Who We Are
We began Philanthropic Ventures Foundation to do something different — to bring joy, simplicity, trust and effectiveness to grant- making.
We knew the answer was not more — more paper, more procedures, more obstacles, more time. And we believed that if giving grants involved fewer, simpler processes, every dollar would work harder and do more.
We think our approach is working. In 21 years, thanks to our family of more than 2,000 donors, we have made grants of $76 million. PVF strives to make a significant impact with every charitable dollar it invests.
PVF in the news - radio, TV, press - recent and upcoming.
Featured Grantee
We are pleased to present one of five short Micro-Documentaries that depict PVF’s work. Each film is one minute long and features the testimonial of a different PVF donor, colleague, or grantee. In the second of our series, a PVF grantee, Sister Christina Heltsley of the Saint Francis Center in Redwood City, California, talks about her continued partnership with PVF. "The heart of everything that goes on at PVF is relationships." - Sister Christina
PVF Program
Through a partnership with the Heising-Simons Foundation, we are now offering Mathematics Resource Grants! Grants up to $500 available to fund books, materials, software, manipulatives and professional development for mathematics programs. Preschool teachers in programs serving low-income families and public school teachers of grades K-3 in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties are invited to apply. Click here to find out how!
Community Initiative
The Charles and Connie Meng Scholarship Program was created by PVF for donors interested in supporting students pursuing vocational careers. The Meng Program provides $1,000 scholarship grants to Alameda County community college students pursuing vocational and trade careers such as carpenters, cooks, cosmetologists, assistant teachers, American Sign Language interpreters, x-ray technicians, pharmacy technicians, and dental assistants. Click here to apply!