation-related work. The foundation also funded Pajaro Valley Unified School District, Second Harvest Food Bank Santa Cruz County, and The 418 Project, reflecting a mix of public-serving systems and community organizations. A notable pattern in the recent grants is the repeated support for organizations tied to housing, health, disaster recovery, and local capacity. Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey, Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, and the Watsonville Community Hospital project each appear in multiple years, indicating sustained relationships rather than one-time awards.
In health care, the foundation backed the Watsonville Community Hospital acquisition with $7,509,167 through the Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project, then later gave $554,500 to the same hospital project for general operating support. It also awarded $1,920,645 to Santa Cruz Community Health Centers for general operating support, vaccine pop-up clinics, and outreach with Cradle 2 Career. Education and youth support appear in multiple forms. Pajaro Valley Unified School District received $540,210 for Raising a Reader and a teaching kitchen/garden learning center, and Cabrillo College Foundation received $457,993 for general operating support, WES, emergency fund, CAP, and more. The foundation also gave $505,000 to Cal Poly Foundation tied to the Thomas Mackin Fund, Cal Poly Farm Store, and the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. Environmental and land conservation work is another clear thread. Land Trust of Santa Cruz County received $1,260,876 for general operating support, Beach Ranch Project, and Circle P Ranch, while Elkhorn Slough Foundation received $539,185 for general operating support.
$20.7M
$252.5M
$46.9M
$26.9M
Most grants fall between $10K and $50K, with a median of $23K.
25th Percentile
$10K
Median
$23K
75th Percentile
$50K
Top 2 recipient countries by grant volume for Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.
| Rank | Country | Grants | Total | Share |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United StatesDomestic | 935 | $75.1M | 98.1% |
| 2 | Mexico |
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Typical grants cluster at the mid-five-figure to low-six-figure level, with a p25 of $10,000, a median of $23,294, and a p75 of $50,000. The recent list also shows several very large awards tied to hospitals, disaster response, and capital or property needs. Recipients recur across years: American Online Giving Foundation Inc appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and UC Santa Cruz Foundation appears in 2023, 2024, and 2025. The foundation is a public charity and a mixed community foundation, and it makes program-related investments. The recent grants also show support delivered through general operating support, donation matches, and recognition of employee or volunteer service hours.
Grantmaking is overwhelmingly local, with 81% of grants going to recipients in California and 98.1% of recipient grants in the US overall. Watsonville and Santa Cruz appear repeatedly, including Pajaro Valley Healthcare District Project, Community Action Board of Santa Cruz County, Santa Cruz Community Health Centers, and Land Trust of Santa Cruz County. Seaside, Aptos, and Truckee also appear in the recent list. Outside the US, Mexico accounts for 18 grants, including Escuelas Sustentables AC.
The recent grants point to local nonprofits, hospitals, schools, food programs, land trusts, arts groups, and disaster-response organizations. Examples include a hospital district project, a community health center, a food bank, a school district, and environmental and cultural organizations.
The grant-size distribution centers on smaller awards, with a p25 of $10,000, a median of $23,294, and a p75 of $50,000. The recent list also includes some much larger awards for hospital acquisition, property purchasing, and disaster support.
No. Several recipients appear in multiple years, including American Online Giving Foundation Inc in 2023, 2024, and 2025; Catholic Charities Diocese of Monterey in 2023, 2024, and 2025; and UC Santa Cruz Foundation in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The grants include general operating support, capital or property support, disaster support, donation matches, recognition of employee and volunteer service hours, and project-specific funding such as vaccine clinics, outreach, and school or conservation projects.
Most grants go to California recipients, with 81% of grants in the HQ state and 98.1% of recipient grants in the US overall. The recent list shows frequent awards to organizations in Watsonville, Santa Cruz, Seaside, Aptos, and Truckee.
2025
Source: IRS Form 990-PF, fiscal year 2025.
| 18 |
| $2.4M |
1.9% |
Recipient country reflects the grantee's headquarters per IRS 990-PF and Schedule F filings, not the program's implementation country.
Current and upcoming funding from Community Foundation Santa Cruz County that your nonprofit may be able to apply for.
Who can apply: The organization must be based in Santa Cruz County and have at least one full year of demonstrated programmatic impact.
Deadline: Accepted on a rolling basis.
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Create a free accountDeadlines and eligibility are summarized from public sources and may change — always confirm the details on the funder's official application page before applying.
