The MENTOR Network
Charitable Foundation

The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation builds on The Network’s approach to human services by seeking new solutions for enhancing the lives of people with disabilities, as well as youth and families facing emotional, behavioral and other challenges.  The Network was founded by social entrepreneurs who believed that healthy, vibrant communities are exactly the right environments in which people with a range of abilities thrive.

The Foundation was established in 2007 and embodies The Network’s commitment to nurturing the excellence, creativity and innovation that ensures all individuals can live and succeed in the communities they call home.  We are committed to transforming the delivery of human services through the generation of new ideas and best practices, and seek to advance an agenda based on quality, accountability, and respect for the individual.

The focus of our giving is on organizations that take a fresh look at how people with disabilities and youth and families facing emotional, behavioral and other challenges are cared for in our society.  The Foundation also works to expand opportunity for the young people we serve through employment and educational support.

Grant Programs

The Foundation has different grant programs, all of which support various organizations and individuals throughout the year:

• Stepping Stones: Offers grant money for job training and readiness activities, vocational and higher education, and other programs that lead to self-sufficiency and independence for individuals we serve.
• Community Partners: Benefits organizations that are either delivering innovative care or developing new ideas and models for doing so.  These organizations mirror The Network in that they’re creative and focused on positively impacting individuals and communities.
• Community Champions: Recognizes Network employees who devote extraordinary amounts of time and energy to local charities.  Community Champions receive recognition throughout The Network, and their chosen nonprofit receives a gift of $500.00.

The following California organizations have been recognized as community partners:

Featured Community Partner

Via Rehabilitation Services, Inc. (Santa Clara, CA)

In 2018, Via Services was awarded a grand through the Foundation’s Community Partners program. Via Services has helped thousands of youth and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities achieve greater self-sufficiency and lead richer lives through high-quality programs.  Via’s Roots to Employment program teaches horticultural and carpentry skills that can be integrated into the lives of the individuals served. It instills knowledge, skills and attitudes associated with successful gardening and carpentry. A grant from The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation will support Roots to Employment. Participants will work in small groups with peers and program instructors to identify new carpentry and horticultural projects and will visit potential employers for tours and discuss employment opportunities. The program’s goals include to further build participants’ confidence to apply for paid employment or meaningful volunteer roles in the community.

About the Community Partners Program
For more information, visit the Community Partners section of our Charitable Foundation website.

To learn more about The MENTOR Network Charitable Foundation or to apply for a grant, please visit The MENTOR Network’s website.