Kirsch Foundation What's New Archives January

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March 2005 Archives

March 18 Update:

Addressing Effects of Pesticides on Air Quality
In collaboration with San Joaquin Valley and statewide environmental groups, we are asking a California Assembly Budget Committee to take action on two budget items related to pesticides and public health. Pesticides have been linked to several short- and long-term effects including headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, asthma and cancer. Read about our support for these Risk Assessment and Medical Training Budget Actions.

Foundation Joins Letter to Protect Independent Political Speech
The Foundation joined more than 200 organizations from around the nation in a March 2005 letter to Congress opposing the "527 Reform Act of 2005" (S. 271 and H.R. 513), legislation designed to effectively abolish the independent constituency organizations that have come to be known as "527 organizations." Those groups signing the letter believe that 527s are responsible for expanding public participation in the democratic process and help engage millions of Americans in a more comprehensive political debate.

Environmental Grants Proposal Deadline Approaching
Our Environmental Grants Program has an upcoming deadline of Thursday, March 31, 2005, 5:00pm Pacific, for submission of complete proposals. The following application deadline is June 30, 2005. For more information, review the Environmental Grants section.

Newest Form 990 Now Online
We are pleased to announce that the Foundation's Form 990 for the July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004, fiscal year is now available online.

Recent Foundation Grants
We are pleased to announce the following grants:

Environmental Grants:

California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
Californians for Pesticide Reform
Environmental Defense
Natural Resources Defense Council
Union of Concerned Scientists

Medical and Scientific Projects Grant:

Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research

Political Reform and Global Theme Grant:

People for the American Way Foundation

Recent Articles
"Partnerships in science aim to speed up research"
Catalyst for a Cure, the collaborative between the Glaucoma Research Foundation and the Kirsch Foundation, is touted as a local example of a new approach to biomedical research. Learn more about the collaboration.
Mercury News – Esther Landhuis, March 23, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Nuclear weapons and national security"
In this Utah Daily Herald opinion piece, Vanessa Pierce of Healthy Environment Alliance of Utah (HEAL Utah), chastises U.S. Representative Chris Cannon (R-UT) for his recent position of support for the resumption of nuclear testing. Speaking on behalf of fellow "Downwinders," people who live downwind of the Nevada test site, Pierce quotes a report stating that "there can never be 100-percent assurance that an underground nuclear test will not leak radiation." Cannon is disloyal to his constituents by supporting nuclear testing given his own district ranks 23rd out of more than 4,000 counties nationwide for radioactive fallout exposure
Utah Daily Herald – Vanessa Pierce, March 15, 2005
www.harktheherald.com

"Air district issues alert over high level of pollution"
The San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District issued an unhealthy air quality alert last week in response to an unexpected spike in particulate matter (PM) levels. Levels of PM 2.5 – the smallest form of the fine particles that can irritate lungs and exacerbate breathing problems – exceeded 153, meaning the air was unhealthy for everyone. During such spikes, the Air District recommends that individuals limit outdoor activity.
Bakersfield Californian – March 12, 2005
www.bakersfield.com

"U.S. Gives a Cold Shoulder To Treaties"
The Bush Administration is following a trend of opting out of or reversing international treaties – from a global treaty to ban mercury use, to the Kyoto Protocol, to the Anti-Ballistic Missile (ABM) Treaty – which could "endanger America's standing in the world and hindering efforts to resolve global problems." While not the first president to shun treaties, President Bush is potentially alienating foreign allies and lessening the U.S.'s ability to influence international debates.
Los Angeles Times – Evelyn Iritani, March 13, 2005
www.latimes.com

"Grants aimed at addressing air quality"
A series of recent grants from the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation will help fund environmental advocacy work and air pollution monitoring in the San Joaquin Valley. The Hewlett Foundation's New Constituencies for the Environment program will fund efforts by grassroots organizations such as Fresno Metro Ministry and Latino Issues Forum to raise awareness of the serious public health impacts of air quality.
Fresno Bee – Barbara Anderson, March 13, 2005
www.fresnobee.com

"Charities see fewer gifts after tsunami"
As a result of the recent influx of donations to tsunami relief efforts, some charities are experiencing a slowdown in fundraising.
Mercury News – Margaret Steen, March 11, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

March 4 Update:

Foundation receives Wilmer Shields Rich Awards
On Monday, April 11th at the 56th Annual Conference of the Council on Foundations, the Foundation will be presented with a Silver Award for the Website category and a Bronze Award for the 2003-2004 Annual Report category. Read more about our awards and recognitions.

