Kern Medical Center Foundation

What Kern Medical Center Foundation does

Kern Medical Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation headquartered at 900 Truxtun Avenue, Suite #330, Bakersfield, California, established to raise private funds and coordinate volunteers in support of Kern Medical's patient care, medical education, and community health programs. The foundation serves the Kern County and Southern San Joaquin Valley region, channeling individual donations, corporate sponsorships, event revenue, alumni membership dues ($250/year), and grants toward equipment, facilities, research, and community education. Its core offerings include the Kern Medical Auxiliary volunteer program (50 years of service, ~$3 million raised cumulatively), the Valley Fever Institute support, the Mujeres en Medicina initiative for Latina students pursuing healthcare careers, the Health Career Pathways Program, the Beyond the White Coat resident engagement program, and the Kern Medical Alumni Society. The foundation also runs a recurring calendar of fundraising events including the 18th Annual Outlawz Car Club Toy Drive & Car Show, the Valley Fever Walk, Spartan Race participation, and Valentine's Day and Boo! Grams staff fundraisers.

The foundation operates with a lean team of three staff members (Executive Director, Senior Director, Grants Manager) and a board of directors composed of Kern Medical leadership and community members such as the County of Kern District 4 Supervisor. Its underlying technology is a standard nonprofit stack: Square.site for online donations and merchandise sales, Volgistics for volunteer hour tracking, UltiPro for applications, and Microsoft Forms for event registration. There are no proprietary technology products; the foundation's "product" is organized fundraising, volunteer deployment, and community education programming rather than a software platform. Revenue mechanics are diversified across donation streams (individual donors, corporate sponsors, recurring membership, small grants), event-based fees and registrations, and gift shop/auxiliary sales, with tax-deductible contributions permissible under 501(c)(3) status.

The foundation is structurally and operationally dependent on Kern Medical, the region's only Level II Trauma Center between Los Angeles and Fresno, which has served the community since 1867. Kern Medical trains 130+ residents and fellows annually and accounts for nearly 50% of local physicians' training history, providing the foundation with a deeply embedded brand, talent network, and community legitimacy. The foundation supports clinical programs including a 28-bed Level II NICU, high-risk pregnancy clinic, pediatric services, oncology/infusion therapy, Neuro ICU, Epilepsy Center, and community education programs (Safe Home Safe Baby, Stay in the Game, Chronic Disease Management, Stop the Bleed). Customer segments are primarily community donors, volunteers, grantors (e.g., First 5 Kern), and event sponsors (e.g., Motor City Lexus, Motor City GMC, Cal Truck), with the ultimate beneficiaries being Kern County patients and aspiring healthcare professionals.

Name

Kern Medical Center Foundation

Legal name

Kern Medical Foundation

Website

https://www.kernmedicalfoundation.com

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Kern Medical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Bakersfield, California that raises private funds and coordinates volunteers to support Kern Medical's patient care, medical education, and community health programs across Kern County and the Southern San Joaquin Valley.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Healthcare Foundation

NAICS

Grantmaking Foundations (813211), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212)

SIC

Services-Health Services (8000)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Foundations (BPAGAKAA)

akta.pro secondary industry

Health & Medical Research Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAL)

Keywords

• Healthcare fundraising
• Hospital foundation
• Community health programs
• Medical volunteer services
• Charitable donations

Headquarters

HQ city

Bakersfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: The foundation raises private support for patient services, facilities, equipment, and research efforts through direct donations. Donations are tax-deductible under 501(c)(3) status.
2. Alumni Society Membership: Annual membership donation of $250.00 that supports resident and medical student education at Kern Medical.
3. Event-based Fundraising: Revenue generated from events including Valentine's Day grams (550+ sold in 2025), Boo! Grams, Spartan Race registrations, and toy drive donations.
4. Event Registration Fees: Spartan Race participation minimum $50 donation for race code (normally $160+ value). Car show vendor and sponsorship registrations generate additional revenue.
5. Gift Shop and Vendor Sales: The Kern Medical Auxiliary operates a Gift Shop and Snack Bar, raising thousands of dollars annually. Revenue also comes from baby photo sales and vendor sales.
6. Product Sales - Kern Medical Loteria: Sale of Kern Medical Loteria game cards for community health education and fundraising purposes.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Kern Medical Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation that raises private funds and coordinates volunteers to support Kern Medical's patient services, facilities, medical equipment, research, and community health programs. The foundation runs community-based volunteer programs, student outreach initiatives like Mujeres en Medicina, alumni engagement, and event-driven fundraising campaigns. Contributions support medical education, healthcare career pathways, and regional health initiatives including the Valley Fever Institute.

