Contributions to the Fund for Student Success empower the COD Foundation to respond quickly in meeting some of the most pressing initiatives so students can continue learning their trade, preparing for management-level positions, and pursuing and completing the quality education that every student deserves. The fund promotes success in a range of ways, such as purchasing textbooks, providing meal cards for food-insecure students, supplying regalia for graduating students, supporting childcare tuition and services for parent students, funding veteran support services, and meeting the basic needs of one of our most vulnerable populations, foster youth.
The COD Foundation Supports Two of the College’s Most Important Programs – EDGE/plEDGE and the Fund for Student Success. Both having a Significant Long-term Economic Impact on Families and the Coachella Valley.
Christine Anderson President, COD Foundation Board of Directors Funding Student Success In Uncertain Times
Thanks to your generous support, the COD Foundation was able to provide more than $400,000 in assistance to 501 students, helping them to make ends meet throughout the two-year crisis.
As the pandemic changed the world, many of our students were burdened financially, losing their jobs, housing, and financial security. They were faced with the reality of continuing their education or paying for utilities, rent, gas, or groceries. Now our world is desperate for workers and these students are navigating multiple jobs and battling inflation as they struggle to regain two years of lost revenue – all while juggling childcare and trying to complete their education. In too many cases, these students will cease following their dreams of building a career and a better life so they can meet the basic needs of themselves and their families.
When Our Students Thrive, the Valley Thrives I’m deeply inspired by the progress the COD Foundation has made. I first became involved with COD because, as those who are familiar with the area can attest, it is the hub of the Valley. Here, young adults drive their lives forward and learn to become the person they most want to be. A majority of our students are first-generation college students, and they live below the poverty line. I am continually moved by their resilience to excel in class while working to support their families. In my five years with the COD Foundation, I have witnessed the college assume a 24/7 commitment to meet students’ financial, academic and emotional needs, enabling them to truly enjoy the educational experience. For many, this is the first time in their lives a school has understood and supported them. These high-achieving graduates are critical for excellence in our workforce. Businesses need quality workers, and COD supplies them. Some graduates launch careers locally; others earn a four-year degree before coming back to serve the community in essential fields. The impact of their contribution returns to its roots, with nearly 80% of students returning to the Valley and rendering the college as a crucial link to our thriving economic success.
Specifically, the EDGE/plEDGE program is a game-changer! This program dramatically improves student success and graduation rates by combining math and English review with wrap-around services, counseling and free tuition and fees. Students in the program are ones we normally would not see because the money they earn needs to help their families. Now they are able to focus their new knowledge and skills to propel them into careers they only dreamed about. Their ‘What if’s…?’ become ‘I did it!’ Because COD inspired them to believe in themselves, they go on to impart inspiration through community involvement, making it an even better place for us all. We’re all in this together, and the power of giving makes an impact on two levels: first on the individual lives of every student and second on the economic future of the Coachella Valley. The size of the endowment is impressive for a community college. We have had a great history of people donating, because they recognize that COD builds a better community for everyone. They are also aware that state funding is never enough if you want an exceptional school that turns out exceptional graduates. Through donor generosity, the COD Foundation has the opportunity to support the College in increasing enrollment enabling more students to attend. With myriad ways to give (see back cover), people are responding to the value the school brings to the Valley. I am so grateful to be involved in this worth-while endeavor.
Gratitude for Giving
When we provide comprehensive access to education for students across the valley – and significantly serve areas and populations demonstrating the greatest need – we cultivate a great local opportunity. The well-educated workforce COD continues to produce is vital to the social and economic development of the community and to attracting new business opportunities to the area. We are fortunate to have so many success stories regarding COD’s programs and we look forward to your help in creating a new tomorrow for Coachella Valley’s most deserving students.
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Dr. Martha Garcia, Ed.D. Superintendent/President, College of the Desert
The Fund for Student Success, along with the Student Emergency Fund (activated in 2020), provided critical resources to impacted students. Donations are now essential in order to replenish those funds and continue supporting students in need.