Most recent grants reported to the IRS.
| Recipient | Location | Amount | Year | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMERICAN ONLINE GIVING FOUNDATION INC | NEWARK, DE | $2,808,979 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEE SERVICE HOURS |
| LAND TRUST OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $1,260,876 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, BEACH RANCH PROJECT, CIRCLE P RANCH |
| CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF MONTEREY | SEASIDE, CA | $1,063,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, CZU SUPPORT & CASE MANAGEMENT |
| THE 418 PROJECT | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $937,047 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, SECRET SANTA, RISE TOGETHER INVESTMENT |
| PAJARO VALLEY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT PROJECT (DBA WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPIT | WATSONVILLE, CA | $554,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| CAL POLY FOUNDATION | SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA | $505,000 | 2025 | THOMAS MACKIN FUND, CAL POLY FARM STORE, CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP |
| CABRILLO COLLEGE FOUNDATION | APTOS, CA | $457,993 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, WES, EMERGENCY FUND, CAP, & MORE |
| SANTA CRUZ SHAKESPEARE | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $430,595 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| UC SANTA CRUZ FOUNDATION | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $400,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING, HUMANITIES INSTITUTE, ARBORETUM, SEYMOUR MARINE CENTER |
| SANTA CRUZ COMMUNITY HEALTH | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $367,673 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, ADOLESCENT OPIOID USE DISORDER |
| SECOND HARVEST FOOD BANK SANTA CRUZ COUNTY | WATSONVILLE, CA | $351,306 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| ELKHORN SLOUGH FOUNDATION | MOSS LANDING, CA | $316,955 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, CAPITAL CAMPAIGN |
| TAHOE TRUCKEE COMMUNITY FOUNDATION | TRUCKEE, CA | $308,000 | 2025 | THE DONOR PARTY CHARITABLE FUND, SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT |
| RICE UNIVERSITY | HOUSTON, TX | $260,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, OPENSTAX |
| COUNTY PARK FRIENDS | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $259,676 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING, TREASURE COVE PARK, JUNIOR GUARDS, DE YOUNG MUSEUM |
| HOSPICE OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY | SCOTTS VALLEY, CA | $241,368 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, GRIEF PROGRAM, ANGELS PROGRAM |
| HEALTH IMPROVEMENT PARTNERSHIP OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY (HIPSCC) | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $218,917 | 2025 | MAT-ADVISORY GROUP, ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT LEARNING COLLABORATIVE |
| COMMUNITY BRIDGES | WATSONVILLE, CA | $208,154 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, MEALS ON WHEELS |
| VANGUARD CHARITABLE ENDOWMENT PROGRAM | WARWICK, RI | $208,008 | 2025 | THE BURKE BORINA VANGUARD CHARITABLE ACCOUNT |
| SANTA CRUZ MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $189,250 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, WHALE RESTORATION |
| VOLUNTEER CENTER OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $186,192 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, SANTA CRUZ GIVES, HELPING HANDS |
| DIENTES COMMUNITY DENTAL CARE | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $182,900 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING, WATSONVILLE EXPANSION, COMMERCIAL WAY CLINIC REMODEL |
| MAR VISTA FIELD PROJECT | WATSONVILLE, CA | $179,151 | 2025 | TO REHABILITATE GRASS FIELD AND IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE |
| DOMINICAN HOSPITAL FOUNDATION | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $161,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING, HEALING GARDEN, PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, WIGS |
| PROREP COALITION | GRASS VALLEY, CA | $150,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| AGRI-CULTURE | WATSONVILLE, CA | $143,332 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| AROMAS SAN JUAN BAUTISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION | SAN JUAN BAUTISTA, CA | $140,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| PAJARO VALLEY YOUTH SOCCER CLUB | FREEDOM, CA | $136,004 | 2025 | DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND COACHING CERTIFICATIONS |
| PAJARO VALLEY SHELTER SERVICES | WATSONVILLE, CA | $135,508 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, EDUCATION SUPPORT |
| ENCOMPASS COMMUNITY SERVICES | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $132,448 | 2025 | SI SE PUEDE, ZERO OVERDOSE |
| HOOVER INSTITUTION - STANFORD UNIVERSITY | STANFORD, CA | $130,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES OF SANTA CRUZ AND SAN BENITO COUNTIES | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $128,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, EVENT SPONSORSHIP |
| TEEN KITCHEN PROJECT | SOQUEL, CA | $121,750 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, NEW KITCHEN EQUIPMENT |
| PAJARO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT | WATSONVILLE, CA | $120,305 | 2025 | MAR VISTA ELEM, RAISING A READER, STARLIGHT CULINARY FUND |
