Philanthropic Ventures Foundation            Progress Newsletter  -  July 2014
Circle of Collaboration

by: James Higa, Executive Director  

PVF's Executive Director, James Higa (left), and Not for Sale's President, David Batstone (right), kick off the Invention Circle.

 

In previous issues of our Progress newsletter, I discussed the growing Inequality Gap and how PVF wants to  catalyze Radical Collaboration to create solutions.  Today, I want to talk about how we have put that into action as is our wont to 'do', rather than 'talk'.  

 

On June 6, jointly with our fantastic Invention Hub collaborators, Not For Sale & Just Business, we invited 50 of the Bay Area's most creative and influential individuals that we know to gather together for an Invention Circle.  The Invention Circle is a gathering to bring radical collaborators together to help create solutions for those being left behind in our communities by the growing Inequality Gap.  This wasn't about just brainstorming or convening. We promised to put into action, the idea that emerges out of the day, with a commitment to begin working on the project the Monday immediately following the event.

 

The day was full of design thinking at its best as we split up into groups to refine and hone our brainstorms.  My strongest impression of the day is a room alive with bursts of energy and post-it note ideas covering every bit of free space. Read more about the chosen idea here! 
Where's James? Getting Amped Up About Starbucks' Approach to Corporate Philanthropy

by: James Higa, Executive Director  

 

I sat down recently with Howard Schultz, Chairman, President and CEO of Starbucks, to talk about the fracturing of the American Dream. Nearly half of Americans who begin college don't finish.  Much of this is the result of escalating costs and life/work balance.

 

70% of Starbucks' US employees are students or aspiring students, and Starbucks is stepping up to the plate to help them get a degree through their College Achievement Plan.

 

What a shining example of what bold and 'think different' corporate philanthropy can be. 

 
About PVF
PVF is a demonstration foundation practicing unique forms of grantmaking and innovative philanthropy. Our primary interest is in the creative and significant use of the philanthropic dollar.
About the Editors
James Higa
Executive Director
Bill Somerville
President/CEO

James Higa brings 28 years of executive experience from Silicon Valley, working with Steve Jobs to change the face of technology. He was at the birth of the personal computer revolution as a member of the original Macintosh team and was deeply involved in the creation of many products and services at Apple over 3 decades. He has a long history of public service as a board member of Stanford's Haas Center and in grassroots relief efforts.
Bill Somerville has been in non-profit and philanthropic work for 50 years. He was the director of a community foundation for 17 years, and in 1991 founded Philanthropic Ventures Foundation where he serves as President. Bill has consulted at over 400 community foundations, on creative grantmaking and foundation operations. Bill is the author of Grassroots Philanthropy: Field Notes of a Maverick Grantmaker.

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