Youth Mental Health
Strength in Community
Happy Lunar New Year. As we welcome the Year of the Snake, a symbol of wisdom, intuition, and transformation, it is a moment to reflect on the strength and resilience within our community. Much has happened in this first month of 2025. Between the devastating fires that swept across Southern California neighborhoods earlier this month and the lightning-fast headlines announcing sweeping changes at the federal level, many are feeling overwhelmed and powerless. But if there’s one thing we know for sure about our local community, it’s that we are capable and passionate about caring for one another. Now more than ever, we must channel the wisdom and adaptability of the Snake and work together to better the lives of everyone in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto, and Menlo Park.
The Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) is grateful for the steadfastness of the community we have built—for our donors whose generosity makes our work possible year after year and for all of our partner nonprofit organizations whose work we are honored to empower through our grantmaking.
Our 2025 grant application closed on January 10, with 135 applications submitted, including a number from first-time applicants. As we diligently review these applications, we are humbled by the dedication and creativity of the nonprofits serving our community. In these unpredictable times, many of these groups are navigating unprecedented challenges. If you would like to help us double down on our support for them, please consider making your gift by February 1.
In a time of unpredictability, PACF is grateful to work with you all to continue the momentum of positive change in our local communities. Thank you for choosing to give (of your resources, time, and energy) where you live.