PCF has created a new page on our website for all information related to our COVID-19 Response, including donations to the Response Fund, emergency grant guidelines, and how our grants are making an immediate impact. Click here to read more.
Emergency Grantmaking Continues
This week, PCF launched Phase Two of our grant response plan; an invitation-only, application-based grant cycle. Based on the results of our assessment and ongoing conversations with community leaders, we will continue to prioritize serving vulnerable populations with immediate needs, including food insecurity.
For more information on the Phase Two grant cycle, click here.
In the first of the three planned phases, PCF granted $100,000 in emergency funds last week to organizations serving seniors and distributing food and supplies to low-income individuals and families. PCF’s support will help these organizations, all of which are critical to Pasadena’s social safety net, continue to provide effective relief to the vulnerable populations that know and trust them.
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The 2019 PCF Annual Report is out now! Check your mailboxes or click here to read online.
We are proud of the work that PCF, its generous donors, and Pasadena’s dedicated nonprofit community accomplished in 2019. We hope you enjoy reading just a few of the many inspirational stories of philanthropy and service that PCF was honored to be part of last year.
However, just as the 2019 Annual Report went to press, the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic sent Pasadena into isolation to slow the spread of the virus and protect our most vulnerable neighbors. It is clear now that 2020 will be a very different year. Some needs we can predict, but others will emerge as the pandemic response unfolds in the coming months.
PCF is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our community as we navigate both the immediate and long-term impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the people of Pasadena.
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Philanthropy In the News:
The New York Times asked dozens of major philanthropists how they are approaching their giving in response to the COVID-19 crisis. Read the full article here.
“Let someone else do the vetting”
“Community foundations have established funds that are acting as clearinghouses to distribute donations to charities that have been vetted and are poised to have the biggest impact.” The PCF COVID-19 Response Fund is doing just this in Pasadena, and has been able to mobilize quickly to distribute a first phase of emergency grants and launch its second responsive grant cycle.
“Double down on your regular charities.”
“Money is rushing into coronavirus-related charities, but most other nonprofit groups are lacking in funds, too.” If you can give, now is the time. Very few nonprofit organizations have large operating reserves to see them through these tough months. PCF has focused its giving on organizations providing immediate food, supplies, and emergency intervention services, but many local nonprofits focused on the arts, education, the environment, and other social services need gifts to replace lost fundraising revenue.
“Be open to bending the rules.”
“Long-term goals do not change, but adaptability is important.” In order to further extend its grantmaking capacity at this critical time, the Foundation has also released restrictions on $200,000 in existing grants to allow the recipient organizations to use current grant funds for their most urgent needs.
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“Safer at Home…” with Plenty of Time to Complete the Census!
This past Wednesday April 1st was Census Day, a key reference date for the 2020 Census (not a deadline though!). When you respond, you’ll tell the Census Bureau where you live as of April 1, 2020, and include everyone who usually lives and sleeps in your home.
Now, more than ever, your community needs you. And you can make a BIG difference without leaving the house. Just visit my2020census.gov and complete your census form.
Based on data from the last census count, Pasadena received more than $400 million in federal funding to support schools (including children’s free and reduced-cost breakfast and lunch programs), transportation, housing, and health care programs.
It only takes a few minutes for you and everyone in your household to be counted. Complete your 2020 Census questionnaire online right now at my2020census.gov, or call toll-free: (844) 330-2020 for English, (844) 468-2020 for Spanish, and (844) 391-2020 for Chinese. For more information on how PCF is supporting local Census outreach efforts, click here.