The Palo Alto Community Fund
The Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) is a public charity based in Palo Alto, California. It raises and stewards donor funds to support local nonprofit organizations serving Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.
The Palo Alto Community Fund at a glance
In short: The Palo Alto Community Fund gave $1.8M across 69 grants in 2025 (avg $26K), mostly in California. 23% of 2025 grantees were new. Source: 2025 IRS Form 990.
- Annual giving (2025)
- $1,785,000
- +5.3% vs 2024
- Grants made (2025)
- 69
- +4.5% vs 2024
- Average grant
- $25,870
- +0.7% vs 2024
- Median grant
- $20,000
- Total assets
- $12,260,382
- +9.7% vs 2024
- New grantees (estimate)
- 23% first-time grantees (16 of 69, 2025)
- Primary geography
- California (100% of itemized 2025 grant dollars)
- Latest 990 filing
- Form 990, 2025 View filing
Data from IRS Form 990, 2025; updated September 2026. New grantees are estimated by matching recipient names across years (methodology).
How to apply to The Palo Alto Community Fund
- Contact
Mailing address: PO Box 50634, Palo Alto, CA 94303
Phone: (650) 690-0370
Website: https://paloaltocommfund.org
Application details from Grantable's research on the foundation's public materials; confirm on its website before applying.
Open Grants
1 open opportunity from The Palo Alto Community Fund
Who The Palo Alto Community Fund funds
How this funder distributes its grants
Top Recipients
Top 10 recipients in 2025
The largest 2025 recipient was Community Legal Services EPA ($100K). Together the top 10 received $580K.
Grant Size Distribution
366 grants across all recorded years
The most common grant size was under $50K: 349 grants of 366 (95%).
Geographic Focus
Where this funder awards grants
PACF supports organizations serving Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. Filing data for 2025 shows that 100% of itemized grant dollars went to recipients in California.
Grant Distribution by State
Share of 2025 grant dollars across all 69 itemized grants.
States
Cities
Is The Palo Alto Community Fund open to new grantees?
23%
first-time grantees, 2025
In 2025, 16 of 69 grantees (23%) were first-time recipients. First grants averaged $22K; repeat grants $27K. How we count
Medians: $10K first-time, $20K repeat.
- 38% of 2025 grantees were also funded in 2024. Method
- Giving held roughly steady from 2022 to 2025 (+11%). Method
Estimate from itemized grant lists in IRS Form 990 filings (2020–2025). Recipient names are matched across years, so a renamed or misspelled grantee can look new; grants to individuals are left out. Methodology.
Giving History
Giving Over Time
Total grant dollars and number of grants per year
From 2020 to 2025, annual grant giving ranged from $1.2M (2021) to $1.8M (2020). In 2025 it made 69 grants totaling $1.8M.
Grants by year
Grant recipients and amounts by year
| Recipient | Purpose | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Community Legal Services EPA East Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $100,000 |
| El Concilio of San Mateo Coun East Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $100,000 |
| Nuestra CASA De East Palo Alt East Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $100,000 |
| Adas Cafe Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| Childrens Health Council Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| Dreamcatchers Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| East Palo Alto Academy Fdn Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| East Palo Alto Senior Center East Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| East Palo Alto Tennis & Tutor Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
| Elizabeth F Gamble Garden Palo Alto, CA | General Operating Support | $40,000 |
Ready to take the next step with The Palo Alto Community Fund?
Financial History
Multi-year comparison from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists 69 itemized grants. PACF’s filing narrative says that income and principal from its board-designated quasi-endowments are maintained to provide grants to selected charitable organizations.
| Filing year | Total Assets | Revenue | Expenses | Grants paid | Grants | Net Investment Income |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $12,260,382 | $2,448,553 | $2,318,139 | $1,785,000 | 69 | $418,285 |
| 2024 | $11,175,831 | $3,309,146 | $2,199,392 | $1,695,000 | 66 | $326,101 |
| 2023 | $9,114,646 | $2,750,605 | $2,140,770 | $1,650,000 | 69 | $189,888 |
| 2022 | $7,737,850 | $2,446,259 | $2,019,917 | $1,605,000 | 71 | $87,718 |
| 2021 | $8,561,095 | $3,228,428 | $1,403,897 | $1,175,100 | 91 | $2,003,567 |
| 2020 | $6,926,825 | $1,750,154 | $2,039,363 | $1,810,881 | 80 | $-30,318 |
Research compiled by Grantable AI from public sources. Last updated September 2026.
Mission & Focus Areas
PACF’s stated mission is to focus on the community’s unique needs and channel local charitable giving to organizations that improve quality of life in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.
Its funding priorities include helping children and youth thrive; supporting mental health and wellness; addressing food insecurity and affordable housing; strengthening local communities; and embracing the arts and the environment.
