In 2001, we distributed 122 grants totaling $4,305,270 to organizations and individual Kirsch Investigator award recipients in the following categories (number of grants and total grant money by category provided):

Environmental	16 grants	$301,500
Kirsch Investigators	8 grants	$1,440,000
Medical and Scientific Projects	5 grants	$368,000
Political Reform and Global Theme	6 grants	$810,000
Silicon Valley Community	59 grants	$976,270
Discretionary	28 grants	$409,500

Environmental Grants

Americans for Equitable Climate Solutions: $25,000
www.aecs-inc.org
The mission of AECS is to reduce U.S. greenhouse gas emissions in ways that are consistent with vigorous long-term economic growth and widely held principles of economic equity. Through research, education, and policy development, AECS provides impartial analysis of the costs and benefits of proposals to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. AECS communicates its findings to policymakers, policy analysts, businesses, the news media, environmentalists, advocates of economic equality, organized labor, and the general public. This grant will support the work of AECS to steer national debate on global warming policy toward economically efficient, politically realistic, and equitable solutions, including the promotion of a price-capped, economy-wide plan for allocating carbon emissions rights through an auction.
Why we supported: Given our focus both on global warming and lobbying for effective environmental policies, this work provides an opportunity for the Foundation to support an initiative to effect change on a national level. In addition, it parallels and is complementary to the founder's commitment to energy policy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels by focusing on achieving a reduction in emissions.

Breakthrough Technologies Institute: $25,000
www.yournextcar.org - www.fuelcells.org
Breakthrough Technologies Institute (BTI) focuses on promoting the development and early commercialization of advanced environmental and energy technologies. With offices in Washington, D.C., Boston, Sacramento and San Diego, BTI fosters public, industry, and policy maker acceptance of zero and near zero-emission technologies and systems. This operating grant will be used to support two of BTI's core programs: "Fuel Cells 2000" and "Your Next Car." "Fuel Cells 2000" has become a leading independent source of information about fuel cells. "Your Next Car," launched in 1998, encourages a transition from the internal combustion engine to more efficient and benign alternatives.
Why we supported: The Foundation has an ongoing commitment to the development of alternative fuel technologies and to having an impact upon decision makers and opinion leaders on that subject.

California League of Conservation Voters: $1,000
www.ecovote.org
The California League of Conservation Voters is a nonpartisan organization supported by 30,000 members, working in coalition with a wide spectrum of environmental and community groups. Founded in 1972, the League mobilizes California voters to support environmentally responsible candidates and issues, and serves as a watchdog to hold elected officials accountable for their environmental votes.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant.

California State Parks Foundation: $1,000
www.calparks.org
The California State Parks Foundation is an independent, membership organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing California's 265 State Parks. Founded in 1969, the Foundation has contributed over $93 million in land, funds and artifacts for California State Parks. All contributions come from its members, corporations and foundations. Projects the organization sponsors include adding land to existing parks, helping to construct visitor centers and interpretive displays, building trails, restoring wildlife habitat, and supporting family camping programs for underserved youth.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary environmental grant that reflects the Foundation's commitment both to the environment and education.

CalPIRG Charitable Trust: $25,000
www.calpirg.org/cct/ct
The mission of CalPIRG Charitable Trust is to deliver persistent, results-oriented public interest activism that protects the environment, encourages a fair, sustainable economy, and fosters responsive, democratic government. Funding will be used for CalPIRG's Campaign for Clean, Affordable Power. This campaign is to promote adoption, by the state of California, of a Renewables Portfolio Standard (RPS) that would require all retail sellers of electricity to demonstrate that 20% of their portfolios are procured from renewable resources by 2010.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation supports the development of alternative fuel sources as a means to reduce pollution. Support of this initiative ensures that the California public is made aware of strategic goals that can be adopted to create a less volatile energy market in the future. CalPIRG Charitable Trust is a prior grantee.

Coalition for Clean Air: $25,000
www.coalitionforcleanair.org
The Coalition for Clean Air (CCA) – founded in 1970 – is dedicated to restoring clean, healthful air to California by advocating responsible public health policy; providing technical and educational expertise; and promoting broad-based community involvement. Funding will be used for CCA's Air Quality Planning/Watchdog and Dump Diesel programs. Specifically, CCA plans to maintain public attention on harmful diesel-fueled school and transit buses, raise awareness about other sources of toxic air pollution, and ensure that local and state government agencies follow through on their commitments to reduce toxic air pollution in California.
Why we supported: CCA has a proven track record of effectiveness throughout the state for its vigilance and commitment to improving California's air quality. The Coalition is a prior grant recipient of the Foundation.

Earth Communications Office: $17,000
www.OneEarth.org
Earth Communications Office (ECO) is a non-profit, non-partisan organization that uses the power of communication to improve the global environment. With a Board of Directors comprised of leaders in film, television, music, advertising, and virtually all aspects of communication, ECO has created award-winning communication campaigns that have been seen by over one billion people worldwide. Leveraging in-kind contributions from the entertainment and media industries, Foundation funding will be used for ECO's "Hot Shots" print campaign of ads. The campaign will highlight the impact of global warming and what the average person can do to combat it.
Why we supported: ECO is widely respected in the environmental community, and has a track record of raising environmental awareness and encouraging citizen involvement. By using known celebrities to draw attention to the subject of global warming, the Hot Shots campaign will reinforce messages crafted by other environmental groups and expose more people to this critical issue.