“During some of the pandemic, I was not able to work at all, and not having that income was especially hard on me. I explained this to my counselor, and he mentioned that COD had a grant to help students during this time. Receiving the grant was a big relief. My bills were stacking up with 48-hour notices. I don’t know where we would be today without the help from the COD Foundation. We were able to have electricity, gas, better meals. I am very appreciative and very thankful.
“As a mother of five, one with special needs, I was inspired to pursue a degree in special education. I have pushed myself to take 23+ units per semester while maintaining a 4.0 GPA. After many all-nighters, working through weekends and holidays, and completing my Practicum hours at the McCarthy Family Child Development & Training Center, I have been accepted to CSUSB’s high honors program and Pacific Oaks College to receive my B.A. in Early Childhood Development. I could not have accomplished any of this without the financial and emotional support from my talented professors. The resources that the COD Foundation provides to students is incredible! COD has changed my life and my family’s life – I tell my children, don’t ever give up because the end journey is so rewarding!”
DEVELOPMENT PURCHASED GRADUATION REGALIA for graduating seniors from 2020-2022. $119K SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED in the 2020/2021 Fiscal Year 1,262 STUDENT EMERGENCY GRANTS AWARDED since 2020 Fund Inception. 501 INDIVIDUAL GIFTS AWARDED In the 2021/2022 Fiscal Year, gifted from 677 donors. 1,931 IN ENDOWMENTS held in perpetuity to support a variety of scholarships and programs. $43M The COD Foundation manages nearly • $988K Planned Giving • $860K Other Revenues • $523K Stepping Out Gala • $520K Grants • $103K President’s Circle • $1.196M EDGE/plEDGEincludes:Scholarships – $301K Student Emergency Fund – $90K for Internships2021-2022– $52K • $445K Overall SupportProgram Revenues Donor Revenues are Up Year-over-year Funds Distributed by Areas of Impact $1.196M $860K$988K $445K $523K$520K 57%
LUCKY T., GENERAL EDUCATION
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Supporting Students During Their Toughest Challenges
“During the pandemic in March 2020, it was really hard because I was already on my own. If the Student Emergency Fund wasn’t available, I would have been struggling between my educational life and my financial life. The COD Foundation helped me pay for my phone bill for three months because, at the time, I was also moving. When I received the grant, it really gave me the hope that I needed because I was able to focus more on online education and less on my financial situation. I really appreciate your help.”
My COD experience has been great.”
of every dollar supports SCHOLARSHIPS PROGRAMMINGANDfrom 2020-2021. 73
| RAYNEISHA S., BIOLOGY
| VICTORIA HUERTA, 2022 COD GRADUATE, AA EARLY CHILDHOOD
2021-2022 College of the Desert Annual Report 3 COD Foundation’s Impact on the Coachella Valley
S. JamesMarthaBarbaraCarolKimMargeCarolPeggyChunowitzCravensBellDeanDodgeDozier,Ph.D.FragenFrommGarcia.Ed.D.Greene Amaris Guzman Paul Hinkes, M.D. Peggy Jacobs Dale JaneDianeMarleneRobertBarbaraJoanneThomasDonnaLandonMacMillanMinderMintzFosterMonachinoMoonO’SullivanRubinSaltonstall,Ed.D. Leslie JakeAuroraJamesUsowE.WilliamsWilsonWuest EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Catherine Abbott AcademicCHAIRS CommitteeAngels Marge Dodge Audit Committee Barbara Foster Monachino Development Committee Peggy Jacobs Executive Committee Christine Anderson, Ed.D. Finance and Investment Committee Jake Wuest Legacy Committee Carol Bell Dean Nominating Committee Jane Saltonstall President’s Circle Carol Bell Dean Stepping Out for COD Committee WilliamCo-chairs“Bill” Chunowitz Rob Moon Tom Minder
WilliamChairperson“Bill”
Chunowitz Past SecretaryBarbaraTreasurerJakeChair-ElectDianeChairpersonRubinWuestFromm DIRECTORS Christine Anderson, Ed.D. Norma Castaneda
BOARD OF DIRECTORS OFFICERS Christine Anderson, Ed.D.
