2003 Grants Awarded

Environmental Grants | Kirsch Investigators (Medical)
Medical and Scientific Project Grants | Political Reform and Global Theme Grants
Silicon Valley Community Grants | Discretionary Grants


In 2003, we distributed 152 grants totaling $2,754,109 to organizations and individual Kirsch Investigator award recipients in the following categories (number of grants and total grant money by category provided):
Environmental
19 grants
$303,250
Kirsch Investigators
6 grants
$720,000
Medical and Scientific Projects
6 grants
$326,219
Political Reform and Global Theme
26 grants
$379,500
Silicon Valley Community
60 grants
$688,190
Discretionary
35 grants
$336,950


Environmental Grants

Bluewater Network: $8,000
www.bluewaternetwork.org
Based in San Francisco, Bluewater Network is an environmental organization aggressively confronting the root causes of climate change and fighting environmental damage from the shipping, oil, and motorized recreation industries. This grant supports Bluewater Networks work to ensure strong implementation of AB 1493, a piece of legislation that the Foundation is actively supporting, and for which it is a prior grantee for.
Why we supported: As the organization that originally drafted the legislation later named AB 1493 and is most familiar with the language, Bluewater has an important part to play in the collaborative effort to create strong implementation of this landmark bill.

California Environmental Rights Alliance: $15,000
www.EnviroRights.org
Founded in January 2003, the California Environmental Rights Alliance (CERA) is dedicated to achieving environmental health and justice in California by improving the quality of environmental decisions and through the empowerment of communities. This grant suppurts CERA's work with the California Environmental Protection Agency, California Air Resources Board, and the South Coast Air Quality Management District to develop and impact policies to reduce mobile source air pollution in California.
Why we supported: CERA is the only organization dedicated to representing environmental justice interests at the state agency level, an emerging interest that has been overlooked in most past clean air efforts.

CLCV Education Fund: $10,500
www.ecovote.org
Established in 1996, the CLCV Education Fund (Ed Fund) works to make underrepresented voices heard in environmental policymaking. It is a 501(c)3 that works closely with the California League of Conservation Voters, a 501(c)4 that is a prior grant recipient. This grant will support the Ed Fund's media outreach to the Latino community to build support for strong implementation of AB 1493, an important piece of legislation that the Foundation is actively supporting. The Latino caucus' support was essential to AB 1493's passage. The Latino community's continued awareness will be important to ensure strong AB 1493 implementation.
Why we supported: For a relatively small investment, this early outreach has the potential to have great impact. The passage of AB 1493 was a great victory for the environmental community, including the Foundation, and it is important that we protect the success we achieved.

California State Parks Foundation: $1,000
www.calparks.org
The California State Parks Foundation is an independent non-profit membership organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing California state parks. This grant provides support for educational and outreach programs.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT): $25,000
www.ceert.org
CEERT is a nonprofit public-benefit organization founded in 1990 in Sacramento to bring together concerned scientists, environmentalists, public interest advocates and innovative energy technology companies – all of whom share a vision to benefit the environment with sustainable solutions to California's growing appetite for energy. This grant will help CEERT launch a state-wide effort to establish a "polluter pays" program. This program would consist of a mitigation fee of $1 per barrel collected at the refinery gate on each barrel of petroleum refined in California.
Why we supported: This program would generate more than $700 million annually in permanent funding for key programs including expanded support for public transit and clean vehicle incentives; refinery monitoring and cleanup; brownfields cleanup; and diesel pollution mitigation programs such as the popular and under funded Carl Moyer program. The Foundation recognizes the importance of these programs, as well as the urgency to establish a funding source for these programs due to the states financial predicament.

Coalition for Clean Air: $20,000
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. It is a prior grant recipient. This grant will support CCA's advocacy for heavy-duty diesel pollution reductions in California as well as CCA's work with the growing clean air movement in the Central Valley.
Why we supported: CCA's grant reflects two current areas of focus for the Foundation: To combat diesel pollution statewide in California and to clean up the air in the Central Valley.

Communities for a Better Environment: $25,000
www.cbecal.org
Founded in 1978, Communities for a Better Environment (CBE) is an environmental health and justice non-profit organization promoting clean air, clean water and the development of toxin-free communities. This grant supports CBE's Bay Area Clean Fleet Rules Project, a project to pass regulations by the Bay Area Air Quality Management District to require owners of large (15-plus) diesel fleets (both public and private) to phase-in clean fuel, non-diesel vehicles in its nine-county jurisdiction.
Why we supported: The Foundation has a stated interest in promoting alternative fueled-vehicles. If implemented, these rules have the potential to reduce toxic air pollution overall in the greater San Francisco Bay Area.

Conservation International: $2,750
www.conservation.org
Conservation International's mission is to conserve the Earth's living natural heritage, our global biodiversity, and to demonstrate that human societies are able to live harmoniously with nature. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $1,750 for the Northern California Fundraising Event
  • $1,000 for annual support

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

Earthjustice: $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 Earthjustice's California Air Quality Campaign, including the promotion and enforcement of the Clean Air Act, and strengthening national regulations that affect air quality standards.
Why we supported: Litigation is an important part of ensuring the implementation of strict clean air programs in the U.S. Earthjustice has represented over 500 clients, including the American Lung Association, Environmental Defense Fund, Natural Resources Defense Council, Trust for Public Land, and the World Wildlife Fund to name a few. The organization wins a majority of cases it brings and has been a catalyst for significant change in this arena. This represents our third grant and we are pleased to continue our support of its excellent work.

Environmental Law Institute: $20,000
www.eli.org
Established in 1970, the Environmental Law Institute (ELI) is a global leader in protecting our environment through law, policy, and management. It is an internationally recognized, independent research and education center that activates a broad constituency of environmental professionals in government, industry, the private bar, public interest groups, and academia. This grant will support ELI's Endangered Environmental Laws Campaign, which will investigate, report on, and respond to the ongoing crisis that is weakening the constitutional underpinnings of our nation's environmental laws.
Why we supported: Although the work supported by this grant does not fall within the funding criteria for the Environmental Grants Program, the Foundation considers it critical that we protect the federal laws that the environmental community uses to protect our air, water and land. We decided to fund ELI due to the urgency posed by the judicial threat to these environmental laws, and the fact that the judiciary is currently the "court of last resort" as both the Executive and Legislative branches are not sympathetic to environmental issues.

