Since 2009, Barbara Silver has been a loyal member of ARCS Foundation Oregon. In 2012, she and her husband, Philip established some of the first endowed scholar awards for the Chapter. Over the years, Barbara and Philip have thoroughly enjoyed building relationships with their scholars and learning about a variety of STEM fields.  

In October 2022, Barbara and Philip decided to make a transformational gift of $2 million to the umbrella organization, National ARCS Foundation. This generous donation marks the largest single gift in the organization's history. It will provide ongoing funding for efforts to support 15 affiliate chapters across the U.S. 

National ARCS Foundation President Caron Ogg said a donation to an organization of this size from a member is a testament to the impact of engagement with scholars.  

"ARCS Foundation is so grateful for this transformational gift from the Silver Family Foundation. They are longtime supporters of ARCS, love the model, and have seen the impact of ARCS' investment on the STEM scholars they have supported. With this endowment, National will be able to develop a broader vision on how we can impact more scholars and ensure that all current and future chapters are successful in perpetuity,” Ogg said. 

 "We were attracted to the story of ARCS' beginning and felt it was a true call to arms for science by the founding group of women," Barbara said. "We want ARCS programs to go on for many years." Barbara continued, "We love how ARCS programs add to the university partners in recruiting the best in their field. That is the reason to give —to keep that call for scientific innovation alive." 

Barbara and Philip moved to Portland in 2008 to be near their sons and grandchildren. Barbara was sponsored into ARCS by founding member, Ellen Richardson in 2009. After joining ARCS Foundation Oregon, she quickly turned into one of its best ambassadors. Barbara has served on the Board of Directors and several committees. In recognition of her volunteerism, she received the ARCS Light award in 2016.  

The Silvers are also supporters of ARCS Oregon’s original University Partner, OHSU. They first learned of the research at OHSU through Barbara’s membership in ARCS and the Circle of Giving, a group of philanthropic women who support women’s health research at OHSU. Barbara currently serves on the OHSU Foundation’s Board of Trustees and continues her membership in the Circle of Giving. Barbara and Philip also established the Silver Family Innovation Fund at the university.  

The Silver Family Foundation focuses their philanthropic efforts on transformative youth development programs. 

Barbara Silver with ARCS National Foundation President Caron Ogg