County grant supports the needs of the greater Palo Alto community
SAN JOSE – The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to provide a grant to the Palo Alto Community Fund (PACF) to augment its grantmaking program to local nonprofits addressing hunger, health care, homelessness, teen mental health, and social justice in the greater Palo Alto area.
“Local grantmaking nonprofits are acutely aware of what their communities need and develop close relationships with organizations delivering essential services and programs to address those needs,” said County Supervisor Joe Simitian, who proposed funding for the organization. “The Palo Alto Community Fund finds, vets, funds, and nurtures nonprofits working to make a difference in and around Palo Alto.”
Simitian added, “The grant was relatively modest ($25,000), but I wanted the Community Fund to have the ability to respond flexibly and promptly to a suddenly emerging need. The goal is to be nimble and responsive in a moment of need.”
PACF makes grants to nonprofits that have an impact in the Palo Alto community and offers educational and networking opportunities for grantees. PACF’s 2024 grants totaled $1.7 million to 71 local nonprofits that work to address affordable housing, increase mental health resources – especially for youth, improve lives and empower communities, and support marginalized populations. Grants were awarded to Canopy for climate action and justice programs, AchieveKids for school-based education programs, YMCA of Silicon Valley to support children and youth beyond the classroom, Ravenswood Family Health Network for health care services, and AbilityPath to support people with developmental disabilities.
“Powerful, effective, and durable change results from having boots on the ground, listening to diverse community voices, and trusting grantees to know how best to help those they serve,” said Lisa Van Dusen, Strategic Advisor of PACF. “PACF invests in and supports the entire nonprofit ecosystem and collaborates across sectors to create a vibrant community for all.”
To learn more about PACF, visit paloaltocommfund.org.