Newest Form 990 Now Online
We are pleased to announce that the Foundation's Form 990 for the July 1, 2003, through June 30, 2004, fiscal year is now available online.

Letter Urges Accountability in U.S. Appropriations Practices
The Kirsch Foundation joined ten national groups in a letter calling on members of Congress to reject the Administration's $81 billion supplemental budget request for war-related costs in Iraq and Afghanistan. Lacking the detail used to justify the federal government's annual budget request, the White House's supplemental spending request includes billions for day-to-day Pentagon operations and weapons purchases – items that should be funded through the annual budget. The letter states that Congress "should insist on better Pentagon budgeting practices" and urges members not to "simply sign a blank check." Read the letter signed by the Foundation and distributed by Women's Actions for New Directions.

Environmental Grants Proposal Deadline Approaching
Our Environmental Grants Program has an upcoming deadline of Thursday, March 31, 2005, 5:00pm Pacific, for submission of complete proposals. The following application deadline is June 30, 2005. For more information, review the Environmental Grants section.

Recent Articles
"U.S. sets example: Go for the nukes"
In this Letter to the Editor, Kirsch Foundation staff members Kathleen Gwynn and Susan Frank point out the hypocrisy of the Bush Administration urging Iran and North Korea to halt their nuclear weapons programs while continuing to strengthen the U.S.'s own arsenal.
San Jose Mercury News, Letter to the Editor – March 3, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Dangerous Doctrine"
Roger Speed and Michael May argue in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists that the Bush Administration's policy of preemption via military force to reduce or stop the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in particular with the development of new low-yield nuclear weapons, could undermine U.S. security. The authors suggest that both negative and positive assurances by nuclear states to non-nuclear states, a reduction of nuclear dangers, and nuclear disarmament through verifiable agreements are needed to prevent nuclear proliferation. (Source: Nonproliferation Issues)
Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists - Vol. 61, No.2, March/April 2005
www.thebulletin.org

"Peter Lynch's guide to philanthropy"
By looking at philanthropy "as a form of investment", Peter Lynch targets his giving to fund ideas that might spread to other neighborhoods or even other cities. In addition, Lynch supports innovative charities with strong leadership.
Boston Globe – Michael Paulson, February 27, 2005
www.boston.com

February 2005 Archives

February 18 Update:

Why We Shouldn't Spend $9.6 Billion a Year for Missile Defense
In its fiscal year 2006 budget request, the Bush Administration is requesting nearly $10 billion for a ballistic missile defense system. Though the U.S. has already spent tens of billions of dollars trying to create a viable system, none of the technology developed has been tested against realistic missile threats and repeated tests of the system have consistently failed. The Security Policy Working Group, a project of the Proteus Fund, points out that for the same amount of money ($10 billion), the following could have been provided:

5,622,922 Children Receiving Health Care or
1,125 New Elementary Schools or
215,339 Public Safety Officers or
7,947 Homes with Renewable Electricity or
149,705 Port Container Inspectors

Learn about the Foundation's opposition to deployment of a missile defense system.

Action Plan for Healthy Air in the San Joaquin Valley
In February 2005, the Foundation and the Union of Concerned Scientists released "Clearing the Air in the San Joaquin Valley," a report that highlights the air quality crisis facing California's Central Valley and recommends solutions to address it. View the report.and learn about the Foundation's work to clean up the Valley's air.

