Every year, Kern Community Foundation hosts Give Big Kern to help local nonprofit organizations raise money and volunteer hours. This year’s Give Big Kern, May 7, 2024, was the Official Giving Day for Kern County, the City of Bakersfield, and the City of Taft. Donors began donating to their favorite local nonprofit as early as April 7, 2024. Give Big Kern allows the people of Kern County to show support for organizations that improve our region, raising dollars and volunteer hours for local nonprofits through online crowdfunding, matching gifts, and pledges. The collaborative effort helps Kern’s community-based organization raise unrestricted resources at no cost while growing their visibility, capacity, and sustainability.
For the first time ever, Give Big Kern has surpassed $1 million in a single year for local nonprofits. This year’s event was the most successful to date, raising $1,529,018 and an incredible 22,067 pledged hours for 131 local nonprofits.
The funds raised during Give Big Kern will go directly into the operational budgets of participating nonprofits. The participating organizations range from arts and culture to social services and environmental conservation. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of those who are most in need. Mark your calendars for next year’s Give Big Kern on May 6, 2025.
Kern Community Foundation Paid Fellow – Clerical Support
Location: Kern Community Foundation – Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN), Bakersfield, CA
Position Type: Paid Fellowship – Part-Time 20 hours a week
Duration: January 2026 – October 2026
Overview:
Kern Alliance of Nonprofits (KAN), under the authority of Kern Community Foundation, is seeking a motivated and detail-oriented individual to join our team as a Fellow in the Clerical Support department. This internship provides an excellent opportunity for entry-level candidates to gain valuable hands-on experience in a professional office environment.
Eligibility:
This position is part of the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program, a youth employment initiative that provides meaningful work experience and skill development opportunities for young individuals. Participation in this position is limited to individuals who meet the program’s eligibility criteria.
To be eligible for this program, applicants must:
Be at least 18 years of age by January 1, 2026;
Have graduated high school or received their General Educational Development (G.E.D.);
Be no older than 30 years of age by December 31, 2026;
Be available to work no less than 20 hours per week; and
Have a Social Security Number (SSN).
Responsibilities:
Communication: Assist in handling phone calls, emails, and other forms of communication as directed.
Documentation: Prepare, review, and organize various documents as needed.
Graphic and Design Support: Collaborate with the marketing team to assist in the creation of visually appealing graphics and design elements for presentations, reports, and other collateral.
Membership Management: Take a lead role in managing membership databases, ensuring accurate records, and overseeing the collection of dues.
Recruitment of Non-Profit Organizations: Actively participate in the recruitment of new non-profit organizations, providing information about membership benefits and facilitating the onboarding process.
Collateral Development: Contribute to the development of promotional materials, brochures, and other collateral to support marketing and outreach initiatives.
Social Media Assistance: Support the social media team in creating and scheduling posts, generating content ideas, and maintaining a consistent online presence across various platforms.
Support Team Activities: Collaborate with team members to ensure the integration of graphic and design elements into day-to-day tasks and projects.
Data Entry: Accurately input information into databases and spreadsheets.
Filing and Organization: Maintain organized filing systems for easy retrieval of documents.
Office Supplies Management: Monitor and replenish office supplies as necessary.
General Administrative Tasks: Perform various administrative tasks to support the overall functioning of the office.
Qualifications:
Currently enrolled in a relevant degree program or recently graduated.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Communication Skills, both written and verbal.
Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Basic understanding of graphic design principles and familiarity with design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva).
Possess a basic understanding of grant writing and fundraising efforts, including identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals.
Social media awareness and familiarity with major platforms.
Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
Ability to manage membership databases and coordinate recruitment efforts.
Ability to multitask and prioritize responsibilities.
Benefits:
Pay Range: $25.00 an hour.
Gain practical experience in a professional office setting.
Learn and develop essential clerical, administrative, and design skills.
Exposure to social media management and marketing strategies.
Networking opportunities within the organization.
