2026 Grant Cycle Update
PACF Grantmaking Season Kicks Off
January marks the start of our grantmaking season, one of the most meaningful moments of our year. Each cycle, we are reminded not only of the depth of need in our community, but also of the generosity and care that define it.
This year, more than 160 entered into our application process. We were also deeply moved to hear from several past grantees who chose not to apply, believing others were in greater need. That kind of thoughtfulness reflects the spirit of shared responsibility that runs through this community.
Across applications, we are seeing many needs including increased demand for afterschool programs as parents work longer hours and rising food insecurity as recent SNAP eligibility changes place new pressure on families and food distribution programs.
How PACF Reviews Grants
Every PACF grant application is reviewed by at least five readers and assessed using a standardized rubric, financial due diligence, and group discussion. Recommendations move from reviewer groups to the Grants Committee & Review Group Leads and then to the full Board of Directors for discussion and approval. The entire process is guided by staff with over 30+ years of experience in community giving.
While we receive more strong proposals than we can fund, we also share vetted organizations with partner donors and support nonprofits throughout the year beyond the check. Impact, transparency, strong due diligence, and trust in applicants anchor our grantmaking process.
Grantmaking Through the Eyes of Our Grants Committee Co Chairs Lauren Williams and Anna L. Waring, Ph.D.
The following reflections are shared by PACF Grants Committee Co Chairs Lauren Williams and Anna L. Waring, both of whom bring years of experience, community knowledge and perspective to this work.
What has been most gratifying about serving on the PACF Grants Committee?
The care people bring to the process stands out. Everyone takes the responsibility seriously and is deeply committed to doing right by the community. The conversations are thoughtful and grounded, even when the decisions are difficult.
What has stood out most as you have reviewed applications?
The quality of leadership across our nonprofit community is remarkable. These organizations are accomplishing an extraordinary amount with very limited resources. Their leaders are thoughtful, strategic, and deeply committed, and the impact they achieve is often far greater than their scale often suggests.
What makes you proud of PACF’s approach to grantmaking?
PACF balances rigor with respect. We believe a strong community is built through a diverse nonprofit ecosystem, so we fund across issue areas such as education, the arts, environmental sustainability, basic human services, and other areas, while asking hard questions and recognizing how much nonprofits are carrying. Even when an organization cannot be funded, every application is approached with care, humility, and seriousness.
Why does this work matter to you personally?
These decisions affect real people in our community, including families, children, and seniors. Being part of a process that is fair, transparent, and grounded in trust feels especially important.
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It’s Not Too Late to Support PACF’s Grantmaking to Nonprofits Serving our Community
As this grant cycle continues, the needs in our community remain urgent. Your support helps ensure that afterschool programs can meet growing demand and families facing food insecurity can access critical support during times of change, housing affordability is addressed, the unhoused are served and much more.
If you have not yet had the opportunity to give, it is not too late to contribute to PACF’s grantmaking this year. If there are specific issue areas you care deeply about and would like to strengthen with additional support, our team can help direct your giving to vetted organizations doing meaningful work in those areas.
Together, we can continue showing what it means to care for one another, now and for the long term.