As philanthropists, mentors, leaders and visionaries, Steve and Michèle Kirsch are passionately committed to ensuring a better world for future generations. Finding the most strategic means of making a difference in the community, particularly Silicon Valley, has always been of critical importance to them. In the early 1990’s, the Kirsches created a donor-advised fund with Community Foundation Silicon Valley (CFSV). Then, in 1999, they established the Steven and Michèle Kirsch Foundation as a supporting foundation within CFSV to help further their philanthropic goals. Since our inception, the Kirsch Foundation has contributed millions of dollars to worthwhile organizations and endeavors. All of our community grants this year were made in the spirit of collaboration and building partnerships.

Community Partnerships

Community Foundation Silicon Valley
As a supporting foundation of CFSV, the Kirsch Foundation remains committed to providing direct financial support to their grant and organizational activities. Over the last fiscal year, we supported various programs including Partners in Philanthropy, the Community Investment Fund, and the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund (SV2). We also contributed funds for the Philanthropy Incubator Silicon Valley Launch event and the CFSV Annual Meeting. In July 2006, CFSV announced that it would merge with the Peninsula Community Foundation to form a new entity: Silicon Valley Community Foundation. We believe that the new community foundation will combine the strengths and expertise of both organizations and we look forward to collaborating on funding and other initiatives in Silicon Valley.
When we cast our bread upon the waters, we can presume that someone downstream whose face we will never know will benefit from our action, as we who are downstream from another will profit from that grantor’s gift.”

• Maya Angelou, Author and Poet
De Anza College and The Morgan Family Foundation

The largest grant in the history of the Kirsch Foundation culminated in October 2005 with the opening of the Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies on the De Anza College campus in Cupertino, California. The first of its kind on a college campus west of the Mississippi, the Kirsch Center’s vision is “a building that teaches about energy, resources and stewardship.” After the Kirsch Foundation made the lead gift in 2000, the Morgan Family Foundation endowed the Environmental Studies Department Chair. The community then contributed additional bond funding to create this landmark building. Under the guidance of Dr. Martha Kanter, Chancellor of the Foothill-De Anza Community College District, and Julie Phillips, Morgan Family Chair in Environmental Studies, the Kirsch Center stands as a model of how the public and private sector can partner together on a project that exemplifies environmental leadership.
Silicon Valley Community Grantmaking

The Kirsch Foundation has maintained funding partnerships with many Silicon Valley nonprofit organizations. Because of our commitment to the well-being of children and families, we supported the Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties, the Girl Scouts, and Children’s Health Council. Funding to Castilleja School and to Bullis-Purissima Elementary School Foundation for their library and performing arts programs was consistent with our concern for quality education. Grants to Happy Hollow Park & Zoo and Hidden Villa reflected our commitment to environmental awareness and outdoor education.

Dr. Martha Kanter, center, presents Steve and Michèle with a plaque marking the dedication of the Kirsch Center.