Q&A with New Board Members

In September, we introduced you to SDSVP's three newest members of the Board of Directors, Christopher Bush, Managing Partner and Thought Engineer of AmyK, Inc., Laurin Pause, Executive Director of Community Resource Center, and Trevor Callan, CEO of Callan Capital. All three bring a fresh perspective, invaluable insight, and professional expertise to the team. Recently, Christopher, Laurin and Trevor answered a few of our curious get-to-know-you questions and we thought you'd like to learn more about them too!

SDSVP: What do you like most about Social Venture Partners?

Christopher: The shared commitment and dedication of people who have found a way to combine passion with purpose. It’s a uniquely diverse group in so many interesting ways; the variety of conversations, the opportunities for shared experiences are seemingly endless!

Laurin: My experience as an Investee highlighted SDSVP at its best. The collection of talented and caring individuals that make up SDSVP bring their Can-Do philosophies to make targeted and productive changes within nonprofit organizations that greatly benefit from the wisdom and experience of the collective group. I have seen first hand the positive impact SDSVP has had on our organization.

Trevor: The people.

SDSVP: What contributions do you think you could bring to the board?

Christopher: Questions and perspective...and like many of my board member colleagues, a non-judgmental, open-minded commitment to making SDSVP the most successful philanthropic organization in San Diego and beyond.

Laurin: As a leader in the nonprofit sector, I hope to bring a perspective of the needs of nonprofits and issues impacting the San Diego community, in addition to tapping into my past financial and business experience in running start-up companies in the Telecomm sector of San Diego.

Trevor: My network of friends as prospective members and history of innovation (i.e. helped create and fund the SDSVP Environmental Accelerator Fund which led to launching Equinox Center).

SDSVP: What are you most passionate about in life?

Christopher: In the simplest sense, leaving this world better in some measurable, tangible way than when I got here.

Laurin: Helping people succeed at meeting their goals and maximizing their capabilities. Finding creative solutions to complex problems.

Trevor: My family. My company Callan Capital. Surfing, Diving and Snow Skiing.

Read more about Christopher, Laurin and Trevor. See a full list of SDSVP's Board of Directors.

Holiday Gifts - Where SDSVP Partners are Giving

During the Holidays, gifts are abound...charitable contributions included. Increasingly, we know that more people are not just writing checks but actually seeking a return on their charitable investment. The Wall Street Journal's How to Donate Like a Pro suggests that by volunteering your time and researching a nonprofit's effectiveness, your dollars will make the biggest impact possible. We here at San Diego Social Venture Partners are known for just that: doing our due diligence before investing in a nonprofit and then giving of our time and expertise to help them become more effective. Click here to learn more about SDSVP.

I know some of you are asking: "Now is the season of giving...so where do I start?"

Our Partners are very generous with their time and donations, especially during the Holidays. Would you like to see what nonprofits they are interested in? Once a year, we highlight some of their favorite organizations with a link to donate or volunteer.

Disclaimer: The nonprofits on this list are not necessarily vetted by SDSVP. They only represent organizations where our Partners are giving during the holiday season.

Partner: Richard Bockoff
Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs
Training of service dogs to those with limited abilities
http://www.tenderlovingcanines.org/

Partner: Trevor Callan
PEERS Network
Giving back to the San Diego community by helping enhance and improve philanthropic pursuits while providing a network to encourage entrepreneurship.
http://www.peersnetwork.org/

Partner: Aaron Contorer
Equinox Center
Researching and advancing best practices and innovative solutions to balance San Diego's regional growth with our finite natural resources.
http://www.equinoxcenter.org/

Partner: Lori Contorer
Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego
Reaching out to kids in need of a safe place to go after school
http://www.sdyouth.org/

Partner: Wendy Gillespie
Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties
Educating students about entrepreneurship, work readiness, and financial literacy
http://jasandiego.org/

Partner: Jim Greenbaum
Tostan
Promoting human rights and health in villages throughout Africa
http://www.tostan.org/

