Overview

Through our projects and partners, Vesper Society advances our vision of a world that is compassionate, protects human dignity, and enhances human potential.

Every day, we link arms with leaders of overlooked communities who want to create a healthy future, and help them devise ways to do it.

Our office is based in the San Francisco Bay Area, and we support organizations in pockets of underserved urban communities. However, we know that private foundation funding has been declining in rural communities and, in the face of overwhelming urbanization, we also support organizations in rural areas.

Here are some commonly asked questions to help clarify our approach.

How does Vesper Society decide its partners?

Vesper Society continuously scans the environment and reaches out to individuals and organizations to engage in exploratory discussions. Through the course of these conversations, opportunities may arise for both Vesper Society and the organization to pursue programs that enable both to serve their missions.

At that time, Vesper Society will ask the potential partner for basic organizational and program information. This content is discussed by the Program Committee of the Board of Directors that meets three times a year in March, July, and November, at which time our partners are selected.

What does Vesper Society bring to its partnerships?

After settling on a partnership, Vesper Society introduces new ideas, expertise, and resources that enable them to improve the situations of their communities.

We don’t have prescribed formulas for solving complex social issues. We actively listen, we are flexible, and we adapt our approach to each situation so that every community we support receives what it really needs for maximum impact.

We know that private funding can serve as change capital that allows communities to explore options and find new solutions.

We value transparency, accountability, and integrity in our partnerships. Open communication is essential, and we develop and regularly review a Memorandum of Understanding to outline expectations and outcomes of the partnership.

Does Vesper Society provide grants?

Vesper Society is a private operating foundation, not a grantmaking foundation. We do not have a grants program, so we do not accept unsolicited proposals. The Foundation Center is an excellent source of information for those seeking grants.

Where does Vesper Society operate?

For the next several years, Vesper Society will focus on California, our home base. Historically, we have done international work in the Caribbean, Africa, and Central America, and our network extends to Europe, Middle East, and Asia.