Earthjustice Legal Defense Fund: $25,000
www.earthjustice.org
Founded in 1971, Earthjustice is a non-profit public interest law firm dedicated to protecting the magnificent places, natural resources, and wildlife of this earth and to defending the right of all people to a healthy environment. While a court victory is an obvious indicator of success, Earthjustice also judges its effectiveness by the extent to which its litigation, policy and media work informs and stimulates public debate and public pressure on politicians to protect our health and natural resources. This grant will support its California Air Quality Campaign, which involves promoting and enforcing the Clean Air Act, strengthening national regulations that affect California's air quality.
Why we supported: Litigation is an important part of ensuring the implementation of strict clean air programs. Earthjustice has represented over 500 clients, including the American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Greenpeace, Natural Resources Defense Council, Trust for Public Land, and the World Wildlife Fund, among others. The organization wins a majority of cases it brings and has been a catalyst for significant change in this arena. The grant leverages the Foundation's efforts to clean up California's air.

Environmental Working Group: $25,000
www.ewg.org
Founded in 1993, Environmental Working Group (EWG) is a leading content provider for public interest groups and concerned citizens who are campaigning to protect the environment. This grant will support EWG's Strategic Environmental Research Initiative: Air Pollution & Children's Health – a report that will help to determine the appropriate standards for levels of particulate matter in air that are fully protective of children.
Why we supported: EWG has a successful track record in this area and is highly respected by other environmental groups. Given our stated commitment to cleaning up the air in California, as well as our interest in influencing the implementation of legislation that reduces pollution and harmful airborne matter, this grant is consistent with our overall mission.

INFORM, Inc.: $25,000
www.informinc.org
INFORM, Inc., founded in 1974, is an independent research organization that examines the effects of business practices on the environment and on human health. Its goal is to identify ways of doing business that ensure environmentally sustainable economic growth. INFORM's reports are used by government, industry, and environmental leaders around the world and it publishes its research in books, newsletters, articles, and on the Internet. INFORM has been a leader in promoting the use of cleaner, safer alternatives to gasoline and diesel fueled vehicles which are major contributors to global climate change and to health-threatening urban air pollution. This grant will support INFORM's campaign for Clean Fuel Garbage Trucks. This is a one-year program to conduct extensive outreach to promote cleaner garbage trucks in California as part of its Sustainable Transportation Program.
Why we supported: INFORM's Sustainable Transportation Program has made many significant contributions that have helped achieve cleaner air in the U.S., particularly in California. Support of this initiative directly complements our goal of encouraging reduced mobile source pollution and our significant support of the increased utilization of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) vehicle fleets.

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition: $25,000
www.labikecoalition.org
The Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (LACBC) is a grassroots, membership-based organization working to improve the bicycling environment and quality of life in Los Angeles County. This grant funds its Bike Friendly Los Angeles County Initiative - specifically, LACBC's Plan for a Bikeable Future activities. This campaign is working with local, county and regional governments to transform bicycling into a mainstream component of Southern California's transportation system.
Why we supported: Given that Southern California is widely viewed as the capital of automobile dependency and chronic air pollution, improving bicycle planning and awareness could have a significant impact on that region's air quality, a major focus of the Foundation.

Natural Resources Defense Council: $25,000
www.nrdc.org
The Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) uses law, science, and the support of more than 400,000 members nationwide to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. This grant supports NRDC's post-election 2000 legislative strategy to protect existing environmental legislation. Facing possible threats to the environment under the new Presidential administration, NRDC plans a three-pronged approach to protect the environment, including defensive strategizing, proactive production of legislation, and public education/media outreach.
Why we supported: For more than 30 years, NRDC has fought to secure strong environmental policies both at home and internationally. Given the current political climate, the organization is well positioned both to defend current, and help pass new, environmental legislation over the next several years. NRDC is a prior grant recipient of the Foundation.

Planning and Conservation League Foundation: $15,000
www.pcl.org
Founded in 1972, the Planning and Conservation League Foundation (PCLF) aims to protect the California environment through research and education. This grant will pay for a poll to help determine the viability of PCLF's Traffic Congestion Relief Program (TCRP). The TCRP, planned for the November 2002 ballot, would allocate the state share of the sales tax on fuel and new/used cars/trucks to a new transportation fund, and uses the fund for transportation improvements.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation is committed to cleaning up the air in California, and improving traffic congestion helps to achieve that goal.

Union of Concerned Scientists: $17,500
www.ucsusa.org
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS), founded in 1969, has over 30 years of experience in coalition building and targeted policy outreach, and has been at the forefront of the battle to defend California's Zero-Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Program. The Foundation has made the following grants to UCS in 2001:

• $15,000 To help pay for UCS's lobbying expenses, as the organization works to create and/or continue tax incentives, at federal and state levels, for zero- and low-emission vehicles.
  
