Every child in the Greater Pasadena area deserves the chance to grow up healthy. That belief drives the work of the Pasadena Child Health Foundation (PCHF), a fund of Pasadena Community Foundation, and it’s reflected in this year’s grantmaking. PCHF has awarded $315,000 in grants to 14 local nonprofits working to improve the health and well-being of children in the Pasadena Unified School District area. These organizations deliver programs that span early childhood development, family support, mental wellness, and access to preventative care.
“The organizations we’re funding this year are doing the kind of work that changes a child’s trajectory,” said Jeannine Bogaard, VP of Community Impact, Pasadena Community Foundation. “Whether it’s mental health support, sports, or family stability, these programs give them a real foundation to thrive. We’re proud to invest in them.”
2026 PCHF Grant Recipients
Why This Work Matters
Children’s health doesn’t exist in a vacuum. It’s shaped by where a family lives, what resources they can access, and whether the programs serving them have the stability to show up consistently. PCHF funds organizations that understand this. Grants go to nonprofits that address root causes, not just symptoms.
Across Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre, these 14 organizations are meeting children and families where they are, delivering programs that span mental health, family stability, physical wellness, conflict resolution, and preventative care. For some grantees, this cycle includes multi-year funding. One example is Rose Bowl Aquatics Center which has been serving our community for over 35 years, reaching more than 28,000 youth with a program that goes beyond water safety to build confidence, resilience, and connection.
“Water safety is life-saving work, and it takes consistent investment to reach the children who need it most,” said Melanie Sauer, Executive Director, Rose Bowl Aquatics Center. Multi-year support from PCHF means we can build on our innovative and inclusive program model, expand access to aquatics, and strengthen future generations for years to come. On behalf of the children whose lives will be transformed across our community, we’re deeply grateful for this partnership.”
Every child in this community deserves a fair shot at good health. That’s what PCHF’s grantees work toward every day. Learn more about them, and consider donating to help carry this work forward.
We believe strong communities thrive when philanthropy tackles real needs. To create lasting impact in Greater Pasadena, we focus on six key areas that that drive opportunity, build resilience, and improve well-being.
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