The Canyon City Foundation values the strong philanthropic beliefs which exist in the community of Azusa. Whenever there is a need for humanitarian efforts, Azusa residents can be found working together to find the necessary resources. In keeping with this tradition, The Canyon City Foundation provides funding for innovative programs that serve as catalysts for community building in Azusa.

The Foundation’s mission is to promote social welfare, education and the arts. Its mission will be achieved by providing support to nonprofit charitable organizations and government entities which provide services to the residents of Azusa. The programs for Social Welfare, Education and the Arts may include, but are not limited to, those projects which encompass Cultural and/or Recreational components. The Foundation recognizes that its funding is limited and the needs of the Azusa community are larger than the Foundation’s ability to directly serve. Thus, the Foundation will give first priority to projects that increase community self-sufficiency and capacity. For example, community capacity may be developed by encouraging new leadership, enhancing volunteerism, expanding fundraising, strengthening partnerships, creating new sustainable programs and other ways of helping people help themselves. Building on Azusa’s existing community and strengths to create greater capacity for meeting community needs is the Foundation’s most strategic opportunity for funding.

The Canyon City Foundation was formed pursuant to a development agreement between the City of Azusa and Monrovia Nursery Company. Monrovia Nursery Company provided the initial $2.5 million funding for the Foundation in 2005. The Foundation fund continues to grow by receiving one-half of one percent from the resale price of homes in the Rosedale development, as well as any other fundraising efforts undertaken by its board of directors. All grants will be subject to review and approval by its Board of Directors. The foundation’s Board members are Miles Rosedale, President; Mark Dickerson; Marianne Hlava; Elizabeth Ramirez; and Inez Gutierrez.