Recent Articles
“Pesticide exposure tied to asthma in farmers”
A recent study of nearly 20,000 farmers found that high pesticide exposure can double the risk of asthma.
Scientific American – Anthony J. Brown, MD, September 17, 2007
www.sciam.com

“States tackle global warming”
While the federal government is dragging its heels on addressing global warming, states such as Vermont and California are taking the matter into their own hands and proposing initiatives to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
Atlanta Journal Constitution – Lyle Harris, September 18, 2007
www.ajc.com

“The best U.S. weapon against Iran is diplomacy”
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad’s controversial visit to the United States was further evidence that relations between the U.S. and Iran continue to move rapidly in the wrong direction. John Burroughs argues that this is the moment when the U.S. needs to abandon its policy of avoiding direct communication with Iran and engage the nation head-on in diplomatic talks about its nuclear enrichment program and other sources of concern. Only through negotiations can tensions be eased and confrontation averted.
Newsday – John Burroughs, September 26, 2007
www.newsday.com

“Dealing With Threatening Space Rocks”
The European Space Agency is planning a mission to study a possible course of action against potential meteorite impacts.
The mission, named “Don Quixote,” would send out a spacecraft to monitor an asteroid for several months, and in the next phase send out another spacecraft for the purposes of crashing into the asteroid while the first makes observations.
Space Daily – Staff Writers, September 21, 2007
www.spacedaily.com

“Congressional Philanthropy Caucus Ready to Take Off”
Having announced plans earlier this year to form a committee that would address issues connecting the United States government and the philanthropic community, the House of Representatives is now poised to launch the Congressional Philanthropy Caucus. The bi-partisan caucus is currently made up of 25 legislators from across the country. Its goal, according to co-chairs Representative Stephanie Tubbs Jones (D-OH) and Representative Robin Hayes (R-NC), is to “1) inform members of Congress and congressional staff about the important role that foundations play in our communities and around the world; 2) identify issues of mutual interest to the philanthropic sector and lawmakers; and 3) raise awareness about legislative issues affecting foundations, such as the recent changes to donor-advised funds and supporting organizations.”
The Chronicle of Philanthropy – Suzanne Perry, September 27, 2007
www.philanthropy.com

“Liberating women, one grant at a time”
For 20 years, the Global Fund For Women (GFW) has worked with and on behalf of women all over the world, using grantmaking as a tool to create social change and improve lives. For 11 of those years, Kavita Ramdas has been at the helm of GFW, guiding its mission and growing its reach and influence to over 150 countries.
India Post – Srirekha N. Chakravarty, September 19, 2007
www.indiapost.com


September 14 Update:

Kirsch Center Named One of Top 10 Livable Buildings in U.S.
The University of California at Berkeley Center for the Built Environment has identified the Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies as a model building that demonstrates “exceptional performance in terms of occupant satisfaction, resource efficiency, and overall design.” The Kirsch Center, located on the De Anza Community College campus, was selected as 1 of the top 10 out of over 300 projects. Final judging will take place over the next month and the winners will be announced on October 18, 2007. The Kirsch Center for Environmental Studies was partially funded by a $2 million grant from the Kirsch Foundation in 2000.

Donate to the Foundation
The Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation, as a 501(c)3 public charity (tax ID number 77-0502997), accepts donations from individuals and organizations. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. If you would like to make a donation, please make your check payable to the “Steven and Michele Kirsch Foundation” and send it to: 2440 W. El Camino Real, Ste. 300, Mountain View, CA 94040. Unfortunately, we are unable to accept credit card donations; we apologize for any inconvenience. Please provide your contact information – name, address, phone and email – along with your check so that we can properly acknowledge your gift. Unless otherwise designated, all donations received will support Waldenstrom’s Macroglobulinemia research in honor of Steve Kirsch, who was diagnosed with this disease in August 2007. If you would like your gift to support all of the Foundation’s current activities, please indicate that it is to be used for general support when you send in your contribution. We thank you, in advance, for your support.

