Transformational Giving
Make a transformational impact on Los Angeles community college students through major philanthropic support
Ready for Transformational Impact
Community colleges are the engine of educational equity and economic mobility in California. Los Angeles Pierce College serves thousands of students annually—many from underserved communities—who are pursuing education to transform their lives and strengthen our region's workforce.
Transformational philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott have recognized the extraordinary return on investment that community colleges provide. Through her Yield Giving initiative, Scott has awarded hundreds of millions of dollars to community colleges across America—including $24M to Robeson Community College (NC), $22M to Turtle Mountain College (ND), $17M to both Northern Oklahoma College and Seminole State College, $12M to Bladen Community College (NC), and $11M to Fort Peck Community College (MT).
Notably, in 2021 Scott donated to seven California community colleges: $30 million each to Pasadena City College and Long Beach City College, $25 million to both Chaffey College and Lemoore College, $20 million to Santa Barbara City College, $18 million to College of the Desert, and $7 million to Porterville College—demonstrating her commitment to California's community college system.
These transformational gifts—often unrestricted—allow community colleges to invest in students' greatest needs, from emergency aid and scholarships to program expansion and long-term sustainability.
The Foundation for Pierce College is positioned and ready to receive transformational gifts from major donors, foundations, and philanthropists committed to educational equity, workforce development, and community impact in Los Angeles.
Why Community Colleges Deserve Major Philanthropy
- Community colleges serve 12.4 million students nationwide—representing 41% of all undergraduate students in the U.S.1
- Community colleges disproportionately serve first-generation students, low-income students, and students of color who face the greatest barriers to higher education2
- Cost-effective education: Community college students save $5,000-$20,000 annually and up to $30,000 total compared to 4-year institutions3
- MacKenzie Scott has donated hundreds of millions to community colleges nationwide, including seven California community colleges totaling $155M+ and numerous tribal and public community colleges across the U.S.4
Sources:
- 1 National Student Clearinghouse Research Center (2024). Current Term Enrollment Estimates
- 2 American Association of Community Colleges. Fast Facts 2024
- 3 Research.com (2024). Average Cost of Community College by State
- 4 MacKenzie Scott Yield Giving Database. Complete List of Recipients; Higher Ed Dive (2025). MacKenzie Scott's Recent College Gifts
Major Gift Opportunities
Unrestricted Transformational Gifts ($1M+)
Provide maximum flexibility for the Foundation to respond to student needs, fund innovative programs, and build endowment capacity. Following the model of major philanthropists like MacKenzie Scott, unrestricted gifts allow institutions to invest in highest-priority needs and long-term sustainability.
Impact
Immediate and lasting impact across all programs, with ability to leverage funds for matching grants and strategic initiatives.
Tax Benefits
Full tax deduction for 501(c)(3) donation; can be structured using cash, appreciated securities, real estate, or complex assets to maximize tax efficiency.
Endowed Scholarship Programs ($500K+)
Create a permanent scholarship fund generating annual awards in perpetuity. Major endowments can support cohorts of students, creating transformational educational pathways for underserved populations.
Impact
A $1M endowment generates approximately $40K-50K annually, supporting 20-25 students each year, forever.
Tax Benefits
Immediate charitable deduction; donors can use appreciated stock to avoid capital gains tax while funding scholarships.
Program & Facility Naming Opportunities ($2M+)
Support construction, renovation, or program development with permanent naming recognition. Examples include learning centers, scholarship programs, innovation labs, or academic departments.
Impact
Legacy recognition while funding critical infrastructure and programs serving thousands of students annually.
Tax Benefits
Pledges can be fulfilled over multiple years; gifts of real estate or business interests accepted.
Workforce Development Initiatives ($500K+)
Fund career training programs, industry partnerships, and job placement services addressing critical workforce needs in healthcare, technology, trades, and green energy.
Impact
Direct economic impact: trained graduates fill regional workforce gaps, earn family-sustaining wages, and strengthen Los Angeles economy.
Tax Benefits
Opportunity for corporate partnerships; businesses can combine charitable giving with strategic workforce development.
We Accept All Major Gift Assets
Cash & Securities
Direct donations, appreciated stock, bonds, mutual funds. Avoid capital gains tax while maximizing your charitable deduction.
Real Estate
Residential, commercial, or undeveloped land. Receive fair market value deduction and eliminate capital gains liability.
Retirement Assets (QCD)
IRA charitable rollovers (Qualified Charitable Distributions) for donors 70½+. Reduce taxable income while supporting students.
Business Interests
Closely-held stock, LLC interests, partnership shares. Complex asset donations with significant tax advantages.
Donor-Advised Funds
Grant recommendations from your DAF to The Foundation for Pierce College. Simple and tax-efficient.
Life Insurance
Name The Foundation as beneficiary of a life insurance policy. Cost-effective way to make a major gift.
Tax ID: 95-2586462
The Foundation for Pierce College is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law.
Why Invest in Pierce College?
Los Angeles Pierce College Serves Our Community
As one of the nine colleges in the Los Angeles Community College District, Pierce College serves thousands of students each year in the San Fernando Valley—many of whom are first-generation, low-income students and students of color pursuing workforce training, transfer degrees, and certificate programs that lead to family-sustaining careers.
The Foundation amplifies this impact through scholarships, emergency aid, program support, and partnerships that remove financial barriers to student success.
Strategic Priorities for Major Gifts
Eliminating Financial Barriers
Many students are one emergency expense away from dropping out. Major gifts fund emergency aid, housing support, and wraparound services.
Expanding High-Demand Programs
Healthcare, technology, and skilled trades programs have waitlists. Investment creates capacity to serve more students in high-wage careers.
Building Endowment Strength
Permanent endowment provides sustainable funding for scholarships and programs, ensuring long-term impact independent of economic cycles.
Supporting Equity Initiatives
Targeted programs for underserved populations—including students of color, first-generation students, and re-entry adults—close equity gaps.
Ready to Create Transformational Impact?
We welcome conversations with philanthropists, foundations, and major donors committed to educational equity and community transformation. Our team is prepared to discuss how your transformational gift can create lasting impact for thousands of Los Angeles students.
All inquiries are handled with complete confidentiality and professionalism.
Join Visionary Philanthropists
Transformational donors like MacKenzie Scott, the Gates Foundation, and other major philanthropists have recognized community colleges as one of the highest-impact investments in education and economic mobility. We invite you to join this movement and create lasting change in Los Angeles.
"Community colleges are an incredible investment. They serve students who are most in need, deliver exceptional value, and create pathways to economic opportunity for millions of Americans."
— Philanthropic sector consensus on community college impact