2007 Grants Awarded

Environmental Grants | Political Reform and Global Theme Grants
Silicon Valley Community Grants | Discretionary Grants


In 2007, we have distributed 72 grants totaling $498,800 to organizations in the following categories (number of grants and total grant money by category provided):

Environmental
15 grants
$168,500
Political Reform and Global Theme 6 grants
$70,000
Silicon Valley Community
35 grants
$104,800
Discretionary 16 grants
$155,500


Environmental Grants

Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities: $20,000
www.sensiblepriorities.org
Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities’ mission is to change U.S. budget priorities to reflect a national commitment to education, healthcare, energy independence, job training and deficit reduction – at no additional taxpayer expense – by eliminating funding for unneeded Cold War era weapons systems. This grant supports a Climate Change project which Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities is helping to sponsor.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund: $5,000
www.clcveducationfund.org
California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund is dedicated to improving the quality of the environment for all Californians. Their programs elevate the importance of environmental issues by educating Californians and involving them in the democratic process. In addition, they build the capacity of environmental organizations by developing and providing tools and resources to help them more effectively protect the environment. This grant supports the Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition’s 2007 Action Day.
Why we supported: The CVAQ Action Day provides an opportunity for Valley residents to make their concerns heard in Sacramento.

Californians for Pesticide Reform: $20,000
www.pesticidereform.org
Founded in 1996, Californians for Pesticide Reform's (CPR) mission is to improve and protect public health, sustainable agriculture, and environmental quality by building a movement across California that changes statewide pesticide policies and practices. This funding supports CPR’s Safe Air for Everyone Campaign, which seeks to reduce and phase-out significant sources of airborne pesticides throughout California.
Why we supported: Pesticide drift is a significant component of the San Joaquin Valley's air pollution problems, which the Foundation has identified as a funding priority. CPR is a prior grant recipient.

Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition: $20,000
www.calcleanair.org
The Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition, a project of the Center on Race, Poverty & the Environment, was officially formed in 2003. CVAQ is a partnership of more than 75 community, medical, public health, environmental and environmental justice organizations, of which the Kirsch Foundation is a member. The mission of CVAQ is to work toward awareness, act as a watchdog, advocate for policy, and mobilize communities to create clean air in the San Joaquin Valley, and to ensure that all communities, of all races, cultures, class or creed, have the opportunity to be involved in the policy development and regulatory processes improving regional health. This funding supports a contract with a legislative lobbyist or firm in Sacramento to advance CVAQ’s priority legislation.
Why we supported: Given that governments, through laws and regulations, significantly determine the amount and type of progress that is made to address air quality, the Kirsch Foundation supports lobbying grants.

Conservation International: $2,000
www.conservation.org
Conservation International (CI) applies innovations in science, economics, policy and community participation to protect the Earth's richest regions of plant and animal diversity in the biodiversity hotspots, high-biodiversity wilderness areas as well as important marine regions around the globe. CI believes that Earth's natural heritage must be maintained if future generations are to thrive spiritually, culturally and economically.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

The Coral Reef Alliance: $2,000
www.coralreefalliance.org
The Coral Reef Alliance (CORAL) is dedicated to protecting the health of coral reefs by integrating ecosystem management, sustainable tourism, and community partnerships. CORAL works with communities to identify and solve conservation challenges; changes attitudes and behavior through education and training; provides resources to strengthen conservation efforts; and creates incentives for sustainable tourism. This grant is for general support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Environment California Research & Policy Center: $8,000
www.environmentcalifornia.org
Environment California Research & Policy Center draws on over 30 years of experience tackling the state's worst environmental problems. This grant will support the generation of statewide news coverage about the Central Valley’s air quality crisis.
Why we supported: Generating statewide news coverage will help support the Valley’s efforts to clean its air beyond its own air basin. Environment California Research & Policy Center is a prior grant recipient.

