Philanthropy class offered at Laney
Ten-grand grand offered to school for best project
Vina Cera
Issue date: 2/8/07 Last update: 2/10/07 at 4:22 PM PST
Section: Features
Sommerville began his own Foundation, Philanthropic Ventures Foundation, in 1990, enlightening his colleagues with his forward thinking philosophy, innovative ideas and new types of grants. For example, the "immediate response" grant was proposed, to give local K-12 teachers the sum of $500 within 48 hours, for any worthwhile classroom project not in their budget. All they had to do was fax him with the request and justification for the project, and within 48 hours, they had a check in the mail. This became known as the "fax grant."
He began a whole new genre of "discretionary" grants to fund creative and forward looking individuals, giving them a lump sum to be used at their discretion, trusting them to do what was best for their situation. These "discretionary" grants are currently being used by juvenile judges and social workers, librarians, and many others.
The Foundation's annual report has a long list of "paperless" projects. McClymonds High in Oakland benefitted with a "Just say Yes!" Program. The student newspaper was funded and restarted, and a large amount was granted to seed the start of its model clinic, now run by Childrens Hospital.
Sommerville not only matches donors to causes, but he becomes personally involved, lining up professional volunteers to participate in the various situations, from business people to lawyers, doctors, medical students-whoever has the skill sets and the humanitarian impulses. His imprint has also been felt here at Laney even before this new course. His foundation donated funds to help make the atmosphere in the former Beginners Inn more pleasant, he's sponsoring Noon Concerts, and is currently looking into working with the Cosmetology Department.
The class is attended both by folks with causes, seeking to learn the ins and outs of philanthropic sources and how to successfully approach them, and by those working in the nonprofit and foundation areas, to share ideas and find collaborative areas for more efficient responses with the greatest impact.
He began a whole new genre of "discretionary" grants to fund creative and forward looking individuals, giving them a lump sum to be used at their discretion, trusting them to do what was best for their situation. These "discretionary" grants are currently being used by juvenile judges and social workers, librarians, and many others.
The Foundation's annual report has a long list of "paperless" projects. McClymonds High in Oakland benefitted with a "Just say Yes!" Program. The student newspaper was funded and restarted, and a large amount was granted to seed the start of its model clinic, now run by Childrens Hospital.
Sommerville not only matches donors to causes, but he becomes personally involved, lining up professional volunteers to participate in the various situations, from business people to lawyers, doctors, medical students-whoever has the skill sets and the humanitarian impulses. His imprint has also been felt here at Laney even before this new course. His foundation donated funds to help make the atmosphere in the former Beginners Inn more pleasant, he's sponsoring Noon Concerts, and is currently looking into working with the Cosmetology Department.
The class is attended both by folks with causes, seeking to learn the ins and outs of philanthropic sources and how to successfully approach them, and by those working in the nonprofit and foundation areas, to share ideas and find collaborative areas for more efficient responses with the greatest impact.
Viewing Comments 1 - 3 of 3
Jane Bailey
posted 2/21/09 @ 5:22 AM PST
Philanthropy is the act of donating money, goods, services, time and/or effort to support a socially beneficial cause, with a defined objective and with no financial or material reward to the donor. (Continued…)
Davin Cerbone
posted 5/22/09 @ 7:54 AM PST
Good and interesting article, thanks!
Pridavias VEI
posted 8/18/09 @ 11:55 AM PST
A friend of mine directed me here and I wanted to comment and thank you for all your hard work.
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