League of Conservation Voters: $40,000
www.lcv.org
For over 30 years, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) has been the political voice of the national environmental movement and is the only organization devoted full-time to shaping a pro-environment Congress and White House. This grant will support LCV's campaign to boost the importance of environmental issues in the 2004 election.
Why we supported: Although the work supported by this grant does not fall directly within the funding criteria for the Environmental Grants Program, the Foundation considers it critical that pro-environment candidates be elected to protect and enhance environmental laws at the federal level. We are funding LCV because, without a pro-environmental federal government, other efforts to support environmental activities and legislation are likely to be fruitless.

Natural Resources Defense Council: $25,000
www.nrdc.org
For over 30 years, the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) has used law, science, and the support of more than 500,000 members nationwide to protect the planet's wildlife and wild places, and to ensure a safe and healthy environment for all living things. NRDC has received prior Kirsch support for its work. This grant will support its efforts to defend legal challenges to AB 1493.
Why we supported: Members of the AB 1493 implementation groups agree that the most immediate need (for funding) is the legal defense of the law from automaker challenges. NRDC is one of the best organizations to handle this activity and it has already begun to incur legal expenses. This grant from the Foundation will significantly help NRDC reach its project goals while also protecting our investment to date in this groundbreaking legislation.

Pew Center on Global Climate Change: $15,000
www.pewclimate.org
Established in 1998, the objective of the Pew Center on Global Climate Change is to educate the public and key policy makers about the causes and potential consequences of climate change, and to encourage the domestic and international community to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. This grant will support the Pew Center's work to educate on, and advocate for, the enactment of policies in the upcoming U.S. Transportation Equity Act (TEA-3) that would lead to significant reductions both in the U.S. transportation sector's greenhouse gas emissions and in U.S. oil dependence.
Why we supported: As possibly the only federal bill to have a potentially pro-environmental outcome, the Foundation recognizes it is important for the environmental community to be proactive and engaged in the TEA-3 reauthorization process.

Planning and Conservation League Foundation: $12,500
www.pcl.org
Founded in 1972, the Planning and Conservation League Foundation (PCLF) aims to protect the California environment through research and education. It is a prior grant recipient. This grant supports PCLF's work to organize environmental justice support for AB 1493 and other clean air measures statewide, with a special emphasis on the Central Valley.
Why we supported: The Foundation has invested much time and effort towards passage of AB 1493, and is currently supporting strong implementation efforts. We are also committed to working with diverse constituencies to ensure adequate attention to the pollution-reduction needs of the Central Valley.

Sierra Club CA: $12,500
www.sierraclub.org/ca/scc/index.asp
Sierra Club California was launched in 1986 as the advocacy arm of California's 13 local Sierra Club chapters, now representing over 200,000 members. The mission of Sierra Club California is to promote the preservation, restoration and enjoyment of California's environment, and enable Club chapters and grassroots activists to speak with one voice to promote California conservation. This grant will support citizen advocacy at the grassroots/Sierra Club chapter level to support key air quality bills during the 2003-2004 legislative session.
Why we supported: The Foundation has a strong commitment to supporting advocacy efforts related to California's air quality.

Surface Transportation Policy Project: $25,000
www.transact.org
Established in 1994, the mission of the Surface Transportation Policy Project (STPP) is to ensure that transportation policy and investments help conserve energy, protect environmental and aesthetic quality, strengthen the economy, promote social equity, and make communities more livable. STPP is the nationally recognized coordinator of the U.S. transportation reform movement. This coalition has helped enact, and successfully defend, the most progressive national transportation laws in modern U.S. history. Through these laws transit funding has doubled to more than $7 billion annually, bike and pedestrian funding has soared from $5 million annually to more than $250 million, regional agencies have secured more control over transportation decision-making, citizen participation has increased and coordination with land use is now required. This grant helps to underwrite STPP's policy development and educational outreach aimed at building strong alliances with climate change advocates. It is expected that these alliances will result in the implementation of a mutually beneficial and effective policy agenda during the next iteration of transportation authorization, the Transportation Equity Act of 2003 (TEA-3).
Why we supported: The transportation sector accounts for 33% of domestic greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. All three federal laws financing transportation assistance (covering air, rail, highways, transit bikes and pedestrians) will be reauthorized in TEA-3, and will dictate how federal transportation funds will be spent over the next six years (2003-2009). STPP intends to make sure these federal laws support community-based outcomes, including clean air and reduced GHG emissions. There is a clear and timely need to bring climate change organizations into the fight for transportation advocacy. Linking these two communities together will strengthen the advocacy needed to use transportation funding to reduce green house gas emissions. STPP is well positioned to bring these two communities together. It is also well respected both on Capitol Hill and in the environmental community.

University of California at Berkeley: $20,000
www.berkeley.edu
This grant will support the Renewable and Appropriate Energy Laboratory (RAEL) at the University of California at Berkeley, a unique new research, development, project implementation, and community outreach facility focused on designing, testing, and disseminating renewable and appropriate energy systems. For more information on RAEL, please see http://socrates.berkeley.edu/~rael/. Under the direction of Dr. Daniel M. Kamman, this grant will fund the creation of an important vision or "roadmap" document that will help to guide the planning and implementation of hydrogen refueling infrastructure, in conjunction with distributed power generation and innovative mobility systems, in California.
Why we supported: The Foundation supports the development of hydrogen-based transportation. To reach that goal in an effective and financially efficient way, it is important for California to have guidance and consensus on how to build the necessary infrastructure to support that future. You may download the document, “An Integrated Hydrogen Vision for California,” here.

