Give Big Kern
2022 Individual Philanthropist of the Year
"In the 30 years that (The Contreras Foundation) has contributed to scholarships for Bakersfield College students, you have touched the lives of hundreds of students. Helping eliminate financial barriers and making a college education accessible changes the trajectory of a person’s life, providing them with options and opportunities. The Contreras Family has most certainly done that!"
Cheryl M. Scott, Executive Director
Not your typical non-profit organization.
We are a 400+ person strong, seventh generation, Kern County family who has awarded scholarships to Kern County college-bound high school seniors for over 30 years.
Along with awarding scholarships, the Contreras Foundation has participated in the Adopt-A-Highway program which involved volunteers and our high school Youth group. Our Youth group also hosts a number of events for children throughout the year.
In addition to these scholarships, we recently pledged $40,000 to the Bakersfield College Foundation to annually award three $1,000 scholarships. We are very proud of the efforts that we have made to try to help others within our community and make Kern County a better place.
How we do it.
Our not-for-profit 501(c) organization, The Contreras Family Foundation, is a 100% volunteer organization. Therefore, aside from the nominal outside expenses for events and corporation financial, legal and tax needs, all your donated money goes directly to students.
We raise money from individuals and corporations who participate or sponsor our events, such as the annual golf tournament, New Year’s Eve dance, etc., and/or through direct donations.
If you are looking to give to a local community based organization which is part of the fabric of the community, one that is a 100% volunteer run organization where your gift can be put directly to work in helping local students continue their college dreams, then look no further than The Contreras Family Foundation.
Who we are.
The Contreras family began in 1889 in Kern County, with the wedding of Carmen “Nani” Araujo and Vicente “Cito” Contreras. That single union has grown to a family of more than 400 people spanning seven generations.
What we do.
For over 40 years, the focus has been on giving back to local communities within Kern County through service to others and raising money to provide college scholarships.
Our philanthropic activities, led by our youth group, include:
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Winter clothing drive
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“Restock The Pantry” benefitting the Mission at Kern
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Highway cleanup
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Safe Halloween trick-or-treat event
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Veterans Day Parade
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We raise money to award college scholarships:
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Donations from individuals and corporations
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Annual fundraising events such as:
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Golf, Cornhole and Horseshoe Tournament
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New Year’s Eve Dance
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Valentine's Day Dinner
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Due to Covid-19 we have not held any events in 2020 and we hope to do so in the future.
Thank you Kern County for your continued support!
