SVCF Philanthropy Now Podcast

Destination: Home is a key organization leading the way in ending homelessness in Silicon Valley. Through powerful cross-sector partnerships with Santa Clara County, private corporations and other community-based nonprofits, Destination: Home is a pioneer creating systemic change in our region. In this episode, SVCF Executive Vice President for Community Action, Policy, and Strategy Gina Dalma is joined by leaders from Destination: Home. Destination: Home CEO Jennifer Loving and Board Member Claudine Sipili, who also sits on the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB) as well as Director of CityTeam Ministries, join the podcast to discuss their work in addressing homelessness in Silicon Valley. Tune into the conversation to learn more about the importance of incorporating the voices of those with lived experience and centering equity in decision-making. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems.

SVCF Donor Circles are dynamic groups of Bay Area philanthropists who are passionate and knowledgeable about specific impact areas. Through collaboration, they achieve greater impact by learning and giving together. Donor circle member and Corporate Accelerator Forum CEO Diana Joseph and Palo Alto Players Managing Director Elizabeth Santana join today’s episode to speak with SVCF Philanthropy Advisor and Donor Circle for the Arts leader Tracy Wingrove. Listen to learn about the donor circle and arts organizations’ roles as our communities strive to emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic, and best practices for investing strategically and conscientiously in the creative sector. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems.

In many Silicon Valley neighborhoods where the majority of residents are BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, or People of Color) or are of undocumented status, there are not enough opportunities for community members to exercise their voices and advocate for a better, more equitable future. SVCF Neighborhoods Community Action Grants are bolstering the work that nonprofits and grassroots neighborhood groups have undertaken to build community networks, increase representation and to affect solutions to the problems that impact them and their families. In this episode, we hear from two organizations building bridges and amplifying the voices of BIPOC neighborhoods in the Fair Oaks neighborhood and the City of Mountain View. North Fair Oaks Community Alliance (NFOCA) Founder and President Ever Rodrigues and Mountain View Solidarity Fund (MVSF) Founders Paula Perez and Olga Melo join the podcast to discuss how their organizations rally the collective power of Latinx communities to respond to community needs and create opportunities for residents in their respective neighborhoods. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems.

Welcome to the tenth episode in our mini-series featuring conversations focused on Racial Equity and Social Justice with the members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council. Listen to the previous episode in the mini-series here, and continue to subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes. South Santa Clara County, and Gilroy in particular, have some of the highest pockets of poverty in the region. With over 60 percent of Gilroy’s population being Latinx, the need for uplifting these communities is dire. In this episode, Edwin Diaz, a retired educator and founding member of Latino Family Fund de Gilroy joins SVCF Director of Capacity-Building and Nonprofit Services Michelle Fries in conversation about equity in Edwin’s region. Having served on Gilroy Foundation’s Board of Directors for eight years, and with 35 years in education, Edwin is cognizant of the most pressing issues that people of color face in the South County. Listen to learn how philanthropy, individuals and networks of nonprofits can help influence policy for the community. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

While Supreme Court decision protects LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace, millions in the LGBTQ+ community continue to face discrimination in so many aspects of life, including housing, public accommodations, education and credit. Today’s episode features Freedom for All Americans’ CEO and National Campaign Director Kasey Suffredini and Senior Vice President of Campaigns Amy Mello, two leaders advocating for full nondiscrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people nationwide. In a discussion facilitated by SVCF Vice President of Corporate and Foundation Relations Stuart Burden, these three leaders delve into the Equality Act, a bipartisan campaign that can achieve this feat in the next year. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

On June 19, 1865, soldiers arrived in Galveston, Texas with news that the Civil War was over. Since then, this day has been celebrated as the end of slavery in the United States. It also recognizes the culture and achievements of Black Americans and is a symbol of Black freedom. Designating Juneteenth as a holiday is significant, but how much of this is symbolic? In this episode, SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor is joined by Akonadi Foundation President Lateefah Simon in a conversation reflecting on the meaning of Juneteenth, the advancements in the racial justice within the past year and what we need to do to continue the momentum toward equity in our region. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

San Mateo County's coastal communities are often overlooked, and historically have experienced challenges such as economic insecurity, lack of basic health services, limited public transportation and lack of access to affordable housing. These issues persist in these underserved communities today. Local nonprofits Pacifica Resource Center (PRC) and Puente de La Costa Sur address these challenges and strive to advance equity in coastal communities. Anita Rees, Executive Director of PRC, and Rita Mancera, Executive Director of Puente and SVCF Community Advisory Council leader, join SVCF Philanthropy Now to discuss their organizations’ work. In conversation with SVCF Director of Community-Building Mauricio Palma, the discussion emphasizes the importance of NGO’s being rooted in the community and investing in leaders who are Black, Indigenous and people of color. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

The United States is home to more than 23 million Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. AAPI communities are an integral part of our country’s history and they continue to make lasting social, cultural, economic and political contributions. However, they often remain underfunded and overlooked. In this episode, SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor is joined by The Asian American Foundation (TAAF) Founding President Sonal Shah in a discussion about how this new foundation aims to address the myriad challenges AAPI communities face. Launched in May 2021, TAAF provides funding and resources to build the infrastructure to improve AAPI advocacy, power, and representation. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Did you enjoy the SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast? Never miss an episode by subscribing in iTunes, Stitcher or RSS.