Partner: Bill Hahn
Second Chance
Offering job readiness training, job placement, affordable housing, mental health counseling, and case management to men and women who desire to change their lives
http://www.secondchanceprogram.org/

Partner: Peggy Kidd
Salvation Army's Angel Tree
Toys and clothing for children of low income families
http://kroccenter.org/

Partner: David Lynn
Voice of San Diego
Nonprofit, independent and insightful online news source focused on issues impacting the San Diego region.
http://www.voiceofsandiego.org/support_us/

Partner: Alan Sorkin
1st Marine Logistics Group
Toys and clothing for the neediest families
Contact: joanne@jasandiego.org

Partner: Louarn Sorkin
Just In Time for Foster Youth
Providing emancipated foster youth with emergency financial aid, basic home furnishings, and continuous personal connection essential to long-term results.
http://jitfosteryouth.org/

Partner: Scott Tritt
Kids Included Together
Providing learning opportunities that support recreation, child development and youth enrichment programs to include children with and without disabilities.
http://www.kitonline.org/

SDSVP Investees:

ElderHelp of San Diego
Providing personalized services for seniors to help them remain independent and live with dignity in their own homes.
http://www.elderhelpofsandiego.org/

A Reason to Survive (ARTS)
Providing visual, performing, and literary art programs for kids facing life challenges.
http://www.areasontosurvive.org/

Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF)
Teaching students about the realities of violence, forgiveness, gangs, and the importance of making positive choices in their lives.
http://tkf.org/

Audeo Charter School
Provideing a unique alternative educational environment for students whose academic and psychosocial needs are not met by traditional approaches.
http://audeocharterschool.net/

Reality Changers
Providing tutoring and mentoring to disadvantaged San Diego youth to become first-generation college students.
http://www.realitychangers.org/

SDSVP Congratulates…

Happy 1-Year Anniversary!
Partners who completed their first year in the quarter
July-Sept 2010

• Emmy Sobieski & Joe Longo

Vested Partners
Partners who completed their 3-Year Pledge in the quarter July-Sept 2010

• JoAnne Berg & Tom Hunt
• Pam & Steve Ness
• Julie Pardee & Michelle Bailey

We look forward to many more years to come!

Audeo Charter School

Many thanks to Partner Rick Ross who presented to the San Diego School Board on behalf of Audeo Charter School and SDSVP for their charter renewal. SDSVP believes that by teaming together we will be able to help Audeo, and therefore, make a significant contribution to the San Diego community in the area of education. Click here to listen or watch the webcast of the Oct 12, 2010 school board meeting.

Congrats to Audeo’s Tim Tuter and wife Alissa on the birth of their baby girl, Tenley!

Have you heard Audeo Charter School on the airwaves? If so, you may recognize the “voice of Audeo” as Partner Scott Tritt. Scott did a great job helping with their advertising efforts.

Partners 4-1-1

Aaron and Lori Contorer were hitched on 10/10/10 in La Jolla Shores on the beach at sunset in a very small family ceremony. Chic Sullivan, former SDSVP Partner performed the ceremony. Best wishes to the happy couple!
Photo: Melissa Kahn, Priceless Reflections

Congrats to Adam and Jessica Brown on the birth of their baby girl, Madeline.

Social Venture Partners Convene for Good

In late October, SVP Partners and Staff from all over North America and Japan gathered in Long Beach, CA for the annual Social Venture Partners Conference. The first night started off with a bang at LASVP’s Social Innovation Fast Pitch where 10 innovative nonprofit finalists made three-minute “pitches” to win grants totaling up to $20,000. During the conference we heard from thought provoking key note speakers David Haskell and Sean Stannard-Stockton who encouraged us to dream big and think outside the box to make a bigger impact. SDSVP Partners David Lynn, Sherri Neasham, Joyce Ross, Alan Sorkin and Duane Trombly led breakout sessions on topics such as board development, nonprofit capacity building, and new initiatives such as the Mezzanine Fund. On the final day of the conference, Mandy Sherlock represented SDSVP at the first annual SVP Idol Storytelling Showcase where San Diego’s story about Partner David Cornsweet and his taking the SVP model to India won a silver medal. As a result of our time together, the SVP network is re-energized and striving to bring big dreams into action!