• $2,500 To fund a meeting for California environmental and environmental justice groups in December 2001/mid-January 2002 to build a common understanding and coalition on the topic of petroleum consumption/dependence issues.
  

Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation is an ardent supporter of ZEV incentives, and believes strongly in the power of lobbying to achieve results. In funding the petroleum dependence meeting, we are demonstrating our belief that California should adopt aggressive, long-term policies to reduce petroleum consumption. UCS is a prior grantee of the Foundation.

University of Delaware: $25,000
www.udel.edu
This grant will fund Drs. Willet Kempton and Jasna Tomic, with the University of Delaware, in support of a study of "Zero-Emission Vehicles as a Source of Clean and Reliable Electricity in California." Kempton and Tomic propose to follow up a recent study, the results of which determined that battery and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs) could provide emergency power reserves with a net profit gain to the owner. For more information on the work of Drs. Kempton and Tomic, please see www.udel.edu/V2G.
Why we supported: The Foundation has a strong interest in creative ways to solve environmental problems in California – especially when EVs are involved in the solution.

Kirsch Investigator Awards Program (Medical)

The Foundation is pleased to announce its second year of Kirsch Investigator Award Recipients. Each Award provides an annual amount of $150,000 to the Investigator and $30,000 to the institution with which the Investigator is affiliated. Read detailed information about the 2000 Investigators, who received a second year of funding at the same level, the 2001 Investigators, and their research activities. The 2001 Kirsch Investigators are:

• Allison J. Doupe, MD, PhD, Associate Professor, Departments of Psychiatry and Physiology and the Keck Center for Integrative Neuroscience, University of California, San Francisco
  Project: A new model system to study the role of cortical basal ganglia circuits and dopamine in learning and disease
  Songbirds provide a useful model system for the study of the brain circuits that are affected in human disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, because they use these same circuits in order to learn their song. Dr. Doupe investigates the link between the activity of the nerve cells in these brain regions, and the learning and production of song, as well as what goes awry in learning and behavior when dopamine nerve cells die as they do in Parkinson's disease.
  
• Geraldine C. Seydoux, PhD, Associate Professor of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
  Project: Molecular genetics of germline stem cells
  Dr. Seydoux's research focuses on elucidating the mechanisms that control the unique properties of stem cells. Unlike other cells, stem cells can continue to divide continuously in the body, while retaining the ability to turn into any cell type when given the right cue. As a source of material for tissue replacement therapy, stem cells hold great promise for modern medicine. In order to "collect" on this promise, we need to understand, and be able to manipulate, the molecules and triggers that give stem cells their unique abilities.
  
• Jonathan L. Tilly, PhD, Associate Professor of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Biology, Harvard Medical School, and Director, Vincent Center for Reproductive Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital
  Project: Genetics of normal and premature menopause
  The ultimate goal of Dr. Tilly's work is to discover approaches to postpone the time to menopause, and thus the onset of a multitude of health problems in women driven by menopause, and to prevent premature menopause and infertility in female cancer patients. He plans to use a unique "no menopause" mouse model to more fully understand the impact of ovarian failure on the body, with the goal of one day improving the safety and efficacy of hormone replacement therapies (HRT) currently offered to women to combat menopause-related heath problems.
  
• Susan R. Wente, PhD, Associate Professor of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University
  Project: Nuclear Inositol Polyphosphate Signaling: A new frontier for regulating cell growth and survival
  Most cells are divided into two main compartments: a nucleus, which houses DNA, and cytoplasm, which contains the rest of the cell's components. Dr. Wente is studying the communication between the nucleus and cytoplasm, which is critical for healthy cell growth and development. Many diseases, such as some forms of cancer and neurological disorders, may result from a breakdown in this communication.
  

Medical and Scientific Project Grants

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Florida: $300,000
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) is freedom's watchdog, working daily in the courts, legislatures and communities to defend individual rights and personal freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. A non-profit, non-partisan membership organization, it defends constitutional principles such as free speech, freedom of expression, privacy, equality, and separation of church and state. The Florida Equal Voting Rights Project, a project of the ACLU, is addressing the irregularities and fraud in Florida's electoral process that came to light during the November 2000 election. Its goal is to seek changes in the Florida voting system to ensure that the right to vote and the right to have one's vote accurately recorded and counted is respected. The ACLU will work with the legislature and through the courts to reduce racial and other disparities that were evident in the 2000 election and bring about statewide uniformity in the voting process by establishing standards for the recounting of disputed ballots and procedures for processing absentee ballots.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant that Steve Kirsch recommended to the Board of Directors.

Global Security Institute: $10,000
www.gsinstitute.org
The Global Security Institute (GSI), founded by deceased former U.S. Senator Alan Cranston, is committed to promoting a comprehensive vision of global security for our increasingly interdependent world and its evolving governing bodies. One of the organization's primary initiatives is the elimination of nuclear weapons. Through its work, GSI strives to persuade the U.S. government and other nuclear weapon states to honor their commitment under the Non-Proliferation Treaty. This grant supports GSI's annual operations.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Ploughshares Fund: $200,000
www.ploughshares.org
The Ploughshares Fund is a public grantmaking foundation that supports initiatives for stopping the spread of weapons of war, from nuclear arms to landmines. With $3 million contributed annually by individuals and other foundations, Ploughshares Fund invests in a wide range of innovative and realistic programs, from scientific research to media, behind-the-scenes dialogue, grassroots organizing and lobbying. It has been called a "mutual fund for peace and security." The Foundation has made the following contributions to the Ploughshares Fund in 2001:

• $100,000 This contribution provides funding to address four targeted issues (Nuclear Posture Review, de-alerting, Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and National Missile Defense) and three strategies (engaging with and gaining support from "elite" opinion leaders, policy analysts and scientists; media outreach to citizens; and grassroots organizing).
  
