Archived Articles about Giving

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Article Summaries | Selected Full Articles

Article Summaries

"With a Charity for Soldiers, Youths Make Recycling Pay"
Brittany and Robbie Bergquist, teenage siblings from Massachusetts, started a modest nonprofit a few years ago which has since grown into a major, international operation that is about to partner with AT&T. “Cell Phones for Soldiers” collects people’s old cell phones and hands them over to a recycling plant, using the revenue to purchase international calling cards which are then sent to troops stationed overseas. It’s an unusual extracurricular activity for the typical high-school student, but one demonstrating that anyone can make a difference with a little ingenuity and generosity of spirit.
The New York Times – Ariel Sabar, March 29, 2007
www.nytimes.com

"Write a Check? The New Philanthropist Goes Further"
Modern day philanthropists, unlike their predecessors from a generation ago, do not want to wait until death to bequeath their wealth, nor do they want the money they donate to disappear into a nonprofit, never to be seen again. They want to know exactly where their money is going, how it is being used, and what results it is helping to achieve. As this desire has become the norm, a support network has developed to help donors accomplish their philanthropic goals, especially when they are novices to the field. From attending intensive workshops to working with professional advisers, today’s philanthropists are learning how to maximize their charitable efforts.
The New York Times – Julie Bick, March 18, 2007
www.nytimes.com

"Congress to create new caucus on philanthropy"
It was recently announced that the United States House of Representatives will form a Congressional Philanthropy Caucus, with hopes that a sister group will be created in the Senate. It could be an important step in an effort by nonprofits and foundations to educate the government about its needs and the potential to work together, while also helping elected officials connect to a portion of their constituency that they perhaps haven’t known how best to assist.
The Washington Examiner – Frank Sietzen, March 5, 2007
www.examiner.com

"High-dollar giving is 'contagious'"
When wealthy Americans like Ted Turner, Bill Gates, and Warren Buffett make headlines for giving away millions of dollars to philanthropy, other high rollers want to join their ranks. Whatever their particular reason for giving may be, the bottom line is that the rich want to be known for their generosity, not their stinginess.
USA Today - Martha T. Moore, February 27, 2007
www.usatoday.com

"Record-Breaking Giving"
Perhaps Warren Buffett’s historic gift is partially responsible for spurring others, but whatever the reason, the end result is what counts: the number of charitable contributions from wealthy Americans nearly doubled in 2006. The Chronicle of Philanthropy offers a detailed report on who did the giving, where the gifts went, and what trends marked this record-breaking year.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy – Maria Di Mento and Nicole Lewis, February 22, 2007
www.philanthropy.com

"Leaders needed as nonprofit sector grows"
Executives qualified to run nonprofits are becoming increasingly harder to find at a time when the field is growing and the need for strong leadership is more vital than ever. Graduate programs geared toward training in nonprofit management are starting to pop up, but the growth of the industry may demand more avenues through which experienced people can be found for these roles.
Philanthropy Journal - Mary Teresa Bitti, February 19, 2007
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Our Better Half"
Henry Blodget writes that America needs to view its nonprofit sector in a whole new way, beginning with the attitude that the American Dream no longer comes true when wealth is accumulated, but rather when that wealth is contributed to do good.
Slate – Henry Blodget, February 16, 2007
www.slate.com

"History lesson for philanthropy"
Philanthropy is far from a new concept, yet it does seem to have taken a particularly strong hold in the Zeitgeist over the last year. The idea of venture philanthropy, however, is a new concept – or relatively so when considering the history of charitable giving. Susan Berresford, president of the Ford Foundation, believes that while venture philanthropy has its place, it must not supplant the traditional form of giving that has endured since the days of Carnegie and Rockefeller.
Philanthropy Journal – Todd Cohen, February 8, 2007
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Immunisation rates hit record high in poor countries"
The World Health Organization recently reported that the GAVI Alliance has vastly increased the number of vaccines available to children in the world’s poorest countries since the year 2000. Aided by donations from several governments around the globe as well as private organizations, the GAVI Alliance’s efforts have helped immunise children against such diseases as diphtheria, hepatitis B and yellow fever.
GAVI Alliance – January 26, 2007
www.gavialliance.org

"Other Arrillaga charitable too"
Although Laura Arrillaga is part of a family well-known for its philanthropic work in Silicon Valley, she has distinguished herself through her own efforts in the field. Eight years ago, Arrillaga founded the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund (SV2), a new way for local philanthropists to become involved in the community and learn how to effectively donate their money. SV2 is modeled on a venture capital system of investment, which has proven to be an ideal approach in this haven of high-tech industry.
The Stanford Daily – Laura Rumpf, January 24, 2007
www.daily.stanford.edu

"Network Philanthropy"
Pierre Omidyar and Jeff Skoll were once on the cutting edge of Silicon Valley industry as the founder and first employee/CEO, respectively, of eBay. For the last several years, however, their primary interest has been in giving back to the community, and although they would probably resist such credit, they have helped redefine the way that philanthropy is viewed and practiced. Douglas McGray writes about the innovative thinking that has led them down the road less-traveled.
Los Angeles Times – Douglas McGray – January 21, 2007
www.latimes.com

"The New Wave Of Philanthropy"
Last November, Slate Magazine and The William J. Clinton Foundation hosted the Slate 60 conference in Little Rock, Arkansas. It was a gathering of givers from around the country who came together to share ideas about making the world a better place. While there were many different, and sometimes controversial, ideas about how to best accomplish this, one fact was abundantly clear: the philanthropists in attendance have the wealth, vision, influence and passion to see the mission through.
The NonProfit Times – Natalie Ghidotti, January 15, 2007
www.nptimes.com

"83% of Americans Donated to Charity in the Past Year, Poll Finds"
A poll conducted in early December revealed that 83% of American adults donated to charity in 2006, although the total dollar amount was less than the previous year, when Hurricane Katrina motivated many people to give. Similarly, whereas disaster relief was the highest-ranked category of giving in 2005, it fell further down the list in 2006.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy - Suzanne Perry, December 29, 2006
www.philanthropy.com

"Class Acts: A new breed of young Bay Area philanthropists redefine the meaning – and methods – of giving"
The wealth that has been accumulated in the last several years by young, tech-savvy Bay Area businesspeople is being put to good use in the community. More and more successful people in and around Silicon Valley have become actively involved in philanthropy, putting not just their money, but also their time and energy, on the table.
San Francisco Chronicle – Carolyne Zinko, January 14, 2007
www.sfgate.com

"Spending on needier areas of state deficient, reports say
Feds, foundations give more money to cities, skimping on 18 inland and northern counties"
A new study by the James Irvine Foundation shows that when it comes to private foundations’ giving in California, major urban hubs like the Bay Area and Los Angeles receive much more attention than struggling regions like the San Joaquin Valley and Inland Empire.
San Francisco Chronicle – Ilene Lelchuk, November 16, 2006
www.sfgate.com

"Giving back, big time"
When Warren Buffett announced his historic gift to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation this past summer, he noted that the decision to give away his wealth during his lifetime was inspired in part by Andrew Carnegie. Here, writer David Nasaw draws a more detailed comparison between the two men by taking a closer look at Carnegie’s philosophy on philanthropy.
Los Angeles Times –David Nasaw, November 2, 2006
www.latimes.com

"Women’s philanthropy group goes public with causes"
In the days leading up to the midterm election, a group of women philanthropists who had heretofore kept a fairly low profile became more visible as they attempted to see their political concerns addressed on Election Day. Based in Menlo Park, the Women Donors Network represents a large but often unpublicized sector of the philanthropic community. Historically, it may be men, from John D. Rockefeller to Bill Gates, whose names are most commonly heard when it comes to charitable giving, but women are just as active in this area, if not more so.
The Mercury News – Mike Swift, October 29, 2006
www.mercurynews.com

"Stock market surge may boost charities"
As the holidays approach, so too does the season of giving. Thanks to the current strong performance of the stock market, this year could be one of the biggest in recent memory when it comes to charitable donations.
USA Today – Sandra Block, October 16, 2006
www.usatoday.com

"Valley’s innovation extends to funding philanthropy"
When emerging Silicon Valley companies want to engage in social philanthropy, one increasingly popular way to accomplish this is working with the Entrepreneur’s Foundation (EF). Since 1998, EF has been facilitating philanthropic operations at both public and private organizations, creating more opportunity for Valley companies and workers to engage in the community.
The Mercury News – Peter Asmus, October 9, 2006
www.mercurynews.com