Grantees’ work spans a range of needs. For example, Upward Scholars says it supports adult immigrants through education and career development; LifeMoves says it provides interim housing and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness; and Children’s Health Council says it provides services for learning differences and mental health. EPACENTER describes its work as helping young people develop their talents through art, design, and technology.
Grantmaking
PACF’s grants provide general operating support. Most are for one year and typically range from $5,000 to $20,000; the Fund may offer two-year grants at its discretion, based on available funding and organizational need. It also describes separate Dave Mitchell Impact Grants, Cammie Vail Community Resilience Grants, and emergency grants. The Dave Mitchell grants are designed to support local nonprofit programs addressing long-term systemic issues; the resilience grants provide flexible, unrestricted support and are awarded on a rolling basis. PACF states that it does not accept applications for the Dave Mitchell or Cammie Vail grants.
For the 2025 filing year, itemized filing data lists 69 grants totaling $1,785,000, with a median grant of $20,000 and a range of $10,000 to $100,000. Separately, PACF reports that in FY 2025 it invested $1.825 million in 77 local nonprofits. These are distinct reported figures. Notable 2025 grants in the filing include $100,000 each to Community Legal Services in East Palo Alto, El Concilio of San Mateo County, and Nuestra Casa de East Palo Alto. Other listed awards include $40,000 each to Ada’s Cafe, Children’s Health Council, EPACENTER, East Palo Alto Senior Center, and Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden.
For its traditional annual grants, PACF posts an application once a year, in early December, with the due date for the upcoming cycle. Applicants first complete an eligibility questionnaire. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations or have a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor, and must currently serve Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, or Menlo Park. PACF does not consider requests for religious activities, partisan political activities, or organizations that do not currently serve those communities. Applications are reviewed for community impact, financial soundness, and clarity of purpose. Grants Committee representatives interview applicants, and the committee evaluates applications before the Board reviews and approves the grant slate in spring. PACF’s filing describes a review process that includes sharing organizational challenges, successes, and financial records, as well as interviews with key executives.
Leadership & Key People
Leadership team and compensation from IRS filings
The 2025 filing lists Irene Wong as Executive Director and Lisa Van Dusen as Outgoing ED. Officers and directors listed include Secretary Matthew Caspari; President Susan Fields Bailey; Vice President Becky Beacom; Treasurer Diane Downend; and Directors Georgia Farooq, Yael Goshen, Steve Emslie, and Timothy Tomlinson.
The Palo Alto Community Fund is led by Lisa Van Dusen, Outgoing Executive Director since 2025 (on filings since 2021); 2 of 27 officers listed in 2025 are compensated.
Officers on the 2025 filing
Lisa Van Dusen
Outgoing Executive Director
Executive Director → Outgoing Executive Director, 2025
On filings since 2021
30 hrs/week
$107K (2022) → $61K (2025)
Irene Wong
Executive Director
New on the 2025 filing
24 hrs/week
$94K (2025)
Susan Fields Bailey
President
Director → Vice President, 2024
Vice President → President, 2025
On filings since 2020
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Fred Mondragon
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Jane Rytina
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Lauren Williams
Director
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Steve Emslie
Director
Director → Secretary, 2021
Secretary → Director, 2024
On filings since 2020
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Anna Waring
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sheryl Klein
Director
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Georgia Farooq
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Peter O'Riordan
Director
On filings since 2023
5 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Sally Hewlett
Director
On filings since 2023
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Barbara Sih Klausner
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Mike Alcheck
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Miriam Yupanqui
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Sejal Kamani
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Yael Goshen
Director
On filings since 2024
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Cindy Traum
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Colleen Gormley
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Dave McQuarrie
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Ligia Murillo
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Megan Swezey Fogarty
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Theivanai Palaniappan
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Timothy Tomlinson
Director
New on the 2025 filing
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Becky Beacom
Vice President
Director → Vice President, 2025
On filings since 2022
1 hr/week
No compensation reported
Diane Downend
Treasurer
Director → Treasurer, 2023
On filings since 2022
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Matthew Caspari
Secretary
Director → Secretary, 2024
On filings since 2023
10 hrs/week
No compensation reported
Former officers (27)
- Former: Sigrid Pinsky (2020–2024) — President
- Former: Kristine S. Erving (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Masha Korsunsky Fisch (2021–2024) — Director
- Former: Anne Frahn (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Kully Kooner (2022–2024) — Director
- Former: Eliane Neukermans (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Karen French Neuman (2020–2023) — CFO
- Former: Leonard Ely (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Robert Roskoph (2020–2023) — Director
- Former: Missy Reller (2021–2023) — Director
- Former: Bruce Gee (2020–2022) — President
- Former: Diana Walsh (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Lanie Wheeler (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Peter Gifford (2020–2022) — Director
- Former: Amy Andonian (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Brian Chancellor (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Jay Backstrand (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Jean McCown (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Nitesh Dullabh (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Suzanne Attenborough (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Victoria Thorp (2020–2021) — Director
- Former: Cammie Vail (2020) — Executive Director
- Former: Lynne Russell (2020) — Director
- Former: Melissa Reller (2020) — President
- Former: Pam Brandin (2020) — Director
- Former: Sarah Clark (2020) — Director
- Former: Susie Hwang (2020) — Director
Data from IRS Form 990 filings, 2020–2025. "On filings since" is the earliest filing we hold that lists the person; hours are average hours per week as reported.
