Pasadena Community Foundation’s Capital Grant Program

The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF) Capital Grant Program is designed to support nonprofit organizations serving Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre with significant capital projects or essential equipment purchases. This program prioritizes funding for projects with a tangible, long-term impact and a useful life of at least three to five years. Lower priority is given to routine capital purchases that would typically be part of an organization's annual operating budget. Funding is not available for retroactive expenses or reimbursement of previously incurred costs. The program encourages the use of Pasadena-area vendors when appropriate. The Capital Grant Program offers two funding levels. Standard Capital Grants range from $2,500 to $25,000 for capital needs, while Capital Campaign Grants provide $50,000 for large-scale, transformational projects that significantly enhance an organization's capacity and mission effectiveness. To qualify for the Capital Campaign Grant, an organization must demonstrate that it is actively engaged in a public fundraising effort for a substantial project. Interested applicants with questions about eligibility for this level of funding are encouraged to contact PCF’s Program Department. The 2025 Capital Grant cycle is now open, with applications due by Tuesday, February 18, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Applications must be submitted online, and organizations are encouraged to update their Candid profiles, as the application system has the capability to pull data from these profiles. PCF enforces strict reporting requirements for previous grantees, and organizations with outstanding reports or incomplete submissions may be ineligible for new funding. To be eligible for a Capital Grant, an organization must be a tax-exempt nonprofit under IRS Section 501(c)(3) or qualify under Sections 170(c)(1) or (2)(b). Organizations must have been in existence for at least two years, as determined by their IRS ruling date. Nonprofits operating under a fiscal sponsor must have at least four years of strong operational and fundraising history. Newly registered 501(c)(3) organizations with at least two years of fiscal sponsorship history may also be eligible to apply. PCF does not provide capital funding for individuals, debt repayment, expenses incurred before grant approval, political activities, individual public or private schools, sectarian religious organizations (except for community-oriented programs), agencies that do not provide direct services, or improvements to leased property unless under exceptional circumstances. Additionally, organizations awarded a Capital Grant in 2024 are ineligible to apply in 2025, though those denied funding in 2024 may reapply. The Foundation upholds a strict non-discrimination policy and does not make grants to organizations that discriminate based on race, gender identity, military service, disability, political affiliation, or other protected categories. PCF also requires grantees to adhere to strict grant reporting guidelines to remain eligible for future funding opportunities. For further inquiries, applicants can contact PCF staff at their Pasadena office.