Rise & Shine 2026

A Morning of Community and Inspiration

This spring, as PACF closed the 2026 grants cycle with $1.5 million awarded to 72 nonprofits, we gathered to pause, reflect, and celebrate the people behind the work.

More than 125 nonprofit leaders representing organizations serving Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park, joined us for Rise & Shine at the Chan Zuckerberg Community Space. The morning was intentionally designed without agendas or asks, creating space for connection among leaders who are deeply committed to their missions but rarely have time to connect with one another.

For many, it was the first time meeting peers working just miles away, sparking conversations about shared challenges, collaboration, and new ways to support our community.

We were honored to be joined by Pastor Paul Bains, Co-Founder and President of Project WeHOPE, a deeply respected and energizing voice in our region. His message was both grounding and uplifting, meeting the moment with honesty and hope.

He spoke about the quiet responsibility we all carry to show up for one another, even when it is not easy. To invest in people because it matters. And to recognize that real impact is often built over time through small, consistent acts of care. As he shared, “Impact is not always immediate. Sometimes it is about planting a seed and trusting that others will come water it, with hope that one day, someone will be nourished by its fruit.”

That message resonated deeply.

Throughout the morning, the room was filled with conversation, connection, and recognition. It was a powerful reminder that community is something we actively build together. When those serving our community are connected, the impact extends far beyond any one organization.

At PACF, we believe our role goes beyond writing a check. We are here to bring people together, to strengthen relationships across organizations, and to invest in the shared capacity of our community. Rise & Shine is a reflection of that commitment. It is one way we support our partners not just through funding, but by creating space for connection, learning, and collective momentum.