Love, Resilience, and Action

Dear Community Member,

As February comes to a close, one thing is clear—love was certainly in the air. This past month has been a powerful reflection of the deep love so many have for our community, expressed through generosity, dedication, and collaboration. From those delivering vital services to the donors and partners who support them, we have seen firsthand the care and commitment that fuels our nonprofit sector. This shared passion reflects a collective love for ensuring that everyone in our community has the opportunity to thrive.

At Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF), we are committed to building a thriving, strong, and vibrant community. We work with donors who share our vision for a stronger, more connected region, and identify organizations that are making a meaningful impact. By providing these nonprofits with the resources they need, we help them tackle critical issues like housing, youth development, the arts, and other essential services that bring resilience and vitality to Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.

This month, PACF’s board and staff have been actively reviewing and vetting 138 applications from local nonprofits seeking grants. As we engage in conversations with these organizations, we are both inspired and in awe of their dedication, innovation, and perseverance. Their work illuminates both the challenges our community faces and the unwavering commitment of those addressing them.

At the same time, we are deeply concerned about the growing pressures on our local nonprofits due to federal-level actions. Organizations are navigating funding delays, policy uncertainties, increased client anxiety, and potentially shifting regulations—all of which impact their ability to serve our community effectively. For our nonprofit partners feeling the weight of these challenges, you have our support and our unwavering commitment to walk this path with you.

I, along with PACF leadership, have been actively working to understand federal actions and their local impact, making it a central focus of our most recent board meeting. We recognize that the shifting landscape demands a proactive and informed response, and we are committed to understanding the evolving needs of our nonprofit partners and working alongside them to ensure they have the support and resources needed to navigate these challenges effectively.

We look forward to listening, learning, and taking action together.

With appreciation and commitment,


Irene Wong