Overview

PCF’s COVID-19 Response

We know that Pasadena area non-profits are all being impacted by COVID-19 in many ways. Some of you have been forced to close temporarily. Others have been asked to step up services or innovate how they are delivered. The immediate hardship is only compounded by the uncertainty regarding how long this state of emergency will continue.

In response to this crisis, PCF has launched a COVID-19 Response Fund and has committed $100,000 to provide local relief through nonprofit organizations as they respond to the impact of the virus and serve our most vulnerable populations. We are in communication with civic leaders and gathering information that will help us assess the most impactful and strategic way to deploy funds.

Please know that we fully appreciate the challenges faced by local organizations. In addition to our response fund, our Board will be re-evaluating other granting priorities and programs for 2020.

Pasadena Community Foundation’s grant programs impact our community by providing direct support to the nonprofits that serve our area. Through a competitive grant-making process, PCF identifies and funds worthy projects and programs that advance our mission of addressing “current needs unmet and future needs unforeseen” in greater Pasadena.

Agencies which receive grants from PCF have certain obligations, including grant reporting and grant recognition.

A helpful resource which provides professional services for nonprofits can be found at the end of our nonprofit support overview page.

Capital Grants

Pasadena Community Foundation’s Capital Grant Program has been established to support agency capital needs for significant capital projects or important equipment purchases. Lower priority will be given to requests for capital purchases that should typically be a routine part of your organization’s annual operating budget, such as periodic replacement of office equipment.

To determine if your organization is eligible for a Capital Grant, and/or to apply, read our Capital Grant Guidelines.

Capital Grant Guidelines

Education Grants

PCF’s Education Grants are currently on hiatus. Additional grant cycles in this area will be announced at a future date.

For discretionary grant-making in the area of education, Pasadena Community Foundation is focusing its efforts on increasing student achievement in grades K-12 in the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) among low-income, minority, and English-learner students.

Education Grant Guidelines

Senior Grants

The Pasadena Community Foundation Senior Grants Program focuses on supporting organizations serving the frail elderly (age 65+) in the City of Pasadena with services related to health care needs.

To determine if your organization is eligible for a Senior Grant, and/or to apply, read our Senior Grant Guidelines.

Senior Grant Guidelines

Vista Nova Grants for the Blind and Visually Impaired

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.

Vista Nova Grant Guidelines

Yes, Virginia

The Yes, Virginia Fund was established in 1994 to help address the needs of our community’s children. The fund provides grants to local nonprofit agencies to provide toys, books, gifts and special experiences for the holidays, in an effort to help all children feel valued and supported in their lives. “Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus” means that no child is meant to go without. We are committed to our credo: “Some things have to be believed to be seen.”

Application is by invitation only.

Pasadena Assistance Fund

The Pasadena Assistance Fund seeks to help Pasadena residents “Build Better Lives” through grants to local human services agencies serving Pasadena. Distributions from the fund supplement the community development block grants (CDBG). Through a partnership with the City, the Fund is held and invested by the Pasadena Community Foundation. PCF conducts site visits, and issues checks as directed by the City.

Application is through the City of Pasadena and information can be found on the City’s block grant program.

Giesen Trust

The Rowe and Gayle Giesen Trust encourages the personal and emotional development of children and youth through an experience in the visual arts. The Trust seeks to enable children of all backgrounds in the greater Pasadena area to participate in the creative process.

Application is by invitation only.