• $100,000 This contribution supports funding for nonprofit organizations committed to peace and security.
  

Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation strongly believes in funding nonprofit organizations committed to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

Public Campaign: $250,000
www.publicampaign.org
Public Campaign is a non-profit, non-partisan organization dedicated to sweeping reform that aims to dramatically reduce the role of special interest money in America's elections and the influence of big contributors in American politics. It wants to accomplish this objective by offering a public financing option to candidates who do not accept private contributions. This grant supports Public Campaign's Clean Money Campaign Reform program, which is focused on state-by-state reform initiatives as a means to gain national consensus for federal campaign reform. It is the second installment of a three-year, $750,000 grant.
Why we supported: Campaign finance reform is identified in the Foundation's strategic plan as a priority. Public Campaign has a sound strategy, seasoned staff, and remains committed to changing the role of money in politics despite setbacks in the November 2000 election.

Union of Concerned Scientists: $50,000
www.ucsusa.org
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent, nonprofit alliance of 50,000 concerned citizens and scientists across the country. UCS (with the Federation of American Scientists and Center for Defense Information) plans to produce an alternative Nuclear Posture Review (NPR) for release in the early phases of the new Bush administration's effort to produce its own NPR. This alternative NPR will consider the same questions as the congressionally-mandated NPR and will recommend that the Bush administration: de-emphasize the role of nuclear weapons in US security policy and emphasize US non-proliferation efforts; promote deep cuts in US and Russian strategic nuclear arsenals; de-alert US and Russian nuclear forces; keep National Missile Defense (NMD) in the R&D phase; support US Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty ratification; and endorse a US No-First-Use pledge.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation strongly believes in nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. UCS was very effective in using scientific/technical arguments to inform the public and the Clinton Administration about problems with the proposed deployment of a National Missile Defense in 2000, which led to deferral of any deployment. It brings the same credibility and expertise to broader nuclear policy issues and is leveraging its collaborative relationships with other organizations to maximize effectiveness in its development of the alternative NPR.

Silicon Valley Community Grants

American Musical Theatre of San Jose: $100,090
www.amtsj.org
American Musical Theatre of San Jose (AMTSJ), one of the area's most popular musical theatres, has performed in downtown San Jose for over 65 years. In addition to the full-scale productions and Musicals in Concert it has offered the Bay Area, AMTSJ presents a wide variety of education, training, accessibility and recognition programs. These grants provide support for the following:

• $100,000 for 2001-2002 Major Season Sponsorship.
  
• $90 for the Copacabana Dinner
  

Why we supported: AMTSJ is one of the most highly regarded performing arts centers in Silicon Valley. This continued support helps AMTSJ to cover its general operating costs.

Arts Council Silicon Valley: $470
www.artscouncil.org
The Arts Council Silicon Valley champions the arts by supporting organizations and individuals to achieve and excel in artistic creation and by joining with others to support and advocate for the arts in Silicon Valley.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Centre for Living with Dying: $5,000
www.thecentre.org
The Centre is the largest bereavement support agency of its kind in the United States and has served over 800,000 people. The Centre provides services to any person faced with a life threatening illness, grief, loss or trauma. Clients receive emotional support either through one-to-one support or a grief group.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Children’s Health Council: $3,000
www.chconline.org
The Children's Health Council has served the developmental needs of children and families in the Bay Area community for nearly 50 years, providing mental health services, special education and developmental services for children and adolescents. This grant supports the Resource Center, which provides specialized information to families, caregivers and community professionals to help them find answers to their questions about children's behavior and development. The funding provides free membership to low-income families and supports the acquisition of non-English parenting resources, general additions to the resource collection, and new equipment and supplies.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch to further her interests in the welfare of our community's children.

Clara-Mateo Alliance, Inc.: $15,000
www.clara-mateo.org
Clara-Mateo Alliance, Inc. (CMA) is a non-profit organization that provides shelter, housing and supportive services for homeless individuals, couples, and families on the grounds of the VA Hospital in Menlo Park, CA. It assists people in obtaining stable housing and self-sufficiency. It currently operates a 59-bed Shelter for individuals and couples, a separate Family Shelter that can accommodate six families with children of any ages, and six transitional housing units. CMA has immediate plans to expand its current 6 transitional units into a 24-unit formal Transitional Housing Program with supportive services. The primary objective of the Transitional Housing Program is for participants to obtain and remain in permanent housing. This grant helps to underwrite incremental lease expenses to expand the Transitional Housing Program.
Why we supported: This Transitional Housing Program provides a safety net that can lead to individual self-reliance.