Click here to see more photos

Growing our Partnership

Partners, you have a new “Go To” recruiter on board with me, your highly motivated, new membership director! As you meet people and think of friends and colleagues to refer as potential new Partners for SDSVP, simply open the door and I will follow-up – or give me their names and I’ll run with them. Try it out with our upcoming recruiting event, a Cocktail Social on December 8th! Naturally, if the invitation comes from you, that’s best – or send me your guest names and I will send personal invitations and follow-up. I am asking for your help to accomplish this by November 15th.

In 2011, SDSVP will begin celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a goal to Grow our Partnership to 100 Partner Units. This is the time to share your story about SDSVP whenever and wherever you can; add San Diego Social Venture Partners to your bios; work closely with me to cultivate your referrals for membership; and together, we will develop our membership, strengthen our capacity to support Investees, and fulfill bigger dreams over the next ten-years.

Onward to 100,
Jacqueline Silverman
Membership Director
jacqueline@sdsvp.org

I Have a Dream...

by Alan Sorkin, SDSVP Partner and SVP International Board President

I have been involved with charity and philanthropy since high school. My work has been extremely rewarding and at times frustrating because there is a problem with the way nonprofits and philanthropy are working today.

Here are some of my thoughts about my frustration. I’m sure you have others:

1. There is no correlation between giving and performance.


2. The social sector is really good at innovation; but not so good at getting to scale. Size is critical to have real impact. 90% of nonprofits have budgets of less than $500,000.


3. Americans have been giving for hundreds of years and since 2007 we consistently give about $300B or 2% of GDP every year but not much has changed. Without a dynamic sector shift it is unlikely that much will change.


4. The current recession has left many people even worse than before and our growing deficit means social programs and dollars will continue to be cut putting more pressure on the nonprofit sector.


5. Washington is grid-locked and little or nothing is going to get solved so it behooves Philanthropy and Social Venture Partners (SVP) to take a more proactive leadership position.

It’s time for our entire sector to step up and SVP can lead the way. Here are my suggestions for how we can lead and connect various strategic partners to move the needle in our sector.

1. We need to move “Donors” from random giving to effective, strategic giving.


2. We need to move them from “feel good giving” to giving based on “rated” performance.


3. We need to move nonprofits from seeking funds for service delivery to more revenue generation.


4. We need to move Everyone from being competitive to being more collaborative.


5. Specifically for SVP, as said by Paul Shoemaker, we need to move from saving the whales (or nonprofits) to saving the oceans (the sector).

At the Social Capital Conference in San Francisco two weeks ago Stacy Caldwell from Dallas SVP, Lance Fors from SV2 and me along with 1200 Social Entrepreneurs declared war on previous philanthropic behavior. We agreed that we must think bigger, act bolder, adapt better and deploy assets more effectively. We committed to creating and measuring impact and moving the needle to change the status quo.

Several people I greatly respect told me that the SVP model is a game changer. I think they are right and I have a dream:

SVP will catalyze a movement that will bring hope to those at the end of the line.

There are many SVP affiliates focusing on early childhood and education so here is just one example of what success could look like if we can learn, connect and lead all the necessary organizations: Imagine a different world; a world with education reformed with no more achievement gap where the poorest child can get a quality education and every youth grows up with a sense of possibility rather than hopelessness.

Our original Venture Philanthropy concept was to build capacity in smaller organizations that if taken to scale would have significant impact in their community. Ten years later we now know how incredibly hard it is to scale nonprofits because there are so few vehicles for growth capital. The nonprofit sector is starved for risk and growth capital and that undermines their ability to grow and become sustainable. Only 144 nonprofits have reached $50 million compared to 46,136 for-profit companies. The private sector connects money to good ideas that can scale quickly; there is no counterpart for nonprofits.

