SV2 Teens has shown me the importance of philanthropy,” says Lexie Kirsch. “It's not very hard to give a little, and when that little goes a long way, it's so worth it." This year, the Teens focused on poverty in Silicon Valley and awarded grants to 49ers Academy, Ravenswood Family Health Clinic, and Stevenson House.

Finishing up its third year of educational and grantmaking activities, the SV2 Teens program continues to inspire students to use service and philanthropy to make change in their communities.

“Poverty is a complex and emotionally difficult issue,” said SV2 Executive Director Lindsay Austin Louie. “We wanted to give our students the opportunity to confront it, but also be inspired by the tireless work of some amazing community-based nonprofits.”

Over six meetings, the students participated in a “poverty simulation,” learned about how nonprofits operate, and did service projects for the three potential Grantee organizations. The Teens then had a lively discussion to decide how to allocate the grant funds -- they awarded $5400 to 49ers Academy, $1400 to Ravenswood Family Health Clinic, and $700 to Stevenson House. Last Sunday, SV2 Teens and their families gathered to celebrate and to present checks to the three Grantees.

Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, SV2 Founder and Board Chairman Emeritus, recently launched her new book, Giving 2.0: Transform Your Giving and Our World. Check out the recent media coverage, featuring Laura and SV2:

Rebooting Philanthropy in Silicon Valley, New York Times 

Giving 2.0: Getting Together to Give, Stanford Social Innovation Review

Social-Venture Fund Matures and Thrives (PDF), Chronicle of Philanthropy

Philanthroteens: Transforming Teens Into Givers, Huffington Post 

Mercury News interview: Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen, San Jose Mercury News

Arrillaga-Andreessen Sees Technology Helping Charities, Washington Post / Bloomberg West 

More SV2 in the News