By Susan True, Hilary Bryant, and Sam Leask
Our community has been through a lot these past few years. Our neighbors are rebuilding after the CZU fires, families are recovering from the health and economic challenges of the pandemic, local scientists are working on responses to climate change, seniors are reconnecting after isolation, and youth are working to regain learning and restore friendships after too much time on screen.
Community Foundation CEO Susan True with State Parks volunteer Rita Bryant, who has worked with the Foundation to help preserve her beloved Schwan Lake. • Photo Credit: Jeremy Lezin
You may feel like we do, grateful to be a part of this community and wanting to give back.
Here at Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, we can help make your year-end giving meaningful and easy. A trusted center for giving for 40 years, we’re proud to be a place where charitable giving becomes local, personal, and meaningful.
Local Solutions
Our team works closely with effective nonprofits and leaders to build an in-depth understanding of the issues and resources that shape our community. We can connect you to opportunities to make a difference in the areas you care most about.
Gifts to our Greatest Needs Fund and the Rise Together Fund for Racial Equity help nonprofits solving critical challenges. Recent grants have backed housing for veterans and critical mental health services.
When many donors come together to join forces, they can make a bigger impact than they could on their own.
Giving that Works for You
For many, giving to a favorite nonprofit is as easy as writing a check or making an online donation.
Another option is starting a Donor-Advised Fund — a flexible way to make your giving simple and efficient. You can make a tax-deductible donation and support non-profits you love now, or over time. We take care of the paperwork so you can focus on the joy of giving.
We can also help you turn complex assets into tax-smart gifts. You can give cash, stocks, property, retirement funds, insurance — or we can advise on other assets you may be able to give.
If you are age 70 ½ or older and have an IRA, you can use your Required Minimum Distribution for charitable giving. These charitable IRA “roll-overs” are tax-free and can benefit eligible charities. You can use your Required Minimum Distribution to contribute to any of our community funds or we can help you set up a new fund that benefits a cause you care about.
Community Wins
Our hands-on, personal approach to philanthropy empowers you to show your generosity in ways meaningful to you. Regardless of the size of a gift, we’re able to recommend a giving strategy and with our deep knowledge and love of Santa Cruz County, help you give this holiday season with confidence–making a difference today and for many years to come. n
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Susan True is the CEO of Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Hilary Bryant is director of donor services, and Sam Leask is director of philanthropic services.