About Us
The Cambodian Village Fund’s investment in schools and education improves lives in rural Cambodia. With an overhead of less than 2%, almost all of our budget goes directly to the people in rural villages.
Mission Statement
The Cambodian Village Fund is dedicated to transforming lives through education and opportunity. Our mission is to enhance the future of Cambodian communities by building schools, offering college scholarships, and providing free English classes. By fostering academic achievement and English language proficiency, we aim to equip individuals with the tools they need to thrive, break the cycle of poverty, and build a brighter tomorrow for Cambodia.
Effective Stewardship
Strong Cambodian connections and a commitment to responsible financial management, accountability and transparency have made the Cambodian Village Fund successful. 98% of our donations go directly to projects in Cambodia. Our experienced, well-qualified directors and volunteers handle administrative tasks, project management, website development, newsletters, and graphics, without any remuneration, other than the joy of improving lives.
About Cambodia
Cambodia’s modern history is shaped by war and genocide. From 1975 to 1979, an estimated 1.7 million people—about a quarter of the population—died from forced labor, starvation, and mass executions after the Khmer Rouge took control of the country. War continued until 1993 when the U.N. organized elections and Cambodia began rebuilding.
The country remains one of the poorest in Southeast Asia, with significant issues like poverty, limited healthcare, corruption, and human rights abuses. Despite its rich cultural history—home to Angkor Wat, a UNESCO World Heritage site—economic development remains stunted, and education systems are underfunded.
The beginning of CVF
Bill and Nancy share their story about how and why they started the Cambodian Village Fund.
View our Timeline
Explore the impactful projects Cambodian Village Fund has supported since its founding in 2006.
Cambodia Today: Flying High Above the Village
Take a scenic flight over our village in Prey Touch Commune, Cambodia. This drone footage captures the heart of our community, offering a glimpse into daily life and the vibrant future we’re creating together.
Meet our team
Bill and Nancy Bamberger
After traveling to Cambodia in 2002, Bill and Nancy Bamberger saw the devastation from 30 years of war. They felt that the U.S. has a moral obligation to assist Cambodia due to our involvement during the Vietnam War, which destabilized the region and contributed to the rise of the Khmer Rouge.
In 2006 they started the Cambodian Village Fund, after meeting a Cambodian-American who survived the Khmer Rouge and fled Cambodia. They have developed a strong bond to the Cambodian people, particularly in Battambang Province, traveling to Cambodia once or twice a year.
Venerable Sovechea
Venerable Dr. Vy Sovechea, a monk from Battambang, manages the on-the-ground operations for the Cambodian Village Fund. Working with local officials, Venerable. Sovechea identifies priorities, negotiates and manages contracts, supervises programs, and is an inspiration to everyone he meets. One of Ven. Sovechea’s important functions is being a “life coach” for the scholarship students. He does all this, and more, without compensation from CVF.
In addition to his work with the Cambodian Village Fund, Venereable Sovechea’s main job is President of Preah Sihanouk Raja Buddhist University in Battambang. He also travels extensively and is part of the interfaith peace movement.
Nem Vanna
Nem Vanna has been an important member of the Cambodian Village Fund team from the beginning. Vanna lives in Kaun Khlong Village and is the Vice Principal of the Bill and Nancy Kaun Khlong Primary School. He helps with the scholarship and English language programs, and manages our school and road building projects.
Silke White
Silke launched Mona’s Fund, a subset of CVF, in memory of her beloved daughter. Through this initiative, family and friends have created a lasting legacy that reflects Mona’s spirit of joy and hope. Donations have funded libraries, a rooftop terrace and scholarships. After retiring from the dental industry, Silke now volunteers her time, assisting with social media and other projects. This tribute continues to honor Mona’s legacy while making a meaningful difference in the lives of Cambodian youth.
Financial Information
CVF keeps detailed financial records. All administrative work, project management, graphic design and website development are done by volunteers who receive no compensation.
Distribution of Donations
This pie chart shows how your donations are allocated across key CVF programs. As you can see, administration costs are kept very low, staying under 2%.
Schools 34%
Scholarships 27%
Community Improvements & Other 26%
Youth Soccer 6%
English Classes 5%
Clean Water 1%
Administration 1%
Eye Care <1%
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.”
Mahatma Gandhi