World Resources Institute: $1,000
www.wri.org
World Resources Institute (WRI) is an environmental think-tank that provides information, ideas, and solutions to global environmental problems. Its mission is to move human society to live in ways that protect the Earth's environment for current and future generations.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Kirsch Investigator Awards Program (Medical)
The Foundation is pleased to announce its fourth year of Kirsch Investigator Award Recipients. Each Award provides an annual amount of $100,000 to the Investigator and $20,000 to the institution with which the Investigator is affiliated. Read detailed information about the 2002 Investigators who received continued support this year, as well as the 2003 Investigators and their research activities. The 2003 Kirsch Investigators are:

  • Richard T. Born, MD, Associate Professor of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School
    Project: Dopamine, Eye Movements, and the Neural Circuitry of Schizophrenia
    Dr. Born's research seeks to understand the nature of the basic brain circuits that are responsible for our perception of the visual world and our ability to act in it. Because this circuitry is abnormally regulated in many brain disorders, such as schizophrenia, studying how it is regulated will provide new insights into the biological basis of mental life and suggest new treatments for mental diseases.
  • Peter K. Jackson, PhD, Associate Professor of Pathology and Microbiology and Immunology, Stanford University School of Medicine
    Project: New Technologies for Investigating the Human Destructome
    Dr. Jackson studies how specific enzymes that regulate the stability of proteins are important for cell growth and cancer. His laboratory is creating new technologies to measure the activity of these destruction enzymes in human tissues and to use these tools to help discover new therapies for cancer and neurodegenerative disease.
  • Anne M. Villeneuve, PhD, Associate Professor of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine
    Project: Repair of Double-Strand DNA Breaks in Caenorhabditis elegans
    Cellular and organismal viability, longevity, and perpetuation of species through sexual reproduction all depend critically on the ability to repair damaged DNA. Accumulation of DNA damage has been postulated as a major factor driving the aging process, and defects in DNA repair machinery components are responsible for several inherited human cancer syndromes. Dr. Villeneuve proposes to exploit advantages of the C. elegans experimental system to identify new components of pathways that repair double-stranded DNA breaks, and to investigate the roles of these components in maintaining genome integrity.


Medical and Scientific Project Grants

American Society for Cell Biology: $8,000
www.ascb.org
American Society for Cell Biology (ASCB) was founded in 1961 to bring the varied facets of cell biology together. The organization's objective is to provide for the exchange of scientific knowledge in the area of cell biology. It strives to ensure the future of basic scientific research by providing training and development opportunities for students and young investigators, and also by keeping Congress and the public informed on the importance of biomedical research. This grant will support ASCB's stem cell symposium at the ASCB annual meeting this year.
Why we supported: Support of this symposium complements our policy, advocacy and funding commitment to stem cell research and therapeutic cloning initiatives. The symposium is an appropriate forum for educating scientists about the current status of stem cell research. The reputation of ASCB and its leadership lend significant credibility at a national level to this discussion.

California Institute of Technology: $25,000
www.caltech.edu
This grant will fund Dr. Steven J. Ostro, a Senior Research Scientist at the NASA/CalTech Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California, for analysis of radar investigations of Earth-approaching objects that, because of their sizes and orbits, are designated Potentially Hazardous Asteroids (PHAs). For more information on the asteroid radar research of Dr. Ostro, see http://echo.jpl.nasa.gov/.
Why we supported: The Foundation is committed to efforts to mitigate the threat of asteroids to Earth. Radar studies of PHAs offer vital and valuable information to refine vague predicted orbits and understand composition, shape and other important statistics that would be necessary for any type of mitigation efforts. This is an area that is under-funded, and the team at CalTech, led by Dr. Ostro, is viewed as the leader in this field.

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research: $30,000
www.camradvocacy.org
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) was formed in March 2001 as a 501(c)(4) organization to ensure that the full capability of the biomedical research workforce is directed toward bringing the remarkable potential of embryonic stem cells to fruition. CAMR's membership is that of nationally recognized patient organizations, universities, scientific societies, foundations, and individuals with life-threatening diseases and disorders. It advocates the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine, including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer ("SCNT", commonly called "therapeutic cloning") in order to cure disease and alleviate suffering. This grant will support CAMR's core activities for 2003. CAMR is a prior grantee.
Why we supported: Funding of stem cell research and the continued legality of therapeutic cloning holds the promise of saving the lives of millions of Americans suffering from illnesses including Alzheimer's disease, ALS, heart disease, cancer, spinal cord injury and diabetes. Joining other highly regarded groups in this coalition helps to ensure the most effective allocation of philanthropic dollars to address health/medical issues and encourages critical research. Susan Frank, Vice President, Public Policy, for the Foundation, is currently a CAMR Board Vice-President.

Glaucoma Research Foundation: $213,219
www.glaucoma.org
The Glaucoma Research Foundation (GRF) is the oldest national voluntary health agency dedicated to protecting the sight and independence of people with glaucoma. These two grants represent continued and additional funding for the partnership between GRF and the Kirsch Foundation: Catalyst for a Cure (CFC).

  • $185,000 for continued support of the core CFC program
  • $28,219 for the establishment of a rodent model of glaucoma

Why we supported: The CFC partnership charges a group of researchers with the goal of bringing a fresh outlook to finding a cure for glaucoma, one of the degenerative eye diseases that is of particular interest to the Kirsch Foundation. Creating a rodent model will help the CFC researchers towards this goal in the most effective and financially sound manner.

Minor Planet Center: $50,000
http://cfa-www.harvard.edu/iau/mpc.html
The Minor Planet Center is the central clearing house for asteroid and cometary observations made worldwide. Once a comet or asteroid is discovered, this Center determines an object's preliminary orbit and then may categorize it as a comet, a near-Earth asteroid or perhaps a Potentially Hazardous Asteroid (PHA). This grant will fund expanded staff hours for the Minor Planet Center through January 2004, as well as public awareness efforts relating to Near Earth Objects (NEOs) and PHAs and the Center's critical role in identifying these dangerous objects.
Why we supported: The Foundation is committed to reducing the threat of a cataclysmic asteroid impact. The Minor Planet Center is an integral part of the current system to identify and track such objects.

Political Reform and Global Theme Grants

Arms Control Association: $5,000
www.armscontrol.org
The Arms Control Association, founded in 1971, is a national, nonpartisan, membership organization dedicated to promoting public understanding of and support for effective arms control policies.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation strongly believes in nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

British American Security Information Council (BASIC): $5,000
www.basicint.org
BASIC is a progressive and independent analysis and advocacy organization that researches and provides a critical examination of global security issues, including nuclear policies, military strategies, armaments and disarmament. BASIC assists in the development of global security policies, policy-making and the assessment of policy priorities, and promotes public awareness and understanding of these policies and of policy-making in Europe and the US.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation provided this grant because BASIC engages in critical work on disarmament. BASIC is a new member of the Arms Control Advocacy Collaborative (AC2), which is jointly funded by the Kirsch Foundation and the Ploughshares Fund.

