Svcf Philanthropy Now Podcast

Second Harvest of Silicon Valley’s mission is to ensure that anyone who needs a healthy meal can get one. In this episode, Erica Wood, SVCF’s Executive Vice President of Community Impact, interviews Leslie Bacho, Chief Executive Officer of Second Harvest of Silicon Valley. In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the two leaders analyze the changes in needs they’ve seen in the community, complications and opportunities presented by shifts in the food supply chain and Second Harvest of SV’s areas of focus. You will learn how Second Harvest of Silicon Valley has adapted their operations both to comply with public health regulations and meet the dramatic increase in demand. 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 Episode 3 of our 8-part mini podcast series with the Alliance of  Community Foundations of Silicon Valley. Keep tuning in to learn from each member of the Alliance in episodes to come. In the third episode of this mini-series, you will learn about the work of Gilroy Foundation and its role in the Alliance. SVCF Director of Nonprofit Support Services, Michelle Fries, speaks with Donna Pray, Executive Director of Gilroy Foundation, and Karen La Corte, Vice President of Marx Towing, Inc. and Gilroy Foundation Board of Directors Vice President. The three leaders overview the foundation’s response to the tragic Gilroy Garlic Festival shooting in 2019, the role in the Alliance, the response to the COVID-19 outbreak and preparations for the future. 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

Welcome to Episode 2 of our 8-part mini podcast series with the Alliance of  Community Foundations of Silicon Valley. Keep tuning in to learn from each member of the Alliance in episodes to come. In our second episode of this mini-series, you will learn about Community Foundation of San Carlos, the newest local community foundation and newest member of the Alliance. SVCF Director of Nonprofit Support Services, Michelle Fries, speaks with Jessica Yang, founding Board President of Community Foundation of San Carlos, and Sandy Kraft, Founder and Volunteer Coordinator of Neighbors helping Neighbors. In this discussion, Jessica introduces Community Foundation of San Carlos and its role in the community, and Jessica and Sandy illustrate how their organizations have responded to the COVID-19 outbreak and are preparing for the future. From forming new cross-sector partnerships to recruiting over 400 volunteers in just 10 weeks, these women are confidently navigating challenges in our communities presented by the pand

Welcome to Episode 1 of our 8-part mini podcast series with the Alliance of Silicon Valley Community Foundations. Keep tuning in to learn from each member of the Alliance in episodes to come. In the inaugural episode, you will learn about Community Foundation for San Benito County and its role in the Alliance. SVCF Director of Nonprofit Support Services, Michelle Fries, facilitates a conversation with Gary Byrnes, President and CEO of CF for San Benito County, and Nate Hensley, Executive Director of The Manger, the foundation’s newest nonprofit partner. The conversation focuses on how the Alliance membership and support from SVCF has helped the foundation amplify its impact in its rural community, how these organizations have pivoted and strive to prioritize needs in response the COVID-19 pandemic, how they are supporting nonprofits during the shelter-in-place order and more. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast series, we explore trends in the world of philanthropy, social impact initiatives in Silicon Valley

SV@Home a local, housing policy and advocacy nonprofit, convenes Affordable Housing Month - Silicon Valley annually, and this year they have pivoted in the face of COVID-19. With shelter-in-place now extended through May, this year's Affordable Housing Month - Silicon Valley has pivoted to virtual activities and engagement. The importance of a secure, safe, and affordable home has become even more crucial in light of this crisis. In this episode, SVCF Senior Vice President of Public Policy and Special Advisor to the CEO, Gina Dalma, speaks with Executive Director of Silicon Valley at Home, Leslye Corsiglia. These two leaders discuss how the global pandemic has magnified ongoing housing challenges in our region. Listen to learn more about the state of affordable housing in Santa Clara County, Affordable Housing Month, what sort of solutions housing experts are exploring, and how you can get engaged while still practicing social distancing. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