Bill
Scott, her husband, Dan Jewett, and a team of researchers and advisors quietly conducted an independent quest to identify those schools. COD was among only 31 colleges and universities nationwide to receive a monetary gift – unsolicited, unexpected and unrestricted for its use.
highly-awarded and deeply effective EDGE/plEDGE college completion program in perpetuity. Focused on increasing student success and mitigating achievement gaps in access, necessary skills, retention, persistence and completion, the COD Foundation gives students an EDGE into higher education and makes a plEDGE to help them complete their degree.
In June 2021, College of the Desert (COD) received its largest one-time grant in the College’s 60-year history: an unprecedented $18 million donation from billionaire philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.
2021-2022 College of the Desert Annual Report 5
Gifts of every size have advanced the future careers of COD students.
Private donors like Scott have historically built COD into the esteemed community college it is today. It is a school that empowers dreams for those who may otherwise have given up. COD is an institution that has grown and matured on a foundation of inclusivity – now singled out by Scott on a national level for those efforts.
MACKENZIE SCOTT
Investing In Our Most Impacted Youths
“We are overwhelmed by Scott’s donation,” shares Christine Anderson, COD Foundation Board President. “Our students can study, launch their careers, grow, thrive and trickle-down their impact onto their families who will continue to support our community at large. Our talented team of educators continues to deliver our mission; now we just need additional support to give more chances to more students.”
Scott identified COD as one of 286 high-impact organizations in communities with students who have been historically underfunded and overlooked. “Higher education is a proven pathway to opportunity,” shares Scott. “We looked for two and four-year institutions successfully educating students who come from communities that have been chronically underserved.”
“People struggling against inequities deserve center stage in stories about change they are creating.” |
To honor Scott’s altruistic committment to higher education, the COD Foundation has endowed the donation to benefit the MacKenzie Scott’s $18M Gift Inspires a New Generation of Donors.
MacKenzie Scott is an American billionaire businesswoman, novelist and philanthopist. She was one of Amazon’s first employees and assumed a critical role in building its business plan, brand and operations.
Scott joins an impressive list of generous donors including The Donald and Peggy Cravens Foundation, The Auen Foundation, Patrick M. McCarthy Foundation, The Richard Brooke Foundation, The Berger Foundation, The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation and many others.
Scott’s objective behind the donations has inspired the staff and students of COD, the greater community and the higher education system as a whole.
Scott’s gesture enables COD to enter a new era of helping ambitious local students afford to take the next step in their education.
On her website, Scott said: “We are governed by a humbling belief that it would be better if disproportionate wealth were not concentrated in a small number of hands, and that the solutions are best designed and implemented by others. Though we still have a lot to learn about how to act on these beliefs without contradicting and subverting them, we can begin by acknowledging that people working to build power from within communities are the agents of change. Their service supports and empowers people who go on to support and empower others.”
A recent graduate shares the quote on her cap: “May your dreams be greater than your fears.”
EDGE/plEDGE serves as a powerfully life-changing program for students who attend College of the Desert. Many of the 1,500-1,800 students in the new cohort each year would not have believed there was a way for them to attend community college then launch a promising career or transfer to a four-year university if someone from the program had not reached out to them personally and inspired this attainable dream. Students enrolling at COD full-time are encouraged to “Get the EDGE and take the plEDGE!” as part of a multi-faceted program that works to remove the academic, social and financial barriers that prevent students from enrolling, persisting or succeeding in college. With a dream-making three-pronged approach, it encompasses: 1) college-prep review in math and English 2) counseling and student support services and 3) tuition assistance for local high school Studentsgraduates.whocomplete the EDGE summer bridge facet to solidify their math and English skills are eligible to receive free tuition and fees for two years through the plEDGE aspect of the program. EDGE and plEDGE are two pieces of the same puzzle that give students an EDGE into higher education while making a financial plEDGE to help them succeed. The COD Foundation goal is to support this invaluable programming by providing $1.25 million per year.
