By Special to the Town Crier
The Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation, a supporting foundation of Community Foundation Silicon Valley, recently announced Community Grants, Environmental Grants and Political Reform and Global Theme Grants totaling $863,000 to 20 non-profit organizations.
“Through our grants, we believe we make the world a safer and healthier community for all,” said Kathleen Gwynn, president & CEO of the Kirsch Foundation in announcing recent grants. “Making grants to, and working with, the environmental activist community, the political reform community and Silicon Valley organizations helps the Kirsch Foundation to realize the philanthropic goals of founders Steve and Michele Kirsch.”
Community Grants: $238,000
American Red Cross, Palo Alto Area Chapter - $20,000
This funds an electric generator so the chapter has a reliable and mobile energy source in times of disaster in the Bay Area.
Clara-Mateo Alliance, Inc. - $15,000
This goes toward funding a greatly-expanded Transitional Housing Program, which supports individuals in their efforts to move from homelessness to permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
Coalition for Excellence in Science Education (CESE) - $5,000
This provides for the refurbishment of used science kits to be used primarily by financially-strapped elementary schools in Santa Clara and San Mateo counties.
Computer Museum History Center - $25,000
This contribution supports both the capital campaign and current operating needs of the museum, which is dedicated to preserving computing history.
Hospice of the Valley - $35,000
Hospice of the Valley provides hospice care to terminally ill patients. This grant supports renovation of the current facility to allow Hospice to serve more patients and their families.
Housing Trust Fund - $1,000
This supports the effort to provide more affordable housing to working families in Silicon Valley.
Industry Initiatives for Science and Math Education (IISME) - $25,000
Along with other funding sources, this grant supports the development of an interactive Web site focused on teachers’ effective use of technology.
Junior Achievement of Santa Clara County Inc. - $1,500
This grant supports JA’s efforts to enhance school curricula through volunteers helping in the classroom.
Learning and Loving Education Center - $10,000
This provides general operating support to an organization that focuses on the education and empowerment of low-income minority women and their children.
Rebuilding Together (formerly Christmas in April Mid-Peninsula) - $10,000
This grant supports additional staff to expand the organization’s efforts to rehabilitate community facilities and homes so that low-income individuals may live in warmth, safety and independence.
The Tech Museum of Innovation - $90,500 (two grants)
A contribution of $6,500 supported the Gizmo WYSIWYG 2001 event, a program featuring various educational activities for youth.
A contribution of $84,000 reflects the first payment of a three-year $250,000 pledge for The Tech’s capital campaign to establish a $25 million endowment.
Environmental Grants: $125,000
Breakthrough Technologies Institute - $25,000
“Fuel Cells 2000″ and “Your Next Car” program grants to promote the development of zero- and near zero-emission technologies.
Coalition for Clean Air - $25,000
Air Quality Planning/Watchdog and Dump Diesel program grants to maintain public attention on harmful diesel-fueled school and transit buses and raise awareness about toxic pollution.
Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition - $25,000
Bike Friendly Los Angeles County Initiative, transforming bicycling into a mainstream component of Southern California’s transportation system.
Natural Resources Defense Council - $25,000
Funding to support NRDC’s efforts to protect existing environmental legislation and fight easing of environmental laws/regulations under the new presidential administration.
University of Delaware - $25,000
“Zero-Emission Vehicles as a Source of Clean and Reliable Electricity in California” study.
Political Reform and Global Theme Grants: $500,000
American Civil Liberties Union - $100,000
First grant in a multiyear commitment that provides funding of the Florida Equal Voting Rights Project to eliminate voter disenfranchisement. This effort is the result of significant problems identified in Florida in the 2000 election.
Ploughshares Fund - $100,000
Funding to this “peace and security mutual fund” for non-profit organizations engaged in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation efforts.
Public Campaign - $250,000
Second grant of a multiyear commitment to campaign finance reform in the guise of public funding for candidates who do not engage in fund-raising on their own.
Union of Concerned Scientists - $50,000
This funding supports the creation of an alternative Nuclear Posture Review, focused on reducing U.S. nuclear arms, for consideration by the current administration as it conducts the congressionally-mandated review.
The Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation was established in 1999 within the Community Foundation Silicon Valley.
The foundation reflects the broad charitable interests and passions of its two founders. It is committed to an extensive array of issues and causes, ranging from curing cancer and other major diseases, to cleaning up the air, to supporting local Silicon Valley non-profit organizations.
More information is available at the foundation’s Web site at www.kirschfoundation.org.
