Pasadena Community Foundation: Arts & Culture Grants

The Pasadena Community Foundation's Arts & Culture Grants support local nonprofits that enrich the community through arts and culture. Eligible organizations must be located within the Pasadena Unified School District and have a record of effective service. Applications are prioritized based on their potential to foster community impact and inclusivity.

Our support of arts and culture nonprofits helps fuel the cultural heartbeat of our community. These organizations do more than entertain – they educate, preserve heritage, foster dialogue, and create spaces where we can connect and express ourselves.
Established in 2023, PCF’s Arts & Culture Grant Program supports nonprofits in Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre. The program focuses on ongoing program needs or in response to Eaton Fire-related efforts to preserve or restore arts and culture in the Greater Pasadena area.
Our Focus Areas
Transitional support for innovation and change managementInvestment in new technologiesNew programming to increase local community engagementMarketing and communications outreach to diversify audience and/or donor base
Our Funding Priorities
PCF prioritizes applications that:
Support Transitional InnovationProjects that help organizations adapt to challenges through innovation, change management, or organizational restructuring.Invest in New TechnologiesProposals that incorporate technology to enhance programming, operations, or audience experience.Engage and Expand AudiencesEfforts to diversify, grow the audience and donor bases through strategic marketing, outreach, and community engagement, including access to underrepresented communities.Foster Collaboration and Community ImpactPrograms that build partnerships with other local organizations and increase access to arts and culture for underserved populations.

Eligibility

To be eligible for funding, organizations 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) 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.Receive only one PCF grant per calendar year (e.g., Animal Welfare, Arts & Culture, Capital, Education, Senior or Vista Nova). Review PCF’s Grants Calendar for more details.Adhere to the Non-Discrimination Policy outlined below.PCF does not make grants from discretionary funds to organizations that discriminate based on:Actual or perceived rage, age, colorGender identity, marital or parental statusMilitary service, national originPhysical or mental abilityPolitical affiliation, sexual orientation, or religion

Ineligibility

The following are not eligible for funding:Individuals or householdsPrivate schoolsOrganizations with open or non-compliant PCF grantsActivities intended to influence legislation or electionsIndividual public schools or their support groups (e.g., PTA/PTO, booster clubs); PCF supports PUSD schools only through the Pasadena Educational Foundation (PEF)Sectarian religious organizations or churches for religious purposes (community service programs may be considered if open to all and meet other criteria)Agencies not directly performing services aligned with PCF’s mission (no regranting)Building improvements on leased property (exceptions may be made for public entities or long-term leases at the board’s discretion)Private Foundations under 509(a) are not eligible