Since its inception: The EDGE/plEDGE Program serves 85% Hispanic/Latino students, an increase from the overall general student population.85 EDGE students persist at an 83% rate, compared to the 66% rate for non-EDGE students.
| JASMINE BUSCH, NURSING STUDENTNORA RIGUAL, REGISTERED NURSE
EDGE (Engage, Develop, Grow, Empower) started in 2012 as a Title V Hispanic Serving Institution pilot program focused on helping Hispanic students with remedial education. The program was designed to address student learning and success outcomes for Hispanic, low-income and first-generation college students who placed below college-level coursework on the assessment test. In its first summer, the EDGE program welcomed 22 students to the Indio campus. After tremendous initial results, services grew, and its footprint expanded to other campuses each year. By 2016, EDGE served about 650 students. Showing impressive persistence and graduation rates, they also reported a positive student experience and career outlook, thanks to a caring, pro-active network of faculty, staff and counselors who underscore their efforts. EDGE aims to equip students for the full community college experience, from academic skills and course load counseling to financial aid help and emotional well-being.
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DR. MARTHA GARCIA, SUPERINTENDENT/PRESIDENT
This plEDGE Gives COD Students an EDGE
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The summer bridge component prepares them for college and college-level coursework. Students participate in a rigorous math and English review, attend counseling sessions, learn about campus resources and build meaningful relationships with faculty and staff before launching their academic journey. By the end of the summer, they’re fully committed to their dreams of pursuing an education and a career they love. To date, 7,879 students have benefited from the program as EDGE fulfills its mission to increase student success and mitigate achievement gaps in access, persistence and completion.
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EDGE Made Education Accessible
The path to COD often begins at the local schools, where specialists from the EDGE/plEDGE team provide bilingual outreach services in English and Spanish. These presentations spark a fire of interest, educating students and their parents about COD’s educational opportunities and the potential to earn a degree without impacting the family’s financial welfare. Once enrolled, their smooth transition into college life kicks off with a structured onboarding process that includes registration and financial aid assistance.
“I am motivated to achieve my dream of becoming a nurse. The plEDGE program supports my school expenses so I can save up for my third year of nursing school. If I didn’t have the plEDGE program, I would worry about how to pay for school and student loans. Honestly, I would have rethought my career. Thank you to those who have given so much to help me succeed.”
How are COD Students Most Benefitting from EDGE/plEDGE?
83 Latinos who completed the EDGE program in 2016 persisted at an 89% rate, compared to 73% of Latinos who did not complete the EDGE program.
Dedicated Full-time Students Receive Prep for Every Aspect of College Life, from Math and English Skills to Counseling and Free Tuition, thanks to the 10-year-strong EDGE/plEDGE Program.
“Our EDGE/plEDGE college completion program closes equity gaps and provides support to all students, including our Latino population. It fulfills our mission to boost collegegoing rates in our community and helps change the lives of students and their families.”
The program is evaluated each year, informing staff and administrators that it is increasingly effective at serving all students, and significantly Hispanic/Latino students, which account for 6,855 of the 7,879 total students served since inception. Feedback gleaned from student conversations and surveys helps EDGE/plEDGE improve to meet their needs.
Meeting Needs In All Times
An Award-Winning Initiative
During the COVID-19 pandemic, EDGE 2020 quickly adjusted from its three-week, in-person format to a two-week online program conducted via Canvas and Zoom. Students learned how to manage their time as well as their physical and mental health, while also receiving help from engaged faculty with the financial aid application and class selection. When technology was a hurdle, the college quickly stepped up to provide loaner laptops and Wi-Fi hotspots to students who needed that support.
A Future of Supporting Dreams
EDGE
Many EDGE staff members are former College of the Desert students who are eager to share their own success stories, creating an instan taneous and deeper connection with potential students and their families. This active support system keeps students on track and focused on their goals and dreams. Students establish a bond with faculty that remains intact after graduation as they keep in touch.
Now an award-winning template for fellow institutions, the EDGE/ plEDGE program has become a national model for community colleges that strive to support underserved students and set them up for success, both in college and in their communities.