Compensation Overview
From 2025 IRS filing
The highest reported compensation on the 2025 filing was $94K, to Irene Wong (Executive Director). 2 officers or directors reported compensation on that filing.
Frequently asked questions about The Palo Alto Community Fund
How much does The Palo Alto Community Fund give each year?
The Palo Alto Community Fund gave $1.8M across 69 grants in 2025, according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. In 2024 it gave $1.7M across 66 grants.
What is The Palo Alto Community Fund's typical grant size?
The Palo Alto Community Fund's median grant in 2025 was $20,000, and its average grant was $25,870, across 69 grants on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Organizations receiving their first grant from The Palo Alto Community Fund that year got $22K on average.
Where does The Palo Alto Community Fund give grants?
The Palo Alto Community Fund gives mostly in California: 100% of the grant dollars itemized on its 2025 IRS Form 990 went to recipients there. The most frequent recipient cities were Palo Alto, CA (20 grants), East Palo Alto, CA (16 grants), Menlo Park, CA (5 grants) and Redwood City, CA (5 grants).
Does The Palo Alto Community Fund give general operating support?
Yes: 100% of The Palo Alto Community Fund's 2025 grants with a stated purpose (69 of 69) were for general or operating support, per its 2025 IRS Form 990.
Who are The Palo Alto Community Fund's largest grantees?
The Palo Alto Community Fund's largest 2025 grantees include Community Legal Services EPA ($100,000), El Concilio of San Mateo Coun ($100,000) and Nuestra CASA De East Palo Alt ($100,000), according to its 2025 IRS Form 990. Together they received 17% of its itemized 2025 grant dollars.
How large is The Palo Alto Community Fund?
The Palo Alto Community Fund reported $12.3M in total assets on its 2025 IRS Form 990. Its revenue that year was $2.4M.
What does The Palo Alto Community Fund fund?
PACF’s stated mission is to focus on the community’s unique needs and channel local charitable giving to organizations that improve quality of life in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. See mission & focus areas ↑
How do I apply for a grant from The Palo Alto Community Fund?
The Palo Alto Community Fund has no public application process in the sources Grantable reviewed. Check paloaltocommfund.org for current guidelines, or contact the foundation directly before submitting a request.
What is The Palo Alto Community Fund's EIN?
The Palo Alto Community Fund's EIN (Employer Identification Number) is 77-0483215. IRS Form 990 filing data is available on this page for 2020–2025.
Data last updated September 2026. Sourced from IRS Form 990 filings. Research dossier generated September 2026.
Data update history
(7)
When this profile's IRS filing data changed on Grantable
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2020 (received by the IRS January 29, 2021)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2021 (received by the IRS March 31, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2022 (received by the IRS November 3, 2022)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2023 (received by the IRS October 19, 2023)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2024 (received by the IRS October 10, 2024)
- Updated Form 990 for fiscal year 2025 (received by the IRS October 24, 2025)
- IRS filings on file for fiscal years 2020–2025
Explore Open Grants
Browse active grant opportunities in The Palo Alto Community Fund's focus areas in our free grants database
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Cite this profile
Grantable. (2026). The Palo Alto Community Fund funder profile. GrantGraph. Retrieved October 10, 2026, from https://grantable.co/funders/the-palo-alto-community-fund-morg_2b5c6bf497dd41db88b551cefca333c5
BibTeX
@misc{grantable_770483215_2026,
author = {{Grantable}},
title = {{The Palo Alto Community Fund funder profile}},
howpublished = {GrantGraph},
year = {2026},
url = {https://grantable.co/funders/the-palo-alto-community-fund-morg_2b5c6bf497dd41db88b551cefca333c5},
note = {Accessed 2026-10-10. Data licensed CC BY 4.0}
}The figures on this page are open data under CC BY 4.0: reuse them with credit to Grantable and a link. Download the data.
Figures come from The Palo Alto Community Fund's IRS filings (methodology). AI-written summaries, news items and logos are not covered by the open licence. Spot an error? Email hello@grantable.co.
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