Stanford GSB Fellows

Stanford GSB Venture Philanthropy Fellows

SV2 has teamed up with the Public Management Program (PMP) at the Stanford Graduate School of Business to allow GSB students to participate as non-voting members in the learning, proposal, and decision process for making a grant to a nonprofit. Students may also choose to engage with selected nonprofits for ongoing advising and assistance.

What Does a Venture Philanthropy Fellow Do?
This program is primarily a learning experience for students. Fellows serve as non-voting members in the SV2 partnership during their grant making process. Meetings are typically once per month at lunch in Palo Alto over a 6-8 month period. Fellows will listen and contribute to the process as appropriate. During their fellowship, fellows have the opportunity to participate in further SV2 programs if desired, including advising selected grantees and attending other SV2 programs and seminars (must be approved).

What Is a Venture Philanthropy Fellow's Commitment?
Because this is a highly selective program, selected Fellows are expected to attend nearly all of the meetings during the 6-8 month period. Students may also wish to read appropriate materials, do research on nonprofit organizations, or work with grantees, though this is not required.

What Are the Key Benefits?

• Learn about issues in particular fields, such as education, environment, and international development
• Develop a network of philanthropists within the community
• Learn about specific nonprofit organizations and their leaders
• Learn about the grant making process and philanthropy from the donor's perspective
• Engage with leading nonprofits

Last year, successful applicants submitted a brief written application demonstrating their interest and experience in the field, and also showing that they can participate without missing any classes. Participants will attend an orientation session prior to the first SV2 meeting. Fellows are selected for one particular 6-8 month grant round on one particular topic (e.g., education). Other rounds of selection may be held for other topic areas at other times of the year.