WELCOME TO SANTA CRUZ GIVES: NOV. 16 THROUGH DEC. 31, 2022

By Jeanne Howard

Welcome to the 2022 Santa Cruz Gives holiday fundraising campaign. During the past two years of uncertainty, many doubted that donations to nonprofits would be strong, and now many say uncertainty is the way of the future. Uncertainty creates fear, and fear creates certain predictable behaviors.

But we all know that Santa Cruz County residents rarely follow behavior predicted for the rest of the country! Right on through the uncertain times of 2020 and 2021, locals stepped up to support our community by percentages far above the national average for growth in fundraising, and last year total donations to Santa Cruz Gives reached $1,100,069, crossing the $1 million line for the first time.

This year's slate of projects, presented by 63 participating nonprofits, is the most diverse yet, with work that the selection committee finds both relevant and forward-thinking. We are moved by the thoughtful ideas and work that motivates these organizations to serve, often in difficult circumstances, often with predominantly volunteer labor, and rarely with enough financial resources. We hope you will be, too.

We're also grateful to our sponsors, who provide matching funds for the nonprofits. Please support the businesses and nonprofits whenever possible. They give back! Individual donors may also add to the matching funds on the shopping cart page, to be shared among all of the organizations.

Big thanks to Good Times, Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County, Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Applewood Foundation, Joe Collins, Driscoll’s, Inc., Santa Cruz County Bank, Wynn Capital Management, The Pajaronian, and Press Banner.