Recent Articles
“Governor: Sign air district bill”
This editorial urges Governor Schwarzenegger to sign SB 719 (Machado), affirming his belief that the San Joaquin Valley’s air district needs to take more aggressive steps to combat air pollution problems.
Fresno Bee – Editorial, September 12, 2007
www.fresnobee.com

“Environmentalists sue EPA over ship pollution”
Earthjustice, on behalf of the environmental advocacy group Friends of the Earth, alleges that the federal EPA neglected to regulate ship engine emissions by the April 2007 deadline.
Oakland Tribune – Francine Brevetti, September 8, 2007
www.insidebayarea.com/oaklandtribune.com

“Defining our nuclear strategy”
Unpredictable world leaders like those in Iran and North Korea are keeping the threat of nuclear weapons alive, and the United States is sending mixed messages about its own nuclear standing. In this editorial, former Congressman and Iraq Study Group co-chair Lee Hamilton draws on his years of experience working on these issues to suggest a course of action for our nation.
The Indianapolis Star – Lee Hamilton, September 10, 2007
www.indystar.com

“Broad donates $20 million to UCLA for stem cell research”
The University of California at Los Angeles received a $20 million gift from the Eli and Edythe Broad Foundation for the advancement of stem cell research.
Fresno Bee – September 10, 2007
www.fresnobee.com

“22nd Century Philanthropy: High Efficiency, High Leverage”
The popularity of venture philanthropy has proven that there is a way to apply traditional business practices in the nonprofit world. Now another business model – the incentive prize – is finding its way into philanthropy, and some see potential for significant impact.
The Huffington Post – Peter H. Diamandis, September 3, 2007
www.huffingtonpost.com

“Squaring local issues with giving circles”
Everyone who engages in philanthropy has their preferred approach to giving. Some open a donor-advised fund, others start their own foundations, and as this article illustrates, many prefer the group dynamic offered by giving circles. Particularly popular among women, giving circles allow like-minded donors to make a big impact by operating collectively.
Financial Times – Lauren Foster, September 7, 2007
www.ft.com


August 2007 Archives

August 31 Update:

Ruling Could Help Fleet Vehicles Go Green
Over the past several years, a number of Kirsch Foundation environmental grants supported greening fleet vehicles. A Los Angeles Times article discusses the recent ruling in Southern California, which states that governments have the authority to require publicly funded fleets such as school buses to use alternative fuels. This victory could pave the way for other state and local governments looking to reduce emissions.

Learning to "Be the Change"
May van Scherrenburg, the Foundation’s Director, Grantmaking, has been accepted into Acterra’s 2007-08 “Be the Change” Leadership Program. Over the course of the year, participants ranging from business leaders to educators to social activists will learn skills that enable them to live in balance with nature, and through community projects, bring about the same awareness to those around them. Congratulations, May!

Peter Hero – Board Member Emeritus
As recognition for his years of service on the Foundation’s Board of Directors, as well as for his early mentorship of Steve Kirsch in the area of philanthropy, Peter Hero has been named Board Member Emeritus of the Kirsch Foundation. We thank Peter for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to our work, and we are pleased to honor him with this title.

Recent Foundation Grants
The Kirsch Foundation is pleased to announce the following grants:

Environmental Grant:

• California League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
  
  

Silicon Valley Community Grant:

• People Acting in Community Together (PACT)
  
  

Discretionary Grant:

• Help Raise Healthy Children
  
  

Recent Articles
“Clean air deadline seen as too long”
Residents of Arvin, California – the smoggiest town in the smoggiest region of the United States – continue to stand up and make their voices heard on the issue of cleaning up the air they breathe. Most recently, a mass of demonstrators picketed outside a meeting of the California Air Resources Board, which earlier this year voted to extend a deadline for cleaner air from 2013 to 2024. The concerned citizens then moved into the meeting itself, where one after another spoke about the health issues facing their families, and their unwillingness to sit back and allow the Valley’s poor air to harm them for another decade.
The Bakersfield Californian – Stacey Shepard, August 29, 2007
www.bakersfield.com/news/

