creating connections. building community. making...

creating connections.building community.making change.

a n n u a l r e p o r t

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Social Venture Partners is an international network comprised of 2,000 dedicated individuals who combine their professional skills and financial contributions with a passion for engaged philanthropy.

Since its formation in 1997, the SVP network has contributed more than $32.2 million in grant investments to 335 nonprofit organizations and provided thousands of volunteer hours in service and counsel. Today, there are 24 Social Venture Partners organizations in the United States, Canada and Japan.

To learn about starting an SVP in your city or for more information on Social Venture Partners, please visit Social Venture Partners International at www.svpi.org.

Ruth Jones

SVPI Executive Director

Mary Bright

SVPI Board President

Dear Partners, Friends and Supporters of Social Venture Partners,

2008 marked the beginning of the most serious fi nancial crisis in decades. Many of our partners, member organizations and the nonprofi ts they serve experienced signifi cant challenges and fi nancial set-backs. Yet, amidst all the discussion about housing bubbles, sub-prime lending and deregulation, one thing became clear to everyone in the SVP community: the Social Venture Partners movement is more relevant – and critical – than ever. Our network-wide focus on the long term success of nonprofi ts is vital as they struggle to meet increasing needs with reduced resources. Our partners remain committed to being informed and active participants in their communities, despite personal setbacks.

At SVPI, we see fi rst hand how engaged our partners are in philanthropy, and engagement is fundamental to the SVP model. Partners give their time, professional experience and creativity to work in collaboration with nonprofi ts and local leaders. In 2008, SVP partners gave thousands of hours in volunteer time for strategic projects encompassing areas like program evaluation, fund development and information technology.

As partners become more civically engaged, many go on to become infl uential leaders and change makers in communities around the world. SVP partners are citing their involvement with SVP as a factor in determining how much they give, how they give and what they have learned since joining Social Venture Partners.

One of the ways in which Social Venture Partners International supports member organizations carry out their mission is by helping partners experience “the power of the network.” We do this by providing unique ways to connect SVP member organizations and individual partners across cities so they can share best practices and lessons learned.

Throughout the year, SVPI Executive Director Ruth Jones had the honor of meeting with partners from SVPs around the network. In Toronto, we discussed recruitment and partner education. In Singapore, individuals from the business and nonprofi t sectors came together to plan the establishment of engaged philanthropy there. Lastly, partners from throughout the network came to Cleveland for the SVP annual conference to learn and be inspired by fellow philanthropists.

Today, 2,000 SVP partners are making a diff erence in communities in cities throughout North America and Japan. We thank them for their generous contributions and their wholehearted participation in this special movement during this diffi cult economic time.

Sincerely,

Social Venture Partners International 2008 Annual Report © SVPI 2009 1

creating connections.

Created as the connecting organization between SVP affi liates, the mission of Social Venture Partners International is to support, enable and catalyze the Social Venture Partners movement by building a network of knowledge sharing and best practices and by maintaining the integrity of the SVP model and brand.

A Unique and Innovative Membership Association

Since its formation in 2001, Social Venture Partners International has sought and implemented unique ways to connect SVP organizations and individual partners throughout the network. Through these connections, partners and staff can share best practices and lessons learned.

By off ering innovative tools to SVP organizations, SVPI provides an established operational and technological infrastructure from an SVP’s inception. This allows for easy access to the learning and knowledge across the network as well as a system to help target and focus local work in the community.

“The sta� development programs alone more than justify our membership in SVPI. Our Executive Director and Program O� cer attend SVPI-sponsored conferences, peer gatherings, teleconferences and web-enabled training sessions. They learn best practices from across the network and receive training on the many tools and resources provided by SVPI. It would be much more expensive and time consuming to manage our network without these resources.”

Ken Deemer, Founding Partner & ChairmanLos Angeles Social Venture Partners


Entering and Embracing the Wild World of Web 2.0

In 2008, the Internet continued to evolve as a leading communications medium, allowing people to create and consume unprecedented amounts of information.

Social networks, wikis, video and audio podcasts, RSS feeds, blogs and other “participatory” technologies were suddenly available to any and everyone for free. While many pundits dismissed emerging technologies as expensive toys for a younger generation, SVPI dove right into the digital pool and began promoting the benefi ts of communicating and collaborating on the web.

In 2008, SVPI relaunched the SVP Intranet site and created an internal social networking community called My Sites. My Sites allows partners to create a personal profi le, sharing their skills, background, philanthropic interests and SVP experiences with the entire SVP community. Through My Sites, partners can connect with others who have needed skills, common interests or knowledge to share.

One of the strategic goals for Social Venture Partners International is to help all of our a� liate organizations leverage the network. My Sites makes it possible for partners to directly connect with one another to share, learn and talk shop. Perhaps best of all, partners do not have to explain ‘capacity building’ to members within this internal social network.

Ruth Jones, Executive DirectorSocial Venture Partners International


“These new tools are ushering in more than just a change in what we distribute and how we distribute it, but how we communicate. The old tried and true methods are giving way to new experimentation, greater openness and an understanding that the best communication is two-way or multidirectional.”