Coalition for Excellence in Science Education (CESE): $5,000
http://hpretirees.com
Founded by Hewlett-Packard and Agilent retirees, Coalition for Excellence in Science Education (CESE) volunteers refurbish used science kits for mostly small, financially-strapped, elementary schools in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties. The science kits allow students to get "hands-on" opportunities for experiments in life, earth, and physical sciences. CESE will process over 1,300 science kits during the current fiscal year.
Why we supported: This grant is for general operating funds to support science education and to effective volunteer activities.

Community Foundation Silicon Valley: $17,640
Community Community Foundation Silicon Valley (CFSV), one of the largest nonprofit community foundations in the U.S., makes grants to the Silicon Valley community, educates the public about nonprofits and Silicon Valley's needs, and enables citizens to solve local problems. This funding includes four grants:

• $12,500 to SV2, Silicon Valley Social Ventures
  
• $4,000 to support the 2001 Association of Fundraising Professionals Philanthropy Day Awards at which CFSV is being honored as the "Outstanding Foundation"
  
• $1,140 for the 2001 CFSV Annual Meeting
  

Why we supported: The Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation is a supporting organization of the Community Foundation Silicon Valley. Steve and Michele Kirsch are founding members of SV2 and wanted to demonstrate their continuing commitment to encouraging young, emerging philanthropists.

Community School of Music and Arts: $20,850
www.arts4all.org
The largest arts education organization in Santa Clara County, the Community School of Music & Arts serves students of all ages through its diverse artistic programs including private lessons and classes, arts-in-the-schools programs, vacation and summer camps, concerts and other community outreach events. This support helps fund the Arts in Action program in the Los Altos School District.

• $15,850 for the Arts in Action program
  
• $5,000 for the Center for Arts education
  

Why we supported: These are discretionary grants.

Computer History Museum: $28,750
www.computerhistory.org
Established in 1996, The Computer Museum History Center is dedicated to the preservation and celebration of computing history. It is home to one of the largest collections of computing artifacts in the world, a collection comprising over 3,000 artifacts, 2,000 films and videotapes, 5,000 photographs, 2,000 linear feet of cataloged documentation and gigabytes of software. This funding includes three distinct gifts:

• $20,000 to support the capital campaign
  
• $5,000 to support the annual fund
  
• $3,750 for the 2001 Fellow Awards
  

Why We Supported: Steve Kirsch is a Board member of The Computer Museum History Center and contributes to further demonstrate his commitment to the organization. These were discretionary grants.

Cultural Initiatives Silicon Valley: $5,000
www.ci-sv.org
In 1997, leaders from the local arts, business and government communities gathered to develop a comprehensive plan to promote cultural awareness in Silicon Valley. Cultural Initiatives Silicon Valley (CISV) was created to implement their vision. Through projects in such areas as arts education, community and neighborhood arts, and strengthening the performance of cultural groups, CISV is helping to advance the role of arts and culture in the community. The organization's efforts have helped solidify the idea that arts inspire the imaginative spirit that has been the hallmark of the Valley's remarkable success. This grant supports CISV's Greenhouse Five-Year Program, an initiative to establish and promote successful arts education courses in Silicon Valley schools.

Why we supported: This is a Directors Discretionary Grant authorized by Board Member and Vice-Chairman Harry Saal.

Facing History and Ourselves: $25,000
www.facing.org
Facing History and Ourselves is a national, nonprofit educational organization whose mission is to promote democratic citizenship through curriculum and strategies for teachers, students and communities. This grant will help expand the program's reach into Silicon Valley.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation is committed to responding to the need for educational reform.

Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County: $1,000
www.girlscoutsofscc.org
Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County (GSSCC) serves over 18,000 girls with the support of 5,000 volunteers. The mission of the Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County is to provide girls and young women, ages 5-17, with the life skills that will enable them to reach their full potential. Programs empower young women to make life-enhancing decisions, develop self-esteem, and be active, contributing members of our community.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Ground Zero: $10,000
www.groundzero.org
GroundZero: The Art and Technology Network is a nonprofit incubator emerging from the synthesis of art, technology and culture. Its core mission is to facilitate the production of art that incorporates technology. GroundZero nurtures the implementation of creative art and technology projects by providing infrastructure support and project management, technical resources and funding. Tapping into Silicon Valley's technical talent, equipment and entrepreneurial spirit, GroundZero is a catalyst for artistic innovation with the potential for dramatic impact on the business world as well.
Why we supported: The Foundation supports Ground Zero's efforts to utilize technology in order to foster artistic creativity.

Hidden Villa: $6,750
www.hiddenvilla.org
Hidden Villa, a farm and wilderness preserve in the Los Altos Hills, provides unique programs teaching environmental and multicultural awareness. From farm tours to mushroom hikes, this organization encourages visitors to discover their connection to the earth and to each other. This funding includes the following grants:

• $1,750 for the Duveneck Humanitarian Awards Event
  
• $5,000 for annual support
  

Why we supported: These discretionary grants reflect the Foundation's commitment both to environmental issues and support of the local community. Hidden Villa is highly regarded for its environmental education focus.

