Social Venture Partners Flourishes Despite Recession

Nonprofits nationally received $3.75 Million and countless hours of volunteer expertise

from 2,022 SVP citizen philanthropists in 2010

At a time when charitable gifts to nonprofits declined, a report released by Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) revealed an upward trend in its latest numbers associated with grant making, volunteer service and its organizational growth in 2010. Despite the recession, the collective of 26 Social Venture Partners experienced growth two consecutive years and is poised to hit its 11 percent growth target in 2011. In total, 136 nonprofits across North America and Tokyo received $3.75 million in SVP funding last year.

Fundamental to the SVP model is engagement in which individual members give of their time, professional business experience and creativity to work in partnership with nonprofits and local leaders to meet vital community needs. Therefore, cash grants are only a portion of the value that grant recipients gain through their relationship with SVP. In volunteering professional skills and strategic council, SVP members, or “Partners” as they are called, help nonprofits reach their full potential. This level of volunteer engagement translates to effective philanthropy and a high level of satisfaction among Partners throughout the SVP network.

“We have extensive data in this report which points to the strength and effectiveness of engaged philanthropy and what that can mean to a community,” says Alan Sorkin, President of the Board of Directors of Social Venture Partners International. “Community needs are increasing and nonprofits feel the strain in trying to deliver services. Never before has the SVP business acumen and unrestricted, multi-year funding been more valued and critical. And, those involved in SVP have never been so energized.”

“The collective strength of 2,025 partners across the network is increasing and more importantly, unlocking the philanthropic potential of the both the individuals involved in SVP as well as building the long-term capacity of the nonprofits,” says Ruth Jones, CEO of SVPI, “People are eager to get involved in their communities and give more than a financial contribution to a cause. The data shows new people are joining SVP because they see our model of citizen philanthropy as a proven and effective way to make a difference in their communities,” Ms. Jones added.

The partner satisfaction and engagement rate sits at 92 percent. Rogers Weed, Director of the Washington State Department of Commerce and Partner in Seattle since 1997, says he continues to be involved with SVP because of what he and his wife Julie receive in return. “The flow of information is terrific. I would never have heard about many of the organizations we support today, if not via SVP. Plus, the SVP model of funding gives us higher confidence that the nonprofits being supported are constantly improving effectiveness against their mission,” he says. “As an efficient way to give to the causes we care a lot about -- children, education and the environment -- SVP is a winner.” Mr. Weed adds, “The network of partners in Seattle and across the US have been instrumental in providing me access to people or events that have helped me raise my understanding of, and figure out how to be more personally effective against, issues I care about. Finally, SVP ensures that when I volunteer, my experience is a good one, for me and for the nonprofit.”

Report Highlights:

Ø SVP distributed $3.75 million in grants to 136 nonprofits in 2010.

Ø SVP is investing in communities and making a difference for children and the environment. Last year, 136 nonprofits across North America and Tokyo received $3.5 million in funding from 26 SVPs.

Ø Cumulatively, the network had 2,022 individuals in 2010.

Ø The SVP network continues to grow and give – despite a recession.

Ø The number of individual partners grew by 5.6% The retention rate for individuals was 80%.

Ø Go here to see a summary of the report.

About Social Venture Partners International

Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) is the membership association for Social Venture Partners – an international network comprised of 2,000 accomplished individuals who combine their professional skills and financial contributions with a passion for philanthropy. Partners belong to local SVP member organizations and SVPI supports each SVP by providing technology, professional development, an annual conference and peer networking opportunities designed to share knowledge and promote best practices throughout the network. The SVP network stretches across 25 cities in United States, Canada and Tokyo North America. To learn about SVP or how to start an SVP affiliate in your city, please visit www.svpi.org.

To learn about the SVP annual conference Oct 13 and 14, please visit: SVPI Annual Conference website.