Come On In. The Water’s Fine: An Exploration of Web 2.0 Technology and its Emerging Impact on Foundation Communities by Brotherton Strategies.

SVPI also encouraged partners to use external networking sites to connect with other SVP partners and to promote the Social Venture Partners movement. Today, you can fi nd information about Social Venture Partners and SVP affi liates on social networking sites such as Facebook, Linked In, YouTube and Twitter.

• SVPs, including San Diego SVP and SVP Toronto, use YouTube, the leader in online video, to deliver a more personal message from partners, staff or investees to website visitors.

• LinkedIn is becoming a popular networking site for SVPs including Cleveland, Dallas, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Pittsburgh and Portland. SVPI also manages a LinkedIn group (called “Social Venture Partners”) for the entire network.

• Several SVP affi liates have pages on Facebook and there is an overarching group for the Social Venture Partners network. If you are on Facebook, you can click here to access the “Social Venture Partners” group.

• Los Angeles SVP uses Meetup to promote “Venture Philanthropy in LA” at their Third Thursday lunch events. Designed to help partners connect and meet new friends, prospective partners are welcome to attend and learn more about LASVP. You can see their Meetup description here. Meetup is the world’s largest network of local groups.

• Twitter has become a popular tool for social networking and micro-blogging. Two of the most popular twitterers in the SVP network right now are Paul Shoemaker in Seattle and Stacy Caldwell in Dallas.


http://www.linkedin.com/groups?gid=1855262&trk=hb_side_g

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=19444359000&ref=ts

http://www.meetup.com/Los-Angeles-Social-Venture-Partners-Meetup/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u25dI9c1nJY&feature=fvsr

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QoHwZDlZtA4

building community.

Since 1997, SVP has been building communities of inspired philanthropists – many of whom go on to become infl uential leaders and change makers in communities around the world. Members of Social Venture Partners can connect with and learn from 2,000 partners who are making a diff erence in communities in cities throughout North America and Japan.

Since its formation, SVPI has helped affi liates and partners experience “the power of the network,” serving as a hub for information, guidance and connection. Partners frequently express that one of the most appealing aspects of involvement with SVP is the sense of being a part of something larger than themselves, which allows them to achieve more than they could alone.

The most visible community building opportunities that SVPI delivers each year – an annual conference, peer gatherings and staff days - are designed to bring people together to learn and be inspired and to take this back to their local communities.

By far the largest community-building event presented by SVPI is the annual conference, hosted by a diff erent SVP organization each year. The gathering provides an opportunity for partners to meet philanthropists throughout the SVP community, attend sessions on timely topics and hear world-class speakers.


SVP Seattle partners and families at a Discovery Park Beach clean-up - a Family Service program event. Photograph, Lisa and John Merrill.

Cleveland SVP Hosts 2008 SVP Conference

More than 150 people came together in Cleveland, Ohio to connect with other philanthropists and partners. Presented by SVPI and hosted by Cleveland SVP, the 2008 annual conference began with a kickoff party at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame where the rock band “Limited Capacity”, made up of SVP partners drawn from across the network, made its debut.

Keynote speakers John Wood of Room to Read and Stephen Lewis of AIDS-Free World gave inspiring and provocative talks and conference sessions ranged from Mapping a Personal Philanthropic Journey to Stirring the Pot: The Case for General Operating Support.

John Wood enthralled partners with the story of how he left an executive career track at Microsoft Corporation to help more than 1.7 million children across the developing world break the cycle of poverty through the power of education. Room to Read currently operates in eight countries in Asia and Africa, ranging from Nepal to Sri Lanka to South Africa.

Stephen Lewis shared sobering stories associated with the realities of AIDS, particularly in regions and cultures in which women have little to no rights. Formerly the Special Envoy to UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on HIV-AIDS, Lewis is co-director of AIDS-Free World, an international AIDS advocacy organization based in the United States.


http://www.roomtoread.org/Page.aspx?pid=183

http://www.aids-freeworld.org/

Partners and Staff Meet in Dallas to Master SVP Dynamics and Learn About Advoacy

Partners and staff from throughout the SVP network met in Dallas for a lively session on “Investing in Change: An SVP Partners’ Guide to Supporting Advocacy.” The network’s fi rst partner peer gathering, the event focused on the role that advocacy can play in SVP goals and in personal philanthropy. Featured speakers included Abby Levine, Foundation Advocacy Counsel at the Alliance for Justice and Elizabeth Rigby, early childhood advocate, along with SVP partners Bob Wright and Dawn Trudeau.

Speakers and participants reviewed a variety of compelling topics including:

• Why advocacy and civic participation are fundamental roles for funders

• How advocacy by nonprofi t organizations is legal and conducive to an informed, healthy and strong democratic society.