"A campaign to get Americans to help when there isn’t a disaster"
From “Where’s the beef?” to “Got Milk?,” advertising executives would agree that a sure sign of success is a slogan becoming part of our collective consciousness. The Advertising Council hopes that its new campaign to encourage philanthropy will enjoy such success, aided by the slogan “Don’t almost give. Give.” The goal of the campaign is to stimulate charitable donations at any time, rather than just in the wake of tragedies like 9/11, Hurricane Katrina, and the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia.
The New York Times – Stuart Elliott, September 25, 2006
www.nytimes.com

"Those who lost loved ones sustain memorial charities"
It’s been five years since the devastating attacks of September 11 and many of those who lost loved ones have found a way to cope by channeling their grief into charitable giving. Foundations, scholarships and other philanthropic initiatives carry on the spirit of those who died that day, and allow the families left behind to do good in the world while honoring the memories of the ones they lost too soon.
The Washington Post – Jacqueline L. Salmon, September 11, 2006
www.washingtonpost.com

"With hire, charity sets course"
With the announcement of Dr. Emmett Carson as the president and CEO of the newly created Silicon Valley Community Foundation (SVCF), the process of defining this organization’s identity begins to take shape. Understanding Dr. Carson’s background and previous experience provide hints of what direction SVCF will take.
The Mercury News – Sal Pizarro, August 3, 2006
www.mercurynews.com

"An urgent cause for philanthropy"
Ralph Kaplan and Harvey Silverglate write that with the recent boom in philanthropy, attention and funding must be directed toward a broader range of issues, not the least of which is the nuclear threat.
The Boston Globe – Ralph Kaplan and Harvey Silverglate, July 23, 2006
www.boston.com/news/globe/

"Non-profits team up to give big"
The newly announced merger of Community Foundation Silicon Valley and Peninsula Community Foundation will create one of the largest community foundations in the country. The two organizations have discussed such a merger for years, but the time was finally right to move forward.
The Mercury News – John Woolfolk, July 13, 2006
www.mercurynews.com

"Philanthropy is invaluable to America; Buffett’s gift is a reminder"
My West Texas columnist Ashley Kilburn writes that philanthropy is a long-standing American tradition, which has been rightfully thrust back into the spotlight since Warren Buffett announced an historic gift to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
My West Texas – Ashley Kilburn, July 13, 2006
www.mywesttexas.com

"The most generous companies"
With all the well-deserved attention they’ve received lately, it may seem like Bill Gates and Warren Buffett are the only active philanthropists out there. But in reality, generous giving is happening all around us, all the time. In an article from Forbes, Daniel J.T. Schuker focuses on corporate foundations, highlighting some of the most altruistic.
Forbes – Daniel J.T. Schuker, July 11, 2006
www.forbes.com

"Listening to your inner billionaire"
In the wake of major announcements by Bill Gates and Warren Buffett regarding their philanthropic endeavors, Chicago Tribune cultural critic Julia Keller explores historical reasons for philanthropy in the United States, and people’s belief that the wealthy have an obligation to use some part of their fortune to better the world around them.
Chicago Tribune – Julia Keller, June 30, 2006
www.chicagotribune.com

"Buffett to give his billions to charity - With Gates, he sparks new era of mega-money philanthropy"
In a stunning announcement, Warren Buffett, the world's second-richest person, committed to give away his shares in his company, Berkshire Hathaway, to five foundations over time. This article describes his reasons for choosing the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation as the primary recipient and notes that these charitable contributions make Buffett the largest philanthropist ever.
San Francisco Chronicle – June 26, 2006
www.sfgate.com

"He’s opening windows to philanthropy – Gates' decision might spur donations from tech leaders"
Bill Gates announced that, in 2008, he will step back from overseeing the day-to-day operations of Microsoft in order to focus on the $29 billion foundation that bears his name. In the article, Gates is compared to Andrew Carnegie, a leading philanthropist of a prior generation. Silicon Valley philanthropists, including Steve Kirsch, and the Foundation’s CEO, Kathi Gwynn, hope Gates’ concentration on the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation will inspire other wealthy individuals to make a difference.
San Francisco Chronicle – Jessica Guynn, June 18, 2006
www.sfgate.com

"Foundations taking lead in social change"
While hot-button issues become mired in a contentious political system, making it seemingly impossible for government to make any progress on social change, foundations are taking the lead toward solving society’s ills. Steve Gunderson, president and CEO of the Council on Foundations, expects that within 50 years, foundations’ grants will exceed $300 billion annually. But grantmaking is only one piece of the pie.
Casper Star Tribune.net – Tom Morton, June 18, 2006
www.casperstartribune.net

"US companies more charitable in 2005 – survey"
According to a survey by The Committee to Encourage Corporate Philanthropy, US companies donated 14% more to charities in 2005 than the previous year. Companies are also encouraging their employees to be more involved in volunteering.
The Boston Globe – June 6, 2006
www.boston.com/news/globe/

"Gates foundation gives $750,000 for IU philanthropy study"
A landmark study of charitable giving conducted by Indiana University’s Center on Philanthropy will be funded in part by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The study will be the largest and most detailed survey of charitable giving ever undertaken.
The News Sentinel – May 19, 2006
www.fortwayne.com

"Microfinance: Services the Poor Can Bank On"
With the help of philanthropists, banks, and others, these institutions help local economies by providing small loans and financial services. “Some of the most powerful social changes brought about by microfinance occur when a family is able to earn that little bit extra, enabling them to keep their kids healthy and in school, thus open the doors of economic opportunity to the next generation,” says Caitlin Baron, director of the microfinance initiative for the Michael and Susan Dell Foundation.
Businessweek – Chris Farrell, May 2, 2006
www.businessweek.com

"U.S. aid eclipsed by private donors"
U.S. foreign aid from private sources in 2004 was three times greater than the foreign aid the U.S. government provided that year, according to a study by the Hudson Institute. The study, titled Index of Global Philanthropy, was presented yesterday at a United Nations conference. This is considered the first comprehensive report to detail the sources and magnitude of American private giving abroad.
The Washington Times – Joyce Howard Price, April 20, 2006
www.washingtontimes.com

"Foundations to provide $14M in interim funding for stem cell institute"
A group of foundations and other organizations has committed $14 million to set in motion California's funding of stem cell research, an effort that so far has been stymied by litigation. The six organizations agreed to purchase bond anticipation notes to fund scientific and research grants administered by the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine as a bridge to carry the Institute until it can issue general obligation bonds through the state.
San Francisco Business Times – Daniel S. Levine, April 4, 2006
sanfrancisco.bizjournals.com

"Sale of Knight Ridder won't affect the Knight Foundation"
Soon after the $4.5 billion acquisition of Knight-Ridder was announced, the Knight Foundation made it clear that it will still seek to improve life in the 26 communities around the country where the Knight brothers had owned papers.
Chicago Tribune – Charles Storch, March 23, 2006
www.chicagotribune.com

"Barriers to policy engagement, Part 2"
When nonprofit staff members are stretched beyond capacity, it can be difficult to free time for public-policy work and advocacy. But that work is important, experts say, and a little training and strategic use of boards and coalitions can broaden a group's policy and advocacy impact, even if the nonprofit lacks a staff member dedicated to policy.
Philanthropy Journal – Ret Boney, March 13, 2006
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Nonprofits and policy, Part 2"
Foundations can influence policy without hurting status, experts say. "In the funding community, if you want systemic change, the way to get it is through advocacy." For further information on nonprofits and policy, see Part 1 and Part 3 of this series.
Philanthropy Journal – Ret Boney, 2006
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Good-to-great nonprofit leadership"
Nonprofits operate differently from businesses and so must be led differently. While businesses have more "executive" leadership, with decision making power held by one or a few individuals, the social sector has "legislative" leadership.
Philanthropy Journal – March 8, 2006
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Policy funding needed"
Public policy matters and philanthropy must work harder to shape it. Charities can shy from playing a policy role, may lack the resources or skills to play it, or may not even know they can. Yet policy work is critical: Fixing social problems depends on fixing the policies underlying them.
Philanthropy Journal – Todd Cohen, March 1, 2006
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Nonprofit sector growing"
Increase reported in number of nonprofits, and their assets and impact. The U.S. is home to 837,027 charitable nonprofits, up 68% since 1993, and the sector's asset base is larger than the economies of all but five countries, says a new study by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations. The combined assets of those that report to the IRS totaled $1.76 trillion in 2003.
Philanthropy Journal – March 1, 2006
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Young Hollywood and Philanthropy"
Young celebrities are increasingly throwing their weight behind smaller nonprofits in an effort to involve themselves in something they feel is more deep and meaningful, rather than “a one-day, put-on-a-T-shirt, get-your-picture-taken kind of program.”
The Hollywood Reporter – Tatiana Siegel, February 8, 2006
www.backstage.com

