For Immediate Release
August 20, 2002

Jeff Skoll Recognized as 2002 Outstanding Philanthropist

San Jose, CA - Driven by a desire to live in a world where healthy communities flourish and where individuals have opportunities to reach their full potential, Jeffrey S. Skoll has made generous and innovative contributions to philanthropy. On November 14, 2002, the Silicon Valley Chapter of the Association of Fund Raising Professionals will recognize Skoll's contributions by presenting him with the 2002 Outstanding Philanthropist Award.

Each year, the Association of Fund Raising Professionals (AFP) recognizes a family or individual with a proven record of exceptional generosity who, through direct financial support has demonstrated outstanding civic and charitable responsibility, and whose generosity encourages others to take philanthropic leadership roles on a community, regional, or national level.

"Just as eBay transformed the commercial market for goods, Jeff Skoll has been a pioneer in the public benefit sector," said Peter Hero, president of Community Foundation Silicon Valley. " For example, in1998 when Jeff wanted to find a way to give back to the eBay community, he founded the eBay Foundation- the first foundation to be created with pre-IPO stock. He was also a founding member of the Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, a giving circle for young donors to become engaged in philanthropy. There is ample evidence of Jeff's commitment to philanthropy."

In 1999, due in great part to Jeff's leadership, the eBay Foundation received the "Outstanding Corporate Grantmaker" award from the Association of Fund Raising Professionals to recognize its sustained and extensive commitment in support of philanthropy.

"Jeff's greatest contribution will be the work of his foundation, the Skoll Foundation," said Debra Engel, private investor and Board Member of the Skoll Foundation. "In Silicon Valley, with the abundance of talent and resources focused on social change, the future of our local and global community is full of hope."

In 1999, Jeff Skoll founded the Skoll Foundation, a supporting foundation of Community Foundation Silicon Valley. The Skoll Foundation's mission is to empower those with the greatest potential to make a lasting positive contribution to their community and to the globe. Since inception, the foundation has granted more than $9 million to 155 public benefit corporations. Its programmatic focus is in four areas: transformational learning, kindling the entrepreneurial spirit, technology, and the public benefit sector.

"Jeff's effectiveness as a champion for philanthropy is vested in his personal integrity: he walks the talk, serving as a quiet but highly inspiring role model for those who are beginning to think seriously about what they can do to make the world better," said David A. Sandretto, Executive Director of Second Harvest Food Bank of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. In response to the tragedies of September 11th, Jeff created the Silicon Valley Urgency Fund to support safety net services locally and he encouraged others to contribute. In late 2001 and early 2002, , the Urgency Fund awarded nearly $2.99 million to 52 organizations to meet critical needs for food, shelter, clothing, and primary health care in Silicon Valley.

AFP's Philanthropy Day is a nationwide event which offers the public benefit sector and the corporate community the opportunity to recognize their top volunteers and highlight the efforts of local community philanthropists. The local Silicon Valley luncheon will be held on Thursday, November 14th at the Fairmont Hotel in San Jose. For tickets or more information on the event, contact Barb Larson, AFP Philanthropy Day Chair, at 408.278.2204 or blarson@cfsv.org.

Contact:
Terry Nagel - Skoll Foundation
media@skollfoundation.org