Recent Foundation Grants
The Kirsch Foundation is pleased to announce the following grants:

Silicon Valley Community Grant:

Child and Family Research and Training Institute

Discretionary Grant:

Committee to Bridge the Gap

Recent Articles
"Rocket Fails to Launch in Test Run"
The nation's newly deployed missile defense system experienced its third straight test failure when an interceptor rocket did not launch from its pad in the Marshall Islands. Since 2002 when President Bush announced he would deploy the anti-missile system by 2004, there has not been a successful intercept test. The overall missile defense program is expected to cost more than $50 billion over the next five years.
The New York Times – David Stout, February 14, 2005
www.nytimes.com

"In Search of Farm Equipment to Lessen Air Pollution"
Legislation approved last year in California to regulate agricultural pollution has prompted San Joaquin Valley farmers and growers to seek innovative solutions to the regional air quality problem. Alternative products and methods, such as wood chippers that eliminate the need for burning waste, have led to reduced emissions from smoke, dust, pesticides, and fertilizers.
Los Angeles Times – Jerry Hirsch, February 12, 2005
www.latimes.com

"Worst-Case Mentality Clouds USAF Space Strategy"
Theresa Hitchens with the DC-based Center for Defense Information makes a case for why the U.S. should halt its current strategy to exert space dominance. Claims by space weapons enthusiasts that U.S. space assets are vulnerable are off the mark and dangerous. "Careful probing of even the most ardent space weapon proponents reveals that no one seriously believes major threats to on-orbit systems exist today." By developing space weapons and escalating the militarization of space, the U.S. risks accidental war.
Defense News – Theresa Hitchens, February 14, 2005
www.defensenews.com

"Leaving a proper financial legacy"
Setting up an endowment fund through a community foundation is a cost-effective and easier alternative to creating a private foundation. In addition to having accounting and legal expertise, community foundations can connect donors to local organizations and projects addressing specific needs areas.
Toronto Star – Ellen Roseman, February 13, 2005
www.thestar.com

"Deep tradition of giving among valley's Latinos"
The Hispanic Foundation of Silicon Valley and Community Foundation Silicon Valley released a report about the giving habits of the Latino community in the local area.
San Jose Mercury News – Margaret Steen, February 16, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"IRS Clarifies Rules for Foundation Funding for Lobbying"
Charity Lobbying in the Public Interest, a nonprofit in the Washington DC area, requested guidance from the IRS about foundation support of nonprofits engaged in lobbying. The response specifies the conditions under which such activities are deemed appropriate.
OMB Watch – February 7, 2005
www.ombwatch.org

February 3 Update:

Catalyst for a Cure Accelerates Glaucoma Research
Written by the four primary investigators, a three-year progress report is now available for the Catalyst for a Cure collaborative. This report signals the end of the first phase of the long-term research project and also concludes the Kirsch Foundation's financial investment in it. We are delighted that the Glaucoma Research Foundation is continuing with an enlarged phase two and that the researchers are developing a new and exciting working hypothesis to explain the disease. This will open the door to potential new treatments and a cure.

Left to right: David Calkins, Philip Horner, Nick Marsh-Armstong, Monica Vetter

Report Release Photos

Kevin Hamilton, Asthma Education and Management Community Medical Centers; Kevin Hall,
San Joaquin Valley air quality activist; Susan Frank, Kirsch Foundation Vice President, Public Policy

Carolina Simunovic, Fresno Metro Ministries

Dr. David Pepper, Medical Advocates for Healthy Air, with students

Recent Articles
"Rumsfeld Seeks to Revive Burrowing Nuclear Bomb"
Despite Congress cutting nearly $30 million last year to fund the development of an earth-penetrating nuclear weapon, called a "bunker buster" or Robust Nuclear Earth Penetrator, Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld is seeking $10.3 million in President Bush's budget to resume study of these weapons. Representative David Hobson (R-OH), chairman of the House Appropriations subcommittee on energy and water, led the charge in 2004 to cut all money for researching the RNEP. "Opponents of the proposed new weapon have argued that sealing off underground facilities could be done as well with smart, precision-guided conventional weapons."
The Washington Post – Walter Pincus, February 1, 2005
www.washingtonpost.com

"An African-American Family's Experience"
Throughout their lives, sisters Jean and Betty Fairfax, guided by their strong values, devoted extraordinary time, energy and resources to make an impact in social justice causes in their communities.
National Center for Family Philanthropy – Lester A. Picker, February 2005
www.ncfp.org

"Drop restrictions on stem-cell research"
The Des Moines Register calls President Bush's plan that restricts funding for embryonic stem cell research "bad policy," given that all of the stem cell lines available for federal funds are contaminated. With the promise of stem cell research to cure diseases, the Administration's position should be reversed.
Des Moines Register – Editorial, January 31, 2005
www.dmregister.com

