Family Foundation Donates $72,000 to Chamber of Commerce to Help Altadena Businesses Displaced by Eaton Fire

A local family foundation has anonymously donated $72,000 to the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Foundation to aid Altadena small businesses recovering from January’s destructive Eaton Fire.

The donation will fund mini-grants ranging from $500 to $2,500 to cover relocation and reopening costs, including expenses already incurred. Businesses in the 91001 ZIP Code—or those that operated there on January 6—are eligible to apply, said Pasadena Chamber Foundation Executive Director Paul Little.

“They were very specific that the funds go directly to support Altadena businesses impacted by the Eaton Fire,” Little said. He noted the foundation’s trustees chose anonymity to keep the focus on those in need.

Applications will be reviewed by a foundation committee and awarded based on financial need and proposed use of funds.

The donation nearly doubles the foundation’s available support for fire-affected businesses, complementing a SoCalGas grant received in June.

“We’re so grateful to the family for their generosity,” Little said. “We welcome others who want to help us continue this effort.”

Donations may be made online at pasadenachamberfoundation.org or mailed to the foundation’s office at 44 North Mentor Avenue in Pasadena.

Founded in 2017, the Pasadena Chamber of Commerce Foundation supports disaster relief, workforce development, internship programs, supporting underrepresented business prosperity, and business growth programs throughout the greater Pasadena area.