Product overview

Kern Medical Center Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation that supports Kern Medical, a regional healthcare system in Bakersfield, California, established in 1867. The foundation operates a portfolio of community health programs and fundraising initiatives. Core programs include volunteer services (Kern Medical Auxiliary with 50 years of history), the Mujeres en Medicina initiative (founded 2018) supporting Latina students in healthcare careers, Health Career Pathways, Beyond the White Coat for resident/fellow community engagement, and Kern Medical Alumni Society. The foundation also manages Valley Fever awareness and research through the Valley Fever Institute, organizes community events including the annual Valley Fever Walk, Outlawz Car Club Toy Drive & Car Show, and various fundraising campaigns (Valentine's Day grams, Boo! Grams). Medical services supported include NICU, high-risk pregnancy care, pediatrics, oncology/cancer care, neuroscience/Neuro ICU, Level II Trauma Center, Epilepsy Center, and community education programs (Safe Home Safe Baby, Stay in the Game, Chronic Disease Management, Stop the Bleed). The foundation also operates an online donation platform via Square. Donations fund patient services, facilities, equipment, and research efforts.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Kern Medical Auxiliary Volunteer Program A 50-year-old volunteer hospitality program where volunteers ranging from teenagers to retirees donate thousands of hours annually assisting patients, visitors, and staff at Kern Medical. Volunteers operate the Gift Shop and Snack Bar, with proceeds funding state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Pet Therapy Program Volunteer service bringing certified therapy pets to interact with patients in hospital settings. Pet owners must complete obedience school and obtain Pet Therapy Certification from TDI or Pet Partners.
• Junior Volunteer Summer Program Summer program for students aged 15-17 providing healthcare career exploration opportunities. Participants must complete interview, application, health screening, and volunteer at least 100 hours.
• Post-Graduate Healthcare Careers Scholarship Biennial scholarship offering up to $2,000 for MCAT study materials including textbooks, online courses, practice exams, and registration fees. Open to current Kern Medical volunteers who are pre-health students committed to serving underserved communities in Kern County.
• Mujeres en Medicina Program founded in 2018 by Kern Medical Foundation to inspire and guide Kern County students, especially young Latina women, toward healthcare careers. Led by Hispanic women at Kern Medical including nurses, physicians, medical students, pharmacists, and healthcare professionals.
• Health Career Pathways Program Program expansion from Mujeres en Medicina providing low-income, minority students with resources for academic and career success through positive relationships with healthcare leaders. Focuses on Educate, Encourage, and Engage.
• Kern Medical Loteria Culturally adapted Lotería game redesigned by Mujeres en Medicina to share important health information with Spanish-speaking and first/second-generation families. Covers preventive care, nutrition, chronic disease awareness, and local health resources.
• Beyond the White Coat Initiative designed to help Kern Medical residents and fellows connect with the community they serve through building meaningful relationships, discovering local opportunities, and exploring Bakersfield and Kern County resources.
• Kern Medical Alumni Society Membership organization with annual membership donation of $250 keeping graduates of Kern Medical's Residency programs and Faculty connected, providing event invitations, news updates, and supporting Resident and Medical Student Education.
• Online Donation Platform Online donation system powered by Square.site enabling donors to contribute to the foundation's various programs and initiatives, purchase merchandise, and register for events.
• Valley Fever Institute Research and clinical care institute at Kern Medical leading efforts to improve Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis) outcomes through innovative research, expert clinical care, and widespread education. Hosts Valley Fever Walk, Patient Appreciation Events, and the Coccidioidomycosis Symposium for healthcare providers.
• Outlawz Car Club Toy Drive & Car Show Annual toy drive event benefiting Kern Medical Pediatrics. Now in its 18th year, providing toys, books, donations, custom hot-rod strollers, and fuel/food gift cards to pediatric patients and families, with a Car Show component.
• Safe Home, Safe Baby Program Safe Sleeping Program to decrease Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs) in Kern County. Provides cribs for families without means, education on proper safe sleeping practices, and received $30,000 from First 5 Kern to expand county-wide.
• Stay in the Game Program Comprehensive program for student athlete safety including physicals, physicians on sidelines, and education for coaches and parents. Has identified dangerous conditions such as heart murmurs in student athletes.
• Chronic Disease Management Classes Educational classes helping patients manage chronic conditions such as diabetes, congestive heart failure (CHF), and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• Stop the Bleed Community education program training and equipping individuals to help in bleeding emergencies before healthcare professionals arrive.

