Ways to Give > Donor Venture Funds

We think of our donors as investors, people who see their philanthropy as investments in positive change.

There are generous people all over the planet. They get excited about programs and ideas. They fund them. Things happen. But philanthropy has become more bureaucratic, and that can slow down creativity.

At PVF, we bring entrepreneurship to the business of philanthropy. To make changes, you have to take risks. We’re far from reckless but we do try new things, and donors appreciate our outside-the-box thinking.

We simplify ways to identify outstanding people and great projects. We focus on solutions, not problems.

PVF offers a variety of services to individuals, families, businesses and foundations through Donor Venture Funds. We make grants to charitable projects that donors recommend, consult and strategize with donors on their giving plan, and help them navigate through the world of nonprofit programs. Donors benefit from our philanthropic expertise, extensive knowledge of the nonprofit community and experience in turning ideas into action.

At PVF, our Donor Venture Funds are as varied as our donors. Donors’ areas of interest include education, arts and culture, the environment, health, poverty, youth, eco-travel projects and international causes.

“Reading the Sequoia High School student’s statement about how the Tarshes Afterschool Learning Center contributed to his achieving a 3.7 GPA and a place on the honor roll gave me great pleasure — confirming once more that the program established as a memorial to my dear late wife, Jeannette, is fulfilling its goal of aiding young people. Given only a modest amount of money, I couldn’t have achieved that goal without the creative assistance of Bill Somerville and the continuing attention of the PVF staff. For this I am very grateful.” – Marty Tarshes, Jeannette Kyle Tarshes Youth Fund, a Donor Venture Fund at PVF
Filipina mother harvesting - Ecology Action