Their Mission Statement and Values

They focus on the unique needs of their community and channel charitable giving of local donors to effective organizations that improve the quality of life for everyone in Palo Alto, East Palo Alto and Menlo Park.

Perpetuity

They value the continuing role of philanthropy in meeting the needs and challenges of their community.

They strive to steward and grow the endowment to ensure that it benefits present and future generations.

Local Needs and Knowledge

They value the sense of community and caring demonstrated by their local residents.

They concentrate their efforts on nonprofit organizations that enhance the quality of life in the greater Palo Alto area.  Their board members are knowledgeable volunteers with experience in their community.

Responsibility and Accountability

They value wise stewardship of funds.

They strive to merit their donors’ trust by conducting their activities professionally, ethically, responsibly and transparently. Using the talents and expertise of their volunteer Board members, they carefully evaluate each request for support and their grantee’s subsequent use of their funds.

Belief in the efficacy of nonprofits

They value the work of nonprofits in addressing the needs of their community with creative and innovative solutions.

They help nonprofit organizations fulfill their charitable, civic, and educational missions by making grants for programs that will have maximum impact in their community and by offering educational and networking opportunities for their grantees.  They support effective existing programs and provide seed money for new approaches and organizations.

Diversity

They value the diversity of their program areas and the populations served.

They endeavor to fund a variety of programs that serve diverse needs and diverse populations. They strive to achieve diversity on their board.