Who We Are
We began Philanthropic Ventures Foundation to do something different — to bring joy, simplicity, trust and effectiveness to grant- making.
We knew the answer was not more — more paper, more procedures, more obstacles, more time. And we believed that if giving grants involved fewer, simpler processes, every dollar would work harder and do more.
We think our approach is working. In 22 years, thanks to our family of more than 2,000 donors, we have made grants of $87 million. PVF strives to make a significant impact with every charitable dollar it invests.
PVF in the news - radio, TV, press - recent and upcoming.
Featured Grantee
We are pleased to present one of five short Micro-Documentaries that depict PVF’s work. Each film is one minute long and features the testimonial of a different PVF donor, colleague, or grantee. In the second film of our series, PVF grantee Sister Christina Heltsley of the Saint Francis Center in Redwood City, California, talks about her continued partnership with PVF.
"The heart of everything that goes on at PVF is relationships." - Sister Christina
FEATURED Initiative
The Facebook Local Community Fund is offering $3,000-$5,000 grants to Belle Haven non-profits with a history of success and East Palo Alto non-profits that work with youth in computer technology, social media, weekend activities, and college readiness. This is a new initiative supported by Facebook, which awarded $200,000 in grants in December 2012.
The Round 2 application deadline has passed. Please check back at a later date for information on Round 3.
Featured Program
Exploring creativity is vital for youth to develop as engaged and critical thinkers. In this spirit, PVF established the Arts Resource Grant Program with funding from the Westly Foundation, one of our teacher grant programs designed to support local public school teachers.
This program provides grants of up to $500 to K-8 teachers in select Southern San Mateo/Northern Santa Clara County Districts school districts to be used to enhance classroom and after-school art programs.