Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Grants

In response to the devastation caused by the Eaton Fire, PCF has realigned many of our 2025 grantmaking programs to meet the moment with compassion and purpose. This pivot reflects our deep commitment to community resilience—and to standing beside those who are rebuilding their lives.

A burned out building following the Eaton Fire in Altadena CA
A large sign reads HEAL following the Eaton Fire in Altadena CA

Overview

About the Program

We are proud to support local nonprofit organizations in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre that are providing hands-on care, resources, and relief to residents most affected by the fire.

This year, we’re offering flexible, responsive funding to local nonprofit organizations that are delivering critical relief and recovery services to impacted residents in Altadena, Pasadena, and Sierra Madre. We are prioritizing programs that not only bring immediate help, but also strengthen the long-term resilience of affected individuals and families.

Our Focus Areas

Three people stand together holding a check
01 |

Direct relief, basic needs, and emergency supplies

02 |

Housing recovery & rental assistance

03 |

Case management

04 |

Mental healthcare

05 |

Family support and childcare

Funding Priorities

Applicant organizations must be located in, or provide significant services within, the boundaries of the Pasadena Unified School District, which includes Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre.

PCF will prioritize programs that demonstrate the following:

  • Responsiveness to urgent needs
  • Timely and effective service delivery
  • Strong program implementation
  • Demonstrated impact
  • Organizational sustainability
  • Accountability and evaluation
An animal control officer wearning a Pasadena Humane uniform holds a kitten rescued from the Eaton Fire

Application Details

Now Open
Interested nonprofits must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) through our Online Application System. Organizations whose programs align closely with funding priorities will be invited to submit a full application.

Deadline for 2025: 12/15/2025

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).

Adhere to the Non-Discrimination Policy outlined below.

PCF does not make grants from discretionary funds to organizations that discriminate based on:

  • 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 following are not eligible for funding:

  • Individuals or Households
  • Private schools
  • 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

Invest in Our Work

Eaton Fire Fund

Our community’s needs will be ongoing for months into years. Help us expand our fire relief impact with a donation.

Two men work together to unload a box from a car