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SVCF’s Early Childhood Development (ECD) Strategic Initiative is comprised of three prongs: catalyzing philanthropic investment, activating leadership and supporting learn and action in San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. In this episode, SVCF Executive Vice President for Community Action, Policy and Strategy Gina Dalma is joined by SVCF Director of Early Childhood Development Christine Thorsteinson, along with Executive Director for Build Up for San Mateo County’s Children (Build Up SMC) Christine Padilla. The three leaders discuss how early childhood development is an impact area intertwined with issues of race, equity, and social justice. Listen to learn more about SVCF’s multi-pronged approach to dismantling systemic barriers and working to ensure all children and their families have access to the care, education and resources they need to flourish. 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

Based in East San Jose, the ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective is made up of five community-based organizations: SOMOS Mayfair, Amigos de Guadalupe, School of Art and Culture at MHP, Veggielution, and Grail Family Services. In this episode, SVCF Director of Capacity-Building Mauricio Palma is joined by three executive directors from the collective: Camille Llanes-Fontanilla, an SVCF Community Advisory Council member from SOMOS Mayfair, Cayce Hill from Veggielution, and Maritza Maldonado from Amigos de Guadalupe. These local leaders contributed to the ¡Sí Se Puede! Collective impact model, designed to build community power, advance justice and stand in solidarity with those working to dismantle oppressive systems. Listen to learn how the local community is transforming power relations in East San Jose. 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

Pursuing a higher education presents financial challenges for many students, and the COVID-19 pandemic adds another layer of obstacles. In this episode, we hear directly from Christabel Soria Mendoza, a SVCF scholarship recipient and Cal Poly student navigating these complexities. Interviewed by SVCF Scholarship Officer Dean Taylor, Christabel describes the process of seeking financial aid and how her college experience has been impacted by COVID-19. Listen to learn more, including the resiliency and vulnerability required of students through the application process. 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

Longtime SVCF board member Wade W. Loo was recently appointed to 2021 board chair. In this episode, Wade joins SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor in a discussion about his journey in Silicon Valley, from his roots to how he became involved with SVCF. As an SVCF fundholder, Wade shares his philosophy around philanthropy and what causes are most important to him. Listen to hear learnings from Wade’s philanthropic journey, changes these leaders have seen in Silicon Valley in the last decade, the importance of centering our focus on equity and the local community and SVCF’s plans for the year ahead. 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

As we continue to confront the devastating pandemic within our communities and globally, we view domestic violence as a parallel pandemic. Also known as intimate partner violence, domestic abuse is often hidden and overlooked, despite being experienced by one in four women, as well as one in four men. This episode brings together three executive directors from leading domestic violence support organizations Esther Peralez-Dieckmann, Orchid Pusey, and Donna Garske in conversation with SVCF vice president of Community Action Manuel Santamaria. The four leaders shed light on how domestic abuse has skyrocketed during the pandemic, and discuss solutions and support for this costly, devastating, and often overlooked issue within the homes in our communities. 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 the seventh episode in our mini-series featuring conversations focused on Racial Equity and Social Justice with the members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council. Listen to the previous episode in the mini-series here, and continue to subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes. Program Director of Land Use and Housing at Urban Habitat and SVCF Community Advisory Council member Tony Roshan Samara joins the podcast for a conversation focusing on “Just Recovery.” In conversation with SVCF Director of Capacity Building Mauricio Palma, the two community leaders discuss this community action framework that requires a lens of equity and prioritizes those who are most affected by a crisis. Tony seeks to engage groups across sectors to use the Just Recovery framework as a tool to address systemic issues. 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

To wrap up 2020, SVCF Board Chair and President and CEO of the Computer History Museum joins SVCF President and CEO Nicole Taylor on Philanthropy Now podcast for a look back at a year unlike any other. Listen to hear from Nicole and Dan’l about key issues that were elevated this year: COVID-19, racial justice, wildfires and the pivotal election. Amidst the multiple crises, our foundation adapted to meet the needs of community. These issues also reinforce SVCF’s role as a catalyst for community change and help shape our foundation’s work as we move into the new year. 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