| PAJARO VALLEY LOAVES AND FISHES | WATSONVILLE, CA | $117,437 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING, TURKEY TROT, KITCHEN RENOVATION PROJECT |
| TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND | SAN FRANCISCO, CA | $111,500 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT TPL CALINIA AND NORTHERN ROCKIES |
| SANTA CRUZ LOCAL | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $104,100 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, MATCHING GRANTS |
| AMAH MUTSUN LAND TRUST | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $103,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, PURCHASE OF A TRUCK |
| NEW WAY HOMES | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, ST. JOHN'S HOUSE |
| EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION INC | ORLANDO, FL | $100,000 | 2025 | EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FUND |
| BOYS & GIRLS CLUBS OF BENTON AND FRANKLIN COUNTIES | PASCO, WA | $100,000 | 2025 | CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OR THE CLUBS NEW LOCATION IN PROSSER ,WA |
| CELEBRITY ADVENTURES | PHOENIX, AZ | $100,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| KALAMAZOO COLLEGE | KALAMAZOO, MI | $100,000 | 2025 | 4TH INSTALLMENT OF $1M LEGACY GRANT |
| PAJARO VALLEY PREVENTION AND STUDENT ASSISTANCE INC | WATSONVILLE, CA | $96,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING, OPIOID AWARENESS, EMPOWER WATSONVILLE, RISE TOGETHER |
| COMMUNITY ACTION BOARD OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY (CAB) | WATSONVILLE, CA | $94,439 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, DAVENPORT RESOURCE SERVICE CENTER FIRE RECOVERY |
| DIVERSITY CENTER | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $91,100 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT |
| DIGITAL NEST | WATSONVILLE, CA | $90,066 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, EMERGING JEDI AWARD |
| FOOD WHAT | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $89,850 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, EMERGING JEDI AWARDS |
| NATURE CONSERVANCY | ARLINGTON, VA | $85,000 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, PROGRAM SUPPORT CA AND HI |
| SIENA HOUSE | SANTA CRUZ, CA | $82,747 | 2025 | GENERAL OPERATING, PROGRAMS BENEFITING YOUTH AND WOMEN |
AMERICAN ONLINE GIVING FOUNDATION INC
$2,808,979GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, RECOGNITION OF EMPLOYEE SERVICE HOURS
LAND TRUST OF SANTA CRUZ COUNTY
$1,260,876GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, BEACH RANCH PROJECT, CIRCLE P RANCH
CATHOLIC CHARITIES DIOCESE OF MONTEREY
$1,063,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, CZU SUPPORT & CASE MANAGEMENT
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, SECRET SANTA, RISE TOGETHER INVESTMENT
PAJARO VALLEY HEALTHCARE DISTRICT PROJECT (DBA WATSONVILLE COMMUNITY HOSPIT
$554,500GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
THOMAS MACKIN FUND, CAL POLY FARM STORE, CENTER FOR INNOVATION AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, WES, EMERGENCY FUND, CAP, & MORE
GENERAL OPERATING, HUMANITIES INSTITUTE, ARBORETUM, SEYMOUR MARINE CENTER
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, ADOLESCENT OPIOID USE DISORDER
THE DONOR PARTY CHARITABLE FUND, SCHOLARSHIP SUPPORT
GENERAL OPERATING, TREASURE COVE PARK, JUNIOR GUARDS, DE YOUNG MUSEUM
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, GRIEF PROGRAM, ANGELS PROGRAM
MAT-ADVISORY GROUP, ADOLESCENT AND YOUNG ADULT LEARNING COLLABORATIVE
COMMUNITY BRIDGES
$208,154GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, MEALS ON WHEELS
THE BURKE BORINA VANGUARD CHARITABLE ACCOUNT
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, WHALE RESTORATION
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, SANTA CRUZ GIVES, HELPING HANDS
GENERAL OPERATING, WATSONVILLE EXPANSION, COMMERCIAL WAY CLINIC REMODEL
MAR VISTA FIELD PROJECT
$179,151TO REHABILITATE GRASS FIELD AND IRRIGATION INFRASTRUCTURE
GENERAL OPERATING, HEALING GARDEN, PROSTATE CANCER SUPPORT GROUP, WIGS
PROREP COALITION
$150,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
AGRI-CULTURE
$143,332GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
AROMAS SAN JUAN BAUTISTA COMMUNITY SCHOOLS FOUNDATION
$140,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
PAJARO VALLEY YOUTH SOCCER CLUB
$136,004DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS AND COACHING CERTIFICATIONS
PAJARO VALLEY SHELTER SERVICES
$135,508GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, EDUCATION SUPPORT
SENIOR LEGAL SERVICES OF SANTA CRUZ AND SAN BENITO COUNTIES
$128,000GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, EVENT SPONSORSHIP
PAJARO VALLEY UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT
$120,305MAR VISTA ELEM, RAISING A READER, STARLIGHT CULINARY FUND
PAJARO VALLEY LOAVES AND FISHES
$117,437GENERAL OPERATING, TURKEY TROT, KITCHEN RENOVATION PROJECT
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT TPL CALINIA AND NORTHERN ROCKIES
SANTA CRUZ LOCAL
$104,100GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, MATCHING GRANTS
CAPITAL CAMPAIGN OR THE CLUBS NEW LOCATION IN PROSSER ,WA
GENERAL OPERATING, OPIOID AWARENESS, EMPOWER WATSONVILLE, RISE TOGETHER
GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT, DAVENPORT RESOURCE SERVICE CENTER FIRE RECOVERY
DIVERSITY CENTER
$91,100GENERAL OPERATING SUPPORT
SIENA HOUSE
$82,747GENERAL OPERATING, PROGRAMS BENEFITING YOUTH AND WOMEN