“Greenhouse Gases Likely Drove Near-record U.S. Warmth In 2006”
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association released a report stating that greenhouse gases produced an unusually high warming pattern last year, resulting in the second highest temperatures since record keeping began in 1895.
American Geophysical News Release – August 28, 2007
www.sciencedaily.com

“The threat of killer space rocks”
According to a recent study, both the U.S. and China are the most likely places on the planet that a meteorite will hit. Due to a lack of funding, however, tracking programs may not be able to detect hazards far enough ahead of time to prepare or take preventative action.
CNN.com – Kevin Krajick, August 22, 2007
www.cnn.com

“After $131.8 Million, Donors Cite Slow Katrina Work”
It has been two years since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated the Gulf Coast, and those organizations engaged in long-term efforts to rebuild and revitalize the region are facing ongoing challenges. In particular, four large foundations which have donated a combined $131.8 million and remain committed to and involved in the recovery have run into obstacles based on the lack of prior familiarity with the communities they are trying to aid.
Bloomberg.com – Laurence Arnold, August 27, 2007
www.bloomberg.com


August 20 Update:

Health News About Kirsch Foundation's Co-Founder and Chairman
In mid-August, the Kirsch Foundation staff learned that the organization’s Co-Founder and Chairman, Steve Kirsch, had been diagnosed with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, a rare blood cancer. We are all saddened by Steve’s diagnosis, and our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. As might be expected when developments like these arise, the Kirsch Foundation’s Board of Directors will be having conversations in the coming months about our grantmaking, public policy activities, and overall focus, in order to determine how we can play a role in the treatment/cure of this disease. In the meantime, we will still be carrying on business-as-usual at the Foundation. Please direct any questions you might have to Susan Frank, President & CEO of the Kirsch Foundation.


Recent Foundation Grants
The Kirsch Foundation is pleased to announce the following grants:

Political Reform and Global Theme Grant:

• People For The American Way Foundation
  

Silicon Valley Community Grants:

• Domestic Violence Intervention Collaborative
• Girl Scouts of Santa Clara County
• Tech Museum of Innovation

Recent Articles
“EPA visit to Fresno sparks protests”
Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Stephen Johnson’s visit to the San Joaquin Valley prompted community activists to object to being excluded from a meeting on air pollution.
Fresno Bee – Barbara Anderson, August 8, 2007
www.fresnobee.com

“School bus company to fix or replace all its diesel vehicles”
As a result of a settlement, Durham School Services, California’s second largest school bus company, will replace or retrofit buses to reduce children’s exposure to diesel fumes. Diesel exhaust has been identified as a carcinogen and contributes to asthma and other respiratory problems.
San Francisco Chronicle – Bob Egelko, August 8, 2007
www.sfgate.com


July 2007 Archives

July 27 Update:

Update on Foundation-Supported California Environmental Legislation
In each California legislative session, the Foundation works on numerous State Senate and Assembly bills in an effort to improve air quality in the state. Our primary public policy focus is reducing air pollution in the San Joaquin Valley. As in previous years, we are supporting legislation that would change the membership of the Valley’s Air District Governing Board (SB 719-Machado) in order to add public health voices to District decision-making processes. Read about all the legislation we are working on this year.

Foundation Gift for Castilleja School Centennial
Castilleja School, located in Palo Alto, California, is celebrating the 100th anniversary of its founding. In honor of Castilleja’s Centennial, the Kirsch Foundation is making a grant to support the construction of a Fitness and Athletics Center. In recognition of the gift, the Training Room will be named in honor of the Kirsch Family.