Hospice of the Valley: $35,000
www.hospicevalley.org
Hospice of the Valley (HOV), a non-profit, in-home hospice care program, has been serving terminally ill patients, their families and loved ones in Santa Clara County since 1979. Its mission is to provide the highest quality professional services available to meet the educational, physical, emotional, environmental, and spiritual needs of terminally ill patients and their families, and to provide bereavement support to anyone who has lost a loved one. This grant is for a capital project and will be applied directly toward the updating and expansion of the current Clinical/Patient Care Area to make better use of existing space.
Why we supported: Renovation of its current facility will enable HOV to provide services to a larger number of patients and families. Furthermore, given the high cost of leased space in Silicon Valley coupled with a very low vacancy rate, HOV's below-market rate lease makes it more cost-effective for the organization to remain in its current location. HOV Board and staff worked to carefully analyze the organization's space and financial resources and other options before applying to the Foundation.

Housing Trust Fund: $1,000
www.housingtrustfund.org
The Housing Trust Fund was established to provide more affordable homes (both purchase and rental homes) for working families in Silicon Valley. The goal has been straightforward: raise $20 million and to then leverage $200 million in new home development, which will initially assist 5,000 families. Since the funds are allocated as loans rather than grants, after the initial loans are repaid, The Housing Trust Fund has a permanent on-going funding source available to assist more working families.
Why We Supported: This is a discretionary grant in support of the Fund's Individual Investor Campaign, which started after more than $17 million had been raised from corporate and government entities.

Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley: $4,300
www.scvhumane.org
The Humane Society of Santa Clara's mission is to promote respect for all animal life in our community through direct care and education. Its vision is to ensure that every animal has a safe and appropriate home. This funding includes the following grants:

• $3,300 initial funding for a brochure about the Society's Emergency Shelter for Animals
  
• $1,000 for general operating support
  

Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME): $25,000
www.iisme.org
Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME) helps teachers to better prepare students for the modern workplace through hands-on experiences in high performance industries and technology-focused training. It has provided professional development experiences for K-14 teachers in Silicon Valley and the Greater Bay Area since 1985. IISME is focused on teachers' effective use of technology, both in the classroom and in securing challenging, industry-based professional development opportunities. This grant covers the cost of updating IISME's interactive website project, including the Teacher Fellowship application process.
Why we supported: The Foundation supports capital projects that can leverage the resources of an organization. IISME expects this interactive website to reduce paperwork and administrative expenses and to demonstrate to teachers the type of technological world that their students will experience. IISME also secured substantial financial commitments from a variety of businesses and foundations, showing that it has a good track record and general support for the website.

Junior Achievement of Santa Clara County, Inc.: $1,500
www.jascc.org
Junior Achievement's sole purpose is to enhance school curriculum through volunteers helping in the classrooms, on a continuous basis, with a defined curriculum. Junior Achievement's Business Hall of Fame honors five Santa Clara Valley's business leaders each year. The laureates are selected by an independent judging selection committee. The Hall of Fame is also the organization's key fund-raining event of the year.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant.

Junior League of Palo Alto Mid Peninsula: $25,000
www.thejuniorleague.org
The Junior League is an organization of women committed to promoting volunteerism, developing the potential of women and improving communities through the effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. This funding represents Michele Kirsch’s annual contribution to the Junior League endowment.
Why we supported: Michele Kirsch is an active member of the Palo Alto chapter of the Junior League.

Law Foundation of Silicon Valley: $9,400
http://lawfoundation.org
The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley's mission is to secure justice and protect human rights by providing legal defense, counseling and access to the legal system for those who would otherwise be underrepresented. Programs provided by the Law Foundation include AIDS legal services, fair housing and advocacy for youth. This grant supports the "Celebration of Justice" fundraising event.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Learning and Loving Education Center: $10,000
The Learning & Loving Education Center's mission is to educate and empower low-income minority women and their children to improve their quality of life. The Center is located in income Morgan Hill, CA. The Center provides tuition-free educational opportunities for approximately 300 adults and children in three levels of English education, computer/job training, nutrition, sewing, money management, small business training and other self-development classes.
Why we supported: The Foundation advocates educational and technological literacy. This grant is for general operating support.

Los Altos Educational Foundation: $10,000
www.springer.losaltos.k12.ca.us/thank_you/laef
The Los Altos Educational Foundation provides funding for educational programs and materials that enhance the academic curriculum of the Los Altos School District. This funding supports the parent initiative for class size reduction in grades four through six.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant.

Los Altos Town Crier Holiday Fund: $5,000
www.losaltosonline.com/latc.html
The Los Altos Town Crier is a weekly newspaper serving the Los Altos, California, community. This grant supports the publication's Holiday Fund, which raises funds to assist needy families in the region.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Los Altos Village Association: $1,000
The mission of The Los Altos Village Association (LAVA) is to provide a unified organization to promote and represent all downtown businesses while preserving the unique character of the Village.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Lytton Gardens: $1,000
www.lyttongardens.org/
Lytton Gardens is a community for low income seniors that offers quality affordable housing, personal support services and healthcare through a continuum of services that includes: Independent Living, Assisted Living, and a Skilled Nursing Facility. Lytton Gardens is a nonprofit, independently owned and operated organization that is governed by a Board of Directors with deep roots in the Midpeninsula.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Menlo School: $25,000
www.menloschool.org
Menlo School, located in Atherton, California, is dedicated to providing a challenging academic curriculum complemented by outstanding fine arts and athletic programs. The school helps students to develop positive values and nurtures character development in a supportive environment that upholds the highest moral and ethical standards. Menlo School's program encourages students to reach their fullest potential, developing the skills necessary to respond intelligently and humanely to the complexities of an increasingly diverse world. This funding is for general operating support.
Why we supported: This grant is a Directors Discretionary Grant authorized by Board member Perry Olson.

