Community & Economic Development Grants

Community & Economic Development Grants is sponsored by Pasadena Community Foundation. The Pasadena Community Foundation directs funding to affordable housing development, disaster relief, workforce training for individuals, and public libraries to foster a healthy and thriving community.

Pasadena Community Foundation | Capital Grants PCF’s Capital Grant Program helps build the physical and financial infrastructure that allows nonprofits to thrive long-term. In supporting major investments—like constructing a new facility, renovating existing space, or purchasing essential equipment— these grants can help transform an organization’s capacity and sustainability.

PCF Grantmaking Support for Nonprofits Our Capital Grant Program supports qualified organizations with their significant capital projects, facility improvements, or important equipment purchases. Nonprofits currently engaged in a Capital Campaign are eligible to apply for support.

01 | Support for Tangible, Long-Term Capital Needs Provides funding for significant capital projects or equipment purchases with a life of at least 3–5 years and directly supports mission delivery. 02 | Capacity Building and Infrastructure Improvement Helps organizations enhance their operational capacity, quality of service, and long-term sustainability through facility upgrades or essential equipment.

03 | Encouragement of Local Economic Support Promotes the use of Pasadena-area vendors for capital projects, reinforcing local economic development. 04 | Transformational Capital Campaigns Offers larger grants for organizations engaged in major capital campaigns that aim to significantly expand or improve their impact in the community.

PCF prioritizes Capital Grant applications that: Address a Significant and Enduring Capital Need Projects must have a useful life of at least 3–5 years and represent a meaningful investment in the organization’s infrastructure or capacity. Demonstrate Clear Impact on Mission Delivery Applications should show how the capital investment will enhance the organization’s ability to serve the community effectively and sustainably.

Support Large-Scale, Transformational Projects For Capital Campaign Grants ($50,000), PCF looks for organizations engaged in active public fundraising efforts for major initiatives that will significantly expand or improve services. Grant Decisions: April 2026 Grant Amounts: Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000. Capital Campaign requests: $50,000.

To qualify for a Capital Campaign Grant, an organization must document that they are currently engaged in a public effort to raise significant dollars to complete a transformational project that will greatly impact the capacity, quality, and effectiveness of mission delivery. If you have questions about whether your project qualifies as a Capital Campaign, please contact Program Department staff.

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.

Non-Discrimination Policy PCF 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 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) Grant Reporting Deadlines & Compliance 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. Grant Recognition Guidelines 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: 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.

Help us expand our impact! Your donation supports essential improvements at local nonprofit organizations. Ready to Begin?

Reach out today