SVB Financial Group Recognized for Philanthropic Efforts

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Jul 28, 2011, 11:00 ET

SANTA CLARA, Calif., July 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- SVB Financial Group (SVB), the parent company of Silicon Valley Bank and financial partner to technology companies and venture capitalists worldwide, was named one of the Top Corporate Philanthropists by the San Francisco Business Times again. Based on regional financial contributions, SVB was included among some of the Bay Area's largest companies that were recognized for their contributions to their communities.

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"Our community-minded employees, who are phenomenal volunteers and fundraisers for local causes, lead the charge for SVB's philanthropic efforts," said Greg Becker, President and CEO SVB Financial Group and Silicon Valley Bank. "While SVB's donations are some of the highest in the Bay Area, despite our relative size, our employees dedicate even more of their own money, time, vacation days and enthusiasm to worthy causes. We have an extremely dedicated and conscientious group of people at SVB who endeavor to make a positive impact on their communities." See video.

Companywide, SVB supports not-for-profit and charitable organizations through donations, its Community Development Finance group, direct employee donations, company-wide and local fundraisers, employee volunteerism, and grants provided by the SVB Foundation.

"It has truly been a privilege to partner with Silicon Valley Bank over the past seven years," said Michele Thompson, Executive Director Silicon Valley & Monterey Bay Area Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. "SVB's leadership within the Silicon Valley & Monterey Bay Area Chapter is unparalleled, with participation in all of our fundraising campaigns. Additionally, the executive leadership from Greg Becker and Joan Parsons has made SVB an inspiration to many within the Silicon Valley corporate community. It is because of their commitment, we have made significant advancements in our mission to cure blood cancers."

Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Founder and Chairman of Best Buddies International said, "SVB brings relentless commitment, passion and energy in support of our mission. We strive to create inclusive opportunities for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities through friendship, employment and leadership development. SVB has stepped-up big time and raised millions for us; many executives personally commit time and money; and our participants with disabilities work for the bank in Boston and the Bay Area. SVB and its employees are home run hitters for Best Buddies."

In addition to its sponsorship of not-for-profit business and networking organizations that support its clients' business objectives worldwide, SVB's philanthropic efforts are concentrated in a few areas: entrepreneurial development, community improvement and finding a cure. The SVB Foundation complements employee volunteer efforts with grants made to organizations of their choice.

SVB donated more than $450 per employee, or nearly $600,000, to charitable causes in 2010. Most recently SVB employees raised more than $130K for Red Cross tsunami and earthquake relief in Japan and $48,000 for Second Harvest's Share Your Lunch program by donating cash and their vacation days. For the second half of 2011, SVB's volunteer and fundraising goals are focused on the Best Buddies Challenge in September 2011 and the Leukemia and Lymphoma's Light the Night campaign that will be held nationwide in the fall.

About SVB Financial Group

For nearly three decades, SVB Financial Group (Nasdaq: SIVB) has been dedicated to helping entrepreneurs succeed. A financial holding company serving companies in the technology, life science, cleantech, venture capital, private equity and premium wine industries, SVB Financial Group (Nasdaq: SIVB) operates through 26 U.S. offices and seven international operations. www.svb.com.

Banking services are provided by Silicon Valley Bank, a member of the FDIC and the Federal Reserve System. SVB Private Bank is a division of Silicon Valley Bank. SVB Financial Group is also a member of the Federal Reserve System.

SOURCE SVB Financial Group