Success Stories

Region: Northwest

Contorer Foundation stresses strategy and humility

When successful technology executive Aaron Contorer started his own family foundation, he was not simply trying to create a more meaningful life for himself. He felt compelled to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come. He seeks to accelerate social change in his community.  A former Microsoft executive who helped build products including Windows and MSN, Aaron became inspired by his former boss’ philanthropy while working with him in Seattle in the late 1990s.  “Bill Gates was obviously an amazing role model regarding the importance of philanthropy and focusing on results,” recalls Aaron, 41. “He looks at philanthropy as real work to improve the world rather than just the opportunity to write checks and hope that it does something.”

The Siebel Foundation: strategic focus achieves groundbreaking results

When Woodside, CA-based software developer Tom Siebel and his wife Stacey established the Thomas and Stacey Siebel Foundation in 1996, they did something few philanthropic organizations do:  they chose not to accept grant proposals. Investing primarily in projects it creates and operates, the Siebel Foundation’s strategic philanthropy focuses on community-based organizations that benefit the homeless and underprivileged, methamphetamine prevention as well as creative educational, research and alternative energy initiatives.  “I have the opportunity to work with some very talented people...where the consequences of failure are actually very low, and the consequences of success are almost unbelievable.”  Unbelievable success is exactly what the Siebel Foundation has achieved since launching The Meth Project in Montana in 2005.

Friedman Family Foundation takes aim at poverty's root causes

When Friedman Family Foundation directors review requests for funding, they begin with a question: “Does this program have the potential to promote or create community change?”  Established in 1964, by Phyllis Koshland Friedman, a member of the Levi Strauss family, and her late husband, Howard, the Friedman Family Foundation seeks long-term, widespread solutions to poverty. Lisa Kawahara, Friedman Family Foundation staffer:  “The Friedman family has always had an interest in true equity. For them, grants are not a way to give back – but a way to create opportunity for people."

Helping donors achieve impact

You have questions, when it comes to your community giving.  All over the country, your fellow donors have similar goals and face similar challenges. Learn how other donors are navigating their way to effective, satisfying community giving.

David and Sandy Perloff put passion for public education on a fast track

An engineer in Silicon Valley, David Perloff found himself on the winning end of a high tech merger a number of years ago. The couple decided they would use some of their earnings to create a charitable fund.  The Perloff Family Foundation was the result.  “We both got incredible benefits from public education,” says David's wife Sandy, “and we wanted to return the favor.”

The Gulf Coast: Lessons on Community Building and Re-building

Hurricanes and subsequent levy breaks and flooding devastated the Gulf Coast in August 2005.  This natural and man-made disaster was particularly destructive in low-income communities.  Years later, communities continue to re-build and engage all residents in envisioning a new future for the region.  Donors like you, from the Gulf Coast region and around the country, have made a real difference in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for the Gulf Coast.  Along the way, lessons have been learned which can help instruct community building efforts all over the United States.