"Net benefits"
Today’s technology billionaires are investing their time and intellect in charitable causes. As little as five years ago, during the peak of the internet boom, newly minted tech millionaires were criticized as stingy. Now the enormous wealth that has been created by Silicon Valley and the information age appears to be breeding a new wave of philanthropists, who tend to have made their money far more quickly and are giving large sums away at a younger age.
Guardian Unlimited – David Teather, February 6, 2006
www.guardian.co.uk

"The Other 95 percent: How a community foundation uses proxy voting to advance its mission"
The Boston Foundation is sending some very pointed messages to the public companies in which it owns stock. It decided to take socially responsible investing one step further in 2002 by promoting its values through proxy voting that is, voting on company proposals, such as slates of board members, as well as on shareholder resolutions regarding social responsibility.
The Stanford Social Innovation Review – Alessandra Bianchi, January 17, 2006
www.ssireview.com

"United Way's New Way"
The century-old United Way became the largest collective recipient of charitable largess in the U.S., giving out grants to 43,000 different charities. Whether the recipient charity showed results was almost mostly an afterthought. Now, pressured by scandal and competition, United Way is in the midst of a dramatic shift in the ways it both raises and doles out money.
Forbes – William Barret, January 16, 2006
www.forbes.com

"Multiplying their gifts"
Giving circles help small philanthropists have a big impact. U.S. giving circles have combined to donate at least $44 million during the past five years.
Denver Post – Will Shanley, January 15, 2006
www.denverpost.com

"The Good Samaritans"
In recognition of their efforts to tackle worldwide problems, Bill and Melinda Gates, along with Bono, were named TIME’s Persons of the Year.
TIME Magazine – Nancy Gibbs, December 18, 2005
www.time.com

"Hearts as wide as the world: teaching philanthropy"
Realizing how blessed they are, teens are learning about philanthropy through the Peninsula Jewish Community Teen Foundation and are reaching out to help the less fortunate. Last year, they distributed more than $11,000 to nonprofit organizations around the world.
The San Francisco Chronicle – Christopher Heredia, December 16, 2005
www.sfgate.com

"Giving, with impact"
In this op-ed, James Ferris, director of the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at the University of Southern California, recommends guidelines on charitable donations during this time of year.
San Francisco Chronicle – Editorial, December 7, 2005
www.sfgate.com

"Foundation urges civic involvement"
The goal of the Entrepreneurs Foundation is to encourage companies to develop philanthropic programs as a part of their corporate culture.
San Jose Mercury News – Matthai Chakko Kuruvila, November 16, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Giving Funds Provide Flexibility"
Two options for giving include community foundations and giving circles to help philanthropists with their charitable activities.
Washington Post – Andrea Caumont, November 6, 2005
www.washingtonpost.com

"Top Charities See Rise in Donations"
The Chronicle of Philanthropy recently released the Philanthropy 400 list, showing that charitable giving increased in 2004 over the previous year. Among the top fundraising groups were the United Way of America, the Salvation Army, the AmeriCares Foundation, and the YMCA.
The New York Times – The Associated Press, October 23, 2005
www.nytimes.com

"Our local disaster plans must account for the less fortunate"
Mark Walker, President of United Way Silicon Valley, urges people to review their level of giving and the Silicon Valley’s preparedness in light of recent natural disasters. He advises the community to make strategic investments now so that the poorest members of the community can reach economic self-sufficiency, thus strengthening the community’s overall ability to withstand any potential disasters.
Mercury News – Mark Walker, October 5, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Wheels of Fortune"
With creativity and ingenuity, Donald Schoendorfer makes wheelchairs out of lawn chairs, steel tubing, and mountain bike tires and distributes them in developing countries through the Free Wheelchair Mission, a charity he founded. The wheelchair costs just $41.17 including shipping costs and repair tools, compared to a hospital chair which typically runs $150 or more.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy – Elizabeth Schwinn, September 29, 2005
www.philanthropy.com

"Web lets donors find specific needs and fill them"
Contributing to particular causes is becoming easier as websites allow donors to find projects that reach a specific target audience.
USA Today – Susan Page, September 11, 2005
www.usatoday.com

"The Future of Philanthropy"
The Kellogg foundation and The David and Lucile Packard Foundation jointly funded a project at the Monitor Group to examine the field of philanthropy. As a result of the research, The Future of Philanthropy website www.futureofphilanthropy.org was created to help those in the field understand how philanthropy is changing.
Foundation News and Commentary – July/August 2005
www.foundationnews.org

"Hewlett, Packard foundations honored"
Two of the six Carnegie Medal of Philanthropy recipients for this year are based in Silicon Valley. The William and Flora Hewlett Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation are being recognized for “a long-term dedication to spending money for the benefit of the public.”
Mercury News – Margaret Steen, August 12, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Applied Materials executive driving force behind donations to K-12 education"
Michael O'Farrell, Applied Materials' Vice President of global affairs, created a philanthropic strategy to address the K-12 educational challenges facing San Jose's youth.
Mercury News – Dana Hull, July 30, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"The State of E-Philanthropy"
Nonprofits are seeing a substantial increase in the amount of online giving, although many are still not effectively utilizing the medium to achieve fundraising goals.
PNN Online – Vinay Bhagat, July 27, 2005
www.pnnonline.org

"Citigroup: Charitable giving starts with bank's president"
Citibank West president Michael Weitzman sets a philanthropic example and shows the value of leadership in terms of ensuring a company's commitment to charity and community service.
San Francisco Business Times – Kristen Bole, July 22, 2005
www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco

"Woman keeps up aid to Israel cent by cent"
Aiming to fulfill her philanthropic aspirations of helping terrorism victims in Israel, Emily Dubois collected enough change to surpass her goal of raising $15,000.
Mercury News – Anna Tong, July 17, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Americans Gave Nearly $250 Billion In 2004"
A report by the Giving USA Foundation indicates that philanthropic giving has increased by 5 percent since 2003.
Nonprofit Times – Matthew Sinclair, July 1, 2005
www.nptimes.com

"Non-profits reaching out"
Community Foundation Silicon Valley and CompassPoint Nonprofit Services released a report showing that nonprofits are working to diversify staff, boards, and services in order to reflect ethnic population growth.
Mercury News – Margaret Steen, July 7, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Olympic athlete serves up donation to aid young people"
Gold medallist Kerri Walsh launched her Chase the Stars Foundation with a donation to the Boys and Girls Club in East San Jose. Through her donor-advised fund at Community Foundation Silicon Valley, Walsh is making her philanthropic dreams come true.
Mercury News – Editorial, June 7, 2005
www.mercurynews.com

"Venture Philanthropy Revisited"
This commentary examines the impact venture philanthropy has had on traditional giving and recommends that private philanthropists be more aware and understanding of the problems and challenges that charities face.
OnPhilanthropy.com – Susan Raymond, April 29, 2005
www.onphilanthropy.com

"What Makes a Nonprofit Venture Succeed -- or Fail?"
Seedco, a national community development agency, released two reports about social enterprise in order to provide technical and financial advice to help nonprofits sustain themselves.
Philanthropy News Network Online – March 28, 2005
http://pnnonline.org

"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

"Venture Philanthropy Revisited"
This commentary examines the impact venture philanthropy has had on traditional giving and recommends that private philanthropists be more aware and understanding of the problems and challenges that charities face.
OnPhilanthropy.com – Susan Raymond, April 29, 2005
www.onphilanthropy.com

"What Makes a Nonprofit Venture Succeed -- or Fail?"
Seedco, a national community development agency, released two reports about social enterprise in order to provide technical and financial advice to help nonprofits sustain themselves.
Philanthropy News Network Online – March 28, 2005
http://pnnonline.org

"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

"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

"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

"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

"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.newdream.org

"Not Sold in Stores: Ways to Save Money, Protect the Planet, and Spread Cheer."
The Center for a New American Dream's mission is to help Americans consume responsibly to protect the environment, enhance the quality of life, and promote social justice. The New American Dream's website promotes alternative and responsible ways to celebrate the holiday season.
www.newdream.org