Fresno Metro Ministry: $20,000
www.fresnometroministry.org
Founded in 1970, Fresno Metro Ministry (Metro) works to create a more respectful, compassionate and inclusive community that promotes social and economic justice. This grant will support Metro’s Environmental Health program.
Why we supported: Metro has been a leading San Joaquin Valley-based entity advocating for clean air legislation, and continues to be a leader in regional air quality efforts. Metro is a prior grant recipient.

Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice: $20,000
www.greenaction.org
Founded in 1997, Greenaction for Health and Environmental Justice’s mission is to mobilize community power to win victories that change government and corporate practices to protect the health of communities and promote environmental justice. This grant will support Greenaction’s Kings County Environmental Health and Justice program, which seeks to ensure that Kings County’s most vulnerable residents are informed and active in shaping the policies and decision-making processes that effect air quality and their health.
Why we supported: Greenaction and its staff have a history of working closely, respectfully and effectively with many San Joaquin Valley communities. This program will work towards improved air quality and environmental justice in the Valley by focusing on building new grassroots leadership in a particular region that is facing a number of projects with significant negative environmental impacts.

Latino Issues Forum: $20,000
www.lif.org
Established in 1987, Latino Issues Forum (LIF) is nonprofit public policy and advocacy organization dedicated to advancing new and innovative public policy solutions for a better, more equitable and prosperous society. This grant will support LIF’s policy agenda that seeks to improve the air quality in the San Joaquin Valley.
Why we supported: LIF remains the only statewide Latino-based organization that works on environmental issues in California, and brings the much-needed Latino perspective to the San Joaquin Valley’s air quality fight. LIF is a prior grantee.

League of Conservation Voters: $5,000
www.lcv.org
The League of Conservation Voters (LCV) is the independent political voice for the environment. To secure the environmental future of our planet, LCV’s mission is to advocate for sound environmental policies and to elect pro-environmental candidates who will adopt and implement such policies. This grant is for general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

League of Conservation Voters Education Fund: $5,000
www.lcveducation.org
Through innovative programs, the League of Conservation Voters (LCV) Education Fund creates winning strategies that yield both short-term policy victories and long-term change. Since 1996, its training, technology, research and public education programs have directly strengthened the capacity of more than 500 environmental and other progressive organizations in 30 states, and its non-partisan voter participation programs have helped mobilize millions of members of environmental groups through direct voter contact, absentee ballot enrollment, ballot initiatives, and on-the-ground partnerships with allied groups. This grant supports “The Heat Is On” campaign.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Merced/Mariposa County Asthma Coalition: $20,000
www.mmcac.com
Founded in 1997 as a grassroots organization by a group of local healthcare providers, the Merced/Mariposa County Asthma Coalition (MMCAC) seeks to control asthma through awareness and education. This grant supports MMCAC continuing efforts to reduce air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley through education and outreach.
Why we supported: Fighting for cleaner air in the San Joaquin Valley remains a Foundation priority.

Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ): $500
www.sej.org
The mission of the Society of Environmental Journalists (SEJ) is to advance public understanding of environmental issues by improving the quality, accuracy, and visibility of environmental reporting. Towards that end, SEJ provides critical support to journalists of all media in their efforts to cover complex issues of environment responsibly. Through combined efforts of board, staff, members, and appropriate partners, SEJ offers unique educational programs and services for working journalists, educators, and students. SEJ also acts to raise awareness among editors, news managers, publishers, and other key decision-makers in the media on the value and importance of environmental news reporting.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Sustainable Valley Foundation: $1,000
www.svlg.org
The Sustainable Valley Foundation is the foundation arm of the Silicon Valley Leadership Group (SVLG), whose vision is to ensure the economic health and a high quality of life in Silicon Valley for the entire community by advocating for comprehensive regional transportation, reliable energy, and a sustainable environment among its initiatives. This grant supports a plug-in hybrid automobile initiative.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.
Political Reform and Global Theme Grants

Institute for America’s Future: $2,500
www.ourfuture.org/institute
Institute for America’s Future works to revitalize a progressive agenda by engaging citizens, activists and political leaders in a debate about the country and its direction. This funding is for general support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