Campaign for America's Future: $10,000
www.ourfuture.org
Campaign for America's Future works to revitalize a progressive agenda by engaging citizens, activists and political leaders in a renewed debate about the country and its direction. This funding includes two general operating support grants.
Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation: $5,000
www.clw.org
The Center for Arms Control & Non-Proliferation is among the nation's preeminent arms control organizations and focus on halting the spread of weapons of mass destruction, opposing a national missile defense system, cutting Pentagon waste and reducing excessive arms exports.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation provided this general operating support because the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation engages in critical work on disarmament.

Center for Defense Information: $11,250
www.cdi.org
The Center for Defense Information (CDI) is dedicated to strengthening security through: international cooperation; reduced reliance on unilateral military power to resolve conflict; reduced reliance on nuclear weapons; a transformed and reformed military establishment; and, prudent oversight of, and spending on, defense programs. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $6,250 for general operating support for the 2002-2003 fiscal year
  • $5,000 for general operating support for the 2003-2004 fiscal year

Why we supported: CDI's dedication to helping political leaders make educated choices about security matters is consistent with the Foundation's vision for the world.

Center for Innovative Policies: $5,000
The Center for Innovative Policies is dedicated to promoting responsible and progressive plans on issues such as energy and education. This grant supports its U.S. Energy Policy Goals Project.
Why we supported: Steve and Michele Kirsch are committed to promoting the use of clean energy sources in order to protect the environment.

Center for Responsive Politics: $10,000
www.opensecrets.org
The Center for Responsive Politics is a non-partisan, non-profit research group based in Washington, D.C. that tracks money in politics, and its effect on elections and public policy. The Center conducts computer-based research on campaign finance issues for the news media, academics, activists, and the public at large. The Center's work is aimed at creating a more educated voter, an involved citizenry, and a more responsive government.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Citizen Lobby – New Jersey PIRG: $5,000
www.njpirg.org
The state Public Interest Research Groups are an alliance of state-based, citizen-funded organizations that advocate for the public interest. They uncover threats to public health and well-being and fight to end them, using the time-tested tools of investigative research, media exposes, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation. The state PIRGs' mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented activism that protects the environment, encourages a fair marketplace for consumers and fosters responsive, democratic government. This grant supports the ZEV campaign in New Jersey.
Why we supported: This grant complements the Foundation's efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and global warming.

Federation of American Scientists: $5,000
www.fas.org
Founded in 1945 by atomic scientists of the Manhattan Project, the Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is dedicated to the responsible use of science and technology. FAS brings a scientific perspective to the legislative arena through direct lobbying, expert testimony, media and grassroots work. FAS engages in analysis and public education on a broad range of science, technology, and public policy issues, including weapons nonproliferation and information technologies.
Why we supported: The Foundation is committed to achieving nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation.

Friends Committee on National Legislation: $5,000
www.fcnl.org
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is a Quaker lobby in the public interest. FCNL seeks to bring the concerns, experiences and testimonies of the Religious Society of Friends to bear on policy decisions in the nation's capital. FCNL works with a nationwide network of people to advocate social and economic justice, peace, and good government.
Why we supported: FCNL's advocacy work in nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation is consistent with the Foundation's vision for the world.

Global Security Institute: $2,000
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.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Natural Resources Defense Council: $11,250
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 funding includes the following grants:

  • $6,250 for general operating support for the 2002-2003 fiscal year
  • $5,000 for general operating support for the 2003-2004 fiscal year

Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation provided these grants because the NRDC engages in critical work on nuclear disarmament.

People for the American Way Foundation: $10,000
www.pfaw.org
The purpose of People for the American Way (PFAW) is to educate the American people and raise their level of understanding by reducing social tension and polarizations, encouraging community participation, fostering understanding among different segments of our society, and increasing the level and quality of public dialogue. As an educational institution, PFAW will communicate with the American people through printed materials, radio, television, public lectures and discussions.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Physicians for Social Responsibility: $5,000
www.psr.org
Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) represents more than 20,000 physicians, nurses, health care professionals, and concerned citizens devoted to nuclear disarmament, violence prevention and environmental health. This is a general operating grant in recognition of its key work in the nuclear disarmament arena.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation recognizes the valuable contributions that PSR's membership makes in advocating disarmament and supports its efforts.

Ploughshares Fund: $125,000
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." This funding supports its "Nuclear Weapons Agenda for a Better World."
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation strongly believes in funding nonprofit organizations committed to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. Ploughshares Fund has great expertise about the individuals and organizations that are most effective worldwide in advancing disarmament and non-proliferation so we know that our funds will be invested wisely for the benefit of the field.

Public Campaign: $125,000
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 provides general operating support for its strategic activities over the coming year.
Why we supported: Public Campaign has a sound strategic approach to its work, seasoned staff, and absolute dedication to changing the role of money in politics. It has been a Foundation grant recipient for several years and has been part of the effort to effect public financing in states ranging from Arizona to Massachusetts and from North Carolina to Maine. It continues to play a key role in both national and state activities to advance "clean money" elections.

Public Campaign Action Fund: $5,000
www.publiccampaign.org
The lobbying and legislative arm of Public Campaign, Public Campaign Action Fund (PCAF) is committed to funding Clean Money ballot initiatives in states across the country.
Why we supported: Educating the public and passing legislation on campaign finance reform, particularly the alternative availability of public financing, is of vital importance to the Foundation. This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

TomPaine.com: $10,000
www.tompaine.com
TomPaine.com is a public interest journal that seeks to enrich the national debate on controversial public issues by featuring the ideas, opinions, and analyses too often overlooked by the mainstream media. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $5,000 for a matching challenge grant
  • $5,000 for a media op/ed project

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

Union of Concerned Scientists: $5,000
www.ucsusa.org
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent, nonprofit alliance of 50,000 concerned citizens and scientists across the United States. The group augments rigorous scientific analysis with innovative thinking and committed citizen advocacy to build a cleaner, healthier environment and a safer world. The grant supports annual operations and was made in recognition of UCS' key work in the area of nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation recognizes the valuable contributions that UCS makes in advocating disarmament.

Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation: $10,000
www.vvaf.org
The Vietnam Veterans of America Foundation (VVAF) is dedicated to achieving global security through programs that not only reduce the worldwide threat posed by war and conflict but also promote justice and freedom. Established by a dedicated group of Vietnam veterans in 1980, VVAF has transformed the experience of war into a program of service to others. Its goal is to build and nurture a global spirit that is humanitarian and compassionate, just, and dedicated to freedom. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $5,000 for the Nuclear Threat Reduction Campaign project
  • $5,000 for annual support

\Why we supported: The Foundation is committed to achieving nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. These are discretionary grants recommended by Board Chairman, Steve Kirsch.

Women's Action for New Directions (WAND): $5,000
www.wand.org
WAND's mission is to empower women to act politically to reduce violence and militarism, and redirect excessive military resources toward unmet human and environmental needs.
Why we supported: WAND is committed to the elimination of testing, production, sale and use of weapons of mass destruction, a key area of interest for the Foundation. In addition, WAND is a new member of the Arms Control Advocacy Collaborative (AC2), which is jointly funded by the Kirsch Foundation and the Ploughshares Fund.

Silicon Valley Community Grants

American Musical Theatre of San Jose: $200,000
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 include the following:

  • $100,000 for 2002-2003 Season Sponsorship for its seven productions
  • $100,000 for the 2003-2004 Season Challenge Match

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 and represents the Kirsch family's interest in and commitment to the local arts community.

Castilleja School: $2,000
www.castilleja.org
Castilleja School educates women by fostering their intellectual, physical, creative, and emotional growth through an exemplary college preparatory experience within a diverse and supportive community. By blending tradition with thoughtful innovation, the curriculum encourages both individual achievement and collaborative learning. Castilleja's comprehensive program promotes the development of character, compassion, curiosity, and the capacity for effective leadership.
Why we supported: Steve and Michele are committed to supporting quality education in the community.

Children's Health Council: $69,000
www.chconline.org
The Children's Health Council (CHC) 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. These grants include the following:

  • $4,000 to help underwrite the Summer Symphony
  • $5,000 for annual support for 2002-2003
  • $50,000 for the endowment fund
  • $10,000 for annual support for 2003-2004

Why we supported: Michele is a Board member of the Children's Health Council and these grants reflect her commitment to the well-being of children.

City Year: $5,000
www.cityyear.org
As part of the AmeriCorps program, and with established groups in 11 U.S. cities, City Year is a community service organization that seeks to address pressing community needs by engaging young people to contribute their time, talent, and energy through service. The organization brings together a diverse collection of young people from different ethnic, economic, and educational backgrounds for the purpose of providing community service. The San Jose/Silicon Valley organization devotes a substantial part of its corps members' 175,000 hours of annual service to tutoring young students in reading.
Why we supported: Due to proposed, draconian Federal government cuts in AmeriCorps, City Year faced a devastating loss in funds, which translated into a loss of direct service by its members to the community. This funding provides transitional support for City Year while it seeks reinstatement of Federal funds and other long-term sources of financial support.

College Track: $500
www.collegetrack.org
College Track began in 1997 as a nonprofit, privately-funded, educational program providing one-on-one tutoring and counseling for self-motivated teens. In return, participants are required to commit time and energy to each of three programs: Academic Affairs, Student Life, and Community Service. Students who meet the obligations of their College Track contracts receive financial awards pegged to their achievement and participation.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Community Breast Health Project: $3,000
www.cbhp.org
The mission of the Community Breast Health Project (CBHP) is to improve the lives of people touched by breast cancer. CBHP acts as a clearinghouse for support information for breast cancer patients, provides volunteer opportunities for breast cancer survivors and friends dedicated to helping others with the disease, and serves as an educational resource and a community center for all who are concerned about breast cancer and breast health. The Community Breast Health Project is client-centered and committed to providing services free of charge.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Community Foundation Silicon Valley: $59,000
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 public benefit corporations and Silicon Valley's needs, and enables citizens to solve local problems. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $50,000 for the second payment of a $100,000 grant, covering the July 2002 through June 2003 fiscal year, for CFSV's Partners in Philanthropy program, which supports CFSV's grantmaking in its five strategic grant fields.
  • $1,000 to co-sponsor, with CFSV, the Association of Fundraising Professionals ad in recognition of philanthropist and volunteers.
  • $3,000 for the 2003 CFSV Annual Meeting.
  • $5,000 for Silicon Valley Social Ventures (SV2)

Why we supported: The Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation is a supporting organization of CFSV. We believe it is critical to provide direct financial support to CFSV's grant and organizational activities in addition to our discretionary grantmaking in the local community.

Community Services Agency: $5,000
www.csacares.org
Community Services Agency (CSA) has been providing vital social services to at-risk residents of Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, California, for over 40 years. Its goal is to offer wraparound services for families and individuals of all ages.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

The Computer History Museum: $1,000
www.computerhistory.org
Established in 1996, The Computer History Museum 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 supports the museum's general operations for the 2002-2003 fiscal year.
Why We Supported: Steve Kirsch has been a Board member of The Computer History Museum and contributes to further demonstrate his commitment to the organization.

East Palo Alto Kids Foundation: $1,000
www.epak.org
East Palo Alto Kids Foundation (EPAK) was founded to enrich the education of children from East Palo Alto (Ravenswood School District). A non-profit, low-overhead organization with no paid staff, its Board of Directors draws from East Palo Alto and neighboring communities. EPAK provides direct cash grants to teachers for a variety of projects, such as books, field trips and supplemental materials.
Why we supported: A volunteer-run organization, EPAK works on behalf of a community lacking educational resources for teachers. This grant will assist EPAK in providing equal learning opportunities to children in the East Palo Alto area.

Eastside College Preparatory School: $2,500
www.eastside.org
The mission of Eastside is to prepare students for selective institutions of higher education that will enable them to become leaders in their community and in the world around them.
Why we supported: This is a Director's Discretionary Grant recommended by Board member Harry Saal.

