Anne M. Yamamoto

“I learned about community service as a young 4-Her growing up in a small rural community in the Central Valley,” says Anne M. Yamamoto.  “Being involved with Community Foundation Silicon Valley has given me a way to feel connected and to contribute in a much larger environment.”

Since moving to Silicon Valley nearly 30 years ago, Anne has put down roots, serving on several nonprofit boards. Both she and husband Bryan Polster have served on the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors – Anne is currently treasurer – and have created a donor-advised fund. As an accountant, Anne often encourages the venture capitalists and entrepreneurs she works with to give back as well.

“I believe that many people in this valley are philanthropic,” Anne says. “This philanthropy will span generations to come. It will be important to have a community organization that will be responsive and in tune to the needs of the area as they change and evolve over time.”

For this reason, she and her husband decided to support the new Community Investment Fund at CFSV, which was created for Community Foundation’s 50th Anniversary with a $5 million challenge grant from the Skoll Foundation. This fund is an unrestricted endowment for our region – a savings account to build a better Silicon Valley.

“CFSV has had a huge impact on philanthropy in the Valley.  Yet the assets of the foundation are largely in donor-advised funds and support organizations,” Anne states. “The Community Foundation can have an even greater impact by having more discretionary funds to address current and future needs.”