"The Top Givers"
Businessweek highlights a few of the philanthropists from its annual top 50 list who made "supersized" gifts this year.
Businessweek Online – Michelle Conlin, Lauren Gard, and Jesse Hempel, November 29, 2004
www.businessweek.com

"Big but Not Easy: As Donors Set Terms, Some Charities Resist"
With the increase in the number of philanthropists over the last decade, some donors are coming to the table with specific ideas on the ways their funding is used.
New York Times – Stephanie Strom, November 15, 2004
www.nytimes.com

"A View Inside the Gates"
This article provides a rare look at the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation's founders and discusses the hopes and plans of this philanthropic giant.
Chronicle of Philanthropy – Ian Wilhelm, November 11, 2004
www.philanthropy.com

"Achieving Impact Without Giving Cash"
Many foundations have less funding to distribute even as the nonprofit sector's needs continue and grow. There are methods other than funding alone, however, that assist nonprofit organizations including sharing access to information, networking, and advocacy.
Foundation News and Commentary – Lee Draper, September/October 2004
www.foundationnews.org

"A New Strategy For Giving Away Your Money"
This article details a new way for wealthy donors to give to charity, the Donor Managed Investment Account. It was approved in a private-letter ruling by the Internal Revenue Service, a step that usually indicates the agency's overall thinking. The strategy allows donors to give money to a charity but still manage the assets for as long as 10 years after making the gift.
Wall Street Journal – Rachel Emma Silverman, October 6, 2004
http://online.wsj.com/public/us

"Bill Gates talks money -- giving it away, that is"
Keynote speaker Bill Gates discussed his development as a philanthropist at Community Foundation Silicon Valley's 50th anniversary luncheon.
San Jose Mercury News – John Boudreau, October 2, 2004
www.mercurynews.com

"Working for change: Foundations struggle with role in shaping public policy"
More foundations need to be aware of the relationship between philanthropy and public policy as a method for bringing about effective systemic changes. This article describes some of the many activities in which a foundation can engage to impact public policy.
Philanthropy Journal – Ret Boney, September 13, 2004
www.philanthropyjournal.org

"Costs are usually lower, allowing savings to go into social services"
In a strategic move to survive difficult times, local nonprofits are merging to form larger organizations that may result in added benefits such as wider expertise and more stability.
San Jose Mercury News – Editorial, September 8, 2004
www.mercurynews.com

"Doing well and doing good"
Recent data about the growth of philanthropy indicates more people are giving generously of their time and money, not only in the U.S. but overseas as well.
The Economist – July 29, 2004
www.economist.com

"Schools hope to instill philanthropy"
Learning to Give, a Michigan-based organization, has created a curriculum for K-12 students to instill philanthropic values and help students understand the nonprofit sector.
mlive.com – Judy Putnam, July 12, 2004
www.mlive.com

"New Funds Are Making It Easier to Donate Abroad –
Charities Set Up Vehicles To Vet Causes For Terrorist Ties While Preserving Tax Break"
With the recent rise in international giving, charities are taking measures to ensure donations overseas are not supporting terrorist causes.
Wall Street Journal – July 6, 2004
http://online.wsj.com/public/us

"'Charity Checks' Make a Gift of Giving to Others"
A California couple created a new type of gift certificate that allows recipients to make anonymous donations to their favorite charities.
LA Times – Stephanie Chavez, July 4, 2004
www.latimes.com

"The Power 100"
San Jose Magazine released its annual list of movers and shakers in Silicon Valley. Among those highlighted for their philanthropy are Leonard and Shirley Ely, Lisa Sobrato Sonsini, Susan Packard Orr, and Steve and Michele Kirsch.
San Jose Magazine – Jenny Desai and Mandy Major, July 2004
http://www.sanjosemagazine.com/features/featureB/index.htm

"Town's young people set trend in philanthropy"
In an effort to teach the younger generation lessons about philanthropy, private schools in Connecticut are creating student-run foundations. In San Jose, California, Community Foundation Silicon Valley, working together with community-based organizations, strives toward that same goal with its Youth in Philanthropy program.
Greenwich Time – Vesna Jaksic, June 13, 2004
www.greenwichtime.com

"Charities' Tax Breaks Scrutinized
Widespread Abuses Prompt Congress to Rethink Laws"
Through the implementation of changes such as revising reporting requirements and placing restrictions on donor advised funds, Congress is considering how to curb the occurrence of fraudulent activities committed by nonprofits.
Washington Post – Albert Crenshaw, June 21, 2004
www.washingtonpost.com

"A new mission:
A Successful Peninsula Developer Shifts Her Energy Toward Philanthropy"
Local developer Susanna Pau finds "a more important mission in life rather than making money". Pau applies the lessons learned in the business world toward projects in the charitable field.
Mercury News – Katherine Corcoran, June 7, 2004
www.mercurynews.com

"'Google Grants' Program Brings Questions From Those Left Out"
Nonprofits await the latest word on Google's grants advertising program that donates ad space to various organizations and charities. These organizations benefit from the increased exposure, but some groups will not be applying to the program as Google has removed their own paid ads in the past.
Wall Street Journal Online – June 3, 2004
http://online.wsj.com/public/us

"Foundations unveil unique giving tactics"
At a recent Foundation Incubator forum, the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, the Omidyar Foundation, and the Skoll Foundation presented their novel strategies toward social change.
The Mercury News – John Boudreau, May 22, 2004
www.mercurynews.com

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"Some Foundations Are Electing To Spend It All Now, Close Shop"
Staff reporter David Bank features a small group of foundations who are "bucking tradition" and making donations now rather than cutting back in order to preserve their assets.
Wall Street Journal – David Bank, September 10, 2002
www.wsj.com

"Philanthropy postponed by downturn"
Givers who once pledged millions in stock are now being granted deadline extensions on their donations. A tumbling stock market is forcing nonprofits to be more flexible and understanding with donors' payment schedules.
San Jose Mercury News – John Boudreau, July 28, 2002
www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/

"Matching Givers With Those in Need"
New York teachers receive much needed support for their students through the DonorsChoose website which allows specific projects to be targeted for funding.
New York Times – Stephanie Strom, July 2, 2002
www.nytimes.com

"Big Philanthropists Seek Bigger Roles in Shaping Policy"
Steve Kirsch plans to impact public policy in Washington, D.C., by supporting an advocacy group positioned opposite the conservatives. Other big players with similar intentions of affecting policy are George Soros, Bill Gates, and Ted Turner.
Wall Street Journal – David Bank, June 19, 2002
www.wsj.com

"Social Change and How It's Done"
Writer Alison Goldberg describes the principles behind social change philanthropy. Several foundations attempt to focus on the root causes of problems and, as the Peace and Development Fund Executive Director explains, "It is more than teaching people to fish. It's supporting their efforts to get a company to stop polluting the lake they're trying to fish in."
Foundation News and Commentary – Alison D. Goldberg, May/June 2002
www.foundationnews.org

"Larry Ellison's Final Frontier"
As the largest private funder of aging research, Oracle billionaire Larry Ellison hopes to unlock the key to prolonging one's life span. With support from the Ellison Medical Foundation researchers delve into areas that the federal government may avoid and are breaking ground at a fast pace.
Worth Magazine – John Sedgwick, May 2002
www.worth.com

"Despite Sour Economy, Foundation Grants Rose in '01"
According to a Foundation Center report, foundations increased their spending by 5.1 percent in 2001, despite the downturn in the stock market. Two contributing factors were the increase in the number of foundations and the fact that many foundations set aside money when the market rose.
New York Times – Stephanie Strom, April 4, 2002
www.nytimes.com

"Ritchie's formula gives charity an automatic piece of the pie"
Ritchie Commercial Real Estate in San Jose donated approximately $45,000 to various charities last year, even though it was experiencing hard times. Mark Ritchie, president, feels that the giving not only benefits nonprofits but businesses as well.
San Jose Business Journal – Danek S. Kaus, April 5, 2002
http://sanjose.bizjournals.com/sanjose/

"Soros Insists Government Funding Must Raise Philanthropy for Gains"
In this thought-provoking interview in which he describes some of his own extensive international giving, George Soros describes his plan for "foreign aid". The plan proposes that "rich nations would donate their share to a common pool, which would then fund proposals from poor countries, nongovernmental organizations or broader efforts such as the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, tuberculosis and malaria."
Wall Street Journal – David Bank, March 14, 2002
www.wsj.com