To get growth capital, you need to communicate value to existing stakeholders. Nonprofits are not very good at this. There is a cry for accountability, but few measurement tools and even fewer ways to communicate effectiveness to donors. The Charity Navigator rating system focusing on the percent of overhead forces nonprofits to have almost all their money go to the cause leaving nothing to invest in infrastructure.

There are two types of funders: builders and buyers. Today’s capital structure has a few builders, like SVP who provide the talent and growth capital; most funders are buyers who provide money for services. SVP was the first to champion capacity building and only a few have followed our lead.

It’s fairly easy to get $20,000 but not a million. The average large foundation grant is risk averse and makes $50,000 grants on average as they are wedded to current solutions. Most funders avoid dealing with root causes because it is too hard for them to show results. They fund pilot programs, but what is needed is more money to show proof of concept, and then money to take organizations to scale. We have a burning platform issue: Year by year government funds are decreasing, while needs are increasing. For these reasons, I believe SVP with its emphasis on accountability is uniquely positioned to channel information to potential donors by championing our version of a Mezzanine Fund which will harness the power of our SVP network. SVP provides a vehicle for partners to accomplish much more collectively than we could accomplish individually.

Initially we will look to partners and our alumni partners to fund our Investees who have shown they can deliver the right intervention to the right party to achieve the right result and are capable and interested in going to scale. Once we have proven this concept, we will go to funders like The Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, New Profit and donors everywhere.

Dream Big! Thoughts from SDSVP's Board Chair

I recently returned from my fourth SVPI Conference, held this year in Long Beach, CA. Hundreds of fellow SVP Partners from around the world gathered to learn, share best practices and, of course, have a great time. For me, the conference was especially poignant because of the keynote speaker Friday morning, David Haskell. David is the CEO of Dreams InDeed International. He spoke of dreams, not the kind of dreams when you sleep, but the dreams you imagine when you are awake. He spoke of big dreams like Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream.”

Coincidentally, at San Diego Social Venture Partners we have just begun a process of outcome planning where imagining a bold dream for the future is part of the process. I am so very excited that in the next few months, we will have settled on a dream for SDSVP’s future. We will be more than a great organization that cultivates philanthropists and helps San Diego nonprofits. We will be an organization that has a dream so big and so bold that we fundamentally improve the San Diego region. We will have a dream so big and so bold that philanthropists from around the world will look to SDSVP and San Diego for their inspiration. We will have a dream so big and so bold that we will attract the best, the brightest and most importantly, the most caring people to help achieve this dream.

What are your dreams? What should SDSVP dream of accomplishing? What do you want to accomplish? I hope something really BIG!

Mark Fackler

Check out Mark's Blog at http://facklerfamily.org

SDSVP Logo Wear

Show off your San Diego Social Venture Partners pride! You may have seen Partner and Board Chair, Mark Facklersporting a spiffy SDSVP logo shirt at a recent meeting.

If you'd like to order a shirt or other fun items, you can make apurchase online. 10% of all purchases on this store site are given to SDSVP to help promote our mission. GO SDSVP!!

Alan Sorkin honored for making a positive impact in the community

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give” Winston Churchill

The Center for Wealth & Legacy "Inspiration Award" is an opportunity to do two things: recognize those unique individuals in our business community who are positively impacting their world and also to advance a unique message of hope and optimism bubbling up every day, every week, every year out of the entrepreneurial business community. This is the epitome of SDSVP Partner and SVPI Board Chair, Alan Sorkin who was selected as a 2010 Inspiration Award honoree! Click here to read more.

Annual Report 2010

The SDSVP Annual Report 2010 is hot off the press! Pick up your copy at the next meeting or click here for an electronic version. A special thank you to those who donated their time and energy to help create a fabulous report:

Parallax Visual Communication
Angela Hill, Incitrio
John Burnett
Jenni Busboom
Francine Gonzalez
Cathleen Wolf, Communicate Write

The Partner 4-1-1

• Congrats to Emmy Sobieski and Joe Longo on their recent engagement.