2021-2022 College of the Desert Annual Report
local high school graduates.
Proven Student Success Students in the program not only have higher persistence rates, but EDGE/plEDGE students also complete more units in their first semester (9.5) than their non-EDGE/plEDGE counterparts (7) and complete more units in their first year (17.2 compared to 12). plEDGE students also have a higher three-year completion rate than non-plEDGE students. Due to the skills-building of the summer bridge, these students are academic performers during college, which boosts their self-esteem and motivation. Students aren’t shy about their gratitude. “If I hadn’t enrolled in the EDGE/plEDGE program, I would be lost in college right now. Thank you, College of the Desert!” read one student survey. “I can plan on graduating faster now because I took EDGE for math,” shared another.
offers hands-on assistance including: • Math and English/reading review • Priority registration for one semester following completion of EDGE • Dedicated faculty, counselors and staff • College student success strategies • Assistance with financial aid applications and financial literacy exposure • Follow-up services and workshops • Free tuition and fees for two years with plEDGE! • Complete the summer bridge program in EDGE • Enroll full time during the Fall and Spring semesters • Maintain good academic standing • Participate in 10 hours of community service, mentoring or internships • Attend a career pathway workshop at the COD Career and SolutionsWorkforceCenter • Submit a FAFSA or California Dream Act application EMPOWER|GROW|DEVELOP|ENGAGE 7
Adding a plEDGE to the EDGE Following five years of incredible outcomes with EDGE, COD introduced its perfect partner, the plEDGE program, in 2017 and doubled program participation in the process. While EDGE had effectively addressed students’ academic and social barriers, financial barriers still prevented many from enrolling or graduating. With the institution of plEDGE, COD was able to provide free tuition and fees for two years to any full-time student who graduated from a local high school, completed the EDGE summer refresher program, performed 10 hours of community service and attended one career-focused workshop per academic year. Students must also stay in good academic standing and have a completed financial aid file. With EDGE and plEDGE joining forces, students are supported on every level, from their first interaction with COD through their proudest moments at graduation.
In 2018, a year after the addition of plEDGE, the program was scaled to serve 80% of all incoming students. That same year, College of the Desert won a 2018 Bellwether Award for the EDGE program. (The prestigious national awards focus on innovative programs that other colleges might consider replicating.) In 2021, COD was also the only community college in California to be named a National Finalist in the Examples of Excelencia, presented by Excelencia in Education. The award acknowledges programs dedicated to accelerating Latino student success in higher education, and the EDGE/plEDGE program was specifically recognized for those efforts.
The pro-active nature of the ever-evolving program allows it to pivot at any time, from staff reaching out to help a single student complete his or her financial aid file to the program adding evening sessions to welcome a new adult learner population.
Looking ahead, the COD Foundation would love to supplement the EDGE/plEDGE program’s tuition support by providing free textbooks (which can cost $500-$1,000 per semester), laptops to enroll in online courses or complete work at home, assistance with fees for nursing students and the purchase of essential software for students in digital or visual programs. These actions would further remove cost barriers to education for students supporting their families.
The plEDGE program provides two full years of FREE tuition and fees to recent To participate, students are required to:
Helen and Alan Greene and Jessica and James Greene
College of the Desert Library
The Dean L. and Rosemarie Buntrock Foundation
Wayne Johnson
Candice Connell-Morse and Dr. Barry Morse
Sara FriendsEverittofthe
Diane and Harold Gershowitz
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Joanne Kunkel
MacKenzie Scott’s generous gift has established an endowment in perpetuity for the EDGE/plEDGE program investment activities will help students realize their dreams of a college education thus increasing the student population. EDGE/plEDGE is fully supported by the staff and services behind this award-winning program.
The Estate of Jackie Story
Edison
“Thank you, College of the Desert and the EDGE/plEDGE program for making education easily accessible.”
