Animal Welfare Grants

We are committed to supporting nonprofits in the Greater Pasadena area that strive for a compassionate and caring community for all animals. To achieve this goal, we fund organizations and programs that serve the needs of both domestic animals and wildlife, as well as the conservation of natural habitats.

Larynx animal at night
Two women with a chihuahua

Overview

About Animal Welfare Grants

Our Animal Welfare Grants support local nonprofits dedicated to the humane treatment, rescue, and care of both domestic and wildlife animals. These grants help fund programs that promote animal adoption, veterinary care, wildlife rehabilitation, shelter improvements, and educational initiatives that foster responsible stewardship of animals and their habitats.

Young girl training a pitbull

Our Focus Areas

Image of a fox like animal
01 |

Companion and Domestic Animal Welfare

Helping pets stay with their families, providing shelter and rehoming for homeless animals, and promoting humane sheltering practices.

02 |

Wildlife Protection and Habitat Conservation

Protecting local wildlife, enhancing biodiversity, and preserving or restoring natural habitats through sustainable conservation strategies.

03 |

Spay/Neuter and Population Control

Supporting clinics and initiatives that reduce the overpopulation of domestic animals through accessible spay/neuter services.

04 |

Geographically Targeted Animal Services

Prioritizing organizations that serve the Pasadena Unified School District area and adjacent natural habitats, ensuring local impact.

05 |

Capacity Building for Animal Welfare Organizations

Offering both programmatic and capital support to strengthen the infrastructure and sustainability of nonprofits dedicated to animal welfare.

Funding Priority

Companion Animal Funding

During odd years (e.g. 2025), PCF prioritizes funding for programs that:

  • Help vulnerable households keep their pets
  • Provide shelter and care for homeless animals with a goal of permanent adoption
  • Support spay/neuter clinics
  • Promote socially conscious shelters that assess each animal’s needs individually
Vet looking at a kitten

Funding Priority

Wild Animal Welfare & Habitat Conservation

During even years (e.g. 2026), PCF prioritizes funding for programs that:

  • Establish conservation corridors to support wildlife movement
  • Facilitate the live release and relocation of threatened species
  • Protect biodiversity and endangered species
  • Develop sustainable conservation initiatives and prevent habitat destruction
Close up photo of a butterfly on a flower

Application Details

Status: Closed

PCF funds companion and domestic animal programs in odd years (e.g., 2025, 2027) and wildlife and habitat conservation programs in even years (e.g., 2026, 2028).

Deadline: TBD
Grant Decisions: TBD
Grant Amounts: Awards range from $5,000 to $20,000.

PCF Annual Grant Calendar

To be eligible for funding, organizations 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.
  • Receive only one PCF grant per calendar year (e.g., Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Capital, Education, Senior or Vista Nova). Visit PCF’s Grants Calendar for more details.
  • Adhere to the Non-Discrimination Policy outlined below.

Pasadena Community Foundation does not make grants from discretionary funds to organizations that discriminate based on:

  • Actual or perceived rage, age, color
  • Gender identity, marital or parental status
  • Military service, national origin
  • Physical or mental ability
  • Political affiliation, sexual orientation, or religion

The following are not eligible for funding:

  • Individuals or households
  • Private schools
  • Organizations with open or non-compliant PCF grants
  • Activities intended to influence legislation or elections
  • Individual public schools or their support groups (e.g., PTA/PTO, booster clubs); PCF supports PUSD schools only through the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF)
  • Sectarian religious organizations or churches for religious purposes (community service programs may be considered if open to all and meet other criteria)
  • Agencies not directly performing services aligned with PCF’s mission (no regranting)
  • Building improvements on leased property (exceptions may be made for public entities or long-term leases at the board’s discretion)
  • Reporting requirements must be met to remain eligible for future PCF grants.
  • Agencies must also comply with PCF’s Grand Recognition Guidelines (see below).
  • Specific reporting deadlines and formats will be provided upon grant award.

Recognizing your grant helps honor the donors who make PCF’s work possible and encourages future community support. PCF actively promotes its grants and supports grantees in doing the same.

Grantee Responsibilities:

  • Acknowledge the grant in newsletters, press releases, and other communications.
  • Required Language: “This project was funded [or funded in part] by a grant from the Pasadena Community Foundation.”
  • Naming Convention: Use “Pasadena Community Foundation” on first reference; “PCF” may be used thereafter
  • Logo Usage: Use the approved PCF logo with written acknowledgement
  • Shared Coverage: Send copies of any media or press coverage mentioning the PCF grant to the Foundation: media@pasadenacf.org.

Communication & Resources:
Acknowledgement Letters: Mail to the program manager or email to Grants@Pasadenacf.Org

Foundation Description: Founded in 1953, the Pasadena Community Foundation promotes local philanthropy, with a mission to inspire generosity and engage the resources of our community for present needs unfulfilled and future needs unforeseen. The Foundation helps donors maximize the impact of their charitable contributions – strengthening the community, preserving cultural resources, and assisting those in need.

Application Details

Owl perched on hand

Owl perched on hand

Owl perched on hand

Owl perched on hand

Owl perched on hand

Owl perched on hand

Owl perched on hand

Invest in Our Work

Animal Welfare Grantmaking

Help us expand our impact! Your donation ensures more animals receive care and shelter and protects our wildlife spaces.

Three men kneeling with a husky