FAQ

For Nonprofits Applying to the 2025 Campaign

Where do I submit my application? The application / request for proposals can be found here.

Who can apply to participate?

Nonprofits with current 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor, and a project that benefits Santa Cruz County.

What’s the application deadline?

September 1, 2025

What’s the timeline?

August: Applications open
September 1: Application deadline
September 20: Nonprofits notified of their application status
October (TBD): Orientation
November 8: Challenge Grant deadline
November 19 – December 31: Campaign live
February: Checks distributed to nonprofits

How are nonprofits selected?

Selections are based on:

Community impact
Diversity of focus areas
Geographic representation
Size and type of organization
Strong project idea and outreach potential
Not all qualifying organizations can be accepted each year.

How can I make my application stand out?

1. Lead with a compelling “Big Idea” or Clear Impact
Your project or mission should be clearly defined and emotionally resonant. Think about what makes your work urgent, hopeful, or uniquely impactful right now.

2. Focus on clarity and specificity
Avoid jargon. Be direct and concrete about what your organization does, who it serves, and what the funds will support. If applying for general program support, make sure your impact still feels clear and focused.

3. Make it community-centered
Santa Cruz Gives is built on collective generosity. Applications that show broad community benefit or highlight underserved populations tend to resonate more with donors.

4. Show capacity for outreach
We look for nonprofits willing to share their campaign, engage with supporters, and amplify their message. Social media presence, email lists, community partnerships, and/or board support all help (and are critical for your success if you are accepted!).

5. Demonstrate donor appeal
Applications that are warm, visually appealing, and story-driven tend to perform better. If selected, your submission becomes the basis for your public profile, so aim for something that will move or motivate a donor.

6.For returning participants: Secure at least one Challenge Grant
Organizations with at least one $500+ Challenge Grant tend to launch stronger and raise more. While you don’t need a Challenge Grant to apply, if you participated in the past, securing at least one was part of the expectations for continued participation.

Will there be training or support for participating nonprofits?

Yes! All selected nonprofits are invited to an orientation in OCtober (date TBD), where leaders from Santa Cruz Gives, the Volunteer Center, and the Community Foundation will share strategies for campaign success. You’ll also hear directly from nonprofits who have run standout campaigns in past years—they’ll offer practical tips and lessons learned. In addition to orientation, the Volunteer Center will host a series of optional trainings and live Q&As throughout the fall to help you make the most of Santa Cruz Gives. Topics include donor outreach, social media strategy, peer-to-peer fundraising, and more.

For Donors

What is Santa Cruz Gives?

Santa Cruz Gives is a year-end giving campaign that makes it easy to support local nonprofits in one place. You can give to multiple organizations in a single transaction, track their progress in real time, and amplify your impact through matching funds and challenge grants.

Why donate through Santa Cruz Gives?

Your dollars stay local and strengthen our community.
You can give to multiple nonprofits in one easy transaction.
Your gift may be boosted by matching funds.
Every organization is vetted by a review committee.
No donations go toward salaries or overhead at Santa Cruz Gives.
Minimum donation is just $5

When does the campaign run?

November 19 through December 31, 2025

How do I donate?

Donate online at SantaCruzGives.org using a credit card or e-check.
Mail a check made payable to “Santa Cruz Gives” with a note listing the nonprofit(s), your name, email, and phone number.
Drop off cash at the Volunteer Center office during posted hours.
We also accept stock donations, donor-advised funds, and retirement distributions. Email engagement@scvolunteercenter.org for more information.

Where do I mail checks?

Santa Cruz Gives
c/o The Volunteer Center
1740 17th Ave., Santa Cruz, CA 95062

Can I donate in someone’s honor or anonymously?

Yes! You can donate in honor or memory of someone and choose to remain anonymous if desired.

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes. You’ll receive a tax receipt via email for online gifts or by mail for check and stock donations. All donations are processed through the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County (Tax ID: 94-1702678).

Why does my credit card statement say “Volunteer Center”?

The Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County is the fiscal sponsor and handles all donation processing for Santa Cruz Gives.

How can I track donations to my favorite nonprofit?

Use the Leaderboard at SantaCruzGives.org or visit the nonprofit’s profile page to see real-time updates.

What is a Challenge Grant?

A Challenge Grant is a donation of $500 or more made before the campaign launch to help a nonprofit start strong. It appears as a thermometer on the nonprofit’s profile and encourages additional donations.

What are Matching Funds?

Matching funds come from campaign sponsors and are distributed proportionally based on the total donations raised by each nonprofit.

Can anyone give to the matching fund?

Yes. You can contribute to the general matching pool during checkout.

Who can make a Challenge Grant?

Anyone! Individuals, businesses, families, foundations, and donor-advised funds are all welcome. Challenge Grants must be at least $500 and received by noon on November 8, 2025.

How do I give a Challenge Grant?

Donate by credit card or e-check via the online form (link provided during orientation).
Mail or drop off a check.
Be sure to include the nonprofit name and how you want your name displayed (individual, anonymous, business, etc.). Notify us at engagement@scvolunteercenter.org once the gift is committed.

Can we pool donations into one Challenge Grant?

Yes. Donations may be bundled into a single $500+ grant and credited to a donor group such as “Board of XYZ” or “Friends of ABC.” Funds must be submitted as one payment.

Are Challenge Grants subject to any fees?

The only cost is the standard credit card processing fee, if applicable.

Will donors receive receipts?

Yes. Tax receipts are sent by the Volunteer Center. If the grant is bundled, the receipt is sent to the person who submitted the funds. Nonprofits are encouraged to send their own personal thank-yous.

What are the $1,000 awards?

Most Donors
Project of the Year
Most Improved Campaign

STILL HAVE QUESTIONS?

Email us at info@SantaCruzGives.org.
Call (831) 427-5070 x123