our ability to have a positive impact on our local communities and on charitable efforts
around the world.
worked toward securing a 21st century education for all Silicon Valley children by launching
the Silicon Valley Common Core Initiative, helping dozens of local school districts to
implement the new Common Core educational standards collaboratively. These standards
will prepare our children to be part of a global economy, and it's crucial that we use
them effectively.
districts can be liable for assigning students to the wrong math classes, limiting their
chances of college admission -- a phenomenon that disproportionately affects students
of color. We progressed toward a better future for millions of local residents via grants
to improve housing and transportation development, and to address the needs of
immigrants who are learning English to advance in the workforce.
to be the largest funder of Bay Area charities, and our donors also supported nonprofit
organizations in 39 countries outside the United States. Our fundraising success reached
new heights, reaching nearly $1.4 billion, including a record-setting gift of nearly $990
million from Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook founder and CEO, and Priscilla Chan. We are
grateful to steward the philanthropy of thousands of local individuals, families and companies.
and SVCF is celebrating that milestone in many ways. The foremost is that we are dedicating
ourselves to making philanthropy accessible and rewarding for more individuals, families
and companies than ever before.
dedication. With support from Microsoft, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation,
The Sobrato Family Foundation and other terrific sponsors, on May 6 we will rally current
SVCF donors, the business community and all charitably minded residents to support
hundreds of local nonprofits in San Mateo, Santa Clara and San Benito counties. We will
raise much-needed funds for these organizations, while raising public awareness of our
communities' many needs.
another year of growth and progress at SVCF, the comprehensive center of philanthropy
for Silicon Valley and beyond. Thank you for your support.