New America Foundation: $2,500
www.newamerica.net
New America Foundation was established through the collaborative work of a diverse and intergenerational group of public intellectuals, civic leaders and business executives. Its purpose is to bring exceptionally promising new voices and new ideas to the fore of our nation’s public discourse. Relying on a venture capital approach, the Foundation invests in outstanding individuals and policy solutions that transcend the conventional political spectrum. Through its fellowships and issue-specific programs, the Foundation sponsors a wide range of research, writing, conferences and public outreach on the most important global and domestic issues of our time. This grant supports the U.S. in the World initiative.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Peace and Security Funders Group: $2,500
www.peaceandsecurity.org
The Peace and Security Funders Group (PSFG) is an association of private foundations, public foundations, operating foundations, charitable trusts, other grantmaking programs, and individual philanthropists who make significant contributions in the peace and security field. It is a special project of the Ploughshares Fund. The central purpose of PSFG is to enhance the effectiveness of the network of grantmakers supporting work in the area of peace and security through a variety of activities.
Why we supported: PSFG is the main organization through which funders in this field share information about the needs of nonprofit organizations that address peace and security issues and encourage others to join in providing funds to the field. The Kirsch Foundation is an active participant in PSFG and particularly supports its efforts to ensure nuclear nonproliferation and disarmament.

People For The American Way Foundation: $2,500
www.pfaw.org
People For the American Way Foundation (PWAWF) is a source of vital information for policymakers, scholars and activists nationwide about the Religious Right movement and its political allies. They also engage in legal action as needed to protect or restore the rights and liberties of Americans. PFAWF is committed to countering the forces of social discord and fragmentation with an affirmation of “the American Way:” respect for diversity; freedom of thought, expression, and religion; equal justice; and a sense of community. This grant provides general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Ploughshares Fund: $50,000
www.ploughshares.org
Ploughshares Fund enables the smartest people with the best ideas for building a safer, more peaceful world to implement their ideas and achieve results. A public grantmaking foundation, Ploughshares Fund pools contributions from individuals, families and foundations and directs those funds to initiatives aimed at preventing the spread and use of nuclear, biological and chemical weapons and other weapons of war, and preventing conflicts that could lead to the use of weapons of mass destruction. This funding supports grants that address nuclear threats.
Why we supported: The Kirsch Foundation believes in funding nonprofit organizations committed to nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation. Ploughshares Fund has substantial expertise about the individuals and organizations that are most effective worldwide in advancing disarmament and nonproliferation so we know that our funds will be invested wisely for the benefit of the field.

Public Campaign: $10,000
www.publicampaign.org
Public Campaign is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization dedicated to sweeping reform that aims to dramatically reduce the role of big special interest money in American politics. Public Campaign is laying the foundation for reform by working with a broad range of organizations, including community groups around the country that are fighting for change in their states and national organizations whose members are not fairly represented under the current system. Together, they are building a network of national and state-based efforts to create a powerful national force for federal and state campaign reform. This grant is for general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Silicon Valley Community Grants

American Cancer Society: $1,000
www.cancer.org
The American Cancer Society (ACS) is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. These grants were made to the Santa Clara County Unit of the ACS, and include:

  • $500 for the Relay For Life of Los Altos
  • $500 memorial donation

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

American Leadership Forum-Silicon Valley: $1,000
www.alfsv.org
The American Leadership Forum-Silicon Valley (ALF-SV) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to joining and strengthening leaders to serve the public good, building on the strengths of diversity and promoting collaborative problem solving among community members. Through its programs, ALF brings senior level leaders together from across sectors to build philanthropy, service and community in Silicon Valley. This grant is made in honor of Martha Kanter and Norm Mineta, who are among the honorees at ALF-SV’s 2007 Exemplary Leader Celebration.
Why we supported: The Foundation supports the Silicon Valley community and efforts that build bridges to address difficult community-wide problems.

