In 1985 a group of Silicon Valley leaders banded together to form an organization that would be an umbrella for a variety of initiatives that were serving others, specifically with a faith-based focus. Ken Spear was president and one of the founders. Another director was Rick Thrasher who was an early Apple (Macintosh, in those days) enthusiast who started CMUG, the Christian Macintosh Users Group. CMUG helped pastors and missions folks get better use of their Mac. Vine Associates, Inc. is a registered 501 (c) (3) and its EIN number is 77-0056080.

This corporation is a religious corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Religious Corporation Law exclusively for religious purposes. The operational purpose of the corporation is to facilitate the activities of diverse ministries which are dedicated to the Christian faith as described in the doctrinal foundations. It is intended to address the needs of the local community, support the outreach of cross-cultural missions, and foster coordination of individuals and organizations with similar goals and beliefs.