• Understanding the diff erence between advocacy and lobbying

• Assessing risk and determining how and if SVPs can fund grantees that lobby

• Developing the capacity and knowledge to advocate for public policies

• Measuring and communicating advocacy eff orts

Staff also spent a day in Dallas focused on “Mastering SVP Dynamics.” Seattle-based nonprofi t consultant Susan Howlett led participants through an interactive session designed to evaluate the description and characterization of staff roles, the dynamics of working with partners and board members and the challenge of supporting volunteers who are also partners and donors. SVP staff members talked about what works, what doesn’t, and shared ideas on what might work for other SVP organizations.


“Why should funders try to shape public policy? Simply put, public policy can and often has direct impact on the mission of a nonpro� t organization,” says Dawn Trudeau, SVP Seattle partner and advocate for early education. “Shaping public policy is also the only way to a� ect the laws that determine how people will be treated, what services will be provided, and what behaviors are acceptable.”

Dawn Trudeau, SVP Seattle Partner

In 2008, SVP partners and SVPI Board Members collaborated within the network to bring engaged philanthropy to other cities and regions.

• One of the most exciting examples of cross-city collaboration in 2008 was the formation of SVP Santa Barbara. Launched with the support of the Santa Barbara Foundation, SVP Santa Barbara is a fi eld of interest fund within the Foundation’s family of funds. The founders of SVP Santa Barbara bring experience from other SVPs: Claude and Susan Case (SVP Arizona), John and Christie Glanville (Los Angeles SVP), and Larry Wallach and Jo Viney (SVP Seattle). Other founding members include Laurie Ashton and Lynn Sarko.

• Dawn Trudeau, Seattle Partner and SVPI Board Member, conducted a session on Advocacy in Phoenix in 2008 and is frequently invited by SVPs to discuss how grantmakers can participate in advocacy and public policy. Dawn chairs the Board of the Economic Opportunity Institute, a public policy development organization based in Washington State and is a member of the University of Washington Women’s Center Advisory Board. She serves on the advisory board of the Business Partnership for Early Learning and is part owner of the Seattle Storm, a professional women’s basketball team.


“We are thrilled to bring SVP to Santa Barbara,” said Claude Case. “We recognize the long standing tradition of support and engagement in Santa Barbara and will be sharing our know-how, creativity, and time, as well as � nancial resources, for the bene� t of local nonpro� ts. And throughout this process, we are looking forward to becoming and nurturing well-informed, e� ective and engaged philanthropists.”

SVP Santa Barbara founding partners with Santa Barbara Foundation

President Ron Gallo (back row, second from right) and founding partner

Claude Case (front row, right).

The Power of the Network


• Partner recruiting is always top of mind for SVP organizations, particularly in this time of economic uncertainty. Alan Sorkin, San Diego Partner and SVPI Board Member provided recruiting consultation to SVP boards in Los Angeles, Portland, Cincinnati, Toronto and Minneapolis. Alan serves on the board of San Diego Grantmakers and the Human Development Foundation. He also participates in numerous local, regional and national committees.

• SVP garnered increased interest from potential partners and foundations in Canada. Seattle Partner and Executive Director Paul Shoemaker, SVP Calgary Founder Brad Zumwalt, and SVPI Executive Director Ruth Jones gave a presentation at the Community Foundations of Canada Conference. As a result, there is substantive interest from several Canadian cities in establishing SVP in their communities.

Ruth Jones and panellists at Lien Centre for Social Innovation conference on venture philanthropy, Singapore Management University


thinking global, acting localArizona: 2008 was the year of the merger. It began when SVP Arizona hosted a 16 hour strategic planning session for all current grant recipients. During the process, two nonprofi ts realized the potential and power they would have by merging. SVP Arizona assisted All-Star Kids Tutoring and Communities in Schools of Arizona in a merger process that resulted in a stronger and more sustainable organization. Arizona partners also helped Youth Re: Action Corps merge with a San Francisco based organization that was carrying out a similar mission. Arizona partners helped the new organization, New Global Citizens, develop internal policies and procedures, revamped its fi nancial system, provided legal review, guided staff integration, and supported strategic planning and public relations initiatives.

Boston: For nearly 10 years, SVP Boston has partnered with nonprofi ts, with partners focusing their grantmaking and volunteer hours in education and economic development. Education investments are made to organizations that take an innovative approach, with the intent to share best practices and create models that can be replicated at other locations. Economic development investments are made to programs that teach and assist individuals to build the skills and knowledge they need to become fi nancially self-suffi cient. In 2008, SVP Boston appointed Marjorie Ringrose as Executive Director to manage administration, help grow the partnership, and build community and connection among partners and local nonprofi ts.

Boulder County: SVP Boulder County expanded its reach to nonprofi ts by developing a new educational series which provides four free trainings a year on topics related to capacity building. Boulder County partners voted to increase their number of focus areas from three to fi ve, adding housing and homelessness, and health care access. They continue to support early child development, youth programming during out-of-school-time, and strengthening educational and economic opportunities for Latinos.