American Musical Theatre San Jose: $25,000
www.amtsj.org
American Musical Theatre of San Jose (AMTSJ) is one of the oldest musical theatre companies in the nation. It has performed in downtown San Jose for over 70 years. In addition to the full-scale productions it has offered the Bay Area, AMTSJ presents a wide variety of education, training, accessibility and recognition programs. This grant is for general operating support.
Why we supported: AMTSJ is a highly regarded performing arts center in Silicon Valley. This continued support helps AMTSJ to cover its general operating and special event costs and represents the Kirsch family's interest in and commitment to the local arts, particularly musical theatre, and community.

Bullis-Purissima Elementary School Foundation: $6,500
www.bullischarterschool.com/foundation.asp
The Bullis-Purissima Elementary School Foundation supports public education, learning enrichment and extra-curricular activities for children and families in the Los Altos Hills community and surrounding areas. This grant is for the 2007-2008 Annual Fund.
Why we supported: Steve and Michele are committed to supporting quality education in their community, particularly the model adopted by the Bullis Charter School.

Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University: $10,000
museum.stanford.edu
The Cantor Arts Center boasts a proud and venerable history, as it was conceived of in tandem with the founding of Stanford University itself. The Stanford family, including Leland Jr., traveled the world collecting objects of art and cultural interest. The museum was originally created to make this collection available to students and the public. It has withstood natural disasters and periodic neglect, only to be resurrected, renewed, and expanded, with its collections stronger than ever, thanks to the passionate dedication of Stanford faculty and staff, and art lovers in the surrounding community. This grant supports the Rodin by Moonlight event.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Castilleja School: $15,000
www.castilleja.org
Castilleja School, located in Palo Alto, California, educates women by fostering their intellectual, physical, creative, and emotional growth through an exemplary college preparatory experience within a diverse and supportive community. Castilleja's comprehensive program promotes the development of character, compassion, curiosity, and the capacity for effective leadership.This funding includes the following grants:

  • $2,500 for the Parents’ Annual Fund Challenge Fund
  • $2,500 for the It’s a Party benefit
  • $10,000 for the 2008 Annual Fund

Why we supported: The Kirsches are committed to supporting quality education in their community.

The Children's Health Council: $10,000
www.chconline.org
Founded in the early 1950s, the Children's Health Council seeks to make a measurable difference in the lives of children and their families who face developmental, behavioral, emotional and learning challenges. This funding supports the following grants:

  • $7,500 for the 2007 Summer Symphony
  • $2,500 for general operating support


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

City Year San Jose/Silicon Valley: $1,000
www.cityyear.org/sites/san_jose/
City Year is a national program that, among other activities, unites young people ages 17 to 24 from diverse economic, racial, and geographical backgrounds for a year of full-time service to their communities. City Year believes in the power of young people to effect positive, lasting social change. Every day, City Year corps members work with the spirit of idealism, the discipline of hard work, the purpose of shared goals and the pride of representing their generation. The San Jose/Silicon Valley chapter includes 70 young people who provide nearly 100,000 hours of service to children, families and communities through Silicon Valley.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Community School of Music and Arts: $1,000
www.arts4all.org
Community School of Music and Arts (CSMA) has been a non-profit center for arts education since 1968. It carries out its mission by providing art and music programs for all ages, skill levels and interests year-round. Since its founding, CSMA has reached more than 325,000 Bay Area residents. Its offerings include private music lessons and classes, art classes, clubs and camps, community outreach events, and public performances and lectures. This grant supports CSMA’s Annual Fund.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

