Early giving is officially underway for 2026 CV Giving Day, giving donors a full month to make their gifts count and support the local nonprofits that strengthen the Coachella Valley. Presented by California Bank & Trust (CB&T), one of
California’s leading banks, along with the Desert Community Foundation, CV Giving Day will culminate on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, with a 24-hour online giving event that unites the community around impactful charitable causes.
CB&T is proud to partner with the Desert Community Foundation to continue this important regional initiative. Early giving allows supporters to contribute ahead of the main event, helping nonprofits build momentum while still qualifying donations for challenges and prize incentives throughout the giving period.
“Each year, CV Giving Day demonstrates the power of collective generosity across the Coachella Valley,” said CB&T Executive Vice President, Regional President of Coachella Valley Lance Barney. “Early giving provides donors the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on causes they care about, while helping local nonprofits prepare for a strong CV Giving Day in March.”
Since its launch in 2023, CV Giving Day, which is held annually on the first Tuesday of March, has raised more than $2 million for Coachella Valley nonprofits, including over $800,000 in 2025 alone. The event is designed to amplify nonprofit visibility, generate critical funding and foster long-term community engagement.
To further encourage participation, CB&T and the Regional Access Project (RAP)
Foundation have each committed toward the 2026 prize incentive pool.
These funds will be distributed through a variety of challenges during the
early giving and giving day periods, rewarding nonprofits that inspire broad
community support.
“Early giving is where a lot of the momentum for CV Giving Day really begins,” said Desert Community Foundation Executive Director Mary Panesar. “It gives nonprofits time to engage their supporters and build toward March in a meaningful way. While many people experience CV Giving Day as a single day of giving, for us it’s a year-round effort — stewarding resources and working behind the scenes so early generosity leads to lasting impact for local organizations.”
Regional Access Project Foundation CEO Leticia De Lara added, “It’s inspiring to see the generosity that runs through our community. CV Giving Day is about supporting the people and nonprofits doing the hard work on the front lines every single day. We’re proud to partner with California Bank & Trust and the Desert Community Foundation to keep growing this initiative.”
Early giving is open now, and donors are encouraged to participate throughout the month leading up to CV Giving Day. Nonprofits may register through February 24.
And for more information on CV Giving Day 2026, please visit: www.cvgivingday.org
CV Giving Day is one of many ways CB&T supports the communities where it operates. 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
- 9580 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.