Welcome to the 2025 Campaign + Good News!
By Jeanne Howard
First, the news: Two new forms of online payment were added this year: Apple Pay and Google Pay. Electronic bank transfers (e-checks) were added last year, for those who didn’t notice. Logistical reasons prevent adding more forms of payment, but we will add more when possible. For cash and checks, see the FAQ for the address and details.
Welcome and thank you for visiting Santa Cruz Gives during the holiday season! When the selection committee reviewed applications for this year’s fundraiser, we discussed current events and trends in giving that might impact the campaign. Volunteer Center executive director Karen Delaney told us about a poll conducted in 2024 by her organization that revealed differences in generational giving. Some interesting findings are:
Baby boomers tend to be loyal to organizations, whereas Millennials/Gen Z donors are motivated by movements and causes—they want authentic storytelling and engagement opportuntities. Younger donors give online or in person, whereas older donors are more likely to respond to email and snail mail appeals. In general, younger donors prioritize mental health, social justice, and general well-being. Older donors are more likely to prioritize meeting basic needs, particularly in light of this year’s cuts in federal funds.
Santa Cruz Gives increased this year to include 72 local nonprofits that should satisfy donors of all ages and areas of interest. That’s nine more than 2024, when thanks to our community the campaign raised 31% more funds than in 2023. We will continue to accept more applicants in the future when more funds are raised.
Our hope is that you will learn about the great local work being done on the individual profile pages and will support what inspires you. You might even get a bit carried away in donating when you read about the projects, view the videos, and realize how many volunteers and other amazing people power these organizations.
Our sincere thanks to our new matching funds sponsor, Bay Federal Credit Union—a local, member-owned, not-for-profit financial cooperative. And deep gratitude to additional sponsors that provide matching funds and have returned year after year:
Community Foundation Santa Cruz County, Monterey Peninsula Foundation, Driscoll’s, Inc., 1440 Foundation, Applewood Foundation, Joe Collins Foundation, West Coast Community Bank, and Wynn Capital Management.
Additional sponsors give enormous value in time, expertise and promotional support:
Good Times, Press Banner (San Lorenzo Valley) and the Pajaronian (Watsonville), Growing Up in Santa Cruz. Local radio stations pitch in with spots: KSQD, KZSC, KAZU, KPIG and the Stephens Media Group.
Please consider supporting our sponsors and donating at SantaCruzGives.org | November 19 – December 31, 2025
Jeanne Howard founded Santa Cruz Gives on behalf of Good Times, with support from the Volunteer Center of Santa Cruz County and Community Foundation Santa Cruz County.