Social Venture Partners Continues to Grow and Give -$26.5 Million in Grant Investments Made to More than 300 Nonprofits
Denver, CO (June, 2008) – Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) announced its latest numbers associated with organizational growth and grantmaking. Since its formation in 1997, the Social Venture Partners network contributed more than $26.5 million in grant investments to more than 300 nonprofit organizations.
SVP Denver makes grant investments and provides professional skill and expertise to nonprofit organizations in the seven county metro Denver area. Current investees, i.e. organizations receiving funding from SVP Denver, include Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK), OpenWorld Learning (OWL), PlatteForum and Young Philanthropists Foundation (YPF).
“As an SVP Lead Partner with Environmental Learning for Kids (ELK),” says Sara Jo Light, a partner with SVP Denver, “I not only get to work on the important issues of environmental protection and education for children of color, but I also am able to help ELK frame their annual projects to provide rich involvement for six other SVP partners. Bringing the talents of all our partners to the full benefit of ELK truly makes me feel like I am making a difference.”
“A key differentiator for SVP as a grantmaker is that we are committed to strengthening and supporting the long-term capacity of a nonprofit organization to fulfill its mission,” explains Linda Springer, Executive Director for SVP Cleveland. “We make multi-year financial and human resource commitments and we educate our partners about philanthropy and how to best address the needs in the community. In short, Social Venture Partners is not about funding short-term projects or programs – we know it takes more than that for an organization to thrive.”
SVP Denver is one of 25 affiliates within the Social Venture Partners network of organizations in the United States, Canada and Tokyo. More than 1,900 partners (members) contribute to their communities by making strategic and effective investments of time, money and professional expertise in local nonprofit organizations.
The SVP model of philanthropy was created in 1997 in Seattle, Washington. As interest in this new approach to philanthropy grew, Social Venture Partners organizations began developing throughout North America. By 2001, a loose network had formed, and Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) was created to support and advance this network. According to SVPI, the network is experiencing substantial yet organic growth via word-of-mouth marketing alone. Five new affiliates joined the network in the last 18 months and there has been a 14 percent increase in total partners (members) between 2007 and 2008.
“These numbers support our belief that the Social Venture Partners model is not just working,” says Ruth Jones, Executive Director at Social Venture Partners International,” but that the SVP model is appealing to both budding and seasoned philanthropists.”
About SVP Denver
Social Venture Partners (SVP) develops philanthropy for the purpose of positive social change in the Denver metro area. With 26 affiliates throughout North America, SVP uses a model based on the venture capital concept, combining financial investments with individual expertise. SVP Denver has granted over $500,000 and donated hundreds of volunteer hours to local nonprofits who serve youth. For more information visit www.svpdenver.org.
About Social Venture Partners International
Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) is the membership association for Social Venture Partners – an international network comprised of more than 1,900 accomplished individuals who combine their professional skills and financial contributions with a passion for philanthropy. Partners belong to local SVP affiliates and SVPI supports each affiliate by providing technology, professional development, an annual conference and peer networking opportunities designed to share knowledge and promote best practices throughout the network. The Social Venture Partners network currently has 25 affiliates located throughout the United States, Canada and Tokyo. To learn about starting an SVP affiliate in your city or for more information on Social Venture Partners, please visit www.svpi.org.