Demonstrating Social Venture Partners' Impact

2007 Philanthropy Development Report

Prepared by Erin Hemmings Kahn

KEY FINDINGS:

Based on analysis of the survey results, the following key findings were identified:

SVP has a significant positive impact on partner giving.

■ 72% of respondents indicated their total annual giving has increased since joining SVP.

■ 51% of respondents cited SVP as one of the top two reasons their giving has increased. Community involvement beyond SVP was the other top reason.

■ Serving on a grant committee, volunteering with an investee and meeting other partners were cited as SVP activities with the greatest impact on partner giving.

Involvement with SVP increases strategic philanthropy.

■ There was a 136% increase in the use of formal processes in grantmaking by those surveyed.

■ There was a 141% increase in collaborative practices by those surveyed.

■ There was a 219% increase in writing fewer but larger checks by those surveyed.

■ 78% of respondents indicated SVP played some, significant or a primary role in changes in their giving strategies.

■ Serving on a grant committee, meeting other partners and serving on an internal SVP committee or board were cited as activities with the most influence on partner philanthropic strategies.

SVP Partners show an increase in community involvement.

■ 69% of respondents had increased awareness of community affairs since joining SVP.

■ 65% of respondents leveraged new volunteers or other financial resources on behalf of a nonprofit organization after joining SVP.

■ 63% of respondents noted an increase in their volunteerism after joining SVP.

■ 70% of respondents indicated SVP had some, significant or a primary impact on their community involvement.

■ Meeting other partners was the most cited factor affecting changes in community involvement.