California Bank & Trust (CB&T), a leading bank in California, has announced that the 2026 CV Giving Day raised $1,008,700 for Coachella Valley nonprofits during this year’s month-long early giving period and 24-hour online giving event held on March 3.
A total of 1,395 donors contributed 1,797 donations to 149 participating nonprofit organizations, demonstrating the power of collective generosity across the region. Since its launch in 2023, CV Giving Day has raised more than $3 million for local causes dedicated to strengthening education, youth development, housing, health care, animal welfare, arts and culture and other critical community needs.
“CV Giving Day continues to showcase the extraordinary generosity of the Coachella Valley,” said CB&T Executive Vice President, Regional President of Coachella Valley Lance Barney. “The funds raised this year will have a meaningful and lasting impact, empowering local nonprofits to continue serving our community with strength and compassion every day.”
Two notable highlights from this year’s CV Giving Day include About Families, a nonprofit that raised $5,765 to help parents, promote child development, and strengthen family relationships throughout Coachella Valley. Friends of the Desert Mountains, another key participant, collected $5,679 to support activities such as purchasing land for conservation, providing educational programs and preserving the desert’s natural and cultural history. These examples illustrate how CV Giving Day supports a variety of causes, making a significant difference for both families and the environment in the community.
"CV Giving Day proved once again that our community stands strong behind local nonprofits," said Regional Access Project Foundation CEO Leticia De Lara. "Our contribution to the prize pool was designed to inspire greater participation, and it's wonderful to see those resources now fueling the vital work happening across the Coachella Valley."
Nonprofits engaged in hourly challenges and prize categories during CV Giving Day, resulting in sixteen organizations winning $5,000 each and ten others receiving $1,000 by random drawing. These incentives encouraged participation and expanded the event’s impact across Coachella Valley.
“CV Giving Day is about more than one day of generosity — it’s about building long-term sustainability for our local nonprofits,” said Executive Director of Desert Community Foundation Mary Panesar. “The enthusiasm and support from donors, sponsors and community partners this year exceeded expectations.”
CV Giving Day remains one of the region’s most impactful annual fundraising events and continues to grow each year, strengthening nonprofit capacity and deepening community engagement across the Coachella Valley.
To learn more about CB&T, visit: calbanktrust.com. In addition, connect with CB&T on Facebook, X, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About California Bank & Trust (CB&T): Headquartered in San Diego, California Bank & Trust has been helping California families and businesses thrive for over 70 years. With local decision-making backed by regional strength, CB&T’s knowledgeable bankers provide personalized solutions that go beyond what traditional banks offer.
CB&T now operates five branches in the Coachella Valley:
• 73000 Highway 111, Palm Desert
• 42035 Washington Street, Palm Desert
• 39580 Washington Street, Palm Desert
• 82900 Avenue 42 Suite C, Indio
• 80250 Highway 111, Suite 101C, Indio
CB&T has earned consistent recognition, including being voted for:
• ‘Best Bank’ by San Diego Union-Tribune readers for 15 consecutive years
• ‘Best Commercial Bank’ for 12 years running
• ‘Best Bank’ in The Orange County Register and Sacramento Bee readership polls
CB&T is a division of Zions Bancorporation, N.A. (NASDAQ: ZION) and has been recognized for its excellence in Middle-Market and Small Business banking by Coalition Greenwich Best Bank Awards.
About Desert Community Foundation
Desert Community Foundation is a public charity organization that has been serving the communities of the Coachella Valley since 1999. DCF works to address the core concerns and needs of the region including access to higher education, youth development, housing, health care, animal welfare, and the arts and culture—which are critical to our quality of life. DCF manages multiple charitable funds and stewards more than $115 million in assets. Through its partnerships with local donors, nonprofits, and community members, DCF is dedicated to the promise of creating a strong and prosperous future for the region. Learn more at desertfoundation.org.
Media Contact:
Sarah Bilyeu
California Bank & Trust
sarah.bilyeu@calbt.com
(619) 252-9111