• Congrats toNahieli and Reed Caldwellon the birth of their baby girl, Sienna.

• Richard Bockoff and David Lynn are now on the board of Tender Loving Canines Assistance Dogs and Kimberly Cantlon is fostering a service dog in training and helping with fundraising and curriculum development.

Keeping the “Social” in Social Venture Partners

On a warm evening in September, Partners and guests gathered at the home of Leigh and David Johnson for a delicious night of sushi and sake. The beautiful beach sunset was the perfect backdrop to celebrate the end of summer. The famous SDSVP Dessert Showcase featured amazing creations by Louarn Sorkin and Lenore Hawkins. Party attendees heard from Jose Cruz, Executive Director of Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) and JoAnne Berg, Chair of the SDSVP Business Operations Resource Team. BLCI is one of the nonprofits outside of our investment portfolio that receive assistance from SDSVP. With our help in human resources, board development and fund development, BLCI is positioning itself to be sustainable and continues to expand and grow.

Click Here to view photos

Click here to see video of JoAnne Berg and Jose Cruz

Q&A with Reality Changers

“We believe that SDSVP's where the power of business meets the passion of giving also defines the students of Reality Changers. These students, despite being low income, inner-city students, mean business and share your passion for giving, despite their humble circumstances and disadvantaged backgrounds.”
Christopher Yanov, Founder and Executive Director, Reality Changers

At First Friday in September, SDSVP Investee, Reality Changers spoke to Partners and guests about their great work in the community and new partnership with SDSVP. Christopher Yanov, Founder and Executive Director of Reality Changers shared how his organization is radically changing the lives of at-risk, inner city high schoolers into first generation college students:

First there's Jesse, a Reality Changers graduate whose family’s annual income was $7,000/year; upon high school graduation, he earned a $215,000 full ride scholarship to Harvard University where he is now starting his second year. We also learned about Arlene who sold flowers on the side of the road until the day she left for Chicago on a $200,000 scholarship to Northwestern University. And then there’s Ashley who grew up in one of San Diego's most dangerous neighborhoods where there has been 10 gang related homicides in the last 5 years; she got a $203,000 scholarship to Duke University. Impressive, right?

Last month, Reality Changers was in the news for a new agreement with San Diego State University - any student who meets the program requirements and makes good grades is guaranteed admission to SDSU. Their next goal...UCSD.

As you can see, Reality Changers is about results…ultimately changing the reality of teenagers in San Diego.

As a follow up to First Friday, we asked Chris some additional questions about working with Social Venture Partners:

How did you hear about SDSVP?

Reality Changers first heard about SDSVP through its success with past investees such as Second Chance and Junior Achievement.

Why did your organization want to work with SDSVP?

Reality Changers is one of the nation's leaders when it comes to running programs for first generation college students. However, as our programs grow, we must learn how to run a multi-million dollar organization takes much different skill sets - and that's why partnering with SDSVP will be so beneficial.

Has the experience so far met your expectations?

SDSVP warned us that we would be overwhelmed with planning meetings, but they have already challenged us to look at our clients and our markets in new ways and we are looking forward to the results that partnering with SDSVP will soon produce.

What areas are we assisting you in and how have we helped you?

SDSVP is not giving us the answers to big-picture and small-picture questions; in fact, they are helping us figure out just what those questions should be. More specifically, SDSVP is helping Reality Changers create a 3-year and 5-year plan that can be functional for the organization on an everyday basis.

What are your expectations for future years of partnership with SDSVP?

Reality Changers hopes that SDSVP will teach us how to reach more markets - from inner-city students to program partners to program funders who want to see more low-income youth become first generation college.

Meet New SDSVP Membership Director, Jacqueline Silverman!

By Lori Thiel

This month SDSVP welcomes new Membership Director Jacqueline Silverman, who brings with her 25 years of non-profit management and fund development experience from her work in New York, Chicago, Palm Beach and San Diego. She’s an accomplished marketing strategist and creative event planner who has raised money for notable organizations, including the San Diego Opera, San Diego Performing Arts League, and the San Diego Center for Jewish Culture. She took a few minutes while settling into her new SDSVP office to answer some questions:

1. How did you come to be involved with SDSVP?

A colleague who knew SDSVP was looking for a Membership Director thought I'd be a good match for the position. Happily, Peggy and the selection committee thought so too.