Movimiento de Arte y Cultura Latino Americana: $5,000
www.maclaweb.org
MACLA is an energizing, contemporary arts space located in San Jose, California. The organization was founded in 1989 by a group of community activists engaged in a broad mobilization to change the representation of multicultural artists within the city's art allocations.
Its mission is to support Latino artists to create and showcase new work in the visual, literary, and performance arts to help define, interpret, and transform society.
Why we supported: This is a Directors Discretionary Grant authorized by Board Member and Vice-Chairman Harry Saal.

Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence: $3,800
www.nextdoor.org
Next Door is a non-profit, multi-cultural agency dedicated to providing proactive and progressive solutions to domestic violence. Serving Santa Clara County, this organization offers services including counseling and emergency shelter to individuals and their children in abusive relationships. Next Door is committed to reducing the incidence and recurrence of domestic violence through education and advocacy. This funding supports the annual Domestic Violence Conference.
Why we supported: This grant is recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Northern California Innocence Project: $25,000
www.scu.edu/academic/programs/lawclinic/
Since 1989, more than 80 wrongfully convicted people have been freed from prisons around the United States by the work of the Innocence Network — a national partnership between law schools, journalists and private attorneys. This work was made possible by the ever-increasing advances in DNA technology, which have enabled lawyers and scientists to demonstrate innocence. The Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP) has been formed to:

• Identify and provide legal resources to exonerate wrongly convicted inmates, convicted in California, who are able to demonstrate factual innocence.
  
• Advocate legal reforms to prevent wrongful convictions in the future.
  

Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant to support efforts to insure that individuals are treated fairly and have the opportunity to take advantage of new technologies to reverse wrongful convictions.

Opportunities Industrialization Center West (OICW): $2,000
www.oicw.org
OICW is a non-profit community-based job-training center on the Menlo Park-East Palo Alto border. These grants assist OICW's efforts to provide accredited job training, counseling and placement services, teen programs, evening and weekend courses, and child development centers for nearly 3,500 people per year.

• $1,000 for the Breakfast of Champions event
  
• $1,000 for a challenge match grant
  

Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch and by Board Member and Vice-Chairman Harry Saal.

Palo Alto Area, American Red Cross: $20,000
www.paarc.org
The American Red Cross is a volunteer-led humanitarian organization that provides relief to victims of disasters and helps people prevent, prepare for and respond to emergencies. The Palo Alto Area Chapter is one of the 1,300 local chapters and it provides disaster relief efforts for the local Mid-Peninsula area. The Chapter's building needs to have a secure, reliable and mobile energy source in times of disaster such as a major earthquake that affects the Bay Area. Given the recent problems – and anticipated energy shortages in California – the need was acute to purchase an electrical generator.
Why we supported: This grant provides funding for a time-sensitive capital project request. There was substantial research and analysis that resulted in a clear recommendation as to type and functioning of a generator. Finally, the Chapter was willing to allocate another annual grant that was restricted to building improvement use to support the purchase.

Palo Alto Medical Foundation: $2,500
www.pamf.org
The mission of Palo Alto Medical Foundation is to provide and integrate quality health care, health education and biomedical research to improve the health status of our region.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch in memory of Regina Glaser, the mother of the Foundation's Scientific Advisory Board Co-Chair, Dr. Robert Glaser.

Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired: $3,070
www.pcbvi.org
Founded in 1936 on the conviction that sight loss need never be a barrier to self-reliance, self-esteem, or quality of life, Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired is the primary resource in Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties for those with severe loss of vision. The Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired enables clients to achieve their highest potential through programs that promote independence and improve quality of life. This funding includes two grants:

• $2,500 for annual support
  
• $570 for the annual Vintage Affair event
  

Why we supported: These grants are recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

People Acting in Community Together: $5,000
www.pactsj.org
People Acting in Community Together (PACT) awakens people to their greatest resource – each other – and teaches them how to improve the education, health, employment and safety of their families and their neighborhoods.
Why we supported: This is a Directors Discretionary Grant authorized by Board Member Vice-Chairman Harry Saal.

Resource Area For Teachers (RAFT): $26,000
www.raft.net
Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT), a nonprofit service organization, collects a wide variety of manufacturing by-products, over-runs and other scrap material and redistributes them to schools and community groups through teachers who visit the RAFT Center. At RAFT, teachers learn how to use these materials creatively to demonstrate math, science and other subjects. RAFT, through its Technology Center, also offers teachers workshops in use of computers as teaching aids. RAFT offers companies an on-site assessment that identifies reusable items and arranges for their pickup. This funding includes the following grants:

• $1,000 This grant supports the 2nd annual fund-raising dinner by enabling teachers and RAFT volunteers to attend the event without cost.
  
