Give Big Kern is an annual county-wide day of giving organized by the Kern Community Foundation since 2016. Each year, local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations come together under one platform to raise funds, recruit volunteers, and spread awareness of their causes. Community members are invited to donate money, pledge volunteer hours, and engage directly with the nonprofits that inspire them.

From incentive challenges—like prizes for the most volunteers recruited or special board member participation contests—to community celebrations, Give Big Kern is more than just a fundraiser. It is a unifying day where Kern County comes together to build a stronger culture of generosity and support for the organizations that make a real difference close to home.

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Give Big Kern fuels the work of nonprofits who serve as the backbone of our community. For the Kern River Conservancy, participation in Give Big Kern is about more than fundraising— it’s about protecting one of California’s most treasured landscapes.

The Wild & Scenic Kern River faces growing challenges: increased tourism, strained federal resources, and urgent environmental needs. With the U.S. Forest Service under prolonged budget and staffing crises, organizations like the Kern River Conservancy are stepping up to fill the void.

Your support through Give Big Kern helps:

• Fund field staff and volunteer patrols to educate visitors
• Supply critical tools like trash bags, gloves, and pickers for cleanups
• Maintain trails and public access points
• Post Leave No Trace signage and host workshops
• Keep our wild places safe and sustainable for generations

Every dollar and every volunteer hour makes a direct impact—protecting the river, reducing visitor impacts, and ensuring the Kern remains a refuge for both people and wildlife.

Event Details

Date: Give Big Kern takes place every May. The 2025 event has passed, but mark your calendars and get ready to join us in 2026!

Location: Online and across Kern County. Donations can be made through the official Give Big Kern platform, and volunteer opportunities will be available with participating nonprofits, including Kern River Conservancy. We will provide the exact donation link closer to the 2026 event!

What to Bring:

• A generous spirit and a desire to give back
• Your donation (big or small—it all matters)
• Time to pledge toward volunteering opportunities
• Friends and family who want to join the movement of generosity

What to Expect:

• A chance to discover and support causes that matter to you
• Opportunities to make both financial and volunteer pledges
• Special challenges, prizes, and community celebrations
• The satisfaction of knowing your contribution helps protect the Kern River and strengthens Kern County nonprofits