PCF Grantmaking

We partner with local nonprofits to address community needs through strategic grantmaking. Our generous donors ensure that our funding continues to assist nonprofit organizations that create lasting change throughout Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.

Explore Grant Programs

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Home Programs Grantmaking

Overview

Supporting Local Nonprofits

PCF’s diverse grant programs reflect our deep commitment to strengthening the Greater Pasadena area. Through both competitive and invitation-only grants, we support local nonprofits across a wide range of Impact Areas, including Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Education, Senior Care, Food Security, and more. These programs help us fulfill our mission to address today’s unmet needs and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.

View 2024 Grantees List

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Community Investment

Powered by Generosity

Our donors don’t just write checks— they help write the next chapter of our community’s story. Whether it’s helping a student reach college, supporting a local food pantry, or preserving our treasured foothills, their generosity fuels our grantmaking and scholarship programs, creating lasting change right here at home.

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Explore Our Grant Programs

PCF oversees 11 community grant programs, each addressing unique challenges and opportunities throughout the Pasadena area.

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Animal Welfare Grants

Funding programs that improve the protection and health of wildlife and domestic animals, as well as natural habitat areas.

Arts & Culture Grants

Supporting arts education, cultural institutions, and arts programming that enriches the Pasadena-area creative landscape.

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Capital Grants

Providing funding for facility improvements, equipment purchases, and other capital needs that strengthen the nonprofit operations.

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Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Grants

Assisting our community with relief support and longer-term recovery efforts following the January 2025 Eaton Fire.

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Education Grants

Enhancing learning opportunities for students of all ages through innovative programs and resources.

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Food Security Grants

Supporting organizations that fight hunger and ensure reliable access to nutritious food for local families.

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Rowe & Gayle Giesen Trust Grants

Amplifying arts education opportunities for youth.

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Pasadena Child Health Foundation Grants

Investing in programs that improve child health outcomes and health disparities.

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Senior Grants

Funding programs that help older adults age well and enjoy a vital quality of life.

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Vista Nova Grants

Providing resources for individuals who are visually impaired or blind.

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Yes Virginia Grants

Bringing the magic of the holiday season to children in underserved neighborhoods.

Through the generosity of our donors and the dedication of local nonprofits, our grantmaking drives real change.

$2.5 million

Total 2024 grantmaking in the Greater Pasadena area

100

Local nonprofits that received 2024 PCF grant funding

150

Housing units created since 2019 with support from PCF’s Affordable Housing Initiative Grants.

$900K +

Awarded in Arts & Culture Grants since program launch in 2023

1,500

Annual holiday experiences for children through the Yes Virginia Grant Program

Spotlights on PCF Grantee Organizations

STEAMcoders

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Outward Bound Adventures

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College Access Plan

Rose Bowl Aquatics Center

First Place for Youth

Frequently Asked Questions

How often does PCF award grants?

PCF awards grants through annual competitive grant cycles or by invitation-only. Please note our policy that eligible organizations may typically receive only ONE grant per calendar year from our main competitive programs (Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Capital, Education, Senior, or Vista Nova). Visit PCF’s Grants Calendar for more details.

What organizations are eligible to apply?

To be eligible, your organization must:

Be located in or provide significant services within the Pasadena Unified School District boundaries (Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre).
Be a tax-exempt organization under Section 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) or (2)(b) (Private Foundations under 509(a) are not eligible).
Generally have at least two years of operational history with a record of effective service (fiscally sponsored programs may have different requirements).
Have completed all previous PCF grants; organizations with an open or non-compliant grant are ineligible.
Adhere to our Non-Discrimination Policy.

What types of grants does PCF offer?

Through our main competitive grantmaking process, we offer grants focused on specific program areas. The programs included in our “One Grant Per Year” policy are Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Capital, Education, Senior Care, and Vista Nova (for the blind and visually impaired). We also have additional specialized grants available by invitation only. Please visit each grant page for specific details.

How does my organization apply for a grant?

Grant applications must be submitted through our Online Application System. Links to the system are made available during open grant cycles via each specific grant page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Featured Grantee Stories

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A theater cast in full costume and makeup and moody light line the stage in rows looking intensely at the camera.

2024 Arts & Culture Grants Announced

Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) is proud to announce the nonprofit recipients for its 2024 Arts & Culture Grant Program. The 16 selected nonprofits represent both emerging and established organizations, and the grants, totaling $302,000, provide flexible support in addressing ongoing challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. See complete list of 2024 Arts & Culture grantees below. […]

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If you hike, bike, or re-create in the San Gabriel Mountains, you have undoubtedly seen Altadena Mountain Rescue Team (AMRT) at work. They are true superheroes in our local foothills. Established in 1951, AMRT is one of the oldest search and rescue teams in the United States. It is one of eight rescue teams in […]

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