Pasadena Community Foundation’s Capital Grant Program

The Pasadena Community Foundation (PCF), established in 1953, is dedicated to fostering philanthropy and addressing both immediate and future community needs. With a mission to enhance the well-being of residents across Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre, the foundation supports a variety of nonprofit initiatives through targeted grantmaking. One of its flagship initiatives, the Capital Grant Program, is designed to bolster nonprofit infrastructure by funding substantial facility improvements and critical equipment acquisitions. The Capital Grant Program serves to strengthen the operational capacity and sustainability of organizations through investments in tangible assets. Eligible applicants include tax-exempt nonprofits under Sections 501(c)(3) or 170(c)(1) or (2)(b), provided they are not classified as private foundations under Section 509(a). Additionally, organizations must either be based in or provide significant services within the Pasadena Unified School District (PUSD) boundaries. A minimum of two years of operational history with a demonstrated track record of effective service is generally required, although fiscally sponsored programs may have different standards. Notably, organizations with open or non-compliant PCF grants are ineligible, and only one grant may be awarded per calendar year across PCF’s programs. The Capital Grant Program supports capital projects or equipment purchases with a minimum useful life of three to five years that contribute directly to an organization’s mission. These projects may include facility upgrades, major renovations, or acquisition of essential long-term equipment. PCF emphasizes projects that enhance long-term sustainability, service quality, and community impact. Additional weight is given to applications that demonstrate a meaningful return on investment through improved service delivery or operational efficiency. For transformational initiatives, PCF offers larger Capital Campaign Grants of $50,000 to nonprofits actively raising significant public funds to complete major capital projects. Applications were opened on December 17, 2025, and the submission deadline is February 18, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Grant decisions will be announced in April 2026. Standard awards range from $5,000 to $25,000, with a separate $50,000 track reserved for qualifying Capital Campaign projects. Applicants are encouraged to engage with PCF staff if unsure whether their project qualifies under the Capital Campaign criteria. Successful applicants will be required to comply with specific grant reporting and recognition guidelines, including acknowledging the PCF in public communications and media, and submitting copies of related coverage to the foundation. The application process includes a standard grant proposal detailing the nature of the capital request, how it aligns with organizational goals, and the expected outcomes. While the precise application components and review criteria are not specified in the overview, the foundation emphasizes mission alignment, local economic support, and project longevity as key evaluation factors. Projects involving Pasadena-area vendors are particularly encouraged, as PCF aims to stimulate the local economy through its grantmaking. The foundation maintains a strong non-discrimination policy, explicitly stating that grants will not be awarded to organizations that discriminate based on race, gender identity, religion, physical ability, political affiliation, or other protected characteristics. PCF also restricts funding for certain entities and purposes, such as individual schools or religious activities, ensuring that resources are directed toward inclusive, impactful, and mission-aligned programs.

Projects using Pasadena-area vendors or offering transformational infrastructure impact are prioritized.