The Kern River Valley Community Fund, a regional initiative of Kern Community Foundation, is a permanently endowed fund established by members and residents of the Kern River Valley community to keep local capital local and working for the benefit of our community, thereby building social, economic and environmental prosperity. The Fund is overseen by a broad and inclusive representation of community members who recommend how to use the funds to benefit the Kern River Valley.

Our Purpose

The specific purpose of our Fund is to receive philanthropic contributions and to distribute grants for charitable purposes that provide solutions to make the Kern River Valley a better place to live, to work and to visit.

Our Mission

The Kern River Valley Community Fund strives to keep local philanthropic capital local, building a permanent pool of charitable funds, working effectively in responding to Kern River Valley needs and opportunities.

Kern River Valley residents will transfer some $3 billion between generations by 2060. Our long-term goal is to inspire people to contribute at least 5% of this wealth to permanent endowments, including Kern River Valley Community Fund.

The Matching Gift that Gave Us a Kick Start!

Thanks to a generous matching gift from an anonymous resident of the Kern River Valley, donor contributions up to $100,000 were matched, dollar for dollar, allowing the Fund to reach its $200,000 endowment goal much quicker than would have been possible otherwise. At the end of 2017, the KRV Community Endowed Fund exceeded $220,000, and interest from the Fund could begin to be used for grantmaking each year, leaving the principal intact for future generations in perpetuity.

The Kern River Valley Community Fund is managed through the Kern Community Foundation for the sole benefit of the residents of the Kern River Valley. When you donate to the Fund you receive an immediate tax deduction for your contributions as allowed by law and, for appreciated assets, avoid long-term capital gains tax.

How to Contribute

• Check: Payable to Kern Community Foundation (Tax ID# 77-0555874), and designated for the Kern River Valley Community Fund.
• Credit Card: Payable online here. Be sure to specify Kern River Valley Community Fund under “I would like to support.”
• Other Assets: Payable with other assets such as stock, private equity, retirement accounts, life insurance, and real estate by contacting Kern Community Foundation’s Donor Services at 661.616.2617.