"Women's funds: A growing role"
More and more women are forming charitable funds and foundations to meet their growing interest in philanthropy. In cities from Miami to San Francisco, women are pooling their funds to assist local groups.
Nonprofitxpress – Todd Cohen, March 8, 2002
www.npxpress.com

"The new philanthropists"
In this column, Paul Schervish discusses his research that, over the next 50 years, Americans will transfer an astonishing amount of wealth, with an estimate of 40.6 trillion dollars, to subsequent generations. He describes the younger wealth-holders as enthusiastically fostering their philanthropic desires and as individuals who want to give their money away wisely and actively.
Boston Globe – Paul Schervish, March 2, 2002
www.boston.com/globe

"Giving defies valley gloom"
Bay Area giving circles, comprised of entrepreneurs, young venture capitalists, and executives, are growing despite the decrease in personal assets. These social activists are also donating their expertise to support charitable causes.
San Jose Mercury News – John Boudreau, February 6, 2002
www.bayarea.com/mld/mercurynews/

"Bill's Biggest Bet Yet"
One of the Gates Foundation's challenging goals is to reduce the gap in human health. This is just one example of how the traditional methods of American philanthropy have given way to a new trend. Increasing numbers of young donors are starting private foundations that strategically invest for social change. The article also recognizes Steve Kirsch's work as an engaged philanthropist in "Charities That Hate to Just 'Give'".
Newsweek – February 4, 2002
www.msnbc.com

"Community Foundation Silicon Valley Wins National Philanthropy Award"
On Tuesday, April 16, 2002, Community Foundation Silicon Valley (CFSV) will be honored as the National AFP's Outstanding Foundation for 2002 at the International Conference on Fundraising in St. Louis, Missouri. CFSV is the first Community Foundation in the country to receive this award.
Association of Fundraising Professionals, Silicon Valley – January 2002 newsletter

"Our 10 most positive stories of 2001"
Favorite good news stories of 2001 include recognition of Steve Kirsch's support of the Town Crier's Holiday Fund.
Los Altos Town Crier Editorial – December 26, 2001
www.losaltosonline.com/latc/

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"Beyond fundraising: Tech execs entering the race"
Technology executives seem to be starting a trend toward involvement in the political process. Although the government's interest in the technology sector is increasing, candidates such as Steve Westly are set to take on the challenges of the political arena.
Business Journal, Timothy Roberts – December 21, 2001
www.sanjose.bcentral.com/sanjose/

"Philanthropists to Dole Out $2 Million in Grants to Local Nonprofit Groups"
Thirty-eight local agencies that provide assistance to the needy will receive grants from the Urgency Fund to help cover the gap in donations as a result of the economic downturn and the September 11 attacks.
San Jose Mercury News, Connie Skipitares – December 17, 2001
www.mercurycenter.com

"A Gift for Giving"
For the last six months, Worth Magazine has worked to research the 100 best charities to donate to for the most impact. Worth examined financial statements, consulted philanthropy experts, and conducted due diligence. The five focus areas are health, human services, relief and development, environment and education.
Worth Magazine. Reshma Memon Yaqub – December 2001 issue
www.worth.com

"Leading Philanthropists Get Carnegie Medals"
Seven philanthropists were honored for their different approaches to philanthropy and their desire to make an immediate impact on society. The honorees were Leonore Annenberg, Brooke Astor, Irene Diamond, William H. Gates Sr., David Rockefeller, George Soros and Ted Turner.
New York Times, Tamar Lewin – December 11, 2001
www.nytimes.com

"Language Matters: It Is Time to Change Our Name"
Peter Hero, President of Community Foundation Silicon Valley, states his belief that nonprofit organizations should be renamed "public benefit corporations." This new term reflects the positive qualities that characterize successful organizations within the sector. Read the entire article that appeared in the Association of Fundraising Professionals October 2001 newsletter.

"Tech Companies Team Up To Form Charity Site"
The Network for Good, a new online giving website, is the result of a joint effort from AOL Time Warner, Cisco Systems, and Yahoo. However, besides bringing in donations, this site provides information on how to contact officials and news organizations to speak out on various causes.
Chronicle of Philanthropy, Nicole Wallace – November 29, 2001
www.philanthropy.com

"Quiet giving goes on"
Local foundations such as the Los Altos Education Foundation and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation provide much needed support to schools and nonprofits in the Los Altos area.
Los Altos Town Crier, Town Crier Staff Report – October 24, 2001
www.losaltosonline.com

"Co-founder of eBay aids nonprofits"
Skoll Community Fund founder and Chairman Jeff Skoll is leading the efforts to help Bay Area nonprofits with the creation of an emergency pass-through fund to compensate for the shortfall in giving this year. The Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation as well as the Sobrato Family Foundation have already pledged their support for the initiative.
San Jose Mercury News, John Boudreau – October 22, 2001
www.mercurycenter.com

"Cultivating Philanthropy Overseas"
Nations all over the world are finding that the U.S. model of a community foundation is an effective tool for community problem solving and developing philanthropic awareness.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Stephen G. Greene – October 18, 2001
www.philanthropy.com

"Local Charities Need Our Help"
The current economic challenge, combined with the widespread response to September 11th relief and recovery efforts, has resulted in reduced philanthropic support on the local level. Peter Hero and Debra Engel, President and Chair of the Board of Directors of Community Foundation Silicon Valley respectively, remind the community to continue its work to strengthen our own neighborhoods and communities.
San Jose Mercury News, Opinion – October 17, 2001
www.mercurycenter.com

"Saving the World"
Steve Kirsch has a keen business sense and a passion for technology, judging from his track record of founding companies. However, his values shape many areas of his life. From his ethicist consultant for business decisions to his support for tracking Near Earth Objects (NEOs), Steve has the greater good in mind.
California CEO, Becky Bergman – September 2001
www.californiaceo.com

"Passion – Not Strategy – Drives Successful Giving"
The current formula for today's philanthropy focuses on strategic giving which calls for measurable results and outcomes in order to show effectiveness. In a Chronicle of Philanthropy article, H. Peter Karoff argues that other factors such as creativity, values, instinct and passion, are just some of the missing ingredients in meaningful giving.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, H. Peter Karoff –September 20, 2001
www.philanthropy.com

"Charity Used as Political Hammer"
Philanthropists can influence society and affect policy by funding efforts that seek change. In this article, Kathleen Gwynn, President and CEO of the Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation, among others, discusses this means for public policy changes.
San Jose Mercury News, John Boudreau – September 2, 2001
www.mercurycenter.com

"Laid-off tech workers helping non-profits"
As many high tech companies struggle to survive these rough times, Cisco Systems finds a unique way to make lay-offs easier and beneficial to our community.
CNN.com, September 3, 2001
www.cnn.com

"The Playboy Philanthropist"
Larry Ellison, Oracle founder and CEO, discusses his philanthropic interest in biotechnology. By investing in a biotech company and through the Ellison Medical Foundation, he hopes to contribute to the fight against infectious diseases in the Third World and to cure diseases that affect the elderly.
Fortune.com, Brent Schlender – September 3, 2001
www.fortune.com

"United Way Is Reporting 3.8% Increase in Donations"
For a fifth consecutive year, United Way has found that nationwide giving has increased faster than inflation, possibly as a result of President Bush's stance that "charities are better suited than government to provide many social services." Many United Way donors, however, are designating gifts to specific charities through United Way, which is decreasing the funds available for United Way to distribute in some communities, such as Silicon Valley.
New York Times, David Cay Johnston - August 8, 2001
www.nytimes.com

"Giving When It Hurts"
Scott Harris' Industry Standard feature describes Steve Kirsch as one of a few high-tech philanthropists aggressively giving despite the economy.
The Industry Standard, Scott Harris – August 1, 2001
www.thestandard.com

"The Richest Link"
The Chronicle of Philanthropy recognizes Steve Kirsch's model giving, even in the face of an economic slowdown. Steve boldly challenges others to examine their own areas of concern and encourages them to support worthwhile causes.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Domenica Marchetti – June 14, 2001 issue
www.philanthropy.com

"Links to live by when giving online"
As online giving becomes more prevalent, articles such as "Links to live by when giving online" provide helpful ways to research charities and online giving entities.
San Francisco Chronicle, John Batteiger, June 10, 2001
www.sfgate.com

