SOURCE OF WEALTH: Micro-Mechanics
FUNDING AREAS: Education, homelessness, animals, Christian Science
OVERVIEW: Christopher Borch and his wife, Andrea, do their grantmaking through the Borch Foundation, which made over $600,000 in grants in a recent year. Borch supports higher education, especially his alma mater, Furman University. Other funding priorities include animal organizations and housing for homeless and vulnerable people.
BACKGROUND: Christopher Borch graduated from Furman University and received an MBA from Wharton. He worked at several makers of automatic assembly equipment, including Kulicke & Soffa. In 1982, he founded Micro-Mechanics, a manufacturer of precision parts and tools for the semiconductor, aerospace, medical and other high-tech industries.
ISSUES:
EDUCATION: Education is the Borchs’ largest area of giving, accounting for well over half of the foundation’s grantmaking. Via their foundation, the couple supports Christorpher’s alma mater, Furman University, where they recently made a $1 million pledge to support the track and cross country programs. Other higher education grantees include the University of Southern California, the University of Colorado at Denver and San Jose State University. 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.”
HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS: Housing and homelessness represent a smaller area of giving for the Borchs, who do not outline specific goals for their grantmaking in this area. Past grantees include Twelveacres, a Christian Science residential care facility in Cambell, California, and Lifemoves, a homeless shelter in Menlo Park, California.
ANIMALS AND WILFLIFE: The Borsch Foundation supports organizations that support the well being of both domestic and wild animals. Past grantees include the Humane Society Silicon Valley, the Wildlife Center of Silicon Valley, World Wildlife Fund, the Marine Mammal Center and the Monterrey Bay Aquarium.
LOOKING FORWARD: The Borchs’ grantmaking has increased over the past few years. This funder will likely to continue supporting education, housing, animals and Christian Science organizations.
CONTACT:
The Borch Family Foundation accepts applications for funding at this address:
Christopher and Andrew W. Borch
14315 Taos Drive
Saratoga, CA 95070
(408) 395-5585
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