Finding and applying for an SVCF scholarship that best suits your needs isn’t complicated. In this episode, SVCF scholarships officer Dean Taylor and scholarships associate Emiko Thompson walk listeners through an overview of SVCF’s scholarship programs. Listen to learn about the available opportunities and receive helpful tips on applying for scholarships in 2020 and 2021. 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 Amah Mutsun Land Trust (AMLT) is a grantee of SVCF’s San Mateo and Santa Clara County Wildfire Fund. AMLT President Valentin Lopez and AMLT Interim Executive Director Sara French join SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast to talk about their fire recovery efforts. In conversation with SVCF Family Engagement Manager Leticia Gonzalez, the episode takes listeners through the past, present and future of the Amah Mutsun people. Valentin and Sara share the Amah Mutsun’s connection with protecting and sustaining the earth. They also highlight AMLT’s work preserving the important ecological knowledge of their people and shed light on how they combine historical native wisdom with modern knowledge to develop and implement powerful environmental strategies. 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 the sixth episode in our SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast mini-series featuring conversations focused on Racial Equity and Social Justice with the members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council. Listen to the previous episode in the mini-series here, and continue to subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes. Katrina Logan, Directing Attorney of the Economic Advancement Program at Community Legal Services and member of SVCF's Community Advisory Council joins Joyce Song, Director of Donor Engagement at Silicon Valley Community Foundation in conversation about how formerly incarcerated community members have been impacted by the pandemic. Community Legal Services advocates for changes to policy and systemic issues that perpetuate disparities, such as overincarceration in lower income communities, particularly communities of color. Listen to learn about Katrina’s work to address these disparities, how the changes brought on by the pandemic, and how you can get involved. 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

Executive Director of Sacred Heart Community Service Poncho Guevara joins SVCF’s Executive Vice President of Community Action, Policy and Strategy in a conversation about the importance of supporting BIPOC leaders in the nonprofit sector. SVCF grantee Sacred Heart Community Service is a key agency in local COVID-19 response and is a regional leader striving to develop countywide solutions to poverty. In this episode, you’ll hear Poncho discuss how the pandemic has amplified the existing disparities BIPOC communities face and how allies have stepped up to support systemic change, such as centering the voices of people of color in leadership roles in the nonprofit 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

In this episode, join Manuel Santamaria and Leticia Gonzalez from SVCF's Community Action, Policy and Strategy team in a discussion about the findings from a recent survey conducted with grantees of SVCF’s COVID-19 Regional Nonprofit Emergency Fund. The survey results provide insights about how COVID-19 has impacted the nonprofit sector in the San Mateo and Santa Clara counties. The survey also provides a deep dive into the racial diversity of our local nonprofit leadership, the barriers to service they have experienced and the challenges they face moving forward. The first pillar in SVCF’s recently adopted strategic plan is reducing systemic disparities, and surveying our community partners, especially leaders of color, is an invaluable tool in our foundation’s mission. 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 the fifth episode in our SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast mini-series featuring conversations focused on Racial Equity and Social Justice with the members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council. Listen to the previous episode in the mini-series here, and continue to subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes. Members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council Lorena Melgarejo, Executive Director of Faith in Action Bay Area and Marlyn Bussey, Pastor at St. James A.M.E. Zion Church and Co-Director of the Solidarity Cohort join SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast along with Reverend Penny Nixon, Senior Pastor of the Congregational Church of San Mateo and Director of the Solidarity Cohort, to help listeners understand the role of faith and community action to advance our struggle for race equity. In a conversation moderated by Mauricio Palma, SVCF Director of Strategic Initiatives and Partnerships, these community leaders discuss the intersection of religion, faith and politics. This episode takes a deep dive into how each organization works to build solidarity within their communities and elevates the Black Lives Matter movement across different faiths and communities. 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

In this episode, Ani Rivera, co-chair of the Latino Kitchen Cabinet and Executive Director of Galería de la Raza, joins the podcast to talk about the intersection of community development, art and social practice and how a group of Latino leaders has been working together to address the broader social challenges that currently face the Latino community in the Bay Area. In conversations with Manuel Santamaria, SVCF Vice President of Community Action, Policy and Strategy, the two leaders take a deep dive in the Bay Area’s equity agenda, considering a holistic approach to address the disparities that COVID-19 has amplified and the major challenges the Latino community faces. 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

