For Generations to Come: Chinese American Philanthropy in the Bay Area Page 8

Engaging in Philanthropy

Guiding Values

The guiding value of "giving back" was a common theme mentioned by nearly all respondents, and the personal
significance of the cause was also nearly universally important. The goal of promoting social justice and community
harmony was specifically stated by several participants, but it was implicit in the discussions for many more, who
spoke about concepts such as fairness and equality of opportunity. Regardless of the underlying value, all
participants emphasized that they give primarily to causes that have strong personal significance for them.

Giving back. By far the most common theme raised by participants when discussing their reasons for engaging
in philanthropy is a desire to "give back" to the community or society in appreciation for the good fortune they have
experienced and to acknowledge the support they received along the way. This reason has both forward-looking
and backward-reaching aspects. Supporting the organizations and individuals that helped them or their parents
and grandparents to succeed enables those entities to continue helping others in the future.

I do fund [organization] in San Francisco because my parents were beneficiaries of its

services. They would not have been able to leave Chinatown without [organization]'s
support.

There is a reach-back.

I would not be where I am today if I had not come to America. If they had not accepted me

to [university], I would not have had the opportunity. It's just a matter of - in my mind - pure
fairness. You get a break, you better remember where it came from.

Most participants spoke of promoting social justice by giving to a variety of causes, including education, health care,
and social services. A smaller number considered supporting and sharing the diverse arts and culture of the
Bay Area to be a way to promote harmony within the community.

In the Bay Area, one of the unique things is that we have very diverse culture through

the arts. Those things help make the community harmonious. So I really support arts
and culture.

Peter Liu

Peter Liu's giving philosophy is to look
at an issue and ask, "How can you help?"
He is a committed supporter of organ-
izations that help people to better
themselves and their societies.

Born in Beijing and raised in Taiwan,
Mr. Liu came to the Bay Area to study
business at University of California,
Berkeley. He went on to become involved
in venture capital in Taiwan and China
and in efforts to foster economic
cooperation between China and the U.S.

His philanthropic vision includes investing
in organizations that improve conditions
for individuals and groups. Mr. Liu says
that: "I am an investment professional,
and if I make a return, I always like to
celebrate by giving back to the society.
I always like to help people."

Social justice. A desire to promote social justice at the community
and societal levels was also noted as a guiding value. Many
participants believe that reducing disparities in wealth and well-being
promotes harmony at all levels, and that there is an obligation on
the part of those who have been successful to assist those in need.

I also believe that helping other people will create a

more harmonious and peaceful society. I think the gap
between the haves and the have-nots, if that could be
lessened, I think that is better for everybody.

In my generation, the ability for minorities to climb the

corporate ladder has changed dramatically. ...One of my
biggest drives is to continue to try to pave the road for
this next generation in that matter. That's much more
important to me than the symphony or the ballet.

The guiding value of "giving back"
was a common theme mentioned
by nearly all respondents

SILICON VALLEY COMMUNITY FOUNDATION