Facebook, the social networking giant located in Menlo Park, aims to support local initiatives in its neighborhood as a way to give back. PVF was selected to support Facebook in this effort by administering the Facebook Local Community Fund due to our grassroots approach to grantmaking and knowledge of the local community. Our President and Executive Director can often be seen out in the community meeting with individuals and collaborating on new ways to cultivate change from the ground up. PVF is well-known for “finding ‘em and funding ‘em.” We have a history of working in the community to ignite transformation without involving bureaucracy and large amounts of paperwork.

The Facebook Local Community Fund is designed to bolster the efforts of 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Belle Haven and East Palo Alto. Less than a year old, the Fund has already awarded a total of $200,000 to 42 organizations in the first round alone. $72,500 was given to nonprofits with a history of success serving Belle Haven. Another $72,500 was granted to nonprofits serving East Palo Alto whose programs provide youth access to computer technology, social media, or weekend activities.  To top this off, $55,000 was given to organizations that serve both East Palo Alto and Belle Haven. This large injection of support into the community is only the beginning.

The second round of funding is now open and applications are being accepted until the May 1, 2013 deadline. The application process is streamlined, reflective of our interest in funding people, not paperwork.

Do you think your nonprofit is doing outstanding work in Belle Haven or East Palo Alto? Check out our website for information on how to apply to the Facebook Local Community Fund!