# Cisco Systems Foundation

Cisco Systems Foundation is an Endowment / Foundation based in San Jose, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** Endowment / Foundation
- **Headquarters:** San Jose, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** San Jose, CA, United States
- **Founded:** 1997
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** cisco.com
- **LinkedIn:** https://www.linkedin.com/company/cisco

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

The Cisco Systems Foundation traces to a 1997 gift from Cisco Systems, Inc. John P. Morgridge, Cisco Chairman Emeritus, serves as a trustee. The wealth source remains the parent technology corporation. The foundation deploys capital through grants and partnerships focused on digital solutions. Asset classes center on program-related investments, impact grants, and technology deployment rather than traditional securities or private equity. Confirmed activity includes co-seeding the Acumen Fund in 2001 with the Rockefeller Foundation. Geographic reach covers North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa through local nonprofit partners. Team size and total deployment remain undisclosed. The foundation maintains membership in the Clinton Global Initiative, Chief Executives for Corporate Purpose, and the Global Impact Investing Network. No operational events from the last 24 months appear in public records. The structure ties directly to the parent corporation for funding and governance. This creates a corporate foundation model distinct from independent endowments, with grant decisions aligned to Cisco's technology mandate and community focus.

## Sectors

- Education
- Impact Investing

## People

- Charu Adesnik — Executive Director
- John P. Morgridge — Trustee
- Tae Yoo — Foundation leader

## Questions

### Who runs investment decisions at Cisco Systems Foundation?

Charu Adesnik serves as Executive Director. John P. Morgridge acts as trustee and Tae Yoo contributes leadership from her role at Cisco.

### How is Cisco Systems Foundation related to Cisco Systems, Inc.?

Cisco Systems, Inc. founded the entity and remains the primary donor. Governance and program focus stay aligned with the corporation.

### Does Cisco Systems Foundation participate in fund commitments or only direct deals?

Activity centers on grants and co-seeded vehicles such as the Acumen Fund. No traditional fund commitments are disclosed.

### What investment stages does Cisco Systems Foundation typically target?

The foundation targets early-stage technology deployment in education and economic empowerment programs rather than venture or growth equity stages.

## Related profiles

- [CIRTech Fund](https://altss.com/profile/cirtech-fund)
- [Cisneros Group of Companies](https://altss.com/profile/cisneros-group-of-companies)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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