British Columbia: SVP partners in British Columbia have a broad interest in all groups tackling social problems in new and creative ways; however, they focus on three main areas of need: helping women at risk, brighter futures for children and youth, and social enterprise. In 2008, the organization engaged in a comprehensive strategic planning process designed to increase partner growth, reinvigorate working committees and further develop partner education.

Calgary: 2008 brought changes in the economy as well as within SVP Calgary. With a renewed sense of spirit and purpose, Calgary maintained steady partner numbers in the beginning of the year and several partners stepped into leadership roles designed to move the organization forward. Remaining committed to youth and education, Calgary partners welcomed new investee, EvenStart for Children Foundation. EvenStart provides early social and behavioral intervention to children challenged by poverty, neglect, abuse, and violence. Through SVP funding, EvenStart supports play therapy for traumatized children to help them build resiliency for life.


Charlotte: Partners at SVP Charlotte funded a three-year grant to underwrite a Communities in Schools (CIS) Resource Coordinator for a new program called Partners for Success. A collaborative eff ort with CIS and SVP Charlotte, Partners for Success helps connect area businesses, faith communities, civic groups and other organizations to at-risk students at targeted Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. The ultimate goal is to help young people stay in school and learn and prepare for life. As members of the advisory board, SVP Charlotte will assist in identifying matching funds establishing partnerships with community businesses and organizations and assessing the progress of the program.

Cincinnati: Partners in Cincinnati successfully completed their inaugural investment cycle in 2008 and gave their fi rst grant to the Civic Garden Center (CGC), a 60-plus year old organization that is a leader in urban agriculture. With SVP Cincinnati’s help, the CGC is forging into new territory with its Green Learning Station, a converted Esso gas station. The station houses educational programs and demonstration projects teaching green technologies (such as rain gardens) for residential and commercial use. According to CGC’s executive director, Vickie Ciotti, “We had no idea of the quality of assistance we would get from the SVP partners. You can’t put a price tag on that kind of help.” Cincinnati also hired a part-time coordinator, Lisa Davis-Roberts, to support internal growth and capacity building.

Cleveland: Cleveland SVP began a Family Foundation Initiative in 2008 by interviewing partners with family foundations. This work resulted in a specifi c outreach program designed to increase partner membership and attract more support for Cleveland SVP grant recipients. By connecting with members of family foundations outside of Cleveland’s partnership, CSVP was able to help family foundations discover the value of experiential learning about grantmaking via participating in SVP Cleveland’s grant committee. Partners could then share knowledge about the grantmaking process and introduce new funding opportunities to their families. Cleveland SVP also hosted the SVP Annual Conference featuring John Wood of Room to Read and Stephen Lewis of AIDS-Free World.

Dallas: In 2008, Dallas SVP created a program for grant recipients that had matured into more self-suffi cient organizations. Eager to honor the hard work and collaborative eff orts between investees and partners, Dallas SVP sought to maintain strong, mutually benefi cial connections between all of its investees while setting appropriate expectations associated with partner engagement and SVP resources. A lead partner position was created to oversee the group of emeritus investments, initiating an annual touch-base conversation and providing opportunities to tell stories of impact together. A small discretionary grant each year helps maintain DSVP’s presence and connection. Currently, DSVP has nine active investees and fi ve emeritus investees.

“We had no idea of the quality of assistance we would get from the SVP partners. You can’t put a price tag on that kind of help.”

- Vickie Ciotti, Executive Director, Civic Garden Center (SVP Cincinnati Investee)


Delaware: SVP Delaware is focused on providing fi nancial support and personal expertise to improve early childhood education for impoverished children. Serving this population is a complicated task because the needs are so great and the stakes are so high. 2008 recipients of grants and volunteer hours from SVP Delaware included: Delaware Parent Leadership Institute, Transportation Fund Field Trips, Junior Achievement, Delaware Stars and the Early Childhood Advocacy Program. Delaware partners have also initiated several programs and provided funds to help support the investees in the areas of teacher training, behavioral health, curriculum coordination, student assessment and statewide rankings.

Denver: SVP Denver supports organizations whose missions include early childhood education, K-12 education and youth development programs. 2008 recipients of grant dollars and volunteer time were the Young Philanthropists Foundation; Environmental Learning for Kids; Open-World Learning, an after-school computer-skills program; and PlatteForum, a Denver youth arts center. In 2008, SVP Denver named partner Rebecca Riff as its Volunteer of the Year and partner Maura Ridge as Rookie of the Year. Both women volunteered and participated in grantmaking activities for the Young Philanthropists Foundation in Denver.

Greater Tucson: SVP Greater Tucson added Make Way for Books as an investee in 2008. Dedicated to preparing young children living in limited resource areas for success in school, Make Way for Books provides new books to child care centers, and trains parents and childcare providers. Greater Tucson partners also renewed funding and volunteer commitments for Voices: Community Stories Past and Present, a journalism internship program for at risk high-school youth and Literacy Volunteers of Tucson, which serves adults at the lowest literacy levels. SVP Greater Tucson partners contributed more than 700 hours of volunteer hours to help build capacity within each grant recipient.

