Our Mission
Rooted in Purpose, Growing for the Future
The Valentine Foundation was established in 2010 by Rebecca “Becky” Valentine, whose life reflected strength, independence, and a deep commitment to giving back. Born in Nevada, Missouri in 1914, Becky left a troubled home at age 14 and boarded a train to California, hoping to reunite with her mother. When that reunion proved impossible, she found work as an au pair and began building a life rooted in resilience and self-reliance.
Though she never had the opportunity to attend college, Becky developed a keen business sense and built a successful life through determination and hard work. In 1941, she married Bruce Valentine, a WWII veteran and University of Redlands graduate, whose early experiences at the YMCA helped shape his values and career. Together, they shared a life of travel, service, and mutual respect.
After Bruce’s passing in 1986, Becky returned to California and remained active in her community. She traveled often, played golf well into her nineties, and nurtured a lifelong love of wildlife and the natural world. Her appreciation for animals and the environment reflected a broader belief in protecting what matters and leaving things better than she found them.
In her later years, Becky focused on building a legacy that would uplift future generations. She founded The Valentine Foundation to honor Bruce’s memory and their shared values with the goal of extending opportunities to young people with big dreams and limited resources—especially those pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Becky believed in a future where resilience is met with opportunity, where communities are connected, and where every young person has a chance to rise. Her support for the YMCA and other youth-focused organizations reflected her own life story—a journey shaped by struggle, refined by grace, and ultimately driven by hope.
Today, her legacy lives on in every student who receives a scholarship, every family given a path forward, every child who finds strength in community, and every effort to protect our planet. The Valentine Foundation exists to carry out her mission: to educate, to empower, and to help others build a brighter future.
Goal One:
Create Educational Opportunity
The Valentine Foundation is committed to opening doors for the next generation. Our first and guiding goal is to create educational opportunity (especially in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) for students who have the passion to succeed but not the means to pursue higher education.
We achieve this not only through direct scholarships for deserving young adults, but also by funding innovative programs at esteemed colleges and universities across the country. In addition, we support youth enrichment programs that nurture curiosity, build confidence, and prepare students long before they reach college. These investments expand access, enrich learning environments, and ensure that more students from all backgrounds have the tools, mentorship, and support they need to thrive.
By empowering individual students and strengthening institutions of learning, we are building a brighter, more inclusive future; one opportunity at a time.
Goal Two:
Preservation and Conservancy
The Valentine Foundation is deeply committed to protecting the planet we share. Our second core goal is to support environmental and wildlife preservation and conservancy efforts that safeguard fragile ecosystems and ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.
Inspired by Mrs. Valentine’s lifelong love for nature and wildlife, we fund initiatives that promote conservation science, restore habitats, protect endangered species, and educate communities on the importance of environmental stewardship. From coastal ecosystems to forest preserves, our support helps empower organizations and researchers working on the front lines of environmental protection.
We believe that caring for the Earth is not just a responsibility, it’s an act of hope. Through this work, we honor Mrs. Valentine’s legacy by preserving the beauty, diversity, and wonder of the natural world.
Goal Three:
Strive for Greater Impact
We believe that meaningful change starts with a bold vision and grows through thoughtful action. Our third goal is to continuously strive for greater impact by supporting programs and partnerships that multiply the reach and effectiveness of our mission.
This means investing in organizations and initiatives that align with our core values of education, youth development, and environmental stewardship. It also means expanding our efforts to reach more communities, deepen our relationships with partners, and explore innovative ways to serve those in need.
Driven by the spirit of generosity and guided by the legacy of Mrs. Valentine, we are committed to building a foundation that doesn’t just respond to today’s challenges, but shapes a better tomorrow.
When you give to The Valentine Foundation, you’re investing in brighter futures through education, conservation, and community impact. Your support helps driven students and dedicated changemakers turn vision into lasting change.