January 2005 Archives

January 24 Update:

Recent Foundation Grants
The Kirsch Foundation is pleased to announce the following grants:

Environmental Grant:

Conservation International

Silicon Valley Community Grants:

Bullis Purissima Elementary School Foundation
Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County
Palo Alto Unified School District

Discretionary Grants:

American India Foundation
American Red Cross
Global Fund for Children

Recent Articles
"New Jersey Faces Tough Competition for Stem Cell Scientists"
With federal funding for only a limited number of stem cell lines, states are forging ahead with ballot initiatives, legislation and administrative approaches to furthering embryonic stem cell research. Competing states are trying to protect against their own scientists moving to California, where a voter-supported $3 billion in funding will be spent over the next decade. Illinois, New York, Wisconsin, and Connecticut are all working on proposals to promote and fund stem cell research, while other states are seeking to ban or criminalize it.
The New York Times – Laura Mansnerus, January 17, 2005
www.nytimes.com

"Paul Allen's ventures often start with the question, 'What do I love?'"
Microsoft's co-founder Paul Allen describes the driving forces behind his nonprofit and for profit ventures.
San Francisco Chronicle – Allison Linn, January 15, 2005
www.sfgate.com

"Bush's 'Clear Skies' Plan Is a Step Back, Report Says"
The National Academy of Sciences (NAS) predicts the Bush administration's "Clear Skies" proposal could set back environmental protection laws for over 25 years, according to the Los Angeles Times. The NAS interim report, written by a panel of university professors and researchers, found that new regulations would significantly weaken air pollution controls currently in place under the existing Clean Air Act.
Los Angeles Times – Miguel Bustillo, January 14, 2005
www.latimes.com

January 7 Update:

Helping Tsunami Victims
Before sending out any donations to help the tsunami victims, be aware that individuals are prohibited from taking charitable deductions on U.S. income taxes when sending money to overseas organizations. You can take a deduction when donating to a U.S.-based charity.

Some of the charities currently accepting donations are:

To research additional charities, go to:

Recent Foundation Grants
The Kirsch Foundation is pleased to announce the following grants:

Political Reform and Global Theme Grants:

Arms Control Association
British American Security Information Council
Center for Arms Control and Nonproliferation
Center for Defense Information
Federation of American Scientists
Friends Committee on National Legislation
Global Security Institute
Natural Resources Defense Council
Physicians for Social Responsibility
Union of Concerned Scientists
Women's Action for New Directions

Silicon Valley Community Grant:

The Tech Museum of Innovation

Discretionary Grant:

Diabetes Center at University of California, San Francisco

Recent Articles
"Rude awakening to missile-defense dream"
Scott Ritter, a former intelligence officer and weapons inspector in the Soviet Union and Iraq, writes in The Christian Science Monitor about the U.S. Administration's historical and current efforts to deploy a missile defense system. Ritter points out that the Russians have developed the SS-27 Topol-M, a weapon which essentially renders the U.S. missile defense system useless because it "can defeat any intercept capability." Billions of dollars are being spent on a system that "will never achieve the level of defense envisioned." The author suggests that the U.S. should pursue arms control treaties instead of a missile defense system.
The Christian Science Monitor – Scott Ritter, January 4, 2004
www.csmonitor.com

"A bright hope to be realized"
U.S. News & World Report Columnist, Mortimer B. Zuckerman, writes about the millions of Americans suffering from diseases that may someday be cured through embryonic stem cell research. Zuckerman points out that the research is being hindered because of current federal policy limiting funding to a small number of stem cell lines. In the absence of a less restrictive federal policy, we are forced to rely on individual states and the private sector to develop cures, which may not provide sufficient breakthroughs in this critical field.
U.S. News & World Report – Mortimer B. Zuckerman, December 27, 2004
www.usnews.com

"Can a divided world tackle global warming in 2005?"
The Financial Times explores why global warming will be a key dividing issue in 2005. Prime Minister Tony Blair plans to push the issue on the G8 agenda, but he faces opposition from President Bush and other worldwide leaders whose countries have refuse to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. Business groups and conservatives in the US are skeptical of scientific evidence for climate change, while employers in the UK have welcomed government action to reduce emissions.
Financial Times – Fiona Harvey, January 3, 2005
www.ft.com