Quantifiable outcome

• Close to $3 million donated in 50 years for state-of-the-art medical equipment
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments7 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration4 records

Partnerships

Seven partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.

• Motor City LexusminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Presenting sponsor of the 18th Annual Outlawz Car Club Toy Drive & Car Show event benefiting Kern Medical Pediatrics.
• Motor City GMCminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Presenting sponsor of the 18th Annual Outlawz Car Club Toy Drive & Car Show event benefiting Kern Medical Pediatrics.
• Cal TruckminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2025Presenting sponsor of the 18th Annual Outlawz Car Club Toy Drive & Car Show event benefiting Kern Medical Pediatrics.
• Outlawz Car ClubcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2006The Outlawz Car Club has partnered with Kern Medical Foundation for 18 years, hosting an annual toy drive for hospitalized children. The club has raised thousands of toys and funds, including custom hot-rod strollers for the pediatric playroom and fuel/food gift cards for families.
• Valley Fever Institute at Kern MedicalcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Valley Fever Institute at Kern Medical is a key program partner for Valley Fever Awareness Month activities, patient appreciation events, research, and education initiatives. The foundation co-hosts events and raises funds specifically for the institute.
• County of Kern and Public HealthcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with County of Kern and Public Health to address Sudden Unexpected Infant Deaths (SUIDs) through the Safe Home, Safe Baby Safe Sleeping Program, developed after the Child Death Review panel reported alarming results.
• UCLAcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerKern Medical has a UCLA-affiliated OB-GYN residency program, one of the oldest in the United States, training highly skilled obstetricians and gynecologists for over five decades.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• Sharp HealthCare Foundation: Sharp HealthCare Foundation supports an integrated nonprofit health system through charitable giving, events, and community programs. Its overlap with Kern Medical Foundation lies in linking donors to patient care, medical equipment, education, and local health needs at greater scale.
• UCLA Health: UCLA Health is an academic medical center with development and fundraising programs supporting patient care, research, and medical education. It is a broad incumbent comparator because its institutional philanthropy addresses the same core healthcare and training priorities as Kern Medical Foundation.
• UCSF Health: UCSF Health operates an academic medical center and associated fundraising programs for clinical care, research, and education. It is comparable through its hospital-centered, mission-driven funding model, but at substantially greater scale and geographic breadth.
• Stanford Health Care: Stanford Health Care is a major academic medical system with philanthropy supporting patient care, research, facilities, and training. Its development ecosystem and healthcare mission overlap directly with Kern Medical Foundation, while its scale and global reach are much larger.
• Scripps Health Foundation: Scripps Health Foundation is the charitable fundraising arm for Scripps Health's hospitals and community-benefit programs. It shares the hospital-affiliated healthcare philanthropy model, although it operates across a much larger and more diversified system.

Direct peers

• Kaheah Health Foundation: Kaweah Health Foundation is a nonprofit fundraising organization supporting hospital care, medical equipment, and community programs in California's Central Valley. Its regional healthcare-philanthropy model and community focus are directly comparable to Kern Medical Foundation.
• Community Medical Centers Foundation: Community Medical Centers Foundation supports a regional hospital system in Fresno through charitable gifts, events, and healthcare programs. It is a close comparator because it connects local donors with patient care, facilities, equipment, and community-health priorities.
• Salinas Valley Health Foundation: Salinas Valley Health Foundation supports a community medical center through philanthropy, grants, and local fundraising. It is comparable in operating a hospital-backed healthcare foundation that funds equipment, education, and community programs.
• Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health: Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health raises funds and makes grants to support pediatric care, research, and health programs. It is a strong mission-level peer because both organizations translate healthcare philanthropy into equipment, education, research, and patient outcomes.
• Valley Children's Healthcare Foundation: Valley Children's Healthcare Foundation raises charitable support for a regional pediatric health system, including patient programs, research, and community engagement. Its hospital-affiliated fundraising mission and pediatric focus make it a close regional and category peer.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/ValleyFeverInstitute
• Facebookfacebook.com/KernMedicalFoundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/kernmedicalfoundation
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/kern-medical-center-foundation

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Kern Medical Center Foundation