• $25,000 This contribution reflects the first payment of a $50,000 pledge to complete the capital campaign for the purchase and renovation of the new center that RAFT is already using in San Jose.
  

Why we supported: Steve and Michele are committed to supporting quality education in the community.

Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April Mid-Peninsula): $10,000
www.christmasinapril-mp.com
Christmas in April – Mid-Peninsula, newly-renamed "Rebuilding Together", is a non-denominational organization that builds volunteer partnerships to rehabilitate community facilities and homes so that low-income individuals may live in warmth, safety and independence. The recipients are low-income homeowners and non-profits that serve low-income communities; the volunteers cross all ethnic, gender, age, and economic and geographic boundaries. The 51 homes, 3 schools and 6 non-profit community facilities repaired in 2000 serve over 5,000 people. In addition to standard repairs, the organization runs a roofing repair and replacement program at no cost to the homeowners. This grant will help underwrite a new fundraising and public relations staff position.
Why we supported: Rebuilding Together makes very effective use of volunteers and collaborative relationships among individuals, businesses and nonprofit organizations. Its effort to renovate current community facilities and to repair homes in a very crowded and expensive Silicon Valley helps keep community organizations and low-income individuals part of the community's fabric.

Santa Clara University, School of Law: $2,500
www.scu.edu/SCU/Departments/Law
The Santa Clara University School of Law is dedicated to the preparation of students to assume leadership roles in society through an education that stresses moral and spiritual as well as intellectual and aesthetic values, seeks to answer not only "what is" but "what should be" and encourages faith and the promotion of justice. This grant is part of the class gift from the Class of 2001.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Shelter Network: $25,000
www.shelternetwork.org
Shelter Network addresses the growing community problem of homelessness on the San Francisco Peninsula. Recently, a partnership formed with Women's Recovery Association in order to make a more effective collaboration, to share its resources and to enhance its programmatic efforts. This grant supports the Joint Technology Plan that assists both agencies with hardware, software, Internet access, and staff training.
Why we supported: The collaboration of Shelter Network and Women's Recovery Association will improve the sustainability of both agencies. By providing this grant, the Kirsch Foundation feels the technology will, in turn, greatly benefit the health and safety of the community's residents.

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Santa Clara: $100,000
www.svdp.org
St. Vincent de Paul Society, as fiscal agent for four collaborating agencies, has acquired a building to be used as a multi-service center in East San Jose. The new center will house: East San Jose Community Law Center (affiliated with the Santa Clara University School of Law), Loaves & Fishes Family Kitchen, O'Connor Hospital, and St. Vincent de Paul. In one centralized location, the non-profits will provide food, clothing, primary health care, and emergency housing assistance services to low-income families and individuals. Other services will include case management, legal services, ESL classes, job readiness training, and small business development to help direct people toward long-term self-sufficiency.
Why We Supported: Given the need for integrated social services in East San Jose, the difficulty that nonprofit organizations have in finding affordable space for their services and the planned collaboration among the agencies, the Foundation determined that a capital gift to support the purchase and renovation of the current facility would provide a lasting benefit to the community and the agencies' abilities to offer services at a cost within their financial means.

The Tech Museum of Innovation: $119,650
www.thetech.org
Located in San Jose, The Tech Museum of Innovation is an educational resource established to engage people of all ages and backgrounds in exploring and experiencing technologies affecting their lives, and to inspire young people to become innovators in the technologies of the future. The Foundation has made the following contributions to The Tech in 2001:

• $6,500 and $3,750 These two contributions support the Gizmo WYSIWYG 2001 event – a program featuring various educational activities for youth.
  
• $84,000 This contribution reflects the first payment of a three-year $250,000 pledge for The Tech's capital campaign to establish a $25 million endowment.
  
• $400 This grant supports The Tech's annual awards event.
  
• $25,000 This grant reflects the commitment to the annual Tech Board Challenge.
  

Why we supported: Steve and Michele Kirsch are chairs of The Tech's Leadership Circle of donors and have continuously supported its activities, including its special events.

United Way Silicon Valley: $25,000
www.uwsv.org
United Way Silicon Valley (UWSV) supports the community's most vital health and human care needs by distributing raised funds to over 100 nonprofit agencies in Silicon Valley. This grant supports UWSV's Community Care Fund. This campaign funds programs in critical human care areas including family support services, childcare, community building and homeless assistance.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Urgency Fund: $200,000
As a result of the economic downturn and the events of September 11, Silicon Valley nonprofits are facing rough times. The Skoll Community Fund committed $2.5M and encouraged others to step forward and do their part.
Why we supported: Steve and Michele recognize the crucial need to fill in the gaps and assist the community during this difficult time.

World Affairs Council: $5,000
www.wacsf.org
Since 1947, the World Affairs Council has helped people understand the world around them. It provides a forum for the open discussion of global affairs with leading policymakers, scholars and artists from around the world.
Why we supported: This grant provides support for the Global Philanthropy Conference.