El Camino Hospital Foundation: $2,500
www.elcaminohospital.org
El Camino Hospital, located in Mountain View and serving the San Francisco Bay Area Mid-peninsula, is a community-based, nonprofit hospital. The El Camino Hospital Foundation is the fund for the hospital, providing financial support from donor gifts.
Why we supported: Steve and Michele Kirsch recognize the importance of El Camino Hospital in providing quality health care services to their local community.

Family and Children Services: $3,000
www.fcservices.org
Family and Children Services is a private, non-profit human service agency serving individuals, couples and families throughout San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties. Its mission is to provide programs and services that support the emotional well-being of our community.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Foothill De Anza Community Colleges Foundation: $7,500
www.fhda.edu
The Foothill-De Anza Colleges Foundation encompasses Foothill College and DeAnza College. The Foundation's grants includes the following:

  • $1,000 This funding supports the Chancellor's Circle.
  • $1,500 This is a Director's Discretionary Grant recommended by Board member Harry Saal.
  • $5,000 for the Krause Center for Innovation

Why we supported: Steve and Michele are committed to educational issues in the Silicon Valley community.

Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County: $11,000
www.girlscoutsofscc.org
The Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County 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. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $2,000 and $8,000 support the Skylark Ranch Renovation Project
  • $1,000 for annual support

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

The Health Trust: $1,000
www.healthtrust.org
The Health Trust's vision is to be the leading venture capitalist for funding innovative nonprofit health prevention services and programs within the Santa Clara County (Silicon Valley). Its objective is to maximize the health of the people of the area by expanding access to health and wellness programs. This grant will support the Women's Health Fund.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Hidden Villa: $2,280
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:

  • $500 for the challenge match
  • $1,780 for the Duveneck dinner

Why we supported: This grant reflects the Foundation's commitment to environmental issues, its support of the local community and its focus on leveraging its own resources.

Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley: $1,500
www.scvhumane.org
The Humane Society of Santa Clara Valley'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:

  • $500 to support a $20,000 campaign to install a new air conditioning unit at the shelter
  • $1,000 for annual support

Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Junior Achievement of Santa Clara County: $650
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 Hall of Fame is also the organization's key fund-raising event of the year. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $150 for the 2003 Business Hall of Fame event
  • $500 for the 2003 Business Hall of Fame event

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

Junior League of Palo Alto Mid Peninsula: $12,060
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 includes the following grants:

  • $5,000 to support the 2003 Holiday Boutique
  • $5,000 for the Endowment Fund
  • $2,060 for the 2004 Spring Gala

Why we supported: Michele Kirsch is an active member of the Palo Alto – Mid Peninsula chapter of the Junior League.

Los Altos Educational Foundation: $1,200
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.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

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 annual Holiday Fund, which raises funds to assist needy families in the local community.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health: $110,000
www.lpch.org
Lucile Packard Children's Hospital is an internationally recognized pediatric and obstetric health care organization dedicated to excellence in patient care, education and research. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $100,000 for the Lucile Packard Children's Hospital Campaign
  • $10,000 for the Circle of Care

Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Michele Kirsch to further her interests in the welfare of our community's children.

Mineta Transportation Institute: $500
http://transweb.sjsu.edu/
The Norman Y. Mineta International Institute for Surface Transportation Policy Studies (MTI) was created by Congress through the Intermodal Surface Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (ISTEA). MTI's policy emphasis and location in the College of Business make it unique among the 33 U.S. university transportation centers. It focuses on international surface transportation policy issues, with three primary responsibilities: research, education and technology transfer. This grant supports its Sustainable Vehicle Fair.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

New Bridges to Jewish Community: $5,000
www.newbridges.org
New Bridges to Jewish Community is dedicated to creating and fostering meaningful connections for San Francisco Bay Area Peninsula Jews seeking a sense of belonging and involvement in the Jewish community in traditional and non-traditional ways. This funding provides support for To Life! A Jewish Cultural Street Festival.
Why we supported: This is a Director's Discretionary Grant recommended by Board member Harry Saal.

Northern California Innocence Project: $10,000
www.scu.edu/academic/programs/lawclinic/
Since 1989, more than 115 wrongfully convicted people have been freed from prisons around the United States by the work of the Innocence Network — a national partnership among law schools, journalists and private attorneys. This work has been made possible by ever-increasing advances in DNA technology, which have enabled lawyers and scientists to demonstrate innocence. The Northern California Innocence Project (NCIP):

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

Why we supported: This discretionary grant reflects the Foundation’s commitment to a just society.

Peninsula Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired: $2,500
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 supports the 2003 Vintage Affaire event.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Pro Bono Project: $150
www.probonoproject.org
The mission of the Pro Bono Project is to provide pro bono legal assistance in Silicon Valley. Using volunteers, the organization offers access to high quality legal representation in civil disputes to low income people with cases in Santa Clara County Courts.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant to help disadvantaged individuals gain access to legal assistance.

Rebuilding Together Peninsula: $1,500
www.rebuildingtogetherpeninsula.org
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. This grant supports the Dreams Happen fundraiser.
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.

Resource Area for Teachers (RAFT): $3,100
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 on the 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:

  • $600 to support RAFT's annual fundraising dinner
  • $2,500 for annual support

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

Ronald McDonald House: $1,000
www.ronaldhouse-stanford.org
Ronald McDonald House provides a "home-away-from-home"® and support for the families of children with life-threatening illnesses. It is a haven families can call home, permitting them to give their ill child their complete attention and support. As medical treatments evolve, more children stay at the House as outpatients while receiving treatment at Stanford.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

San Jose Repertory Theatre: $15,000
www.sjrep.com
San Jose Rep's mission is to stimulate, celebrate and enhance understanding of ourselves and others through the shared experience of live theatre by producing new plays and classics marked by innovative interpretations and a reflection and inclusion of our community and the world in which we live.
Why we supported: This is a Director's Discretionary Grant recommended by Board member Perry Olson.

Santa Clara Family Health Foundation - Healthy Kids Fund: $1,000
www.healthykidsfund.org
Healthy Kids Fund provides support for Healthy Kids, an insurance plan for children in Santa Clara County. Healthy Kids is made possible by the Children's Health Initiative, a partnership of labor organizations, faith-based organizations, local government, foundations, local businesses, the Santa Clara Family Health Plan, and a caring community.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

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.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties: $10,000
www.secondharvestsjca.org
Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is a private non-profit organization that collects and distributes more than 26 million pounds of food each year to low-income children, adults and seniors. The Food Bank currently serves an average of 143,300 individuals each month; nearly 40% are children.
Why we supported: Steve and Michele Kirsch are aware of the increased needs of local food banks and recognize the importance of these "safety net" organizations.