Los Angeles: Inspired by opportunities in which for-profi t entrepreneurs can pitch business ideas to venture capitalists, Los Angeles partners launched Social Innovation Fast Pitch in 2008. In collaboration with the Social Enterprise Institute (SEI) and the University of Southern California (USC), LASVP created a two-month program, where leaders from 20 innovative nonprofi ts received training, feedback and mentoring on how to succinctly and powerfully tell their story in a 3-minute “elevator pitch.” The program culminated in a community-wide event where 10 fi nalists made their pitch before a panel of judges and an audience of more than 250 investors, business and nonprofi t leaders, and other members of Los Angeles’s entrepreneurial community.

Minnesota: SVP Minnesota hosted a successful Engaged Philanthropy Conference featuring keynote speaker Bill Strickland and the fi rst ever Social Entrepreneur’s Cup competition. SVP Minnesota seeks out social entrepreneurs who are fi nding new ways to solve social problems. They support nonprofi t innovators in the area of: early childhood development for pre-school kids up to 5 years old; academic, creative, and business literacy for middle and charter school age kids; and continuing and advanced educational services for elementary and middle schools.

SVP Kids and SVP Teens are popular programs in a number of SVP cities. Photograph, Gary Voth Photography.


Pittsburgh: Partners in Pittsburgh continue to host Poverty Simulations often in collaboration with local community, faith and service groups. These simulations have been successful in helping participants comprehend what it might be like to live in a typical low-income family trying to survive each month.

Portland: Since SVP Portland was formed in 2000 through the Oregon Community Foundation, the organization has invested more than $1 million in the Portland metro area. In 2008, more than 100 individuals were part of the SVP Portland partnership. Highlights from the year included presenting a poverty simulation conducted in partnership with Portland Impact and improving outdoor environments for the Child Care Improvement Project.

Rhode Island: SVP Rhode Island hosted the fi rst-ever Rhode Island Poverty Simulation, which allowed over 80 community leaders to spend a morning in the shoes of those facing poverty. Participants included key leaders from the business and nonprofi t communities, as well as public offi cials. Lt. Governor Elizabeth Roberts, who played the role of a low income family member in the simulation said, “Participating in the Poverty Simulation was very useful for me, both as an elected offi cial and as a citizen, because it emphasized the diffi cult economic choices Rhode Island families face as they confront rising unemployment and the many challenges associated with accessing aff ordable health care and other necessities. The simulation highlighted the stark reality of working families, as well as those who are unemployed.”

San Diego: Partners in San Diego currently make grants and provide business expertise to nonprofi t organizations in the San Diego community serving youth and children, the elderly, and the homeless. In 2008, SDSVP gave $193,000 to 6 nonprofi ts along with countless hours of volunteer service. Since 2001, San Diego Partners have given more than $1.45 million in grants to local recipients. “SVP Partners were more engaged in 2008 than any year to date,” says Peggy Kidd, Executive Director at SDSVP. “Despite the economic downturn, people are eager to get involved in their communities and give more than a fi nancial contribution to a cause. The data shows new people are joining SVP because they see its model as a proven and eff ective way to make a diff erence.”

Seattle: Riding the roller coaster - that’s how executive director, Paul Shoemaker started his blog back in October, 2008. And what a ride it has been. Committed to supporting our Investees through these convulsive times, Seattle maintained its grantmaking levels, and organized a day-long session on fi nancial management. Fourteen of sixteen Investees participated, with one attendee reporting that they went straight home and rewrote their balance sheet. Partner volunteers also rose to the challenge. Powerful Voices director, Tanya Kim praised Partner Susan Loosemore, whose “fi nancial expertise is invaluable…we are building our fi nancial knowledge while stabilizing and preparing for this tumultuous economic landscape.” Despite the times, SVP Seattle still has three to fi ve Partners join each month (about forty in the last year). Among them, at least ten are returning - a testimony to the value of SVP, particularly at time when dollars must stretch farther than ever. ElderHelp of San Diego became an investee of

San Diego SVP in 2008.


SV2: Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, SVP Network Strategic Partner. This was a banner year for SV2 with its Tenth Anniversary, new status as an independent nonprofi t, and the completion of its fi rst year as a strategic partner collaborating with the SVP Network. In addition to these landmark events, SV2 was thrilled to share the creation and success of its Partner Advisory Board (PAB). The PAB is comprised of all SV2 board members, all grantmaking group leaders and grantee liaisons, and all other partners who want to play a leadership role organization-wide. With nearly 40 partners involved and fi ve meetings per year, the PAB shapes SV2’s strategic direction and tactical implementation. It has become SV2’s primary vehicle for growing the partnership as well as for distributed, transparent leadership across all of SV2’s work including four grantmaking groups (Education, Environment, International and Self-Reliance), the active grantee portfolio and oother events and programs including Nonprofi t Board Leadership and SV2 Teens.

