frequently asked questions

Services
Flintridge FAQs

Where are you located?
Our offices and the Philanthropy Resource Library are located at 1040 Lincoln Avenue, Suite #100, Pasadena, CA 91103.

The Flintridge Retreat Center is located immediately across the Freeway from our offices and Library at 236 W. Mountain Street, Suite 117 & 118, Pasadena, CA 91103.

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Can anyone attend your events?
Staff or volunteers from any nonprofit organization are welcome to attend our events. Independent consultants and unaffiliated individuals may attend most events at market rates if there is available space.

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Can anyone use the Flintridge Retreat Center?
The Flintridge Retreat Center is available to Pasadena/Altadena nonprofit and neighborhood organizations with annual budgets less than $1 million at no charge. The Retreat Center is available to other organizations and businesses at a charge. The rates are posted on our website.

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Why do organizations pay different registration fees?
Flintridge Operating Foundation focuses on strengthening organizations that serve children, youth and families in Northwest Pasadena and Altadena. For that reason, organizations that serve Northwest Pasadena/Altadena pay minimal registration fees based on their annual budgets. We welcome organizations that serve outside our focus area, but ask that they pay registration fees that are slightly higher, although still well below the actual cost of our programs and services.

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I work for an organization that provides services to children, youth and families in Northwest Pasadena/Altadena, as well as in other areas. Do I qualify as Fee Group A/B?
Only if 50% or more of your constituency consists of Northwest Pasadena/Altadena children, youth and families.

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Do I need to make an appointment to use the Philanthropy Resource Library?
No, you can come in at any time during our library hours. Program staff is available to assist you.

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What are your library hours?
Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.
3rd Saturday: 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. (Grantseeking Basics class 9 – 10 a.m.)

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Do I need to take Grantseeking Basics before I use the Philanthropy Resource Library?
No, but we find it to be very helpful for first-time and beginner proposal writers.

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Can I check books out from the Philanthropy Resource Library?
The majority of the 1,400 books in the Philanthropy Resource Library are not available for circulation; however, we have selected 100 of our most popular titles to loan on a two-week basis. There is a $25 refundable deposit per book, and a maximum of two books per individual.

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Can you refer me to a freelance grantwriter?
We can provide contact information for several grantwriters we have worked with. We also encourage you to contact the Association of Fundraising Professionals as they will have a more extensive database of professional grantwriters.

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Could you help me set up a nonprofit organization?
We would be more than happy to discuss the process of starting a nonprofit organization with you. We recommend that prior to meeting with us, you read "Get Ready, Get Set," an excellent publication on what is involved in starting a nonprofit.

Another good source of information is Public Counsel. They offer workshops on the topic throughout the year:

In partnership with Community Partners, we offer "To Be or Not to Be (a Nonprofit)" as part of our Brown Bag Lunch Series. We also have a number of publications available in our Philanthropy Resource Library that provide information and the forms to apply for 501(c)(3) status.

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Can you help me find grants to start a small business?
Most foundation funding is awarded to nonprofit organizations. If you are starting a for-profit enterprise, you might seek assistance through the U.S. Small Business Administration.

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Do Foundations give grants to individuals?
Although most foundation funding is awarded to nonprofit organizations, grant opportunities for individuals do exist. The Philanthropy Resource Library has a subscription to the Foundation Center’s Grants to Individuals Online, a database of more than 6,200 foundation and public charity programs that fund students, artists, researchers, and other individuals. We will be happy to help you use this grantseeking tool. Additional information can be found on the Foundation Center website.

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Does Flintridge Operating Foundation make grants?
Under specific initiatives (e.g., Northwest ECHO), Flintridge may make small grants. In addition, the Community Services program offers capacity building scholarships (under $500) to organizations serving Northwest Pasadena/Altadena to be used to enhance knowledge and skills or to increase public awareness of the organization.

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Photo: Sayuri Hanna