Sierra Club – Loma Prieta Chapter: $1,000
http://lomaprieta.sierraclub.org/
The mission of the Sierra Club is to:

  • Explore, enjoy and protect the wild places of the earth.
  • Practice and promote the responsible use of the earth's ecosystems and resources.
  • Educate and enlist humanity to protect and restore the quality of the natural and human environment.
  • Use all lawful means to carry out these objectives.

This grant supports the Loma Prieta Chapter's 70th anniversary celebration.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Silicon Valley Campaign for Legal Services: $2,500
www.svcls.org
The Silicon Valley Campaign For Legal Services is an annual campaign program dedicated to raising funds to augment current contributions to Silicon Valley legal service agencies that provide legal services to Silicon Valley's disadvantaged residents. The purpose of these funds is to increase the effectiveness and ability of the agencies to assist disadvantaged residents.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

The Tech Museum of Innovation: $96,750
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. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $83,000 for the third payment of a three-year, $250,000 pledge to The Tech's endowment campaign
  • $1,250 for the 2003 Gizmo WYSIWYG event
  • $2,500 for the 2003 Gizmo WYSIWYG auction
  • $10,000 for Annual Support

Why we supported: Steve Kirsch is a member of The Tech's Board of Directors and both Steve and Michele Kirsch continue to support the museum.

United Way Silicon Valley: $30,000
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 funding includes the following grants:

  • $20,000 to support UWSV's Community Care Fund. This campaign funds programs in critical human care areas including family support services, childcare, community building and homeless assistance.
  • $10,000 for annual support

Why we supported: Steve and Michele Kirsch recognize gaps that still exist and they continue to assist the community during this difficult time.

Discretionary Grants

American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) Foundation of Florida
www.aclufl.org
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) considers itself "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. This funding provides support for the Voting Rights Restoration Campaign, which is a coalition effort to restore voting rights to ex-felons who have completed their sentences.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant that continues the Foundation's commitment to insuring that all citizens have and maintain their voting rights, especially in Florida where the 2000 Presidential election may have been decided by significant violation of individual voting rights.

American Diabetes Association
www.diabetes.org
The American Diabetes Association is the nation's leading nonprofit health organization providing diabetes research, information and advocacy. Founded in 1940, the American Diabetes Association conducts programs in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, reaching more than 800 communities. The mission of the organization is to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

California League of Conservation Voters
www.ecovote.org
The California League of Conservation Voters (CLCV) is a nonpartisan organization that works collaboratively 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 recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Center for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Technologies (CEERT)
www.ceert.org
CEERT is a nonprofit public-benefit organization founded to bring together concerned scientists, environmentalists, public interest advocates and innovative energy technology companies – all of whom share a vision to benefit the environment with sustainable solutions to California's growing appetite for energy. CEERT campaigns cover a wide range of issues, such as sustainable electrical generation policies throughout the West, clean vehicles and energy efficiency and conservation.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

The Commonwealth Club of California
www.commonwealthclub.org
The Commonwealth Club of California is the nation's oldest and largest public affairs forum, bringing together its 15,000 members for over 400 annual events on topics ranging across politics, culture, society and the economy. This nonprofit, non-partisan, educational organization relies on the support of its membership, the Business Council and foundation grants to continue its role in fostering open public discussion in the San Francisco Bay Area and throughout the nation via radio, Internet and television. This grant supports the Crisis Response Fund.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Cure MS Now
www.curemsnow.org
The goal of Cure MS Now is to raise funds to help fuel the "antibody" and "myelin repair" research at UCSF, with the ultimate goal of moving them to clinical trials so that the healing can begin for thousands of MS suffers. This grant supports the production of a public service announcement.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation
www.drcrf.org
Since its founding in 1946, the Damon Runyon Cancer Research Foundation has been singularly focused on identifying and encouraging extraordinary young scientists to commit themselves to arresting cancer's devastating legacy. The Foundation is dedicated to identifying generations of truly innovative investigators in cancer research — scientists that approach questions from totally new directions, challenge existing dogma, and think "outside the box."
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant in memory of John Caddick, father of our former Medical Science Director, Dr. Sarah Caddick.

Exploratorium
www.exploratorium.edu
The Exploratorium is a collage of 650 science, art and human perception exhibits and is a leader in the movement to promote museums as educational centers. It is housed within the walls of San Francisco's Palace of Fine Arts.
Why we supported: Continuing their commitment to education, Steve and Michele Kirsch donated to the Annual Fund.

For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST)
www.usfirst.org
FIRST is dedicated to generating an interest in science and engineering in today's youth. These grants provide general operating support to FIRST.
Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Global Peace Congress Fund
The Global Peace Congress Fund is composed of business leaders whose goal is to work toward international peacekeeping.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Global Security Institute
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 the Alan Cranston Peace Award event.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Institute of International Education
www.iie.org
The Institute of International Education is an independent, nonprofit organization that acts a resource for educators and institutions worldwide. Its goals include the promotion of closer educational relations between the people of the United States and other countries and the strengthening of institutions of higher learning throughout the world.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch in honor of the Richard and Rhoda Goldman Fund, which is being recognized for its excellence by IIE.

Leukemia and Lymphoma Society – Las Vegas Chapter
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The Society's mission is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and to improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has provided more than $280 million for research specifically targeting blood-related cancers.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant in memory of Judy Frank, the mother of our Vice President, Public Policy, Susan Frank.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology
www.mit.edu
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the world's most recognized universities and a leader in scientific research. These grants support the Institute's annual budget.
Why we supported: Steve Kirsch is a graduate of MIT and maintains a strong relationship with his alma mater.

Mills College
www.mills.edu
Located in Oakland, California, Mills College is a private liberal arts school with a long-standing reputation for supporting the development and education of women. The undergraduate student body is composed of women of all ages and backgrounds while the graduate student body is co-ed. This funding includes the following grants:

  • support for the Kirsch Building at the Education Complex on campus
  • support for the 02-03 Alumnae Fund
  • support for the 03-04 Alumnae Fund

Why we supported: Michele Kirsch is a graduate of Mills College. This is the fourth year of a five-year commitment to the Education Complex.