CAREHaroldJordanJoanneMcCallumThePeggyHighlandInternationalStreetFoundationJacobsandHowardCharitableFoundationTheatreandDr.MyronMintzSchnitzerandtheandArleneSchnitzerFoundation
$10,000 - $24,999 Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
The Estate of Jean Ann Hirschi, Esq Connie and Bob Lurie Manilow Fund for Health & Hope The Estate of Joy B. Plein
Joanne and Bill Chunowitz
Wendy and Bob Goodfriend
Annual2021-2022 Giving
Geri and Dr. Paul Hinkes
Louise Kermode
Joan Lamb and the Lamb Family Foundation Harold Matzner and Spencer’s Restaurant Sherrill B. Schroeder
Mrs. Edeltraud M. McCarthy and the Patrick M. McCarthy BrianFoundationandPatricia
The Annexstad Family Foundation Bank of America and Covington Capital Management Mrs. Rebecca Benaroya Dumont Foundation
$500,000 - $1,000,000
Herman Barbara and Michael Monachino Rob Moon and Bob Hammack
The Estate of Bob Pollock $25,000 - $49,999
$18,000,000+
Ann and Bill Iwata
$50,000 - $99,999
Carol HeleneFragenGalen and Jamie Kabler
Over 70% of students attending COD in March of 2020 lost their sources of income as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. And almost half of the students had their living arrangements disrupted in Spring 2020.
James B. Johnson
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The Estate of Mary L. Silver $100,000 - $499,999
The Coeta and Donald Barker RichardFoundationBrooke Foundation
Louise E. Schulz
Bob Archer and Chuck Hilliar Melissa Austin
John P. Monahan
J. Anthony Ogden and William R Poulos
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Ortega Linda and Manny Rider Diane Rubin and Lenny Eber Jane Saltonstall, Ed.D. The Mary See Foundation Grace Helen Spearman Charitable Foundation Leslie and Dr. Barry Usow Cynthia and James Williams $1,000 - $4,999 Catherine Abbott Alice Abt Ace JudithAntonioPrintingAguilarL.andBarbara B. AnnAppelbaumMarman Armstrong Lynn and Brock Armstrong Polly Ball Nori LorraineSeraMaxBernal-SmithDr.Mrs.JoniMargaretBambuschBarryR.BealRebeccaBenaroyaDouglasBenoitGroup&MargieBriggsandGaryBrillandJamesBrinton, MD Kelly NormaBrowerA.Castaneda - HR Advantage and The Competitive ChiriacoJermaineAdvantageCathcartSummitTravel Center Sherrie Cummings Clark Ruari and Holly Clerkin Sandra and Keith Comrie John and Nicole Criste CV PatriciaStrategiesandRobert Dant Carol and Edward Dean Bob and Carole Dent Desert Community College District Trustee Aurora Wilson Desert Horizons Womens Club Kim CraigDozierandDr. Courtney Doussett Stephen and Linda Dyer, PhD Steve and Sharon Edelman Ronda Edwards Susan and Jim Eichberg Eight4Nine Restaurant Phyllis Eisenberg Linda JaneThomasEmersonA.EmertonEmisonandMike Tierney First Republic Private Wealth FrascaManagementJewelers, Maria Wahl Judith BarbaraFriedmanandBernie Fromm Alvera and Franklin Gaeta Dr. Martha Garcia Michael Gennet and Christine Metz Angie Gerber Cora MargoDonnaLauraRochelleGinsbergGoodmanGraffGreeneRitterandPete Hammond Ellen Hardy, PhD Susie and Wayne Harvey
Mr. and Mrs. Daniel J. Miglio
2021-2022 College of the Desert Annual Report 9
Hendershot
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and Ron Snow Bonnie Stefan, PhD Shari and Marc Stewart
“With the help of online classes at College of the Desert, I was able to assist my Mom at home, who is living with a disability. This allowed me to focus on my family and personal life, while still being able to attend classes and achieve a college degree.”