San Mateo County was quick to initiate efforts to protect the community in response to the COVID-19 outbreak. San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine is currently devoting most of his time to the COVID-19 crisis and is a member of the County’s COVID-19 ad hoc committee that helps guide the County’s response to the pandemic. This episode features a conversation with SVCF’s President and CEO Nicole Taylor and San Mateo County Supervisor Dave Pine. The two leaders examine the impact on the region, the inception of the San Mateo County Strong initiative, the responses of partnerships across the public and private sectors, silver linings and learning from the crisis, and plans to reopen 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

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating economic impact on the nonprofit arts sector. After shelter in place orders took effect in March 2020, it was estimated that the field would have $3.2 billion in financial losses. Thousands of cultural events, art classes and community programs were canceled across the country. Because arts organizations have closed their doors for months to come and many have also reduced their workforce, we can anticipate greater revenue losses for local arts and culture nonprofits. This episode features a conversation with SVCF’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships Mauricio Palma, Musician and Trustee of the Castellano Family Foundation and Executive Director of Quinteto Latino Armando Castellano, Chief Executive Officer if SVCreates Connie Martinez, and Director of San Mateo County Arts Commission Robin Rodricks. These leaders examine the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts, the tensions between arts and cultural organizations and other organizations prov

Sam Liccardo is the mayor of the City of San Jose and is playing a lead role in COVID-19 relief and recovery efforts in both San Jose and the region. Since his appointment as mayor of San Jose in 2015, Liccardo has led the city through significant economic growth and is tackling the region’s most pressing issues, including but not limited to housing, transportation and closing the digital divide. In this episode, Mayor Liccardo joins SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor in a conversation about how the unprecedented COVID-19 outbreak is impacting the community, what he and his partners are doing to provide relief and how they are preparing to rebuild. Mayor Liccardo describes the pain he has seen in the community, but also the incredible successes in cross-sector collaboration. The two discuss the Silicon Valley Strong initiative, the recently formed Silicon Valley Economic Recovery and Resiliency Council, and how these partnerships and others are not only providing immediate relief, but also preparing to rebu

Supervisor Cindy Chavez is the president of the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors, representing more than a half million people in East, Central and South San Jose. When the coronavirus crisis first hit our region, Supervisor Chavez jumped right into action by negotiating testing sites, ramping up testing and getting numbers out to the public. In this episode, SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor speaks with Supervisor Cindy Chavez about the effects of the COVID-19 health crisis in this region, and how the progress of many cross-sector partnerships is responding to these needs and preparing for the future of these communities. Supervisor Chavez is working relentlessly with Santa Clara County’s health care system and hospitals to equip front line medical workers with protective gear and raise money for more ventilators for patients. Along with other Silicon Valley leaders, Supervisor Chavez helped launch Silicon Valley Strong, a regional movement in response to the pandemic. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now po

Mavericks Community Foundation is a critical partner working to support local nonprofits from Montara to Pescadero California. Since 2015, they have organized a community giving day, Coastside Gives, and have raised over 1.8 million dollars with this annual event. In the context of the COVID-19 public health crisis, they have adapted their operations to continue their local giving efforts. In this episode, SVCF Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Mauricio Palma, learns from Mary Oldham, trustee of the Mavericks Community Foundation, and Keith Terry, fundraising consultant and recently retiree from Coastside Hope, a nonprofit organization based in Halfmoon Bay, California. The three discuss how the current public health protocols are impacting Mavericks Community Foundation and its fundraising events, trends in needs from other nonprofits and how these groups are utilizing their strengths to adapt to our current realities in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. In SVCF’s Philanthropy Now podcast

As a trusted leader in the philanthropic realm, Silicon Valley Community Foundation is leading a COVID-19 Regional Response effort in the Bay Area counties. In this episode, SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor and Executive Vice President of Community Impact Erica Wood discuss the foundation’s regional response initiative. The conversation highlights the critical partnerships across sectors, the Silicon Valley and San Mateo Strong initiatives and SVCF’s donor engagement and fundraising goals. 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