St. Louis: St. Louis SVP supported six investees, its largest investment yet. At the end of 2008, College Summit and the Black Repertory Theater graduated, and Teach for America St. Louis was selected to join four continuing agencies. St. Louis SVP also collaborated with a partner’s consulting company and a local foundation to develop and implement the Nonprofi t Leadership Development Forum, an 8-month, intensive leadership and management training program for 11 executive directors of area nonprofi ts. Partner Rick Mayhall had the idea for a forum after seeing common needs across many investees. Rick and his staff designed a curriculum tailored to the nonprofi t sector; each session targeted a diff erent area of management. The Forum also brought community and business experts in each area to contribute to session design and implementation.

Tokyo: Founded in 2003, Social Venture Partners Tokyo has grown to a total of 72 partners, each donating the equivalent of $1,000 per year. They have invested in fi ve organizations with diff erent areas of focus. SVP Tokyo’s founding partner Hideyuki Inoue and Yuki Okuda, a researcher at Keio University, visited with Pittsburgh SVP during a trip to the United States in 2008. They discussed the generational changes taking place in Japan and the related focus of SVP Tokyo’s investments such as a nursery service for sick infants and a workshop program on self-care for postpartum mothers.

Toronto: Partners in Toronto made their fi rst grant in 2008 to Eva’s Phoenix Print Shop, an innovative social enterprise that off ers homeless and at-risk youth a practical way to secure work in the commercial printing fi eld. Eva’s was selected from a group of four nonprofi t organizations that made presentations to the partners of SVP Toronto in May. Partners in Toronto are working closely with Eva’s to provide skilled volunteers to support the print shop with its sales and marketing initiatives and overall business strategy. “In selecting our fi rst investee, SVP’s aim was to help build the capacity of an organization that’s helping lift people out of poverty in an innovative, sustainable way,” said Kathryn Wortsman, the founding chair of SVP Toronto. “Eva’s Phoenix made a compelling presentation showing how SVP Toronto could help them make a diff erence.”

Tokyo partners Mio Arimura and Miki Aoki at the 2008 conference in Cleveland.


making change.Network Growth and Increased Giving from SVP Partners

SVP partners have contributed more than $32.2 million in grant investments to 335 nonprofi t organizations and volunteered thousands of hours of service and counsel since the SVP movement began in 1997.

These increases in growth and giving are exciting; however, SVPI is particularly pleased to report our success in supporting the growth of our partners as active philanthropists.

Partners are citing their involvement with SVP as a factor in determining how much they give, how they give, what they have learned and how they have developed as a philanthropist since becoming an SVP partner.

In Becoming a Venture Philanthropist: A Study of the Socialization of Social Venture Partners, a research paper by Michael Moody, Ph.D. supported by the California Community Foundation Endowed Research Fund at the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy, University of Southern California, Moody reports that a survey of SVP partners in the United States and Canada provided strong evidence that involvement in SVP infl uences individuals who chose to become partners and to learn and practice this distinctive approach to giving.

45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Per

cen

t o

f Res

po

nd

ents

(N

=1

37

)

Extent to which involvement in SVP has been a factor in changing how partners give

SVP has had no impact

SVP has had some impact

SVP has had signifi cant

impact

SVP has been the primary

factor

16.8

33.635.8

13.9

Source: Moody, Becoming a Venture Philanthropist


Moody’s research refl ects closely SVP’s internal assessment made using the SVP network’s “Demonstrating SVP’s Impact” outcome measurement tools. The assessment indicates that involvement with SVP is a major factor in determining how much partners give, how they give, and what they have learned since becoming a partner.

To view the complete report, visit the Center on Philanthropy and Public Policy at http://www.usc.edu/schools/sppd/philanthropy/private/docs/RP31-Moody.pdf

“These � ndings suggest that the deliberate work of SVP a� liates to inculcate partners in the explicit SVP model of strategic, “venture” giving does have a marked e� ect on these donors. This socialization is particularly e� ective regarding what might be the most distinctive elements of the SVP model. Being results-oriented, supporting capacity-building among the recipients of giving, writing fewer but larger checks, and giving collaboratively are primary elements of the SVP grantmaking approach practiced by each a� liate.”

Michael Moody, Becoming A Venture Philanthropist.

Increased68.0%

Decreased9.1%

Stayed the same22.9%

Increased70.9%Decreased

4.5%

Stayed the same24.6%

Change in total amount of time spent volunteering for charitable

causes since joining SVP

Change in total amount of giving to charities

since joining SVP

Source: Moody, Becoming a Venture Philanthropist

http://www.usc.edu/schools/sppd/philanthropy/private/docs/RP31-Moody.pdf


Building Capacity and the Value of Volunteer Time

Fundamental to the SVP model is engagement. Partners give of their time, professional experience and creativity to work in collaboration with nonprofi ts and local leaders. In 2008, SVP partners gave more than 14,000 hours of volunteer time for strategic projects ranging from program evaluation to legal aff airs to information technology.

In 2008’s Successful Partnerships: SVP’s 2008 Capacity Building Report, SVPI announced its latest outcome results associated with capacity building projects for nonprofi t organizations funded by SVP in the United States and Canada.