“The online courses at College of the Desert are very helpful, especially for students who enjoy hands-on learning. Having COD help me out with transitioning into college and paying for my classes and books is a really big advantage.”
| AMANDA AGUILERA, COMMUNICATIONS
| EVELYN CUAHUIZO, HEALTH
Mrs. Rebecca Benaroya
“All of the resources that COD provides are very helpful. Online Zoom classes are very beneficial because students have the opportunity to interact with professors. This has made taking classes at the college joyful and convenient.”
| REYNA ARRELLANES-CASTRO,HEALTHSCIENCES
SCIENCE
Edison UCSpencer’sPremierRiversidePepsiCoParkerPenNationalClerkinMerrillJ.TheHRHotFrascaManagementFirstEight4NineInternationalRestaurantRepublicPrivateWealthJewelersandMariaWahlPurpleEnergyAdvantageandCompetitiveAdvantageMcLaughlin,PalmDesertLynch,Edwards,Harris,andSuafoaLeagueofAmericanWomen,PSBranch&Covert,LLPCountyTreasurerResidentialServicesRestaurantSanDiego
and Alvin Siwak Barbara and William Tumelty Odessa Vermee Jean Viereck Mrs. Marjorie Victor Roz YvonneWatkinsand William Weischedel JoAnn Wellner Ron & Kay Williams Rita DavidWoodZippel and Michael Johnson $500 - $999 Richard Bacon, Jr. Marion Champion Leslie and Lilo Cooper Phyllis Slater and James Craig Maria JoanMeredithDiazDillonandRichard Egan Sande and Ed Fineman Kathleen Flora Clayton France Patricia and Larry Hatfield Carole and Ron Johnson Dr. Alexander McKay Huitzitzilin Montalvo Juan J. Moreno-Ibarra Jessica NationalMoronezLeague of American Pen Women, PS Branch BarbaraPepsiCo Platt Victor and Charlotte Rios Adele Mr.Dr.FrederickWendyRuxtonSandersSangiorgioAlexaSawaandMrs.Michael Travis Victoria and Charles Trenkle John Vierra Ted SherryWeilland Dennis White Corporations Ace AguaPrintingCaliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Bank of America and Covington Capital ChiriacoManagementSummitTravel Center CV Strategies
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A bequest is one of the most popular and flexible gifts to make. With the help of an advisor, you can include language in your will or trust specifying a gift be made to family, friends and COD as part of your estate plan.
• You transfer cash or property to the institution managing the annuity.
• Satisfy your required minimum distribution (RMD) for the year.
| CAROL AND ED DEAN COD LEGACY LEADER AND FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER
• Please contact us if you wish for your gift to be used for a specific purpose.
• You also receive the satisfaction of knowing that you will be helping to further our mission of supporting student success.
“We want to make sure that we have a plan to care for the people and causes that matter most to us while we are alive and after we pass.”
You may be tired of living at the mercy of the fluctuating stock and real estate markets. A charitable gift annuity is a gift made to the COD Foundation that can provide you with a secure source of fixed payments for life.
• Reduce your taxable income, even if you do not itemize deductions.
• You lessen the burden of taxes on your family.
Legacy Giving: Your Contribution, Our Future
“It’s always a pleasure to give a Legacy Gift to COD during one’s lifetime. I and my late husband have always felt a special sense of pleasure knowing a Legacy Gift will support COD Students immediately with the things they are most in need of – and during our lifetime. It doesn’t get much better than that”.
Legacy gifts provide future support for College of the Desert and significantly alter students’ lives using charitable strategies. Contributions by will, trust, other forms of written designation, life-income arrangements and endowment gifts all represent generous forms of legacy giving. These gifts represent powerful and meaningful ways for individuals to create a philanthropic legacy for their community and the organizations they care about. We encourage you to take advantage of the many tax benefits of making a planned gift.
2021-2022 College of the Desert Annual Report 11
• Help further the work and mission of the COD Foundation. How an IRA Charitable Rollover gift works:
• The benefit to you is a charitable tax deduction and income for your lifetime.
How a Charitable Gift Annuity Works:
A bequest can be made in several ways:
• You can gift a percentage of your estate.
• Receive fixed payments to you or another annuitant you designate for life.