Amidst the recent rise in reported anti-Asian violence and hate crimes, this year’s Asian-American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month has a solemn undertone. In this episode, SVCF Director of Community Investment Anne Im is joined by Asian Americans for Community Involvement (AACI) CEO Sarita Kohli, New Breath Foundation President and Founder Eddy Zheng and East Bay Community Foundation Vice President of Strategy and External Relations Sachi Yoshii. These four leaders discuss the current events and issues AAPI communities are facing. Drawing on unique personal experiences and how their organizations’ work has evolved, they offer insights on how allies can be a part of the solution in addressing racism. Tune in to learn more about the opportunities to build solidarity and support the vastly diverse AAPI communities. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. What you will learn: The history of anti-Asian acts of hatred in our nation How COVID-19 has impacted attitudes toward AAPI communities Challenges and opportunities the Bay Area faces in addressing racism How to leverage momentum from Generation Z’s activism and engagement What needs to be done to build solidarity and collaboration between communities and how philanthropy must be involved Resources from this episode: Eddy Zheng, Founder and President, New Breath Foundation Sachi Yoshii, Vice President of Strategy and External Relations, East Bay Community Foundation Sarita Kohli, President and CEO, AACI Anne Im, Director of Community Investment, SVCFLearn more about how SVCF is honoring AAPI Heritage Month Learn more about SVCF’s racial justice work Did you enjoy the SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast? Never miss an episode by subscribing in iTunes, Stitcher or RSS. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

In this episode, SVCF Senior Investments Officer James Cutler is joined by Mission Driven Finance’s Chief Investment Officer Louie Nguyen and Social Finance’s Vice President of Social Investment Jackie Khor. Louie and Jackie, two leading investment practitioners, describe how impact investing has become a relevant tool in philanthropy and is leading investors to prioritize social good. Listen to hear how impact investing differs from traditional grantmaking, and how this philanthropic tool leverages financial capital and human resources to get important community projects off the ground. You will learn how all three organizations use this model to support especially underserved communities and address inequities in affordable housing, education and more. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. What you will learn: What is impact investing, and how it differs from traditional grantmakingHow Louie and Jackie became leading impact investorsHow the first community IPO came to be and the significance of that innovationThe role of impact investing in responding to the COVID-19 pandemicHow investments can be leveraged to support underserved communities Resources from this episode: Louie Nguyen, Chief Investment Officer, Mission Driven FinanceJackie Khor, Vice President of Social Investment, Social FinanceJames Cutler, Senior Investments Officer, SVCFLearn more about SVCF’s Recoverable Grants PilotLearn more about SVCF’s Impact InvestingoptionsInside Philanthropy Op-ed: To Support an Equitable Recovery, Donor Advised Funds Should Look Beyond Grantmaking Did you enjoy the SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast? Never miss an episode by subscribing in iTunes, Stitcher or RSS.

In 2013, the One Nation Bay Area Project—a collaborative funded by Silicon Valley Community Foundation, The San Francisco Foundation, Marin Community Foundation and Asian American/Pacific Islanders in Philanthropy—released a benchmark report called The Bay Area Muslim Study. In partnership with the One Nation Foundation and research support from The Institute for Social Policy and Understanding, the study came after a two-year effort created to support American Muslims and non-Muslim allies working to enhance civic engagement in the Bay Area Muslim Community and to strengthen the relationships between American-Muslims and non-Muslim community partners. In this episode, SVCF Director of Community-Building Mauricio speaks with Zahra Billoo, SVCF Community Advisory Council member and Executive Director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, to reflect on the changes in the Bay Area American-Muslim community since the study was published, and the most pressing issues we face today. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. What you will learn: Zahra’s personal journey to becoming a civil rights leaderThe inception of the Bay Area Muslim Study is and what has changed in the last decadeThe most pressing issues in the American-Muslim community today and how CAIR addresses these challengesRecommendations for foundations, philanthropists, and American-Muslim nonprofit leaders Resources from this episode: Zahra Billoo, Executive Director, Council on American-Islamic Relations of the SF Bay AreaMauricio Palma, Director of Community-Building, SVCF The Bay Area Muslim Study: Establishing Identity and Community, the OneNation Bay Area Project 2013 benchmark report Ground Breaking Study on Bay Area Muslim Community, highlights from Northern California GrantmakersLearn more about SVCF’s Community Advisory Council Did you enjoy the SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast? Never miss an episode by subscribing in iTunes, Stitcher or RSS.