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 13,000 objects, 20,000 images, 5,000 moving images, 4,000 linear feet of cataloged documentation and 5,000 titles or several hundred gigabytes of software. This funding provides general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Domestic Violence Intervention Collaborative: $1,000
www.sccgov.org
The Domestic Violence Council was created by the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors in 1991 and serves as an advisory body to the Board members. It’s mission is to end domestic violence in the community it serves by improving coordination among agencies, courts, members of the community and victims in matters of family violence and abuse; promoting effective prevention, intervention and treatment techniques which will be developed based upon research and data collection; improving the response to domestic violence and abuse so as to reduce incidents thereof; and educating the public about the need to end domestic violence. This grant supports the annual Domestic Violence Conference.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Elizabeth Gamble Garden: $500
www.gamblegarden.org
The Elizabeth F. Gamble Garden is dedicated to preserving a 1902 Edwardian estate as an oasis of beauty and tranquility, providing a community resource for horticultural education, enjoyment and inspiration for people of all ages. This grant supports the garden’s Spring Tour.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Foothill-De Anza Foundation: $1,000
www.foundation.fhda.edu
The mission of the Foothill-De Anza Foundation is to raise and invest funds to support the educational excellence of Foothill College and De Anza College. This grant is for general support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County: $2,000
www.girlscoutsofscc.org
The Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County (GSSCC) serves over 15,000 young women. The GSSCC’s mission is to build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place. It is dedicated to preparing girls to contribute to a dynamic local and global society. Girls engage in a variety of leadership activities that help them discover, connect, and take action. This funding includes the following grants:

  • $1,000 for the 2007 BEYOND Cooking & Camping event
  • $1,000 for a budget shortfall fundraiser

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

Hidden Villa: $4,300
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:

  • $3,000 for the 11th Annual Josephine and Frank Duveneck Humanitarian Awards Dinner
  • $1,300 for a one week scholarship to the Hidden Villa summer camp

Why we supported: This grant reflects the Foundation's commitment to environmental issues and its support of the local community.

Junior Achievement of Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay, Inc.: $1,000
www.ja.org/nested/santaclara
Junior Achievement volunteers prepare K-12 students to succeed as global citizens in the ever-changing workforce by developing career, financial, and entrepreneurship skills. Junior Achievement's Business Hall of Fame honors Silicon Valley and Monterey Bay visionary leaders each year. The laureates are chosen by an independent selection committee for their unique contributions to business and community service. This funding supports the 2007 Hall of Fame.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Los Altos Community Foundation: $1,000
www.losaltoscf.org
The Los Altos Community Foundation (LACF) serves Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, and the surrounding area by promoting community building and by making grants for local programs, building an endowment for the future, and managing philanthropic funding for other organizations and individuals. This grant supports the scholarship fund for MVLA Community Scholars, a partner organization of LACF.
Why we supported: This grant was recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Los Altos History Museum: $500
www.losaltoshistory.org
Located in one of the few remaining apricot orchards of Santa Clara Valley, the Los Altos History Museum explores the rich history of local people and how the use of the land over time has transformed the agricultural paradise once known as the “Valley of Heart’s Delight” into the high technology hub of today’s Silicon Valley. With the mission to “collect, preserve and interpret the history of the Los Altos area,” the Los Altos History Museum provides educational opportunities for children and adults to learn about the community via interactive exhibits and hands-on activities aligned with Museum objectives.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Los Altos Town Crier: $5,000
www.latc.com
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 local families in need.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Mineta Transportation Institute: $500
www.transweb.sjsu.edu
The Norman Y. Mineta International Institute (MTI) conducts research, education, and information and technology transfer activities focusing on transportation policy and management topics and issues, in accordance with the institute's theme: “Transportation Policy Research and Transportation Management.” This grant is in honor of MTI Executive Director Rod Diridon, Sr., recipient of the 2007 Lifetime Achievement Award from the San Jose State University College of Business.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Opportunities Industrialization Center West (OICW): $1,000
www.oicw.org
OICW is a non-profit job training and placement center on the Menlo Park-East Palo Alto border. They provide training, counseling and job placement services, teen programs, and child development at low or no cost to people who need help. OICW is committed to assisting those who are most in need succeed. Its purpose is to change the lives of people in the community through education, attitude and job skills training, career placement, and youth and child development. This grant provides general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT): $1,000
www.pytnet.org
Peninsula Youth Theatre (PYT) provides outstanding theatrical learning experiences that develop leadership, emphasize responsibility and foster teamwork in a supportive, respectful environment. It’s unique family atmosphere successfully uses theater performances and classes to develop a strong sense of self-esteem and to nurture social and communication skills that are useful in all walks of life. PYT is committed to providing an enriching theatrical experience in its schools, thereby reinforcing the positive role the arts play in academic success. This grant supports the annual “Hollywood Hosts” benefit.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

