National Venture Capital Association

Venture philanthropy applies venture capital strategies, skills, and resources to charitable giving. It focuses on leadership, bold ideas, developing strong teams, active board involvement, and long-term investment. Traditional foundations and academics are closely following several organizations that are now applying venture philanthropy practices while working to build both for-profit and non-profit organizations. In practice, venture philanthropy differs widely from organization to organization.

Fidelity Charitable Services

Recognizing that many venture capitalists have an interest in philanthropic activities, the NVCA formed a partnership with Fidelity Charitable Services® (FCS). FCS encourages philanthropy through a Giving Account® with the Fidelity® Charitable Gift Fund, a donor-advised fund program. In 2008, more than 240 NVCA members, with over $70M in assets, gave to nonprofits with a Giving Account.

FCS has extensive experience accepting and processing special asset contributions such as privately-held C- or S-Corp stock, real estate, carried interest, and limited partnership interests. We have many options to meet your giving needs including the Charitable Investment Advisor Program which offers you the ability to nominate an independent investment advisor to manage your Giving Account balance.

Through our partnership, NVCA members are eligible for an annual administration fee of 0.20%, reduced from 0.60%. NVCA has partnered with FCS since 2001. For more information, contact Allyson McDonald at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or visit www.FidelityCharitableServices.com.

Entrepreneurs Foundation

NVCA encourages its members to work with the Entrepreneurs Foundation (EF) in order to promote corporate citizenship within their portfolios. EF engages high growth companies in corporate citizenship and philanthropic efforts so that new and leveraged resources are generated for community benefit. EF works with emerging companies to develop a culture of community support and outreach. Recognizing the time and resource constraints typical of young companies, EF assists companies with the implementation of community involvement activities, matching their corporate culture and philanthropic interests with the many opportunities in the local community.

To demonstrate a commitment to the community, in joining EF, each company makes contribution of pre-IPO stock. A portion of this contribution is earmarked for the creation of our each company's own philanthropy fund and the rest supports EF's ongoing mission of engaging early-stage companies in philanthropic efforts.

For more information, please visit www.efbayarea.org.

Venture Philanthropy Organizations

Below is a list of organizations that work in the venture philanthropy arena. Please contact Jeanne Metzger at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it if you know of additional philanthropic organizations applying venture capital strategies to benefit our broader society.