cv giving day
added april 22, 2026
CV Giving Day is the Coachella Valley's annual 24-hour coordinated day of philanthropy — one day, nine cities, held every year on the first Tuesday of March. Now in its fourth year, the 2026 edition crossed $1 million raised in a single day for the first time in the event's history, with 1,797 donations from 1,395 donors supporting 149 participating nonprofits. Founded by Desert Community Foundation and California Bank & Trust, with impact partners including the RAP Foundation / NPO Centric and the Auen Foundation, the model is deliberately simple: 100% of donor contributions go directly to participating nonprofits, and 100% of contributions from CB&T and impact partners fund prize pools awarded to those same nonprofits. DCF underwrites all operating costs. For the newly arrived philanthropist who wants to make a focused local gift without a donor-advised fund or a six-figure commitment, this is the moment of the year when the valley makes giving easy.
CV Giving Day is an initiative of Desert Community Foundation — DCF is the founding sponsor and, with California Bank & Trust, continues to underwrite the event's operating costs so that 100% of donor contributions reach nonprofits directly. AI Coachella Valley (AICV) is DCF's first fiscal sponsorship; this entry is authored by SunshineFM's founder, who also leads AICV.
questions
When is CV Giving Day?
CV Giving Day is held annually on the first Tuesday of March. The 2026 edition was Tuesday, March 3. Early giving typically opens in early February, and a kick-off event happens in late January.
How big is CV Giving Day?
In 2026, the event raised $1,008,700 across 1,797 donations from 1,395 donors supporting 149 participating nonprofits — the first time the event has crossed the million-dollar mark in a single day. Across four years of operation (2023 through 2026), CV Giving Day has raised more than $3 million collectively for Coachella Valley nonprofits.
Where does the money actually go?
100% of donations go to the participating nonprofit of the donor's choice, less credit card processing fees (which donors can elect to cover so that 100% reaches the nonprofit). 100% of contributions from California Bank & Trust and the event's impact partners fund prize pools awarded to participating nonprofits during the event. The event's operating costs — platform, outreach, logistics — are underwritten entirely by Desert Community Foundation. Donors can verify this through DCF's 501(c)(3) status, annual report, independent audit, and board oversight.
How do I participate?
As a donor, visit cvgivingday.org during the 24-hour event window (or the early giving period that opens in February) and search for the nonprofit you want to support. As a nonprofit, registration opens in early November of the prior year; contact [email protected]. As an impact partner or sponsor, partnerships are published on desertfoundation.org and DCF handles the onboarding directly.
Who are the impact partners behind CV Giving Day?
CV Giving Day is hosted by Desert Community Foundation and California Bank & Trust, with impact partners including the RAP Foundation / NPO Centric and the Auen Foundation. The partner group expands modestly each year as more valley institutions commit to underwriting the event.
“One day, one platform, every credible nonprofit in the valley — the most efficient moment of the year to make a focused local gift.”
— SunshineFM Guide