Recent Foundation Grants
The Kirsch Foundation is pleased to announce the following grants:

Environmental Grants:

• League of Conservation Voters Education Fund
  
• Merced/Mariposa County Asthma Coalition
  

Silicon Valley Community Grants:

• Cantor Arts Center at Stanford University
  
• Castilleja School
  

Recent Articles
“Firms fume over proposed diesel rules”
Newly appointed Air Resources Board Chairwoman Mary Nichols is getting push back from the construction industry in an attempt to postpone new equipment requirements which curb diesel emissions and reduce air pollution.
San Francisco Chronicle – Greg Lucas, July 23, 2007
www.sfgate.com

“On Nuclear Negotiations”
The world is at a highly dangerous and complicated juncture in the Nuclear Era. Iran and North Korea are developing nuclear technology, and even as the United States is working to derail those efforts, we are not doing enough to move ourselves toward disarmament. Drawing on recent speeches by prominent politicians addressing the nuclear threat, this article suggests how both the U.S. and Russia can work concurrently to move us all in the right direction – away from nuclear proliferation.
San Francisco Chronicle – Steve Andreasen, July 19, 2007
www.sfgate.com

“Ancient Meteorite Debris Found In Minn.”
Geologists in Minnesota discover effects from the distant past of a meteorite impact that originated 500 miles away in Canada. “It may reveal some secrets about the impact that other discoveries haven't yet,” states geologist Mark Jirsa.
CBS News – July 16, 2007
www.cbsnews.com


July 13 Update:

Foundation Renews Support of American Musical Theatre of San Jose
As part of its commitment to the arts community in Silicon Valley, the Foundation recently renewed its support of American Musical Theatre San Jose (AMTSJ) with a $25,000 grant for the organization’s upcoming season, which will include productions of Guys and Dolls, Cabaret and Little Shop of Horrors. AMTSJ has been providing outstanding musical theater to the region since 1934, and the Foundation is proud to offer its support to this local institution. See all of the Foundation's 2007 grants.

Welcome Back to Connie Padre
The Foundation welcomes Connie Padre back to the staff as a part-time Program Associate. Connie is supporting May van Scherrenburg, Director of Grantmaking, in grant-related activities for the Environmental and Political Reform & Global Theme grants programs, as well as administering occasional Discretionary/Community grants. She also coordinates special projects. Connie first joined the Foundation as an Executive Assistant in April 2001 and added the title of Communications Associate in October 2003. She left the Foundation in April 2006 to start a family. Read about all the board and other staff at the Kirsch Foundation.

Recent Foundation Grants
The Kirsch Foundation is pleased to announce the following grants:

Environmental Grant:

• Central Valley Air Quality (CVAQ) Coalition
  

Silicon Valley Community Grants:

• American Musical Theatre San Jose
  
• Community School of Music and Arts
  
  

Recent Articles
“It’s not easy being green, Schwarzenegger learns”
The San Joaquin Valley’s air troubles have received increased attention around California in the last few weeks. Governor Schwarzenegger’s decisions to fire Robert Sawyer from his position as chairman of the California Air Resources Board and replace him with Mary Nichols, a highly respected and experienced veteran on the issues facing the board, were ostensibly positive moves, but have in fact harmed the Governor’s green reputation. If he wants to prove his commitment to solving the Valley’s air problems, he needs to throw his considerable muscle at the issue, effective immediately.
The Modesto Bee – Editorial, July 5, 2007
modbee.com

“Stem cells partition labs”
When President Bush vetoed, for the second time, a bill that would open more lines of embryonic stem cells for federally-funded research, his decision affected medical professionals in ways beyond the obvious. Because federal funds can not be connected, even indirectly, to stem cell lines impacted by the veto, privately-funded stem cell researchers working side-by-side with federally-funded colleagues need to keep every aspect of their work separate – from the space where that work is conducted, all the way down to the brand of pens used in the lab. This article chronicles the bureaucracy that throws new challenges at doctors and researchers who already have the difficult task of curing major diseases.
St. Petersburg Times – Wes Allison, July 5, 2007
www.sptimes.com