Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts Distributes $1 Million in Grants

Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has awarded $1 million in gifts and grants to 90 nonprofit organizations and schools throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles area. This substantial contribution marks the second consecutive year the organization has distributed $1 million in grants, supporting music education, arts enrichment, youth orchestras, and music therapy programs across the region, as well as underwriting concerts by the LA Phil and other local cultural institutions.

“Every year, our Gifts & Grants program touches thousands of lives in the Pasadena area and Los Angeles County,” said 2024/25 Gifts & Grants Chair Lisa Loeffler. “From underserved communities and special needs children and adults, to summer park performances, and summer school workshops, our funding supports programs that enrich the community and provide musical experiences for all ages.”

The organization made a special commitment to support Altadena-based organizations affected by the January wildfires. All grant requests from schools and organizations impacted by the Eaton Fire were fully funded, ensuring their important work in music and art continues during challenging times.

“In response to the January wildfires that affected our community, we made a special commitment this year,” said 2024/25 President Matt McIntyre. “We fully funded all grant requests from schools and organizations impacted by the Eaton Fire, ensuring their important work in music and art continues during this challenging time.”

Funds for the awards come from the organization’s annual benefit, the Pasadena Showcase House of Design. This year’s showcase, the 60th in the organization’s history, will be held at Bauer Estate & Gardens, a 1928 Monterey colonial estate designed by celebrated architect Reginald D. Johnson. The Showcase House will be open to the public from April 20 through May 18, Tuesdays through Sundays.

As part of its community support efforts, Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts is offering free tickets to Altadena and Pasadena residents directly impacted by the Eaton Fire. These complimentary tickets are available for tours on Tuesday, April 22 from 3 p.m. until closing, while supplies last. Interested residents can book online at pasadenashowcase.org/tickets with promo code EATONFIRE.

Pasadena Showcase House for the Arts has given more than $27 million since its founding in 1948. As one of the largest community-based, all-volunteer funders of music and arts programs in Southern California, the organization not only provides financial support through its Gifts & Grants program but also nurtures the study and appreciation of music among young people through three annual music programs.

These programs include the Music Mobile, which has introduced orchestral instruments to more than 130,000 third grade students; the Instrumental Competition, which has awarded more than $700,000 in monetary prizes for exceptionally talented young musicians; and the Youth Concert, which has brought nearly 260,000 fourth graders to Walt Disney Concert Hall for performances presented by the LA Phil.

Among the 90 grant recipients are organizations ranging from the LA Phil and Pasadena Unified School District to numerous community arts organizations including A Noise Within, Academy of Music for the Blind, Altadena Music Theatre, and many others serving diverse populations throughout the San Gabriel Valley and greater Los Angeles area.