What is Via?
VIA, formerly Volunteers in Asia, is a private, non-profit, non-religious organization established at Stanford University in 1963. Its mission is to foster cross-cultural understanding between the United States and Asia through immersive service and educational programs. VIA has facilitated experiences for over 1,600 volunteers and participants from the US to Asia and more than 4,000 students from Asia to the United States. The organization offers long-term and summer programs in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Myanmar, Thailand, and Vietnam, alongside short-term international study programs focused on themes such as language, global leadership, social innovation, and healthcare. With offices in San Francisco and Stanford, California, and staff in Asia, VIA operates on an approximate annual budget of $3M, supported by program fees, foundations, individuals, and endowment income.
How much funding has Via raised?
Via has raised a total of $150K across 1 funding round:
Debt
$150K
Debt (2020): $150K with participation from PPP
Key Investors in Via
PPP
Public-Private Partnership
What's next for Via?
The recent strategic investment of $150K positions Via for significant expansion and enhanced program delivery. As a large-scale, late-stage organization, this capital infusion is expected to fuel the scaling of its existing programs and potentially the development of new initiatives aimed at deepening US-Asia relations. The focus on strategic partnerships and financial backing suggests a trajectory towards greater operational capacity and broader impact, solidifying Via's role as a key facilitator of international exchange and education.
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