Community Impact

PCF has funded the Pasadena Senior Center, a keystone organization in the community, since 1973, with 37 grants totaling more than $250,000. The support has been both consistent and broad, responsively targeting program and capital needs. In 1994, the Cornelia L. Eaton Endowment for Assistance to the Elderly was established at PCF by a generous donor, adding another layer of aid for organizations like the PSC. The Eaton Endowment, along with the Bill & Betsy Rawn Endowment Fund, combine to fund PCF’s current Senior Grants Program. After a task force recently examined the current challenges for seniors in the Pasadena area, it was clear that the greatest need was to provide security for the mentally, physically, or economically frail elderly. Thanks to the vision and passion of our endowment builders, PCF will continue targeted support for Seniors in the greater Pasadena area.

Education has always been a priority area of interest for PCF. Recently, we joined forces with three other agencies to implement a highly successful three-year pilot program providing grants to support K-12 student achievement among low-income, minority, and English-learner students by targeting activities outside of the school day, such as summer and after school programs. One of the grantees, the Pasadena Educational Foundation, used funds to expand and enhance critical “Introduction to Kindergarten” and “Introduction to First Grade” summer classes which help students reinforce the skills they need to thrive.

PCF’s Capital Grants Program is extremely popular, because it provides funds for essential “nuts-and-bolts” items that other grant programs often exclude. PCF has helped agencies with important day-to-day practical necessities like phone systems, cars and trucks, roofs, air conditionings, database software and more. These items may seem mundane and are the kind of thing most of us take for granted, but in fact they’re often key elements that dramatically impact the ability of local nonprofits to provide the best possible services to our community. The popular theater company A Noise Within applied for and received a 2015 grant to cover the cost of several “racetracks,” giant power strips equipped with multiple outlets which are mounted high above the stage in the fly gallery. This funding not only allows A Noise Within to increase power efficiency and improve safety on their catwalks, it has a positive effect on their artistic product, since now they can design a variety of lighting options for their shows.

Pasadena Community Foundation funds many charitable organizations that help families and their children with critical services. A group of Pasadena friends wanted to be able to provide something beyond the basics of shelter, food and clothing — they wanted to bring an extra special spirit to the holiday season. The Yes, Virginia Fund was established in 1994 to provide toys, books, and joyful festive experiences to children in need. Over the years, the Fund has provided more than $270,000 to organizations helping children feel valued and supported in their lives. A committee actively fundraises to provide grants each holiday season, continuing to extend the reach and the impact of the Yes, Virginia Fund.