A key � nding from the 2008 Capacity Building Report is that nonpro� t organizations funded by SVP gave an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.0 when asked to rate the value of Partner time and talent in helping an organization build its capacity.

The two capacity building areas in which nonprofi t organizations reported receiving the most value from SVP partners were “Mission, Vision, Strategy and Planning assistance” and “Leadership and Executive Management Team Development.” The quality of interactions between nonprofi t organizations and SVP partners was also evaluated; approachability, responsiveness, and knowledge all were rated 4.5 or above out of a possible 5.0.

Percent of partners reporting that SVP has been a factor in how much they give, how they give, and what they have learned

Source: Moody, Becoming a Venture Philanthropist 45

40

35

30

25

20

15

10

5

0

Per

cen

t o

f Res

po

nd

ents

Not applicable – no change since joining

SVP

SVP hashad no impact

SVP hashad some

impact


impact

21.7

13.7

2.3

10.9

4.61.7

28.0

30.9

37.4

26.3

33.1

40.2

13.1

17.718.4


impact

How much partners give (N=175) How partners give (N=175) What partners have learned (N=174)


During the period covered by the survey, the nonprofi ts reported that the non-grant value added by SVP partners totaled $2,751,759. During this same period, cash grants to those nonprofi t organizations totaled $2,594,985. SVP partners’ resources of skills, money and connections more than doubled the value of the initial cash grants.

“A key di� erentiator for SVP as a grantmaker is that we are committed to strengthening and supporting the long-term capacity of a nonpro� t organization to ful� ll its mission,” explains Ruth Jones, Executive Director for Social Venture Partners International. “SVP a� liates do this by providing multi-year � nancial and human resource commitments to local nonpro� ts organizations. And SVP partners participate in philanthropy development programs and activities designed to help them learn more about philanthropy, become better community leaders and guide them in how to best address the needs of their community.”


Inspiring Agents of Change

Since 2003, SVP has presented the Paul Shoemaker Leadership Award to individuals who have consistently demonstrated a commitment to strengthening the Social Venture Partners network and being an ambassador for the SVP model of engaged philanthropy.

Winners of the leadership award are well known for working to bring about positive changes that enrich their communities:

2004Paul ShoemakerPartner & Executive DirectorSVP Seattle

2005Erin Hemmings KahnFormer Associate DirectorSVP Seattle

2006Alan SorkinPartnerSan Diego SVP

2007Eli LambFounderSVP Portland

2008Jerry HirschFounderSVP Arizona

Jerry Hirsch, Founder of SVP Arizona, received the Paul Shoemaker Leadership Award in 2008. The award honors an individual committed to meeting the needs of community through engaged philanthropy.

Jerry Hirsch is the founder and former chairman of Social Venture Partners Arizona. A long time Phoenix resident, Jerry began his professional career in the aerospace industry, became a practicing attorney and then became involved in

commercial real estate development and other entrepreneurial activities. Since 1995, Jerry has spent most of his time in philanthropic pursuits, primarily through his foundation, The Lodestar Foundation, which works to encourage philanthropy, public service and volunteerism. He is also a strong advocate for collaboration among nonprofi ts working in the same area in order to increase effi ciency and eliminate duplication of eff orts.

Jerry is married with seven children and fi ve grandchildren. He has an undergraduate degree from Temple University and a law degree from Arizona State University. He enjoys poetry, running, adventure travel and trying to improve the world.


Social Venture Partners International

Since its formation, SVPI has helped affi liates and partners experience “the power of the network,” serving as a hub for information, guidance and connection.

At SVP Delaware, we could not have possibly brought our new Executive Director up to speed as quickly as we did without the timely and generous support of the SVPI sta� . The professional development tools and resources provided were exceptional!

– Terri Murphy, Board of Directors, SVP Delaware

SVPI has provided signi� cant, tangible support to our activities in Dallas. The technology tools, Salesforce.com and SharePoint, organize and streamline our critical functions; the connections to other a� liates provide a window onto other ideas and a shortcut for implementation of those ideas; the professional development programs e� ectively develop our sta� and give them the opportunity to learn what matters with others who are similarly situated. All this is supported by a sta� that is knowledgeable, forward thinking, and fun. We are big fans!

– Robert Wright, Founding Partner, Dallas SVP, SVPI Board Member

The Social Venture Partner network allows SVP Boulder County to share information and philanthropy practices seamlessly with other SVPs and their partners. We enjoy the multiple bene� ts of cutting edge administrative technology, professional development programs, education events and materials, and grant making tools that we could not possibly a� ord or readily access on our own. The di� erence this makes in our work in our own community is incredibly valuable to our own success and makes us a far more e� ective organization.