"Survey Finds Rapid Rise in Assets and Grants of Donor-Advised Funds"
The number of donor-advised funds is increasing, along with more grant activity, according to an article in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. Local and national community foundation assets have been able to enjoy a stronger asset base over a short period of time.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Harvy Lipman – May 31, 2001 issue
www.philanthropy.com

"A Better Rx for Global Health?"
Organizations and philanthropists feel efforts for change should focus on a more global approach to address health and medical issues. Reporter Stephen G. Greene noted that participants and speakers at the recent conference sponsored by the Academy for International Health Philanthropy (AIHP) agreed with this approach. The Kirsch Foundation is a founding member of AIHP and Steve Kirsch was a keynote speaker at the summit.
The Chronicle of Philanthropy, Stephen G. Greene – May 31, 2001 issue
www.philanthropy.com

"Biomedical Philanthropy, Silicon Valley Style"
The prominent science journal Nature highlights the role that high-technology entrepreneurs, including Steve Kirsch, now play in funding biomedical research. These philanthropists have cast aside lengthy grant applications and cumbersome peer-review panels. Funding decisions are placed in the hands of individuals, such as the Foundation's own Director of Medical and Scientific Programs, Dr. Sarah Caddick, who is quoted at length in the article. These individuals are told to get to know the scientists working in a field and to judge projects on the basis of promising and innovative ideas.

This new approach has been dubbed 'venture philanthropy', and is the antithesis of the careful but conservative peer review operated by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). The concept is that, by providing seed money to risky projects, the recipients will eventually amass funding from more traditional sources. The article points out that the new entrepreneurs and their staff are adept at strategic analyses and finding where philanthropy dollars can make a difference. Researchers who have already benefited from Silicon Valley philanthropy say this type of funding can mean liberation from the continual and energy-sapping chase for federal research dollars, in other words "We are buying back the researchers' time".
Nature Magazine, Tricia Gura – Vol. 410, March 8, 2001
www.nature.com

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"Global Giving, The Gates Foundation and others"
Donors who made their fortunes in the technology sector are beginning a trend toward contributing their support for global health initiatives. Organizations such as The Gates Foundation as well as the Kirsch Foundation are changing the face of philanthropy.
BioMedNet, Joel E. Shurkin – April 27, 2001, Issue 101
www.bmn.com

"Peter Hero: A Lesson in Giving"
Peter Hero, Community Foundation Silicon Valley (CFSV) President and CEO, explains how he has made giving to non-profit organizations simpler. He has developed a style of giving that is the same as investing in the stock market. Each donor is assigned a CFSV staff member who works much like a stockbroker. (The Kirsch Foundation is a supporting organization of CFSV.)
The Standard, Ivan Gale – February 12, 2001
www.thestandard.com

"Funds Can Make Giving To Charity An Easy Gesture"
Earn while you give. Some brokerage firms can now help you earn a federal tax deduction for a minimum donation of $10,000 to a donor-advised fund. These accounts are similar to mutual funds for charity donations. Once your money is in the charitable gift fund you can decide how much to give to specific charities or you can let the fund earn more income for future giving.
US News and World Report, Joellen Perry – February 12, 2001
www.usnews.com

"The Slate 60 Goes to Business School"
Slate Magazine writer Chris Suellentrop is optimistic about the generous contributions given to non-profit organizations, particularly to business schools, even though the markets were down in 2000. This year's "Slate 60" named Bill and Melinda Gates number one with their $5 billion contribution to the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation.
Slate Magazine, Chris Suellentrop – January 22, 2001
www.slate.msn.com

"Group Creates Grant Pool"
One of Silicon Valley's most recent hot business ventures is not in business to make money. It's in business to give it away. Young and wealthy retirees, who have made it their mission in retirement to give back to their community, established Social Venture Partners Bay. This article explores the passion behind this new philanthropic endeavor.
The San Jose Mercury News, John Boudreau – November 28, 2000
www.mercurycenter.com

"Does Philanthropy Need to Change?"
Entrepreneurs wishing to participate in charitable giving have helped the practice of "venture philanthropy" make a huge splash in recent years. The authors of this Worth.com article discuss the notion of venture philanthropy and question if this giving format is any better than "classic philanthropy."
Worth.com, Jed Emerson and Paul Shoemaker – November 27, 2000
www.worth.com

"The Man Who Sold Silicon Valley on Giving"
Peter Hero, the President of Community Foundation Silicon Valley (CFSV), is credited with inspiring many of Silicon Valley's wealthy to become charitable. (The Kirsch Foundation is a supporting organization of CFSV.) This Fortune Magazine article highlights Mr. Hero's successful endeavors and features those who have followed his advice to share their wealth with their community.
Fortune Magazine, John Elkind – November 27, 2000
www.fortune.com

"Portrait of the CEO as a Philanthropist"
Today's young entrepreneurs have coined a phrase that reflects their thinking in operating a business – "compassionate capitalism." They are concerned about more than their company's bottom line. They promote returns of the emotional and moral kind as well as a return on investment. This article in Fortune Small Business discusses the fresh and innovative business plans of some of the next generation of business owners and how they are promoting giving back to the communities around them.
Fortune Small Business, Heather Chaplin – October 29, 2000
www.fsb.com

"Moneymakers talk about giving it away"
The wealthy work extremely hard to earn their money and many often work even harder when determining how to give it away. These philanthropists not only want to donate to causes that are near and dear to them but also to charities that will make their money go the furthest. This article features the giving thoughts and advice of Steve Kirsch, Susan Dell, one of the founders of the Dell Foundation, and Netscape founder Jim Barksdale.
Austin American-Statesman, Amy Schatz – October 13, 2000
www.austin360.com

"It's Not 'Stingy Valley' Anymore"
Silicon Valley – an area with a reputation for making money is earning a new label – a region of giving. This article examines how businesses in the Valley are emphasizing philanthropy. Coffers at community foundations and giving funds are bursting at the seams. Large companies are encouraging employees to give back and universities are offering courses in charitable giving.
San Jose Mercury News, John Boudreau – September 24, 2000
www.mercurycenter.com

"CyberSaints"
Venture philanthropy has a high-tech definition – the dot-com wealthy are giving to charity in droves but, in doing so, demand success from the recipient organizations. This article explores how Internet millionaires are donating to their favorite causes and with their generous donations expect to see a return on their investment.
USA Weekend, Monika Guttman – September 15, 2000
www.usaweekend.com

"Uneven Charity"
In most areas of the U.S. organizations that depend on donations for survival, such as places of worship and food banks, struggle to raise funds. Not in Silicon Valley. The wealth created by the Internet boom is filling donation coffers. This article highlights giving trends in the Valley and features Steve Kirsch's views on philanthropy.
The San Jose Business Journal, Abigail Sterling – August 14, 2000
www.bizjournals.com

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Selected Full Articles

Reprinted with permission of Opulence Magazine.

"Giving is a "Feel Good Thing" for Computer Guru Kirsch"
by Dan Gleason

Millennium Issue, 2001, Opulence Magazine

When the United Way of Santa Clara County, Calif., desperately needed to be bailed out in 1998 from an $11 million debt that had accrued due to mismanagement, Steve and Michele Kirsch stepped up to the plate and wrote a check for $1 million. Other contributors followed their lead, and the United Way soon got back in the black.

Steve is a Silicon Valley computer guru whose technical penchant has accounted for notable inventions like the optical mouse and lucrative companies like Frame Technology and Internet search provider, Infoseek. His personal foundation donated nearly $6 million to an array of worthy causes last year.

The Kirsches, who live in Los Altos Hills, Calif., make contributions locally and globally and try to make intelligent, practical giving decisions rather than emotional ones. "If we fight for clean air now, we might not be choking on smog in the future," Steve says, referring to his significant contributions to electric vehicle research and development. They lead by example, driving and electric car around town and exuberantly supporting successful California legislation that has given solo-passenger-driven electric cars the right to use the carpool lane.

The Kirsches give generously to medical research, but they also donate considerable amounts of money to help scientists buy equipment needed to find undetectable asteroids. "Ninety percent of the asteroids that could hit earth haven't even been identified," Steve says. "A million dollars a year is a small price to pay for collision insurance."

Last year the Kirsches also gave $50,000 contributions each to varied causes that included neurology research, retina disease research, diabetes research, and to Steve's alma mater, MIT, to teach students better interpersonal skills. They contributed $200,000 to local libraries when they saw too many people and too few terminals with Internet access. They also heavily support that which they enjoy in their own community, such as the arts.