SVCF’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Strategic Initiative is comprised of three prongs: catalyzing philanthropic investment, activating leadership and supporting learn and action in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. In this episode, SVCF Executive Vice President for Community Action, Policy and Strategy Gina Dalma is joined by SVCF Director of Early Childhood Development Christine Thorsteinson, along with Executive Director for Build Up for San Mateo County’s Children (Build Up SMC) Christine Padilla. The three leaders discuss how early childhood development is an impact area intertwined with issues of race, equity, and social justice. Listen to learn more about SVCF’s multi-pronged approach to dismantling systemic barriers and working to ensure all children and their families have access to the care, education and resources they need to flourish. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

Based in East San Jose, the ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective is made up of five community-based organizations: SOMOS Mayfair, Amigos de Guadalupe, School of Art and Culture at MHP, Veggielution, and Grail Family Services. In this episode, SVCF's Director of Community-Building, Mauricio Palma, is joined by three executive directors from the collective: Camille Llanes-Fontanilla, an SVCF Community Advisory Council member from SOMOS Mayfair, Cayce Hill from Veggielution, and Maritza Maldonado from Amigos de Guadalupe. These local leaders contributed to the ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective impact model, designed to build community power, advance justice and stand in solidarity with those working to dismantle oppressive systems. Listen to learn how the local community is transforming power relations in East San Jose. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

Pursuing a higher education presents financial challenges for many students, and the COVID-19 pandemic adds another layer of obstacles. In this episode, we hear directly from Christabel Soria Mendoza, a SVCF scholarship recipient and Cal Poly student navigating these complexities. Interviewed by SVCF Scholarship Officer Dean Taylor, Christabel describes the process of seeking financial aid and how her college experience has been impacted by COVID-19. Listen to learn more, including the resiliency and vulnerability required of students through the application process. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

Longtime SVCF board member Wade W. Loo was recently appointed to 2021 board chair. In this episode, Wade joins SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor in a discussion about his journey in Silicon Valley, from his roots to how he became involved with SVCF. As an SVCF fundholder, Wade shares his philosophy around philanthropy and what causes are most important to him. Listen to hear learnings from Wade’s philanthropic journey, changes these leaders have seen in Silicon Valley in the last decade, the importance of centering our focus on equity and the local community and SVCF’s plans for the year ahead. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

As we continue to confront the devastating pandemic within our communities and globally, we view domestic violence as a parallel pandemic. Also known as intimate partner violence, domestic abuse is often hidden and overlooked, despite being experienced by one in four women, as well as one in four men. This episode brings together three executive directors from leading domestic violence support organizations Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Orchid Pusey, and Donna Garske in conversation with SVCF vice president of Community Action Manuel Santamaria. The four leaders shed light on how domestic abuse has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and discuss solutions and support for this costly, devastating, and often overlooked issue within the homes in our communities. In SVCF's Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

Welcome to the seventh episode in our mini-series featuring conversations focused on Racial Equity and Social Justice with the members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council. Listen to the previous episode in the mini-series here, and continue to subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes. Program Director of Land Use and Housing at Urban Habitat and SVCF Community Advisory Council member Tony Roshan Samara joins the podcast for a conversation focusing on “Just Recovery.” In conversation with SVCF Director of Capacity Building Mauricio Palma, the two community leaders discuss this community action framework that requires a lens of equity and prioritizes those who are most affected by a crisis. Tony seeks to engage groups across sectors to use the Just Recovery framework as a tool to address systemic issues. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

To wrap up 2020, SVCF Board Chair and President and CEO of the Computer History Museum joins SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor on Philanthropy Now podcast for a look back at a year unlike any other. Listen to hear from Nicole and Dan’l about key issues that were elevated this year: COVID-19, racial justice, wildfires and the pivotal election. Amidst the multiple crises, our foundation adapted to meet the needs of community. These issues also reinforce SVCF’s role as a catalyst for community change and help shape our foundation’s work as we move into the new year. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

Finding and applying for an SVCF scholarship that best suits your needs isn’t complicated. In this episode, SVCF scholarships officer Dean Taylor and scholarships associate Emiko Thompson walk listeners through an overview of SVCF’s scholarship programs. Listen to learn about the available opportunities and receive helpful tips on applying for scholarships in 2020 and 2021. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

The Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) is a grantee of SVCF’s San Mateo and Santa Clara County Wildfire Fund. AMLT President Valentin Lopez and AMLT Interim Executive Director Sara French join SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast to talk about their fire recovery efforts. In conversation with SVCF Family Engagement Manager Leticia Gonzalez, the episode takes listeners through the past, present and future of the Amah Mutsun people. Valentin and Sara share the Amah Mutsun’s connection with protecting and sustaining the earth. They also highlight AMLT’s work preserving the important ecological knowledge of their people and shed light on how they combine historical native wisdom with modern knowledge to develop and implement powerful environmental strategies. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley and beyond, and we look at how SVCF promotes innovative philanthropic solutions to challenging problems. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org