OUR HISTORY

Silicon Valley has long been known as the nation’s capital for innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship. Throughout the latter half of the 20th century, Peninsula Community Foundation and Community Foundation Silicon Valley inspired philanthropy, supported outstanding nonprofit programs and improved the quality of life across the San Francisco Peninsula and the South Bay.

With an eye towards the future, on July 12, 2006 the boards of both foundations made the bold decision to merge into one, united foundation capable of catalyzing solutions to regional problems and creating positive change on a broader scale.

Silicon Valley Community Foundation brings together the knowledge, talent, networks and best practices of both parent foundations in what is currently the fourth largest community foundation in the nation, with more than $1.9 billion in assets and 1,500 philanthropic funds.

Concurrent with the decision to merge was the formation of a new board of directors. Drawing from the previous two boards, 18 inaugural members were chosen to ensure continuity of leadership and successful implementation of the vision for the new foundation.

After a comprehensive nationwide search, on August 2, 2006 the board announced the appointment of one of the nation’s leading nonprofit executives, Emmett D. Carson, Ph.D., CEO and president, to lead the new foundation. Formerly CEO and president of The Minneapolis Foundation and a nationally recognized leader in the field of philanthropy, Carson assumed his new role on November 1, 2006.

The concept of integrating Peninsula Community Foundation and Community Foundation Silicon Valley was first discussed by board members more than 15 years ago, and was explored in depth as recently as 2004. The boards recognized that the philanthropic landscape is changing — from new government regulations and corporate competition to unprecedented philanthropic generosity — and took proactive steps to ensure that in 50 years, the foundation is still making San Mateo and Santa Clara counties a better place to live and work.

The complementary strengths of both parent foundations offered an extraordinary opportunity for greater impact than either could realize alone. Silicon Valley Community Foundation is dedicated to providing world-class services to donors and nonprofits and inspiring even greater civic participation throughout the San Francisco Peninsula and Silicon Valley.