Big tech money philanthropists are innovative and business-minded. Learn how to appeal to this mentality and attract new funding for your organization.

By Eric Ressler  

Silicon Valley has emerged as a major new source of philanthropic activity. As the economy flourishes, tech entrepreneurs are pouring more and more money into the social impact space. But it’s not just about the money. These new-wave funders also bring with them a fresh take on how to approach philanthropy — and how to solve complex social and environmental problems. 

The resources flowing out of Silicon Valley are considerable. But for nonprofit organizations without existing connections (especially those situated far from major tech-boom cities), Silicon Valley funding can seem like a pipe dream. In part, that’s because the process is a lot less straightforward. Traditional philanthropists and long-established foundations use highly structured grant applications and review processes. Silicon Valley funders, on the other hand, are more likely to use informal vetting processes and network connections to make their funding decisions. 

If you want to secure Silicon Valley funding, you can’t just go online and download an application. But that doesn’t mean this important new source of funding is out of reach. Here’s how to go about priming the pump. 

Silicon Valley Funding: Why is it Different? 

Silicon Valley funding has rightly developed a reputation for being different. In many ways, it has emerged as its own distinct school of philanthropic thought. A school of thought that reflects and builds upon Silicon Valley’s disruption-oriented culture. 

In broad strokes, tech money philanthropists are innovative and business-minded. They believe in the power of big ideas and new technologies to displace old, tired paradigms and effect change. They have seen that this is true in their own startup-to-superstar business transformations. And they bring those same principles to the table in their role as funders. 

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