Vista Nova Grants

Please note that the 2024 Vista Nova Grants are by invitation only.

About this Grant Program — The Vista Nova Grant Program is funded by the Vista Nova Renaissance Endowment. The Endowment’s mission is to support organizations that offer programs and services to blind or visually impaired individuals living in the greater Pasadena area and eastern portion of L.A. County.

Deadline for Applications — The 2024 application period is now closed.

Online application system — Start your application with PCF’s online application system.

Grant Cycle — This is an annual grant opportunity. Agencies that receive a grant are eligible to apply the next year. Organizations are not required to step out a year if awarded.

Grant Amount — Vista Nova Grants are limited to a range of $5,000 to $10,000.

Target Demographic — Pasadena Community Foundation is committed to addressing the needs of people who are blind or visually impaired by supporting organizations that offer programs and services to such individuals living in the greater Pasadena area and eastern portion of L.A. County. Specifically, the program’s mission is to assist people whose eyesight cannot be improved with corrective glasses or medical procedures. Organization applicants may tailor grant narratives to address specific age ranges (for example, 0 to 18 years, or 55 years and up) and/or specific minority populations.

Target Needs — Vista Nova Grants will provide funding to organizations assisting individuals in the target population:

to perform activities of daily living
to access information that supports independent living
to use assistive technologies effectively
to use transportation options with confidence, and
to engage in educational and social activities

Measurable Outcomes — We pursue this goal by funding organizations with a track record of working with blind and visually impaired people, can demonstrate measurable outcomes, and that have:

the ability to identify and outreach to the blind and visually impaired population
the ability to provide program impact metrics to show service recipient goals have been met
the capacity to sustain, enhance, or expand services

Funding is not available on a retroactive or reimbursement basis.

Eligibility Requirements:

Grants may be made only to tax-exempt organizations under Section 501(c)3 or 170(c)(1) or (2)(b) of the Internal Revenue code. None shall be made to Private Foundations under Section 509 (1) of the Code.
An organization must have been in existence for at least two years (based on the date of IRS determination letter) and have achieved a record of effective service and sustainability.
All previous grants have to be completed. A grantee with an “open grant” will be ineligible for new funding. Grantees who have not complied with previous grant deadlines and reporting or submission of receipts may not be eligible for new grant consideration.
Organizations seeking funding from the Pasadena Community Foundation may only receive ONE grant per calendar year, not per cycle. For 2024 grant cycles, organizations may only receive ONE of the following: Animal Welfare or Capital or Senior or Vista Nova Grants. The Capital Grant application will open in June 2024.

NONDISCRIMINATION POLICY:

The Pasadena Community Foundation does not make grants from its discretionary funds to organizations that discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, age, color, gender identity, marital or parental status, military service, national origin, physical or mental ability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or religion.

The Foundation Will Not Make vista nova Grants For or To:

Direct aid to individuals
Influencing legislation or elections.
Sectarian religious organizations or churches. PCF will, however, consider requests from sectarian religious organizations for support of community social service oriented activities sponsored by such organizations, provided that such activities meet all other eligibility requirements.
Agencies not engaged in the actual performance of direct services to individuals consistent with Pasadena Community Foundation purposes.
Building improvements on leased property. PCF typically will not invest in building improvements to property not owned by the non-profit applicant organization. Some exceptions may be made at the discretion of the board to property owned by the city or school districts or other public entity or for an exceptionally long term lease arrangement.

Grant Report Deadlines and Compliance — Strict reporting requirements must be followed in order to qualify for future grants. Details will be attached to your successful grant application in PCF’s online grant system.

Agencies are also required to meet PCF’s Grant Recognition Guidelines.