Law Foundation Receives $3.4 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 5, 2023 

Contact: Annette Majerowicz, lfsv@fcpcommunications.com, (847) 977-4434


Law Foundation of Silicon Valley Receives $3.4 Million Gift from MacKenzie Scott

The Investment will Accelerate the Organization’s Mission to Advance Equity and Justice for Low-Income Individuals and Communities of Color in Silicon Valley


SAN JOSE, CA — Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, the South Bay’s largest legal nonprofit, today announced it received a $3.4 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott. This is the largest single donation the Law Foundation has ever received. This investment will drive meaningful progress toward the organization’s vision of achieving social justice in Silicon Valley.

“We are incredibly grateful to Ms. Scott,” said Alison Brunner, Chief Executive Officer of the Law Foundation. “The gift is a testament to the Law Foundation’s nearly 100 attorneys, advocates, social workers, and coordinating staff working hard to advance justice and equity in our community. And it honors our clients and their families who trust us to serve and advocate alongside them.”

The donation from Ms. Scott comes on the eve of the organization’s 50th anniversary in 2024. Since launching in 1974, the Law Foundation has provided tens of thousands of children and adults with free legal services aimed at ensuring access to quality education, safe and stable housing, improved health outcomes, freedom from discrimination, and financial security for our client communities. The Law Foundation also engages in strategic advocacy efforts to address the root causes of systemic inequities, especially those concerning poverty and racial disparities that have a significant impact on communities of color.

“We are dedicated to using legal advocacy to combat injustices like poverty, inequity, and child abuse,” continued Brunner. “Each year we serve more than 10,000 children and adults and demand for our services consistently outpaces what we can provide. This gift will help us to continue and deepen our commitment to serving children, low-income individuals and families, and communities of color in Silicon Valley.”

The donation coincides with the Law Foundation’s plans to launch a strategic planning process in the new year, which will guide how the funds are used.

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About the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley
The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is a nonprofit organization based in San Jose, dedicated to advancing the rights of under-represented individuals and families in our diverse community through legal services, strategic advocacy, and educational outreach. Since 1974, we have been committed to promoting justice and equality, addressing systemic issues, and empowering those in need through legal support. To get services, join us, donate, or learn more, visit lawfoundation.org.

Law Foundation Announces New Executive Leaders

The Law Foundation of Silicon Valley is excited to announce three additions to our executive leadership team. These impressive leaders will strengthen our organization and grow our long-term impact throughout Silicon Valley. We are thrilled to have the extensive experience of these individuals. Their knowledge and commitment to social justice will help lead the organization to a brighter future.

Cynthia Chagolla – As the Chief Program Officer, Cynthia will lead, integrate, and strengthen the Law Foundation’s legal services and systems change work across its program areas of Children & Youth, Health, and Housing. Cynthia most recently worked as the founding Directing Attorney at Bet Tzedek Legal Services in Los Angeles where she managed the Preventing and Ending Homelessness Project. During her time at Bet Tzedek, she played a leadership role in building the housing and tenant defense advocacy work, securing numerous contracts and millions of dollars of funding, and directing community outreach and legal clinics, among many other contributions. Prior to that, Cynthia practiced public interest law at Bay Area Legal Aid and California Rural Legal Assistance, Inc. She has worked on a broad range of poverty and racial justice issues through affirmative litigation, direct services, and community-driven advocacy.

Read Cynthia’s full announcement here.

Amber De Buizer – In this role, Amber leads the Law Foundation’s Development work, including fundraising, donor and foundation relations, and events, while playing a key strategic role as part of the executive leadership team. Amber has 21 years of experience in nonprofit and higher education fundraising, including a focus on programming for underserved communities. Most recently, she worked as the Assistant Vice President for Development at Santa Clara University and the Director of Development at Acterra. Previously, she has served in fund development leadership roles for the San Francisco Symphony, San Francisco Girls Chorus, Stern Grove Festival, and Meals on Wheels of Alameda County.

Read Amber’s full announcement here.

Maria Vazquez Mata – As Chief Operating Officer, Maria works together with our senior leadership team and CEO to create organizational strategies to advance priorities and tackle challenges. She manages the Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations, and Impact & Evaluation teams. Maria is a legal services attorney who has worked at both Community Legal Services East Palo Alto (CLSEPA) and the Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County. She served as the Deputy Director at CLSEPA for over four years where she managed the organization’s administrative operations, including HR, risk management, facilities, and IT. At CLSEPA, she led several organization-wide projects, including strategic plan implementation, equity and inclusion, and health and wellness. Most recently, Maria worked as the Equity, Access, and Inclusion Manager for the City of Sunnyvale.

Read Maria’s full announcement here.

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