People Acting in Community Together (PACT): $1,000
www.pactsj.org
People Acting in Community Together (PACT) helps everyday people win extraordinary victories by teaching them how to speak, act, and engage in the public arena for themselves through grassroots organization. This grant supports PACT’s 2007 Leadership Luncheon.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Resource Area for Teaching (RAFT): $2,500
www.raft.net
Resource Area for Teaching (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 RAFT’s “creativity warehouse.” 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 is for annual support.
Why we supported: Steve and Michele Kirsch are committed to supporting quality education in the community.

Rebuilding Together Peninsula: $2,500
www.rebuildingtogetherpeninsula.org
Rebuilding Together Peninsula builds volunteer partnerships to rehabilitate homes and community facilities of low-income people who include elderly and/or disabled neighbors so they can live in warmth, safety and independence. This grant supports the Dreams Happen Playhouse Gala and Auction.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties: $1,000
www.2ndharvest.net
Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties is a private non-profit organization that collects and distributes more than 30 million pounds of food each year to low-income children, adults and seniors. The Food Bank currently serves an average of 162,000 individuals each month; nearly 60% are families with dependent children. This funding is for annual support.
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.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation: $3,000
www.siliconvalleycf.org
Serving all of San Mateo and Santa Clara counties, Silicon Valley Community Foundation is a partner and resource to organizations improving the quality of life in its region, and to those who want to give back locally, nationally and internationally. Thousands of individuals, families, corporations, nonprofit and government organizations, and community leaders work with them to address critical needs and make an impact through effective programs and inspired philanthropy. This grant supports Silicon Valley Social Ventures (SV2).
Why we supported: The Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation is a supporting organization of Silicon Valley Community Foundation. We believe it is critical to provide direct financial support to the community foundation's grant and organizational activities in addition to our discretionary grantmaking in the local community.

Stanford University – Bing Nursery School: $1,000
www.stanford.edu/dept/bingschool/
Bing Nursery School is part of the Department of Psychology at Stanford University. The school was established to provide a sound educational environment for young children, to provide a laboratory setting for research in child development, and to teach undergraduate and graduate students about children through observation and first-hand experience in the classroom. This grant supports the 2007 Bing Harvest Moon Auction.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

The Tech Museum of Innovation: $1,000
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 aims to inspire the innovator in everyone. This grant supports the museum’s annual Tech Awards Gala.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Discretionary Grants

All Stars Helping Kids
www.allstarshelpingkids.com
Founded in 1989 by NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott, All Stars Helping Kids works to support organizations that break the cycle of poverty through education, providing enriching opportunities for at-risk youth, strengthening low-income families, and making life brighter for children facing life-threatening illnesses. This grant supports Champion Charities’ third annual fundraising event.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

American Family Voices
www.americanfamilyvoices.org
American Family Voices serves as an umbrella group that helps fund a broad network of organizations – including civil rights, environmental, women’s rights, consumer advocacy and health care organizations, and multi-issue think tanks – and build their infrastructure, both in the field and in communications. They invest in strategic messaging and research projects that help build a communications echo chamber for the progressive movement.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Asian Pacific Fund
www.asianpacificfund.org
Established in 1993, the Asian Pacific Fund aims to increase philanthropy in the Bay Area Asian community, expanding resources to meet emerging and important needs. It provides a variety of services, from health and education to arts and culture. This grant is for annual support.
In honor of Board Member Emerald Yeh
Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Michele Kirsch.

California First Amendment Coalition
www.cfac.org
The California First Amendment Coalition (CFAC) is a nonprofit public interest organization dedicated to advancing free speech and open-government rights. Since its founding in 1988, CFAC has been a crucial counterweight to the tendency, at all levels of government, toward greater secrecy and declining accountability. A membership organization, CFAC's activities include educational and informational programs, participation in "test case" litigation to enhance first amendment rights for the largest number of citizens, and legislative oversight of bills affecting free speech. CFAC's members span the political spectrum.
Why we supported: This is a Director's Discretionary Grant recommended by Board member Bill Johnson.

