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 17 years, thanks to our family of more than 2,000 donors, we have made grants of $55 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 Fund
The construction of a basketball court involved all the people of Bayanga, a village in the
PVF Program
At Nesbit School in Belmont, California, a third-grader tracks the progress of butterfly larvae, a classroom project funded with a Science Resource Grant. Natural scientists, with a genuine sense of curiosity, students now experience the joy of discovery with hands-on science kits. Funded for over eight years, the Program has helped teachers in seven counties to bring creative conservation science projects into their classrooms.
Community Initiative
Student leaders at McClymonds High School in West Oakland, California, work as Peer Health Educators at the new school-based Chappell Hayes Health Clinic. Offering on-site preventative health care, vision and dental screenings, and mental health services, has resulted in reduced rates of teen pregnancy and STDs, fewer hospitalizations, and lowered stress, all of which contributes to academic success.