Robert Stromberg leads the Housing Ready Communities initiative at Destination: Home, a public-private partnership serving as the backbone organization for collective impact strategies to end homelessness in Santa Clara County, California. In this episode, SVCF’s Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, Mauricio Palma, explores with Stromberg the intersection between civic engagement and collective impact. They specifically speak about the value of resident action as an essential ingredient in our collective work to end homelessness in Silicon Valley. 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

Vanita Gupta is President and CEO of The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, the nation’s oldest and largest civil rights coalition. In this episode, SVCF’s Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Gina Dalma, speaks with Gupta about her work advancing criminal justice reform; prosecuting hate crimes and human trafficking; defending voting rights, combating discrimination and more. They also discuss philanthropy's role in protecting civil rights for all. In our 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 

Everyone experiences emergencies from time to time. For some Silicon Valley residents, however, each day is a struggle for financial stability and independence. When an emergency hits, they need somewhere to turn for help. The goal of the Emergency Assistance Network of Santa Clara County is to prevent homelessness, act as a safety net for residents facing eviction, utility disconnection and hunger, and help them return to self-sufficiency. In our 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 

Mavericks Community Foundation Trustee Mary Oldham has worked and lived on the San Mateo County Coastside since 1980. She's an investor in Half Moon Bay Brewing Company, and though recently retired from her role there as director of marketing, continues to invest her time and resources to improve the Coastside community. In our 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 

Kimberly Myers Hewlett is one of the newest additions to the SVCF leadership team. Serving as senior vice president, donor engagement, she leads SVCF's efforts to build and bolster relationships between SVCF donors and local nonprofits. In this episode, SVCF Executive Vice President, Marketing and Communications, Melissa Daar Carvajal, speaks with Hewlett about her background and her initial observations since joining SVCF. They also discuss what inspires her to work in philanthropy and her vision for donor engagement moving forward. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org 

Over the last decade, government funding for higher education has decreased by more than $9 billion dollars. The rising costs of a college education have primarily fallen on students and their families. Through partnerships with local nonprofits and generous donors, SVCF offers a variety of innovative scholarships that provide students not only with needed funds, but with coaching and support services to help them successfully graduate from college. Last year SVCF managed 47 scholarship programs, which awarded more than $2.5 million in awards to 500 different recipients. In this episode, SVCF Scholarships Officer Dean Taylor talks with Savonna Stender-Bondesson, Coach Supervisor for Pivotal, a nonprofit helping foster youth enter and graduate from college, and Sarah Gentle, a Pivotal Scholar. Their conversation highlights the challenges students face and the successes of Pivotal's Bay Area program. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org 

Scholar, teacher and activist Alex Schafran tells a powerful story of "the suburbanization of poverty, the failures of regional planning, urban sprawl, NIMBYism and political fragmentation between middle class white environmentalists and communities of color," in his recent book The Road to Resegregation: Northern California and the Failure of Politics. In this episode, Schafran and SVCF Housing and Transportation Program Officer Vinita Goyal share their thoughts on recent housing successes, following legislative wins at the state level. They also discuss the popular "3 Ps" housing framework which focuses on protection, preservation and production, and tackle big questions like what to prioritize and how to incorporate diverse perspectives. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org  

Vice President of Community Impact, Manuel Santamaria, has worked at Silicon Valley Community Foundation for more than 20 years, joining SVCF's predecessor, the Peninsula Community Foundation, in 1999 as a program officer. In this episode, Manny sits down with SVCF Senior Vice President of Public Policy, Gina Dalma, to share some of his career highlights, philanthropy trends he is seeing, learning opportunities and what keeps him energized after two decades in the field. Access the full show notes at siliconvalleycf.org

In this podcast episode, Silicon Valley Community Foundation is pleased to feature a conversation between SVCF board member Wade Loo and Nicole Taylor, our president and CEO.  Wade has been a board member since 2015, and Nicole has now been at her post for 11 months. Listen in on their conversation, in which they reflect on 2019 and discuss what’s ahead in 2020.  In our 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