2. What's the best thing about being involved with SDSVP?

Right now, the best thing about my involvement is the WOW reaction I get from family, friends and colleagues when I share the news of my appointment as Membership Director.

My primary role at SDSVP is to increase our membership, so look out. In the weeks ahead, I’ll be calling upon many of you for your help to learn what makes the Partner experience great, what makes a great Partner, and who you know that fits the bill.

3. What is your favorite place in the world and why?

I'm a Francophile and love tropical beaches, but in thinking about my world travels [my favorite place is] home in San Diego in the "tree house" that my husband and I remodeled together in University Heights.

4. Please tell us about your family.

My husband is Steve Silverman, a land use planning consultant. We met at a Gospel concert I was producing and got married a year later. We frequently visit with family in San Diego, Palm Beach, DC, NYC, Boston, Dallas, Denver, and Seattle.

5. Please tell us about your favorite pet.

Daisy, my parents' Shih Tzu, set the bar.

6. How do you spend your days off?

There are day trips with Steve to farmer's markets, galleries, craft shows. We go to a lot of theatre, from SUSHI to the Opera. We frequently host dinner parties. (Steve does the cooking). I love workouts and long swims at the Y.

7. Please tell us about a personal project you can't wait to finish.

Catching up on our family scrap books.

8. What is your most prized possession and why?

My wedding ring. I waited a long time.

9. Please tell us the most useful thing you ever learned.

I’ve learned many useful things like good posture (from my grandmother) and Just Do It (from really good branding).

10. What is your most impressive useless talent?

Playing the bassoon. It's not actually useless, but a guitar would be more fun at parties.

11. What did you read at the beach this summer?

Steig Larsson's "The Girl..." trilogy, of course.

12. What gets played most on your ipod or mp3 player?

What my husband calls my music (e.g., Buddha Bar, Brad Mehldau, Pat Metheny).

13. Complete this sentence: Nobody in SDSVP knows that I...

…was the band director at a Chicago middle school right after I graduated college. As far as I'm concerned, football games are still all about the half-time show.

Welcome to SDSVP, Jacqueline!

Why Aren’t More Nonprofits Seriously Embracing Shared Services as a Model?

By Duane Trombly, SDSVP Partner

The nonprofit sector is facing the most serious challenge in its history – Increased demand for service with year over year decrease in funding. Yet, in speaking with some nonprofit leaders they resist even an entry-level discussion of shared services.

The idea of shared backend services has been bantered about in the nonprofit sector for a number of years. Streamlined operations and reduced operational overhead are some of the promises offered through embracing shared services. Dollars and staff time saved by streamlining operations can be redirected towards programs to meet the ever-increasing demand for services. Shared services are also a way to grow with a smaller budget commitment, and to access higher quality personnel than you can often afford or need on your own. Shared services can range from sharing a bookkeeper to co-locating in an executive suite where the residents are on the same donor management and client management program, supported by an operational executive.

There are almost 1.5 million registered nonprofits in the United States, 80% of which report annual revenue below $100,000 (National Center for Charitable Statistics 2008). Budgets this small limits the organization’s ability to access and install commonly accepted operational platforms that would help them succeed.

Capacity building for sustainability is one of primary pillars of the work that we do at San Diego Social Venture Partners. We are one of the few organizations in the nonprofit sector that focuses primarily on operational effectiveness believing that a firm operational foundation is the basis for a sustainable organization. Sustainable organizations in turn are able to grow their services more effectively ultimately creating stronger communities.

Sharing some or all of an organization’s backend operations simply makes good business sense for a nonprofit. Reducing overhead and redirecting those monies or simply maintaining services provides quality benefits for the whole community.