Potential for a positive reference upon successful completion of the internship
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit the following:
Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program Kern Community Foundation Fellow Position 2026 Application Packet
Resume
A brief cover letter
To the Bakersfield Youth Jobs Human Resource Department
jobs@kernfoundation.org by Friday, November 21, 2025, at 11:59:59 PM.
Please include “KCF Fellow – Clerical Support” in the subject line.
Kern Community Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF), a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF) has released of the 2025 Status of Women and Girls in Kern County Report. This report was prepared in pursuit of the Fund’s purpose to “Transform the Lives of Women and Girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of Women working together.”
The 2025 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Kern County was commissioned by The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Vision Committee and Grants Allocation Committee and prepared by the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. A complete report and executive summary are made available as a gift to the community in celebration of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund 20th Anniversary, honoring and recognizing the Founders and Advocate Donors. In recognition of National Mentoring Day on October 27, this milestone also honors all women in the community and the mentoring programs that build connection, leadership, and empowerment every day.
The 2025 Report on the Status of Women and Girls in Kern County was commissioned by The Women’s and Girls’ Fund Vision Committee and Grants Allocation Committee and prepared by the Center for the Advancement of Women at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. A complete report and executive summary are made available as a gift to the community in celebration of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund 20th Anniversary, honoring and recognizing the Founders and Advocate Donors. In recognition of National Mentoring Day on October 27, this milestone also honors all women in the community and the mentoring programs that build connection, leadership, and empowerment every day.
The data included in the report, generated from the 2023 American Community Survey and other relevant reports, provide a portrait of the wellbeing and standing of women and girls in Kern County using a variety of economic and social indicators. The 2025 report examines the status of women and girls across the county in terms of economic wellbeing, home and family, health and safety, and educational attainment. The report highlights both progress and persistent disparities.
Good data should lead to complex questions, reflection, and potential new actions. The goal of this report is to help inform the important work of The Women’s and Girls’ Fund as it sets priorities and makes other data-driven decisions that will continue to improve the status of women and girls in the County and the state. The Fund hopes the findings inspire advocates to drive positive change for the more than 450,000 women and girls who call Kern County home. The report may also help local policymakers make informed decisions and direct resources to support women and girls in the years to come.
Key Takeaways
Demographic Shifts – Women and girls make up nearly half (49%) of Kern County’s population, with Latinas comprising the majority (57%). The county’s female population is younger than the state average, with a median age of 33.
Educational Gains but Persistent Gaps – Educational attainment has improved: 21% of Kern women now hold a bachelor’s degree or higher (up from 16% in 2018). However, only 42% of high school girls graduate meeting UC/CSU requirements, compared to 58% statewide. English learners have high graduation rates (84%) but low college readiness (20%).
Economic Progress with Continued Inequality – Median earnings for full-time working women rose 23% since 2018 to $44,700. Still, women earn only 83 cents for every dollar earned by men, with wider gaps for African American/Black and Latina women. One in three families headed by single women remains in poverty despite overall reductions.
Home and Family Pressures – Nearly half of renters spend over one-third of their income on housing. Marriage rates have declined, and 41% of new mothers in 2023 were unmarried. While homelessness has decreased slightly to 2,606 individuals, nearly one-third remain chronically unhoused.
Health and Safety Challenges – Kern women report mixed health outcomes: high rates of chronic illness and Valley Fever (14 times the state average), but lower breast cancer incidence paired with higher mortality for African American/Black women. Mental health concerns are acute—nearly 20% of women reported a serious psychological episode, and half of adolescent girls experienced chronic sadness. Domestic violence calls have decreased, but incidents involving weapons have surged from 36% to 76% since 2021.
Together, these findings highlight progress in education and earnings but also ongoing racial, economic, and health disparities that demand sustained, targeted action to improve the well-being of women and girls in Kern County.