– Dan W. Catlin, Chair, SVP Boulder County Executive Committee


2008 SVPI Board of Directors

• Mary Bright, President, Cleveland SVP

• Alan Sorkin, Vice President, San Diego SVP

• Ken Deemer, Treasurer, Los Angeles SVP

• Dan Rigby, Secretary, SVP Arizona

• Rick Acosta, SVP Denver

• Sarah Bock, SVP Denver

• Nancy Cannon-O’Connell, SV2

• Dan Catlin, SVP Boulder County

• John Fort, St. Louis SVP

• Maurine Karabatsos, SVP Arizona

• Megan Leftwich, SVP Portland

• Will Miller, SVP Charlotte

• Terri Murphy, SVP Delaware

• Steve Raab, Dallas SVP

• Paul Shoemaker, SVP Seattle

• Dawn Trudeau, SVP Seattle

• Andy Williamson, SVP Calgary

• Bob Wood, Dallas SVP

• Bob Wright, Dallas SVP

Staff

• Aya Burgess Administrative Coordinator

• Ruth Jones Executive Director

• Cara Lewis Communications Manager

• Rona Pryor Operations Manager

Financials*

2008 Income StatementIncome

Grant/Sponsorship Revenue ..... $320,447 SVP Membership Dues ................ $126,190 Other ................................................... $58,781

Total Income ........................................ $505,418

Total Expenses .................................... $704,709

Net Income ....................................... ($199,291)

2008 Balance SheetAssets

Total Assets ...................................... $374,315Liabilities and Equity

Total Current Liabilities ..................... $6,681 Total Equity ...................................... $367,634

Total Liabilities and Equity ............. $374,315

*2008 fi nancials were reviewed by The Myers Associates LLC, CPAs.


Shared Principles

The SVP community shares a set of principles designed to inspire philanthropists and maintain highly engaged and partner-driven organizations.

• Engaged Venture Philanthropy. SVPs invest time, expertise and money in nonprofi ts. They seek collaborative relationships with nonprofi ts that last for at least three years.

• Entrepreneurial Spirit. SVPs use innovative approaches to achieve leveraged results in their nonprofi t partnerships and communities. They delegate decisions, resources, and authority to those closest to the work.

• Philanthropic Education. SVP Partners educate themselves and become informed, eff ective, lifetime philanthropists. Ongoing individual philanthropy is catalyzed through hands-on experience and education.

• Community & Collaborative Action. SVPs believe in the power of collective, self-organized eff ort. They encourage and maintain highly participatory, Partner-driven organizations that use non-hierarchical communications and operating practices. SVPs support an open exchange of knowledge and lessons learned, and avoid partisan, religious or political activities.

• Mutual Respect. SVPs respect the expertise of community nonprofi t organizations. They form close working relationships with organizations where the SVP vests in the nonprofi t’s success.

• Accountability & Results. SVPs are mutually accountable to each other, their Investees and the community. They achieve and document measurable results, both in their own work and through their nonprofi t partnerships.


About Social Venture Partners

Social Venture Partners (SVP) brings together worlds that typically do not overlap: grant making, volunteerism, nonprofi t capacity building, and philanthropic education. Since 1997, SVP has been building communities of inspired philanthropists – many of whom go on to become infl uential cross-over leaders and change makers in communities around the world.

Every SVP is a network of engaged philanthropists who believe that they can have a positive impact on their communities and who use innovative strategies to address complex social issues. And all Social Venture Partners share a dual mission. They seek to catalyze signifi cant, long-term positive social change in their communities through:

• Philanthropy Development: Creating communities of lifelong, informed and inspired philanthropists. SVP Partners are individuals who make meaningful contributions to nonprofi t organizations by sharing their skills, time, and fi nancial resources.

• Capacity Building: Making strategic investments that build long-term capacity for nonprofi ts so they can better fi ll their missions. SVP Investees are nonprofi t organizations that seek new resources and innovative approaches for addressing a variety of issues, including education, environmental protection, and youth development. Capacity building investments focus on increasing the ability of each Investee to achieve their mission and include cash grants, skilled volunteers, professional consultants, leadership development and management training opportunities.

Already recognized as an emerging leader in contemporary philanthropy, Social Venture Partners is setting new standards in philanthropy development and receiving high marks from nonprofi ts for outstanding service and unrestricted fi nancial support.

To learn more about how to start a Social Venture Partners in your community, contact SVPI today.


Contributors

FoundationsCalvert FoundationCleveland FoundationContorer FoundationEbay FoundationThe Lodestar FoundationSherwick FoundationSkoll FundThe William and Flora Hewlett Foundation

CorporationsThe Broad CenterGood CapitalKey Private BankMasikaTech

IndividualsMary and James BrightNancy Cannon-O’Connell and Thomas O’ConnellDan and Robin CatlinKen and Candy DeemerJohn and Mary Kay FortWill and Missy MillerTerri and Ed MurphyDan and Ann RigbyPaul and Lori ShoemakerDawn Trudeau and Ron BemanAndrew and Krystyna WilliamsonRobert WrightBrad and Tanya Zumwalt

In-KindSalesforce.comAron Thompson, Merrill Lynch

Social Venture Partners International1601 Second Avenue - Suite 615Seattle, WA 98101 USA

206.728.7872 – tel206.728.0552 – fax

www.svpi.org

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