MoveOn.org
www.moveon.org
MoveOn is a catalyst for a new kind of grassroots involvement, supporting busy but concerned citizens in finding their political voice. Its nationwide network of more than 600,000 online activists is one of the most effective and responsive outlets for democratic participation available today. MoveOn builds electronic advocacy groups for issues such as campaign finance, environmental and energy issues, impeachment, gun safety, and nuclear disarmament. Once a group is assembled, MoveOn provides information and tools to help each individual have the greatest possible impact.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation
www.naral.org
NARAL Pro-Choice America Foundation's goals are to create better access to more effective contraceptive options and better access to other kinds of reproductive health care and information.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

National Center on Disability and Journalism
www.ncdj.org
National Center on Disability and Journalism (NCDJ) is an independent journalism organization. Its mission is to educate journalists and educators about disability reporting issues in order to produce more accurate, fair and diverse news reporting. The mission is realized through research, development and distribution of educational resources.
Why we supported: This is a Director's Discretionary Grant recommended by Board member Harry Saal.

National Public Radio
www.npr.org
America's premier public radio service, National Public Radio (NPR), brings award-winning news, information and cultural programs to a growing audience of 14.6 million Americans each week via 625 member stations.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Passport 03 HIV/AIDS Benefit
Passport 03 is a multi-theatrical fashion event representing a partnership and shared vision to bring HIV/AIDS related issues to the forefront of social concern. For over 20 years, the Passport extravaganza has raised millions of dollars for HIV/AIDS research, prevention and treatment while dazzling audiences.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Public Interest Projects
Public Interest Projects was organized to undertake studies, campaigns, and initiatives on environmental, public health, urban policy, and other issues of interest to consumers and the general public. It has incubated a number of major organizations, including the Environmental Center, Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility, and Taxpayers for Common Sense. This funding supports the Progressive Punch project. Progressive Punch develops and publishes multi-issue ratings and assessment of members of Congress on progressive issues so that individuals and organizations understand the overall progressive/conservative bent of individual Members.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Reef Check
www.reefcheck.org
Reef Check is dedicated to global coral education, monitoring and management. The Reef Check concept is to create an international network of regional, national and local volunteer coordinators who are responsible for Reef Check activities in their area. The coordinators raise funds, organize media events and match teams of divers with marine scientists who provide training and lead the teams during the actual survey. Today, Reef Check surveys have been carried out at over 1000 reefs in 50 countries and territories. By using the same method all over the world, it has been able to track trends such as the global extent of overfishing on reefs and the 1998 bleaching and mortality event that devastated reefs throughout the tropical oceans.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Rotary Foundation of Rotary International
www.rotary.org
Rotary is an organization of business and professional leaders united worldwide who provide humanitarian service, encourage high ethical standards in all vocations, and help build goodwill and peace in the world. This funding supports the Polio Eradication Fundraising Campaign.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center
www.sfcapc.org
The San Francisco Child Abuse Prevention Center is dedicated to the prevention of child abuse and neglect, the promotion of healthy families and the mental health of children. With direct crisis and intervention programs designed to reduce parental stress, enhance parenting skills and provide comprehensive services for families in need, it provides open-ended support and it helps families break the cycle of violence. The Center also provides education, training programs and public advocacy for child abuse prevention. This grant supports the annual luncheon.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

San Francisco Jewish Film Festival: $2,500
www.sfjff.org
The San Francisco Jewish Film Festival promotes awareness, appreciation and pride in the diversity of the Jewish people. Festival programs are meant to create community and strengthen consciousness of Jewish identity, history and culture; provide a dynamic and inclusive forum for exploration of and dialogue about the Jewish experience; and encourage independent filmmakers working with Jewish themes. This grant will help underwrite the annual film festival
Why we supported: This is a Director's Discretionary Grant recommended by Board member Harry Saal.

Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation
www.shsmf.org
The Steadman-Hawkins Sports Medicine Foundation is dedicated to keeping people of all ages physically active through orthopaedic research and education in the areas of arthritis, healing, rehabilitation and injury prevention. This grant supports this critical research.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

That Man May See, Inc.
http://ucsfeye.net/tmms.shtml
That Man May See, Inc., is the official support foundation for the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco. TMMS is a nonprofit, gift-supported 501(c)3 corporation. Founded in 1971, TMMS has raised over $35 million in support of vision research and care at UCSF.
Why we supported: This grant is made in memory of Thomas Boyden.

UCSF Diabetes Center
http://www.diabetes2.ucsf.edu/
The Diabetes Center at UCSF has one singular mission: to bring lasting improvements in quality of life to diabetes patients in the Western United States, both type 1 and type 2. This common goal unites the clinical, education and research arms of the Diabetes Center into a comprehensive program that is unique among diabetes facilities.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

University of Colorado Foundation
www.colorado.edu/cufoundation/
Established in 1967, the University of Colorado Foundation is a privately governed non-profit corporation whose mission is to support the University of Colorado.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Board Member and Vice-Chairman Perry Olson.

World Affairs Council
www.wacsf.org
The World Affairs Council is the largest international affairs organization dedicated to engaging discussions with political and business leaders from all over the world. This grant helps to underwrite the Global Philanthropy Forum scheduled to take place in 2004. The Forum brings together foundation leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), individual donors and agents of change to learn about opportunities for international philanthropy.
Why we supported: This discretionary grant represents continued support for the Forum and reflects the Foundation's commitment to encouraging philanthropy and supporting the philanthropic efforts of others.

World Institute on Disability
www.wid.org
The World Institute on Disability (WID) is a nonprofit public policy center dedicated to the promotion of independence and full inclusion in society of people with disabilities. Founded in 1983 by leaders of the Independent Living/Civil Rights Movement for people with disabilities, WID is committed to bringing policy into action. This funding included the following grants:

  • Support for the 2003 Ever Widening Circle event
  • In honor of Dr. Stanley Yarnell, WID Chairman, on his retirement

Why We Supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Board Member and Vice-Chairman Harry Saal.


Back to Top


home | who we are | how to apply for grants | what we've done
what we care about | why give