Next Steps
The report will inform future initiatives aimed at improving the lives for women and girls throughout Kern County. The Women’s and Girls’ Fund is currently accepting Letters of Intent (LOIs) for its 2026 – 2027 grant cycle. Organizations interested in applying should have a 501(c)(3) nonprofit designation or a fiscal sponsor. All organizations seeking funds must have a presence in Kern County, benefit women and/or girls in Kern County, and meet Kern Community Foundation’s eligibility guidelines. The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for funding by the hard deadline of 5 p.m. Nov. 14, 2025. To apply, please visit WGF grantmaking page.
Launched in 2005, The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF) is a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF). We work to transform the lives of women and girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of women working together. In particular, we educate to build awareness of needs unmet by current strategies, endow a permanent fund whose annual yield supports programs benefiting women and girls, and empower women and girls to be philanthropists and advocates for positive social change. The Fund has awarded 123 grants totaling $913,233. This year’s $100,000 grant cycle marks a significant milestone in the Fund’s history.
About Kern Community Foundation
Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a powerfully simple mission: “Growing Community. Growing Philanthropy.” For 25 years, the Foundation has been in business to serve as a charitable resource for local donors and corporations, and to generate capital that provides philanthropic solutions to help make Kern County a better place to live, work, and visit. Since its establishment in 1999, we have been home to almost 200 charitable funds. We have awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about Kern Community Foundation visit kernfoundation.org.
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF) is a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF). We work to transform the lives of women and girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of women working together. In particular, we educate to build awareness of needs unmet by current strategies, endow a permanent fund whose annual yield supports programs benefiting women and girls, and empower women and girls to be philanthropists and advocates for positive social change.
The application process begins with the submission of a Letter of Intent (LOI) to apply for funding by 5 p.m. Nov. 14.
We encourage applicants to do the following:
First, learn about The Women’s and Girls’ Fund by visiting the WGF page on Kern Community Foundation’s website, kernfoundation.org/WGF.
Review The Women’s and Girls’ Fund’s Grantmaking Policy, which outlines qualifying criteria and our focus for 2026-2030 Grants: Education + Daily‑Life Knowledge.
Grantees who received WGF grants in the Spring of 2025 may not apply for WGF 2026 funding. Any previous awardees of WGF or other grants from the Foundation that have outstanding follow-up reports must complete those reports before they can apply for WGF funding.
Agencies must also comply with Kern Community Foundation’s grantmaking guidelines, which include:
Being registered with Kern Community Foundation through the same Online Grants Platform that can be accessed via the hyperlink above; and
Having a Silver or higher transparency rating on GuideStar.org, the world’s largest database on nonprofits.
About The Women’s and Girls’ Fund
The Women’s and Girls’ Fund (WGF) is a leadership initiative of Kern Community Foundation (KCF). We work to transform the lives of women and girls in Kern County by mobilizing the power and passion of women working together. In particular, we educate to build awareness of needs unmet by current strategies, endow a permanent fund whose annual yield supports programs benefiting women and girls, and empower women and girls to be philanthropists and advocates for positive social change.
About Kern Community Foundation
Kern Community Foundation is a vibrant nonprofit enterprise with a simple mission: “Growing Community. Growing Philanthropy.” For 25 years, the Foundation has been in business to serve as a charitable resource for local donors and corporations and to generate capital that provides philanthropic solutions to help make Kern County a better place to live, work, and visit. Since its establishment in 1999, we have been home to almost 200 charitable funds. We have awarded close to $30 million in grants and scholarships. For more information about Kern Community Foundation, visit kernfoundation.org.
Good things are worth the wait! The 2025 Give Big Kern Report to the Community is here.
We faced a small delay (including a hiccup with our Watch Party photos), but the report is now ready. This report demonstrates how Kern County looks out for one another by investing time, resources, and energy into strengthening our community.
The funds raised during Give Big Kern will go directly into the operational budgets of participating nonprofits. The participating organizations range from arts and culture to social services and environmental conservation. Every donation makes a difference in the lives of those who are most in need. Mark your calendars for next year’s Give Big Kern on May 5, 2026.
Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program (BYJP) Annual Report outlines our impact over the past year, highlighting intern and fellow achievements, key milestones, and community partnerships. It overviews our progress in workforce development, career training, and mentorship.
