PVF as a living lab
At PVF, we like to test new ideas for grantmaking. Are application processes too cumbersome? Are creative donors open to new ways to invest in the causes they care about? Is a school teacher the best judge of what he or she needs to bring a classroom to life?
We try out theories, keep those that work, discard those that don’t and share those experiences from our living lab at conferences and academic institutions and with donor groups and foundations around the country. Pushing philanthropy in new, more creative, more effective, less bureaucratic directions is our mission.
Our work is to be out there paying attention, then inviting others who care about doing philanthropy in a new way to join us.
“Trust is a scarce commodity these days. Fortunately, there is Philanthropic Ventures Foundation that inspires grantors and grantees to believe in themselves and the people they serve. PVF demonstrates every day that a foundation can be instantly responsive, sensitive, interested in your ideas and helping as many people as possible.” – Ed Nathan, Vice President, van Loben Sels/Rembe Rock Foundation, former Executive Director, Zellerbach Family Fund
Lucy Kinchen rehearses her chorale, which is dedicated to reviving the tradition of the Negro spiritual. "Jazz, blues, ragtime and gospel - all of these wonderful styles sprang from the slaves and their Negro spirituals," says Kinchen, of the original American music that is the focus of her community chorale, which has a Designated Fund at PVF.
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“I admire your work at PVF tremendously for advancing the practice of philanthropy, and making it more transparent for the community.” – Carol Lamont, Program Officer, Community Development, The San Francisco Foundation