Funder's Corner: A BayLines Original Article

Donor Reception and National Philanthropy Day

Marine Science Institute hosted a fun donor reception on September 26, 2016 to recognize Sand Hill Foundation as our Funder of the Year. Sand Hill Foundation funds our great mission, but they also demonstrate an outstanding commitment to philanthropy through their financial support, encouragement and motivation for all their grantees in taking leadership roles in their communities.

Since 1995, Sand Hill Foundation has provided over $92 million in grants to organizations in San Mateo and northern Santa Clara counties, primarily for environmental education and Silicon Valley out-of-school programs. In that time, they’ve granted Marine Science Institute more than $300,000. Their last gift to us was $35,000 to help fund the critical repairs and reinforcements needed for our dock.

On November 18, 2016, the Association of Fundraising Professionals Silicon Valley Chapter hosted Silicon Valley Philanthropy Day, a grand celebration attended by 700 fundraisers and community leaders at the Santa Clara Convention Center. Sand Hill Foundation was there because we nominated them for the Outstanding Foundation Grant Maker award, and they won! Marine Science Institute was there to watch with pride as our Funder of the Year accepted this wonderful honor. Thank you, Sand Hill Foundation!

Ash McNeely, SHF Executive Director; Susan Ford Dorsey, SHF Board President; Jamie Heisch, SHF Grants Manager; and Jessi Misslin, SHF Senior Program Officer.