People all over the world flock to this place – Silicon Valley – where we work and live. But they don’t come for the things that normally attract businesses to a specific geography like low tax-rates, affordable housing and excellent public transportation.
Rather, the phenomenon of Silicon Valley is all about the people. It’s about people supporting and investing in each other; powerful networks; and a deep accumulation of knowledge. Silicon Valley is powered by the people.
And people have helped make Silicon Valley a land of opportunity for many. But it’s not the case for everyone.
For so many of our neighbors – economic mobility has stalled. In fact, we face a real and growing opportunity gap. Our middle class is shrinking, and the percentage of people who are poor is growing. And this rising tide is not, in point of fact, lifting all boats.
But why am I sharing this rather depressing news with you?
Because if we don’t find a way to do something about economic disparity, we all stand to lose.
In our fast-paced, Silicon Valley lifestyle, it can be challenging to know how to make a difference – especially when it comes to complex challenges like economic mobility. But on Tuesday, May 5 Microsoft and Silicon Valley Community Foundation will make it very easy for all of us to make a difference!
Opportunity Fund is just one of the hundreds of organizations participating in Silicon Valley Gives, a community-wide day of giving. At Opportunity Fund we believe that small amounts of money and financial advice can help people make permanent and lasting change in their own lives, driving economic mobility and building stronger communities. We accomplish this in the forms of microloans and microsavings. These very small business loans and savings accounts directly support small business owners, low-income students, and low-wage families because entrepreneurship, education, and sound financial habits are proven pathways to greater economic opportunity.
You have the power to make a difference for someone striving for a better life. Someone like Mamta
See you online Tuesday, May 5! And don’t forget you can schedule your donation today.
Brynne Speizer serves as the Individual Giving Officer at Opportunity Fund, California’s largest microfinance provider and a national leader in the microfinance movement. Each dollar Opportunity Fund invests, results in two dollars in economic activity such as increased wages, spending and taxes. And it’s fueled by philanthropic capital from individual, corporate and foundation donors.
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Microsoft is proud to serve as lead sponsor for Silicon Valley Gives 2015. Over the last six months, Microsoft has hosted 5 training sessions for over 600 participants to strengthen non-profits and prepare them for Silicon Valley Gives. On May 5, Microsoft will host giving events at Stanford Shopping Center and Valley Fair Mall and sponsor matching prizes for 13 local non-profits, including the company’s national YouthSpark partners. Microsoft thanks Silicon Valley Community Foundation for its leadership and vision.