Castilleja School
www.castilleja.org
Castilleja School, located in Palo Alto, California, educates women by fostering their intellectual, physical, creative, and emotional growth through an exemplary college preparatory experience within a diverse and supportive community. Castilleja's comprehensive program promotes the development of character, compassion, curiosity, and the capacity for effective leadership.This funding supports Castilleja’s Centennial Campaign.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele and 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 18,000 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 is for general support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve and Michele Kirsch.

Emerge America
www.emergeamerica.org
Emerge America identifies and develops community-based affiliate programs designed to recruit, educate and inspire talented and diverse Democratic women who want to pursue elective office at the local, state and national levels. This grant provides general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Global Fund for Women
www.globalfundforwomen.org
The Global Fund for Women is a grantmaking foundation supporting women’s human rights organizations around the world working to address critical issues such as gaining economic independence, increasing girls’ access to education and stopping violence against women. This grant is for annual support.
Why we supported: These are discretionary grants recommended by Michele Kirsch.

Help Raise Healthy Children
www.helpraisehealthychildren.org
Help Raise Healthy Children is a project dedicated to educating children and families about how to eat healthier in today’s challenging environment. The project recognizes Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital, San Francisco General Hospital and Oakland Children’s Hospital as three of California’s leading hospitals by giving them funding to help them expand their medical services to children and families, research childhood obesity and bring public attention to the problem. This grant supports a gala event honoring Alice Waters and the Chez Panisse Foundation for their work on these issues.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation
www.iwmf.com
The International Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia Foundation (IWMF) provides information, resources, a communications network, and experience on how to live with WM, plus encouragement to those affected by this rare and incurable blood cancer. IWMF also promotes and funds research that will lead to improved treatment to make it possible to live fully with this disease while at the same time waiting for the cure.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

Media Matters for America
www.mediamatters.org
Media Matters for America is a Web-based, not-for-profit, progressive research and information center dedicated to comprehensively monitoring, analyzing, and correcting conservative misinformation in the U.S. media.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Steve Kirsch.

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 grant is for annual support.
Why we supported: Michele Kirsch is a graduate of Mills College and she recommended these grants.

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 an audience of 26 million Americans each week via 800 independently operated, noncommercial public radio stations. This grant provides general operating support.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele and Steve Kirsch.

San Francisco AIDS Foundation
www.sfaf.org
Established in 1982, the San Francisco AIDS Foundation is one of the oldest and largest community-based AIDS service organizations in the United States. The mission of the agency is to end the pandemic and the human suffering caused by HIV. The AIDS Foundation works to achieve that goal by providing direct services to thousands of people living with or at risk for HIV/AIDS, supplying information about HIV treatment and related issues, promoting HIV prevention and awareness in the community, and advocating for sound HIV/AIDS policies at all levels of government. This grant supports the AIDS/LifeCycle 6 event.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

That Man May See, Inc.
www.ucsfeye.net
That Man May See, Inc. (TMMS) is the official support foundation for the Department of Ophthalmology at the University of California, San Francisco. The Department of Ophthalmology is organized around faculty members with subspecialty skills and expertise. The department combines one of the nation's leading vision research programs with outstanding clinical care. This grant is in honor of TMMS Board Chair Marilyn Pratt.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.

To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation
www.tocelebratelife.org
The To Celebrate Life Breast Cancer Foundation reaches out to enrich the lives of women and men living with breast cancer. It accomplishes its mission by providing grants for support programs, early detection screenings and emotional and educational services; securing resources for Bay Area organizations, including those supporting underserved communities; and offering healing opportunities for those living with breast cancer through annual events, including the Rally to Celebrate Life tennis tournament, which this grant supports.
Why we supported: This is a discretionary grant recommended by Michele Kirsch.



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