Learning BIG at the SVPI Conference

SDSVP Staff along with Partners, Alan and Louarn Sorkin, Mark Fackler and David Lynn attended the annual SVPI conference in Dallas, Texas. SDSVP enjoyed learning from SVP Partners from around the world. Many great ideas were shared through key note speakers, workshops and even hallway conversations. In addition, our own Alan was inducted as the Social Venture Partners International Chair!

Some Key Learnings:

• Stories are key: SDSVP needs to have stories. Andy Goodman suggested that we could build a story around each one of our Investees. Every staff member, board member, and key player should know 5-7 core stories about the organization, and be able to tell them passionately and effectively; take advantage of social media.
• Measuring outcomes is hard: Keep it simple: it’s nearly impossible to get to the point of causal relationships with any sort of outcomes, it’s hard enough just to measure if you’re having any short term effect.
• Venture Fund – create a leverage fund where others can invest in our portfolio of Investees; foundations who don’t have staff, could utilize SVP as a resource.
• Partner Advisory Board - Quarterly meetings open to all Partners to maintain transparency and distribute responsibility.

Meet Partners, Ray and Gina Ellis!

Ray and Gina Ellis found SDSVP through their involvement with Second Chance, an Emeritus Investee. They joined SDSVP because, like many Partners, they recognize that SDSVP provides a unique opportunity to leverage financial contributions and expertise to produce long-term results.

As Ray celebrates his first anniversary on SDSVP's board, he says that the organization’s return on investment is crucial, and demand is high for his Fund Development Resource Team's services. His professional background includes being principal for his own investment and consulting firm, serving as president of marketing for Protocol Communications, and founding MC Direct, noted for its dominance in the direct mail and marketing industries.

In addition to their philanthropic efforts through SDSVP, Ray and Gina's family foundation supports a variety of local nonprofits. Ray and Gina live in Carmel Valley with their 7-year-old son, Jake. Ray also has a 24-year-old son, Matt, working in Los Angeles, and a 19-year-old daughter, Jessica, who is enjoying her college experience at Texas Christian University. Both Matt and Jessica are starting young in their philanthropy by their involvement in the Ellis Family Foundation.