Full Circle Fund's Board of Directors with Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus November 2008 | Photo by Gene X. Hwang, Orange Photography

As we reflect on Full Circle Fund's 2008 milestones, we can't help but look forward to another successful year in 2009. Our communities need strong, inspired, leaders as they face new challenges, and our nonprofit grant partners need our support more than ever. Now is exactly the time when our model can be the most effective because it leverages time and talent. To this end, we welcome a year focused on impact and cultivating a strong community of leaders as well as focusing on our long-term sustainably during these tough economic times.

In 2008, the nation gathered together under a banner of change and innovation; here at Full Circle Fund, we were no different! Most significantly, we expanded beyond the San Francisco Bay Area for the first time with the launch of our Global Economic Opportunity Circle at our 2008 Forum...

Continue reading...

Excellence in teaching is arguably the most important influence on student learning, but is not supported by today’s pay system for teachers. During the Education Circle's grant cycle three years ago, our members searched for organizations that were working on reforming teacher compensation in California; however, they were not able to identify one— it was still a taboo subject. Under the leadership of project lead Stephen Dodson, and Circle Chair Jeff Camp, the young leaders of the Full Circle Fund Alt Comp project team came together to tackle this critical but politically charged issue by first increasing the dialogue and then convening an incredible advisory group. Due to the success of this work, and helped by initial funding from the Stuart Foundation and Hewlett Foundation, the Alt Comp project has been awarded a new $320,000 grant from the Stuart and Noyce Foundations. Thanks to this, and a newfound partnership with Policy Analysis for California (PACE) the team will now be able to engage in a statewide dialogue that will be incredibly exciting for the potential impact on education in California.

Continue reading...

In January 2009, Full Circle Fund proudly welcomed twelve new fellows to our organization. This program, made possible by the generous support of Thomas and JaMel Perkins, is a two-year scholarship enabling exceptional leaders from the nonprofit and public sectors to participate as members of Full Circle Fund. One of the most critical components in keeping Full Circle Fund's membership base balanced with both private and public sector members is the Community Fellows Program. Fellows share their expertise with other Full Circle Fund members, enabling us to more effectively partner with our grantees. In turn, the program provides Fellows access to business expertise as well as opportunities for networking, leadership development, and community impact.

Meet the new Community Fellows...

Full Circle Fund is founded on the idea that partnerships between the private and public sectors are what inspire true change. In February, two great speakers addressed Full Circle Fund, inspiring members and highlighting just how much these partnerships can change lives.

José Cisneros, Treasurer of the City and County of San Francisco addressed the Global Economic Opportunity Circle, explaining the history of the groundbreaking program Bank on San Francisco. At the Environment Circle, Phil Angelides, Board Chairman of Apollo Alliance, spoke about "Building America's New Clean Energy Economy." Visit our website for an event recap, including a video of Phil's talk.

Read the recap of José's talk...

Read the recap of Phil's talk...

Special thanks to our venue sponsors, JP Morgan Chase, and Morrison & Foerster and our other sponsors, community partners and volunteers.

Hanson Bridgett

Spot.us Project