Florence Riford donated the building to the City of San Diego in 1989 and provided endowment funds to support operations. These funds have been largely exhausted to pay for operating expenses. The remaining endowment funds provide about $40,000 toward annual expenses, of which $27,000 can be used only for the shuttle service.

The balance of the $150,000 annual budget is covered by membership and activity fees and by community contributions. The Riford Center receives no regular governmental funding.

With the support of the Kiwanis Club of La Jolla and La Jolla Rotary Club, Nearly 300 members of the community made contributions in 2007 totaling $125,000 to fund operations. A "Rockin' at the Riford" open house will again be hosted in May to welcome the community to the Riford for "fun and fund raising".

In addition to contributions for operating expenses and special capital projects, The Friends of the Riford Center are working to establish a $2 million endowment to provide the ongoing funding necessary to keep the Center viable and vibrant long term. The La Jolla Kiwanis Foundation gave a grant of $25,000 to start the Endowment Fund.

Contributions are fully tax deductible to The Friends of the Riford Center, a California 501(c)(3)charitable corporation (Tax #20-8682354).