Palo Alto Community Fund Grant

The Palo Alto Community Fund Grant supports impactful organizations in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. Established nearly 50 years ago, the fund prioritizes areas such as youth support, mental health, food security, and community strengthening. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000 for one year, with potential multi-year funding. PACF operates under trust-based philanthropy principles, ensuring nonprofit leaders have autonomy in funding allocation.

Funding is prioritized in the following areas:

• Helping Children and Youth Thrive
• Supporting Mental Health and Wellness
• Addressing Food Insecurity and Affordable Housing
• Strengthening Local Communities
• Embracing the Arts and Our Environment

Board members play an active role alongside staff in a shared, trust-based grant review process.
Purpose of Grants
PACF grants provide general operating support. We believe nonprofit leaders know best how to allocate funding, and our approach is grounded in the principles of trust-based philanthropy.
Grant Range
Most grants provide one year of funding and typically range from $5,000 to $20,000. Based on available funding and organizational need, PACF may offer multi-year (two-year) grants at its discretion.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet our required criteria to be considered for a grant:

• Applicants must be a 501c3 organization (or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501c3 organization).
• Applicants must currently provide services in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, or Menlo Park.

Ineligibility

PACF does not consider funding requests for:

• Organizations that do not currently serve the communities of Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and/or Menlo Park
• Religious activities
• Partisan political activities