Grant Application Guide
About the Fund
PACF serves as a catalyst for positive change and an enduring community resource to ensure a vibrant Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park. PACF invests in impactful organizations that address community needs. Funding is prioritized in the areas of:
- 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
For a complete list of organizations supported last year, please see PACF’s 2024 Impact Report.
PACF is governed by a Board of Directors, composed of local leaders who represent a wide range of community interests and perspectives.
Purpose of Grants
We make grants for general operating support. We believe nonprofits know best how to use their funds, and we make grants based on the philosophy of trust-based philanthropy.
Grant Range
Our grants are typically for one year of funding and usually range from $5,000 to $20,000 per year. In some cases we will provide two year grants at our discretion.
Who May Apply
Applicants must meet our basic criteria:
- Applicants must be a 501c3 organization (or have a fiscal sponsor that is a 501c3 organization).
- Applicants must provide services in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, or Menlo Park.
Before you are able to access our full application, you will need to fill out a very brief eligibility questionnaire to ensure your organization meets our basic criteria. If you feel that the eligibility questionnaire disqualifies your organization in error, please contact us at: [email protected]
Who May Not Apply
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
Important Dates
- Monday, December 2, 2024 | Application opens
- Tuesday, December 10, 2024 from 11-12pm | Online information session | Watch Recording
- Friday, January 10, 2025 | Completed applications due by 5pm
- February 2025 | Applicants may be asked to participate in a 25-minute phone conversation. Please note that participation in a conversation is optional. Being asked or not asked to participate in a conversation does not indicate a final funding decision.
- Mid-May | Applicants will be notified of our decisions before this time.
