Education Grants (Pasadena Community Foundation)

Education Grants (Pasadena Community Foundation) is sponsored by Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF). PCF's Education Grant Program invests in initiatives that close the equity gap and foster school readiness, academic achievement, and college success for foster youth, students of color, and first-generation or low-income students from early childhood through grade 12.

Pasadena Community Foundation | 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. 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. 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. Explore Our Grant Programs PCF oversees 12 community grant programs, each addressing unique challenges and opportunities throughout the Pasadena area.

Funding programs that improve the protection and health of wildlife and domestic animals, as well as natural habitat areas. Supporting arts education, cultural institutions, and arts programming that enriches the Pasadena-area creative landscape. Providing funding for facility improvements, equipment purchases, and other capital needs that strengthen the nonprofit operations.

Eaton Fire Relief & Recovery Grants Assisting our community with relief support and longer-term recovery efforts following the January 2025 Eaton Fire. Enhancing learning opportunities for students of all ages through innovative programs and resources. Supporting organizations that fight hunger and ensure reliable access to nutritious food for local families.

Rowe & Gayle Giesen Trust Grants Amplifying arts education opportunities for youth. Pasadena Child Health Foundation Grants Investing in programs that improve child health outcomes and health disparities. The Patron Saints Foundation Grants Improving the health and well-being of individuals residing in the West San Gabriel Valley.

Funding programs that help older adults age well and enjoy a vital quality of life. Providing resources for individuals who are visually impaired or blind. 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. $24+million Total 2025 grantmaking in the Greater Pasadena area 110 Local nonprofits that received 2025 PCF grant funding 150 Housing units created since 2019 with support from PCF’s Affordable Housing Initiative Grants. $1.

2 million Awarded in Arts & Culture Grants since program launch in 2023 1,500 Annual holiday experiences for children through the Yes Virginia Grant Program Spotlight on PCF Grantee Organizations Rose Bowl Aquatics Center 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). Review PCF’s Annual Grant 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.

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