Borch Foundation
/OVERVIEW: The Borch Foundation’s grantmaking includes support of education, human services and animal organizations.
IP TAKE: The Borch Foundation has broad funding interests and does not have a clear giving strategy. Considering the Borch Foundation does not have a website and prefers to keep its head down, it’s surprising that it welcomes unsolicited requests for funding. According to the foundation’s most recent available tax records, it does not require applicants to fill out a specific form, but it is open to receiving letters of introduction and grant requests by mail. An address is provided below.
PROFILE: Established in 2007, the Borch Foundation was founded by tech mogul Chris Borch and his wife, Andrea. Chris and Angela Borch have written for Christian Science media outlets. Chris also ran track at Furman University, and the couple has given millions to Chris’ alma mater. Borch has a Silicon Valley engineering and manufacturing operation for his Micro-Mechanics (Holdings) Ltd., as well as a factory in Morgan Hill, California. While the foundation lacks transparency and does not maintain a public website, tax filings suggest that the Borch Foundation supports education, human services, and animal organizations.
Grants for Religious Causes
Past grantees include Arden Wood, whose mission is to “support healing through skillful Christian Science nursing care and training, inspired living, and Christly service.” Another Christian Science grantee is the Link School, an alternative high school rooted in Christian Science.
Grants for K-12 and Higher Education
Borch supports higher education, especially his alma mater, Furman University, where the foundation made a $1 million pledge to support the track and cross-country programs. Education is the Borchs’ largest area of giving, accounting for well over half of the foundation’s grantmaking. Other higher education grantees include the University of Colorado at Denver and San Jose State University. He serves on the Dean’s Board of the University of Southern California’s Engineering School, which is also an important site of giving.
The foundation’s K-12 grantees include the LINK School in Buena Vista, Colorado and the Boys and Girls Clubs of Silicon Valley. It is worth noting that the Borchs are Christian Scientists and have also supported Adventure Unlimited, which provides “enriching activities for thousands of Christian Science young people and their families.”
Grants for Environment, and Wildlife and Animal Welfare
The Borsch Foundation supports organizations that support the well-being of both domestic and wild animals. It has given support to the Humane Society Silicon Valley, the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, World Wildlife Fund, the Marine Mammal Center, Nature Conservancy, and San Jose Animal Care Center. Other grantees include Best Friends Animal Society and the Monterrey Bay Aquarium.
Grants for Housing, Homelessness, and Community Development
The foundation has supported a number of organizations focused on homelessness. Past grantees include Twelveacres, a Christian Science residential care facility in Cambell, California, Second Harvest Food Bank, Salvation Army Harbor Light Center, Habitat for Humanity in San Francisco, and Lifemoves, a homeless shelter in Menlo Park, California.
Important Grant Details
Borch Foundation grants range from $200 to $500,000, with $1,000 being the most common amount.
The foundation accepts unsolicited requests for funding via mail and does not have deadlines.
It gives to charitable organizations only and does not give to individuals.
Despite favoring the Bay Area, it does not place geographic restrictions on its grantmaking.
Contact information is listed below.
PEOPLE:
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CONTACT:
Christopher and Andrea Borch
14315 Taos Drive
Saratoga, CA 95070
408-395-5585