The Kirsches maintain a $50 million fund at the Community Foundation of Silicon Valley. But they don't simply throw money at problems. They contribute their valuable time. For example, Steve e-mailed 50 prominent CEOs when the electric vehicle legislation was up for vote, and he traveled to the State capitol to lobby for the bill.

The Kirsches also maintain a home page on the Internet, www.skirsch.com, which details his philanthropic philosophy and offers advice on giving. Steve says he doesn't care about getting recognition for his philanthropy, but, at the same time, he doesn't believe that anonymous giving is the way to go. "What causes many affluent people to give is that they see other, high-profile donors giving. A charitable cause supported by 'Anonymous' probably won't attract as much attention as one supported by your peers."

If you've been a Scrooge all your life, Steve and Michele remind you that, in Charles Dickens' famous story, Scrooge makes the right decision in the end.

This Worth Magazine cover story is reprinted with the permission of Worth Magazine.

"Donor Class Rules"
by John Sedgwick

December 1, 2000, Worth Magazine

New economy philanthropists Steve and Michele Kirsch strive to get statistically guaranteed returns on charitable investments and save the world at the same time


On Steve Kirsch's personal Web site (Skirsch.com), surfing alms-seekers find the kind of excuses they expect from a busy family man. His wife, Michele, is in law school; he himself is the chief executive of an Internet startup company, Propel Software Corporation; and they have two children still in school, so they don't have a lot of time for philanthropy.

Then comes the kicker: "So we picked a few easy goals we can accomplish in our spare time." He lists them: "Saving the world [from wayward asteroids and nuclear destruction]," "curing major diseases [cancers]," "cleaning up the air," "reforming education," "reforming politics" and so on, all the way down to "making it illegal to send mass promotional faxes and e-mails," the dreaded spam that is a particular irritant to an around-the-clock e-mailer like Kirsch.

Ah, the giddy nonchalance, the near-delusional sweep of charitable ambition — surely, you're thinking, the man's joking. Not so. This is the new philanthropy as embraced by the new money of the new economy. In the vital center of the e-world, big money is pushing big ideas, and on the philanthropic front, few agendas are bigger than the Kirsches'. In his day job, Steve Kirsch is no more manic than any other hero of a Silicon Valley success story (or serial success stories, in his case). But in the grandeur, if not grandiosity, of his philanthropic ambitions, he is very likely the leader of the pack.

Kirsch began his entrepreneurial killings in the early 1980s, when he started Mouse Systems (the optical mouse, his invention) and pocketed $2 million when he sold it in 1988. Next came Frame Technology (software for designing high-quality documents), which brought him $20 million when he sold it in 1995. Then came Infoseek (an early type of search engine, his invention), which yielded him $200 million, out of a total of $5 billion for all investors, when he sold out to Walt Disney (NYSE: DIS) in 1999. Now he's on to Propel Software Corporation (an e-commerce software tool he dubs "Amazon in a box"), and the man is only 43 years old.

Yet, if the entrepreneurial Kirsch merely fits the new-economy myth, the philanthropic Kirsch seems bound to rewrite it. The heft of his charity is not what is so exceptional. Other Americans, from the new economy and the old, have given more than he. The Kirsches' eponymous foundation weighs in at a relatively modest $65 million. Its largest gift since its inception in 1999 was $2 million to create the Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies at De Anza College in Cupertino, Calif. But given that the Kirsches' fortune is currently only $150 million, the scale of their philanthropic commitment is astounding. They are two of the few donors under the age of 50 to make "Worth's" list of the 100 most generous Americans in lifetime giving, published in the April issue.

The key to Kirsch's approach to both charitable donations and private investments is the idea of leveraging. Some of this is born of necessity, of course, since he doesn't — yet — have billions to spend. But when it comes to levers, he's like Archimedes, who once boasted of needing only a place to stand and a lever to move the earth. The audacity, the scope, the soaring high spirits of this fellow citizen are no less extreme.

Consider Kirsch's bid to save the earth from a fatal battering by an asteroid. He has made donations totaling a mere $250,000 to the Spacewatch Project, an institute at the University of Arizona that, among other things, scans the skies for incoming asteroids. Silly? Not to Kirsch. "You can mathematically prove that there is no other charitable donation you can make that has a higher return on investment," he says. Two asteroids have already come close in the past few years. It's inevitable, he says: Someday one of these things will hit — if, that is, it isn't identified well in advance and then somehow deflected. "It's a statistically guaranteed return on investment. Guaranteed!"

The same logic and passion inform his initiative to cure cancer. And not just one type of cancer, mind you, but all cancers. He spotted his point of leverage by accident one day when he went to the Stanford University Medical Center for treatment of a knee injury. There he fell into conversation with Joon Yun, M.D., a founder of Targesome, a biotech company that owns patent rights to a synthetic particle, called Targesome, which is a precisely targeted delivery vehicle for anticancer medicine. Its ability to focus on the cancer cells minimizes the damage to healthy cells."Targesome's drug works by cutting off the cancer cells' blood supply," Kirsch explains. He checked out Targesome with H. William Strauss, M.D., the chief of nuclear medicine at Stanford and a member of Targesome's advisory board, who gave the outfit a thumbs-up. Kirsch promptly applied his lever — a $2 million investment, this time from his personal fortune, not his charitable endowment. Yun says the money has already made a huge difference, having paid for the gathering of preliminary data that, in turn, has secured $7.5 million in further financing. Kirsch figures it's a win for him whether or not Targesome succeeds: If the investment doesn't pan out, he will be able to deduct the loss on his income tax. But if it clicks, he will donate the profits to the Kirsch Foundation — "and," he says, "I cure cancer."

Kirsch gets enough irony into such assertions to be disarming.But it is impressive, too, that the Kirsches often put their mouths where their money is. To clean up the air, for example, both of them have gone public as major backers of new California legislation that would encourage the use of nonpolluting electric and natural-gas-powered vehicles by allowing them entry into high-occupancy-vehicle lanes on state highways. In their support of this legislation, the Kirsches have invested hundreds of hours sending e-mails to solicit support in the Valley, testifying before the legislature and personally lobbying politicians all the way up to Governor Gray Davis. The work paid off last fall when assembly bill 71 passed overwhelmingly.

Why does Kirsch put so much effort into making what appears to be a tiny dent in a titanic problem? "Promoting electric cars is a step in the direction of California weaning itself from fossil fuels," Kirsch says. "If we can do it in California, we can do it in the rest of the United States. And if we can do it in the rest of the U.S., we can do it in other countries around the world." Where most people might see traffic perks for electric vehicles, Kirsch sees another way to move the earth.

The Kirsches' philanthropy isn't all so far out, so to speak, as posting sentries for incoming asteroids. Besides creating their center for the environment at De Anza College, their foundation has given more than $500,000 in support for campaign finance reform. And on the volunteer-cum-donor front, Kirsch has worked tirelessly with former California senator Alan Cranston and others in a determined crusade to pass the comprehensive nuclear test ban treaty. Dozens of other initiatives have been more limited in scope but equally bold, such as $100,000 for the Mars Society's efforts to explore the Red Planet or $10,000 to bring solar power to South African schools. So far this year, their foundation is on track to dispense more than $10 million, more than double the federally mandated minimum of five percent of total assets that foundations must pay out.

The Kirsches are well aware of the larger context of their giving. They see themselves (and are seen by interested observers) as key figures in the so-called new philanthropy that is gradually shifting American charity's center of gravity from the East Coast to the West, from the old to the young, from the old economy to the new, and in the process unleashing a stunning everything-is-possible attitude in the donor class. "We're breaking molds here," Kirsch says. "For us, philanthropy is not some East Coast thing of dressing up and going to charity balls. We're doing it our way."

This is a little unfair to the East Coast, of course. Without functions or events like charity balls, America's famed largesse might turn off as suddenly as a summer shower. The Kirsches have been known to attend a few parties themselves. Michele, who has given away millions from her own discretionary fund at the foundation, finds these events awkward. She describes how people approach her now: "'Oh, Mrs. Kirsch,' they say. It's almost as if they're in awe. It's weird." According to her, however, Steve enjoys "the public side" of philanthropy. And that's what charity balls are: public gatherings where benefactors of one sort or another are confirmed in the worthiness of their causes and in the benevolence of their hearts.