With the 2020 general election already underway in California and more than half the states in the country, Kim Alexander, President and Founder of the California Voter Foundation, and Rob Chua of the Filipino Bayanihan Resource Center join the podcast to inform listeners about how the voting process differs this year in comparison to previous elections. In a dialogue moderated by Jack Mahoney, SVCF's Civic Participation Program Officer, the episode focuses on what voters need to know for the upcoming election, including how to ensure mail-in ballots are counted and more. 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

In this episode, Megan Lee, Senior Manager of Community Outreach with Southwest Airlines, joins Michael Lopez, former Director of Corporate Responsibility with SVCF, for a conversation about Southwest’s philanthropy. Megan, who manages Southwest’s charitable investment activities and community programs, explains how her company’s renowned culture informs and influences its approach to community outreach, including the evolution of its famous LUV Classic Golf Tournament and how their sustainability mission garnered them a spot on Project Runway. The conversation also highlights how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Southwest's corporate giving and mission to continue supporting long-standing partnerships despite the economic impact of the pandemic on its business and industry. 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

In this episode, OutRight Action International’s Executive Director Jessica Stern and Caribbean Program Officer Neish Clean, teach listeners about the work of their organization and the need to support the LGBTIQ community, especially in the midst of the global pandemic. Moderated by Robert Williams, SVCF Donor Engagement Associate and Pride Council representative and Michael Lopez, former SVCF Director of Corporate Responsibility and Pride Council co-chair, these four LGBTIQ advocates scrutinize the existing challenges of this community that have been magnified by COVID-19. OutRight works at the regional and international levels to research, document, defend and advance the rights of LGBTIQ people. 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 the third episode in our SVCF Philanthropy Now podcast mini-series featuring conversations focused on Racial Equity and Social Justice with the members of SVCF’s Community Advisory Council. Listen to the last episode in the series here, and continue to subscribe to the podcast to hear future episodes. In this episode, Belinda Hernandez Arriaga, Executive Director of Ayudando Latinos A Soñar (ALAS), Chike Nwoffiah, Executive Director of Silicon Valley African Film Festival (SVAFF) and Jessica Paz-Cedillos, Executive Director of School of the Arts and Culture, come together to discuss their organizational projects and solutions that aim to bring racial equality to the arts sector. Facilitated by SVCF Director of Strategic Initiatives & Partnerships Mauricio Palma, this dialogue calls out the need for awareness, funding and intentional storytelling for communities of color. These are integral components to bringing more opportunities and equality to minorities. 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 the final episode of our mini podcast series featuring members of the Alliance of Community Foundations of Silicon Valley. Learn from and enjoy previous episodes with members of the Alliance here. In this episode, Jim Ruane, former Mayor of San Bruno and current Vice President of San Bruno Community Foundation, and Pcyeta Stroud, Board President of the San Bruno Chamber of Commerce & Director of the Bay Area Entrepreneur Center, discuss how San Bruno Community Foundation has responded to COVID-19. Facilitated by Michelle Fries, SVCF's Director of Nonprofit Support Services, the conversation focuses on new partnerships that have emerged throughout the pandemic, how the Alliance is providing additional support to its foundation members and local trends and initiatives related to the recovery efforts. 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 magnified existing inequities, taking an exceptionally hard toll on the most vulnerable communities experiencing housing instability, homelessness, and racial disparities. In this episode, Jennifer Loving, CEO of Destination: Home, Dontae Lartigue, CEO of Razing the Bar, board member of Destination: Home and board member of the Lived Experience Advisory Board (LEAB), and Erin Connor, Public Investment Program Manager at Cisco, join the podcast to discuss the collective impact model. In a conversation moderated by SVCF’s Executive Vice President of Community Action, Policy and Strategy, Gina Dalma, these bold leaders discuss how they are using this model to address the social issues that have been overwhelmingly exacerbated by the pandemic. Listen in to learn the critical need for public-private partnerships, how Destination: Home, SVCF, Cisco and other partners united quickly at the onset of the pandemic to support the most vulnerable communities and how they continue to address homelessness and systemic racial inequities. 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