Pasadena Nonprofits Vie for $132,000 in Federal Grant Funding

Three organizations recommended for Community Development Block Grant awards to support youth, social services, and early childhood education.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:10pm

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Pasadena's Human Services Commission will consider $132,000 in federal grant funding recommendations for three local nonprofit organizations at its upcoming meeting. The Department of Housing has proposed directing the Community Development Block Grant public service dollars to programs serving low- and moderate-income residents across youth development, social services, and early childhood education.

Why it matters

The funding decisions will impact critical community services in Pasadena, with the potential to support vulnerable youth, provide social assistance, and invest in early childhood education. The allocation of federal grant money reflects the city's priorities and commitment to addressing the needs of its low-income population.

The details

Of the 11 organizations that applied for the funding, the Department of Housing is recommending awards for Flintridge Center ($75,000), Armenian Relief Society ($32,000), and Families Forward Learning Center ($25,000). Flintridge Center's Youth of Promise program, Armenian Relief Society's Community Social Service Programs, and Families Forward Learning Center's Family Mental Health Education program all scored highly in the staff evaluation process and are set to receive the proposed funding if approved by the City Council.

  • The Human Services Commission will consider the funding recommendations at its meeting on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • If the commission endorses the recommendations, a capacity assessment would follow in April, with City Council approval anticipated in May.
  • Program Year 2026 for the Community Development Block Grant funding would begin on July 1, 2026.

The players

Pasadena Human Services Commission

An advisory commission that will consider the funding recommendations before forwarding them to the City Council for final approval.

Pasadena Department of Housing

The city department that has proposed the $132,000 in federal grant funding awards to three local nonprofit organizations.

Flintridge Center

A nonprofit organization recommended for $75,000 to expand its Youth of Promise program, which provides wraparound services to low-income youth at risk of justice system involvement.

Armenian Relief Society

A nonprofit organization recommended for $32,000 to support its Community Social Service Programs, which provide wraparound services and case management to low- to moderate-income residents, with a focus on those impacted by the 2025 Eaton Fire.

Families Forward Learning Center

A nonprofit organization recommended for $25,000 for its Family Mental Health Education program, which provides early childhood education and family support services for low-income children and their parents.

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What they’re saying

“The funding decisions will impact critical community services in Pasadena, with the potential to support vulnerable youth, provide social assistance, and invest in early childhood education.”

— Randy Mabson, Program Coordinator, Pasadena Department of Housing

What’s next

If the Human Services Commission endorses the funding recommendations, a capacity assessment of the three nonprofit organizations would follow in April, with City Council approval anticipated in May. The Program Year 2026 Community Development Block Grant funding would then begin on July 1, 2026.

The takeaway

The proposed allocation of federal grant funding to Pasadena nonprofits reflects the city's commitment to addressing the needs of its low-income population through investments in youth development, social services, and early childhood education. The funding decisions will have a direct impact on critical community programs and services.