Kirsch has become an exemplary leader of West Coast philanthropy precisely by going public, as it were, with his benevolence. He makes it a point never to give money anonymously and doesn't shy away from cajoling others in high-tech land to stop "sitting back on their assets," as he likes to say. Consequently, says Gordon Moore, chairman emeritus of Intel (Nasdaq: INTC), who has received more than one Kirsch e-mail soliciting support, "Steve Kirsch has picked up the philanthropic leadership here in Silicon Valley." Moore regards Kirsch as the successor to the fabled David Packard, the co-founder of Hewlett-Packard (NYSE: HWP) who became the Valley's first patron saint of philanthropy with his support of local charities. But Kirsch is a successor with a twist: Packard concentrated on local issues, whereas Kirsch thinks globally. "He's getting into some pretty big areas," Moore adds, "the kind that attract people's attention." Peter Hero, the president of the Community Foundation Silicon Valley, which is emerging as the preeminent institution for local social change, concurs: "Steve exemplifies the best of the new philanthropic attitude. He's smart, he's willing to take risks, and he's having a lot of fun."

The couple's youth is key, since it gives them influence with newly gilded Gen Xers who aren't yet ready for their own foundations. Some have banded together to create SV2, a new social-ventures fund within the Community Foundation Silicon Valley, and not long ago, the Kirsches hosted a party — not, of course, a charity ball — for SV2 at their house, where Ronnie Lott, a former San Francisco 49er defensive back, talked about the importance of giving back to the community.

Such efforts seem to be paying off. Although the young cybernauts in the Valley used to just pocket their IPO winnings, they are increasingly earmarking a good portion of the haul directly for philanthropy. One hot new company, Equinix (Nasdaq: EQIX), announced that it was starting a foundation just 20 days after going public this summer. As for the problem of where to give the money, a significant gift from the Kirsch Foundation amounts to a Good Housekeeping seal of approval, certifying the recipient as worthy of support. Says Jay Harris, publisher of the "San Jose Mercury News," "To be able to say to others in the new economy that Steve and Michele have ponied up $200,000 to support a local arts group makes it more acceptable for others to step up. It really helps."

Home base for this dynamo of charitable energy is a spanking new house in fasionable Los Altos Hills. From the outside, it looks bit like a Minoan palace, albeit one with two electric vehicles in the driveway — Steve's GM sedan, Michele's Toyota SUV. Inside, of course, it's pure 21st century — a "smart" house with automatic everything, all run on environmentally correct green power. The Kirsches are still trying to work out the technological glitches (the most recent punch list runs to 10 pages). But as they sit for their interview in their curvilinear living room, they seem entirely content. The sound of a trickling fountain in the front hall mingles with the easy-listening soundtrack of 1970s hits on the ubiquitous sound system; the decor is in restfully muted earth tones; two Sub-Zero refrigerators sit in the adjoining kitchen, and a heated pool and tennis court are just outside.

The two have been married for seven years now. They were introduced by the glitzy socialite and part-time matchmaker Pari Livermore. "After our first date, I thought, It's not going to work," recalls Michele, a Mills College graduate who was working in commercial real estate at the time. "But Steve was a man on a mission. He coaxed it, massaged it." And four months later, she said yes. The same complementarity remains, with Steve the outgoing one, Michele more cautious. Still, it's fun to see them together. Steve is Mister Up. He runs wild with his enthusiasms, his voice booming, his hands flying about, his oddly high-pitched laugh bouncing off the walls. As he talks about the antiasteroid project, or just about anything else, he can hardly contain himself. "We're driving the earth without car insurance," he exclaims. "If the earth were an automobile, we would be required to have collision insurance." But will it be enough just to identify the incoming asteroid? "Believe me, if we find something that will hit us in 10 years, I guarantee that Congress will allocate the funds to deflect it. It will be the first bill that happens."

Neither Steve nor Michele were born philanthropists, of course. Few people are. She was raised in Davis, Calif., the daughter of an engineer. He grew up in West L.A., the son of a CPA. But Kirsch was, as he says, "a computer guy," and that has made all the difference. Kirsch was 10 when he used his first computer, an Olivetti Underwood Programma 101. "It was basically a giant programmable calculator," he says, but it fascinated him. He passed an exam to take classes at the local Computer Learning Center, but the instructor thought the presence of a 12-year-old would disturb the adults taking the course, and offered him weekend computer time on a giant IBM 360 mainframe instead. A year or two later, Kirsch was sneaking out of the house at 4:00 a.m. to bicycle to the computer room at UCLA, where a team of computer scientists led by the legendary Vint Cerf was developing what would become the first node on the Internet with a grant from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency. "Little Stevie," as Kirsch was called, had managed to ingratiate himself with Cerf, who may have seen something of himself in the eager little boy. Kirsch, amazingly, was given the task of writing the program to send and receive e-mail on the massive Scientific Data Systems Sigma 7 computer. More amazingly, he succeeded.

The rest is in the entrepreneurial record books. He became a philanthropist in 1990. He gave away "maybe a hundred here, a hundred there." Soon he found himself on the development committee for a mental health clinic in Palo Alto, and not knowing the first thing about charitable fund-raising, he turned to veteran Valley philanthropist Leonard Ely for advice. "You know, Steve," Ely replied, "some people in this world want to give money away." Self-evident as this thought may sound, Kirsch found it astonishing, and he later compared the discovery to the moral awakening of Ebenezer Scrooge in "A Christmas Carol." As he explains: "It's not like you see people on the street saying, 'Want some money? Can I give you 20 bucks?'" He realized that he was one of those people who wanted to give, and he started a donor-advised charitable fund, managed by a community foundation.

He didn't have the money to give heavily until after he married Michele, in 1993. One of the first things they did was sit down for what she calls a "pie-in-the-sky" discussion of philanthropy.

"We focused on what's important to us," Michele recalls. The environment, education, and community, they decided. "That was the seed of everything we've done, right there." To actually do anything, however, they needed some serious money. That arrived on the day of their first anniversary. They had gone to the Post Ranch Inn at Big Sur to celebrate when word came in about the big score from Frame. Steve said that he was going to put $5 million of it into the donor-advised fund. "It wasn't as if we were living like millionaires at that point," Michele says. But all the same, she told him, "Sure, Steve, if that's what you want."

As Steve and Michele describe their philanthropy, it's clear that something extremely personal is at work here, and it's all the more heartfelt for that. "I'm operating out of self-interest," Steve says. "Enlightened self-interest. What I do may appear to be for unselfish reasons, but actually it's for me and for the people close to me, my family especially."

He does not seek to save the world for its own sake, and why should he? He wants to keep his family from being annihilated by a stray asteroid — and if other families are saved, so much the better. Personal reasons guided his interest in cancer research. He was desperate to find a cure for stepfather Harold Karol's stomach cancer. Michele says he was "devastated" when Karol died. "Lots of his friends have cancer, too," she adds. Similarly, Kirsch has invested in research on macular degeneration, which his mother suffers from. His foundation has also given $100,000 to Angela Christiano, a prominent geneticist who is hoping to reverse baldness, which Steve suffers from, by finding the genetic switch that governs the process.

There's nothing new — as in "new philanthropy" — in this. Outwardly, the spirit he brings to his giving epitomizes the old spirit of the American West with its wild enthusiasm, its hyperbole, its boisterous derring-do, its sheer spaciousness, its abundance. That spirit is (one hopes) timeless.

Another aspect of Kirsch's spirit, however, is bound to a time and place. Consider the background: The charitable impulses of the American rich have always had to break through a formidable obstacle — the dispiriting fear that the objects of their charity will play them for a fool, that they might be had. But this was before the ascendency, in the business world, of the venture capitalist, the angel investor and, above all, the highly educated, utterly unabashed, problem-defying technologist-inventor turned serial entrepreneur. These people don't know from fear. Or if they do, they also know that whatever money they lose, they can always pick themselves up and make some more. Lots more.

Maybe the really new new thing in Kirsch's spirit is that the ethos of the new economy allows him to do what only the rarest of earlier philanthropists could do. And that is to integrate the two-sidedness that emerges in a successful businessperson's mind when the giving mood begins to stir. Making money and giving it away are generally perceived as two very different, perhaps antithetical, operations. In Silicon Valley, however, they are two sides of the same coin, which is problem solving. "I never planned to be a philanthropist or a do-gooder or whatever," Kirsch explains with a shrug. "I just love inventing new things and solving problems." This is clearly the right attitude for leaders of the next generation of philanthropists who will take on the challenges of the new century.