• Receive a charitable income tax deduction for the charitable gift portion of the annuity.
• Contact your IRA plan administrator to make a gift from your IRA to us.
Benefits include:
• You will receive a charitable income tax deduction for the gift portion of the annuity.
• Avoid taxes on transfers of up to $100,000 from your IRA to the COD Foundation.
• Your IRA funds will be directly transferred to the COD Foundation to help continue our important work.
| PEGGY CRAVENS LEGACY COMMITTEE CHAIR AND FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER
The COD Foundation welcomes its newest Legacy Leaders Bill Haines and Ed Oehler. To learn more, please visit www.codlegacy.org or contact Gailya Brown with the COD Foundation 760.773.2651 or at gbrown@collegeofthedesert.edu.
Charitable Gift Annuity
The Benefits of Making Bequests
• You can make a beneficiary designation of certain assets.
• Benefit from payments that may be partially tax-free.
If you decide to fund your gift annuity with cash, a significant portion of the annuity payment will be tax-free. You may also make a gift of appreciated securities to fund a gift annuity and avoid a portion of the capital gains tax.
IRA Charitable Rollover
If you are 70½ or older, an IRA charitable rollover is a way you can help continue our work and also receive a tax benefit this year.
• Please note that IRA charitable rollover gifts do not qualify as a charitable deduction.
• You leave a lasting legacy to be remembered.
• You may receive estate tax savings.
• Further our mission to enhance the quality of education by advancing COD.
• You can gift a specific dollar amount or asset.
• Make a gift that is not subject to the deduction limits on charitable gifts.
• You can make a gift from the balance or residue of your estate.
Ways to Support COD Students
• Become an Academic Angel | Serve as a goodwill ambassador for the Foundation through the Learning to Lead program and State of the College.
• Donate to the Fund for Student Success | Allows the Foundation to deliver the critical resources College of the Desert needs to ensure students achieve their academic goals.
• Sponsor a Scholarship or Program | Create a meaningful memory for a special loved one.
• Donate to the award-winning EDGE/plEDGE Scholarship Program.
The mission of the College of the Desert Foundation is to act as an advocate for the college and to secure financial support, enhancing the educational opportunities for all students. Over 38 years, the COD Foundation has raised more than $100 million to support student services and now manages endowments and other assets of more than $55 million.
Creating Tomorrow for College of the Desert Students
Through your generosity, more students will have the opportunity to attend and have the resources to graduate in a shorter amount time. Here a few ways you can contribute to creating tomorrows for COD students:
Your donations are critical to keeping COD students enrolled and on track to graduate. Each contribution has a profound impact on our talented students and promotes higher education, career advancement and lifelong learning. Through your ongoing support, you are furthering the value COD brings to the Valley. We invite you to continue Creating Tomorrows for COD students. Call the COD Foundation at 760.773.2561 or email Matthew Durkan at mdurkan@collegeofthedesert.edu. 2019 College of the Desert Graduation.
About the COD Foundation
• Join the President’s Circle | Meet with an inner circle of givers while supporting the greatest needs for students and programming through scholarships, childcare, program support and internships.
• Sponsor Signature Events | Your name in our event program sends a message of care.
• Legacy Giving | Legacy gifts secure future support for COD and significantly alter students’ lives using charitable strategies. Consider a contribution by will, trust, other form of written designation, life-income arrangement or endowment gift. These gifts represent powerful and meaningful ways for individuals to create a philanthropic legacy for their community and worthy organizations. We encourage you to take advantage of the many tax benefits of making a planned gift.
• Support the Endowment Fund | Provide educational income to support scholarships, textbooks, classroom technology upgrades, faculty positions, equipment and other programs.
Endowment funds raised by the Foundation provide financial support for scholarships, textbooks, classroom technology upgrades, faculty positions, equipment and other programs. Yet even with the Foundation’s fundraising efforts, combined with the interest from the endowment providing this critical financial support, there still are unmet needs for thousands of students each year. A portion of all restricted endowment donations will be used to further advance efforts on behalf of COD.
