Donor Impact

Bequest for Animals

"A devoted animal lover, especially to her cat Charlie, Doris’s Trust launched PCF’s Animal Welfare Program in 2021"

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From Roof to Roots

"A gift of real estate becomes a donor advised fund for the whole family "

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Two young boys in pool laughing with goggles on

Mission Changes

"Though dissolved as a private foundation, the grant program of PCHF continues unchanged."

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Trust-Based Donor

"A trust-based donor empowers PCF to use their gift where it’s needed most. "

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A Bequest

When PCF received Doris’ trust it specifically said “Twenty-Five Percent (25%) thereof to support animal charities” in perpetuity. An endowment fund for animals was established.

$900K

A $900K bequest started the Animal Welfare Program to support organizations that serve the needs of both domestic and wildlife animals, as well as wildlife habitat restoration and conservation.

$138K

Since inception her endowment has granted out over $135K for animal welfare and will continue to support the community for generations to come.

A Home

Ten years ago, the Merchants purchased a three-bedroom house on south San Marino avenue as a rental property for Ted’s sister. It was her home for nine years before she moved away earlier this year. “We wondered what to do with it,” Ted notes, “before realizing that if we gave it away to a nonprofit, we could realize a tax break.” With the help of their accountant Tony Gronroos, a managing partner with HKG in Pasadena, the couple reached out to PCF. After the donated house was sold by PCF, a donor advised fund was created. Ted said now “our DAF allows us to get together with our children and discuss philanthropic contributions… It’s a nice way to bring the family together and do collective good together.”

An Evolution

Beginning in 1921 as a preventorium for children with tuberculosis, the Pasadena Dispensary evolved to meet changing needs—caring for children— and, in 1951, becoming the Pasadena Child Health Foundation to advance children’s health and welfare.

$6M

In 2016, after decades of impact, the Pasadena Child Health Foundation became a $6 million endowment fund at the Pasadena Community Foundation, ensuring its children’s health mission continues in perpetuity.

$2M

In almost 10 years since becoming a fund with PCF, PCHF has distributed almost $2 million in grants supporting children’s health in the Greater Pasadena area.

PCF Scholars

PCF Scholars began with a simple act of trust. Generous donors gave to Pasadena Community Foundation without restrictions, confident that PCF would direct their gifts to the community’s most pressing needs. At the time, one need stood out: helping Pasadena Unified School District graduates overcome financial barriers to higher education. From that vision, PCF Scholars was born — an education grant program that provides responsive, impactful support to local students as they take their next steps after high school. Today, the program not only eases the cost of college but also opens doors to mentorship, resources, and a brighter future, all thanks to donors who believed in PCF’s ability to turn generosity into lasting change.

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