Our Story

The Pasadena Delta Foundation, Inc. (PDF) was founded by Dr. Gwendolyn Sherard Bishop in 1992 as a member of Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. PDF was authorized as a Non-Profit Public Benefit Corporation under Section 501C(3) of the IRS Code in 1994.

The original funding came from the personal contributions of members and supporters of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (PAC-DST) as a means to sustain funding for scholastic achievement and other community benefit programs focus on improving and enhancing the lives of Black people residing in the Pasadena/Altadena area. As a result of their generosity and investment, an Endowment fund was formed through the Pasadena Community Foundation to sustain their charitable efforts. Through the endowment fund, PDF over the past 25 years has provided Academic Awards, Youth Programming and Public Service projects for the benefit of the community.

Today, PDF stands as an independent and separate organization from its founding members of the Pasadena Alumnae Chapter, and the organization is now ready to expand its partnership opportunities to other community-based organizations. This expansion will allow for a greater reach into the communities we serve, and opportunities to forge trusting partnerships with like-minded organizations that support our mission.

As we navigate the next five to ten years, PDF remains vigilant and poised to reach its ultimate goal as a valued community resource in the Pasadena area. A resource that honors and embodies the spirit of its founders, and our collective quest to affect future generations, and promote thriving communities in the greater Pasadena area.

Pasadena Delta Foundation (PDF) is a nonprofit, public benefit corporation organized under the Non Profit Public Benefit Corporation Law of the State of California for public and charitable purposes. Founded in 1994, PDF is exempt from federal tax under section 501(c) (3) of the Internal Revenue Code, as amended. The mission of PDF is centered on academic awards, leadership and other public benefit programs that promote, improve, and sustain the quality of life and equity advancements in education, economic, health and social justice in Black communities in the greater Pasadena area.

As a 501(c) (3), PDF has the capacity to support other non-profits who are providing public good and charitable programs. PDF support these community-based organizations by:

• Acting as a Fiscal Sponsor for charitable programs, including collecting and disbursing funds on behalf of a designated non-profit.

• Providing small community-based project grants for public and charitable purposes.

• Program Partnership Opportunities