The Kern Alliance of Nonprofit’s (KAN) 3rd Annual KAN Leadership Awards is scheduled for Wednesday, June 4th, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Woman’s Club of Bakersfield, 2030 18th St. The purpose of the Nonprofit Leadership Awards is to recognize distinguished Kern County residents who have made significant contributions to the nonprofit sector in the region.
Nonprofit Professional of the Year (24-25) – It takes passion, drive and intellect to craft true transformation for people served by the non-profit community. This award honors the leader who has best used those tools to make a dramatic impact in the lives of their non-profit clients and, through service, improved the communities of Kern County.
Board Member of the Year – This honor goes to the non-profit board member whose commitment, engagement and stewardship has helped shape growth, improvement, and accountability at a Kern County Non-Profit. By providing financial support, oversight, guidance, and encouragement this leader has helped staff and the non-profit exceed its plans and expectations.
Rising Star Award – Non-profit staff and young leaders are on the frontlines of our efforts to impact community problems, overcome social barriers to success and improve people’s lives. This award honors an emerging star in the nonprofit world who made a powerful impact this year and who we are excited to see grow and develop in the coming years.
Lifetime Achievement Award – This category is designed to honor the legends of Kern County’s non-profit community. Their decades of commitment and effort have built a lasting legacy for the organizations they serve, created a foundation of structure and knowledge all nonprofits can benefit from, and served as the measure of attainment that new generations should aspire to.
Unsung Hero – These quiet champions transform services from routine to exceptional because they get things done, serve with heart and don’t waste time asking for recognition. They’re an example of how to truly excel and an inspiration for those around them. This award exists to create a space where these humble leaders get the recognition they deserve.
Youth Award (High School) – The next generation of non-profit leaders and innovators are already giving of their time and individual passion as they work toward their high school graduation. This award will recognize one of these young people for the work they do on behalf of causes they care for.
Nonprofit Contributor/Partner – Non-Profits don’t succeed without the support of community supporters who give of themselves and their resources to empower the transformative work our organizations do each day. This awards a community contributor and partner who has a heart for making sure nonprofits have what they need to succeed.
Happy hot summer to you all. July allows the Foundation to slow down a bit and review our year so far, celebrate our wins, and look for opportunities to improve. We’re still working—Bakersfield Youth Jobs Program has hired dozens of new paid interns and fellows, we’re meeting with scholarship winners to prepare them for freshman year, and we’re starting to plan festivities to celebrate our 25th year.
June gave us a chance to celebrate. Kern Alliance of Nonprofits hosted the 2nd Annual Leadership Awards lunch to recognize work in the nonprofit sector. Spoiler alert, our own Rashha Rohina earned the Rising Star Award. Beautiful Bakersfield selected Fatima “Teems” Tulfo as Young Professional of the Year, and KCF sponsored Large Nonprofit of the Year (congrats to Bakersfield Angels). Rashha and Teems, both outstanding in their field, are quite humble. We’re privileged to work with them, and I enjoy having a front row seat to their positive impact on Kern County.
Please (CLICK HERE) to learn more about these and many other Foundation activities. Stay cool!
Links for Life, is seeking a Development Manager who will build strong community relationships with local businesses, organizations, and volunteers to build support for Links for Life. The position requires strong initiative and independent judgment. In addition, the Development Manager is responsible for assisting in all aspects of financial support for Links for Life programs and services. This position assists the Executive Director with the annual budget and is responsible for developing a comprehensive plan for raising support during the year. Responsibilities include developing project budgets, event coordination, and assisting in identifying high donor prospects. This position assists the Patient Advocate with training volunteers on a year-round basis. Education • B.A./B.S. preferred with an emphasis or concentration in nonprofit management, business, marketing, public relations or related field. • Two to five years of professional development and fund-raising experience. • Experience and contacts in Kern County are a plus. Please submit resume and letter of interest to jobs@PASassociates.com. Post-offer background check will be conducted. 35 hours/week Pay Range – $65,000 – $69,000 per year EOE Click Here for Full Description
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