So I have a challenge for nonprofit leaders: Review your organization and identify activities and services that are not core to your mission and lay the shared services yard stick alongside them. I’m betting you’ll discover opportunities to streamline your operational overhead saving those precious program dollars. Will you take this challenge?

Email Duane Trombly at dtrombly@pointebreak.com

Investing in Nonprofit Effectiveness

By San Diego Grantmakers

Investing in Nonprofit Effectiveness
Community Resource Center (CRC) empowers North County families in need with safety, stability, and a path to self-sufficiency. Yet CRC itself needed greater stability in the face of the economic downturn and dwindling funding. San Diego Social Venture Partners (SDSVP) ensured that CRC could survive and thrive by helping the group reframe its mission to focus on core strengths. Concurrent with completing its new strategic plan, CRC won $1.6 million in stimulus funds to help homeless and impoverished San Diegans.

SDSVP links the power of business with the passion of giving in order to help San Diego nonprofits be more effective. The organization was created in 2001, modeled after a Seattle group that applies venture capitalist ideas to philanthropy: investing in innovative nonprofits and supplying expertise to nurture those investments. The approach evolved into an international network of Social Venture Partners.

Matching Volunteer Skills to Organizational Needs
SDSVP is made up of over 140 people committed to being engaged givers. Partners pledge $5,000 per year for three years and leverage these funds by sharing their skills with “investee” nonprofits selected as part of SDSVP’s annual funding focus, which has included improving the environment, reducing hunger and homelessness, and supporting military families. SDSVP researches and identifies organizations that have the potential to achieve significant results.

SDSVP matches the needs of investees to the skills of volunteer Partners, deploying “Resource Teams” to work in areas like leadership development, fiscal management, strategic planning, technology, and public relations. Rachel Humphreys, founder of SDSVP investee organization La Cuna, notes that the “hands-on coaching and infrastructure support...has been more valuable than the funding we received.”

Strategic Donors and Funder Collaborations
SDSVP not only strengthens nonprofits, but also helps members become more strategic donors. Partners Ray and Gina Ellis joined to go beyond giving by participating in substantive ways, while David Lynn appreciates peer mentoring and learning. Bill Carpenter comments, “It seems more powerful to help charitable organizations launch lasting projects rather than just doling out money.” SDSVP connects Partners with their passions, catalyzing increased giving and volunteering.

SDSVP also fortifies philanthropic connections by seeking out “other funders who will pick up where we leave off,” says Alan Sorkin, longtime SDSVP leader and now president of SVP International. SDSVP has leveraged over $17 million by collaborating with grantmakers like The Legler Benbough Foundation and Union Bank. SDSVP members themselves often make additional grants: when SDSVP helped launch Junior Achievement BizTown,TM Partners assisted with the facility search and then contributed $3 million.

What Does This Mean About Philanthropy?
Some donors fund programs without considering how nonprofits will maintain them. San Diego Social Venture Partners uses a business-like approach to help organizations become successful and self-sustaining, because, as Sorkin points out, “A dollar given to an ineffective organization is a dollar wasted.” By engaging individuals to donate both money and know-how, and collaborating with other funders, SDSVP is working on multiple fronts to create positive change.

Giving is Universal

By Lori Thiel and Mandy Sherlock

In a room full of eager faces, San Diego Social Venture Partner, David Cornsweet stood up, dispersed 15 proposals from nonprofit organizations, explained the guidelines for selection, and announced, “Go for it!”

At first glance, this might seems like San Diego SVP’s Investment Working Group, the committee of Partners that selects the nonprofit organizations in which they’ll invest. However, this is a group of first year MBA students at Sri Sathya Sai Institute of Higher Learning in Puttaparthi, India, where SDSVP Partner, David is a guest teacher.

To reinforce the Institute’s spirit of service in his Group Dynamics class, Professor David needed a project to help his students understand how to make decisions while working in high powered groups. He racked his brain, “What model includes high-powered, strongly opinionated people who come together to make important decisions?” Social Venture Partners, of course! David knew the SVP process of selecting nonprofit Investees well enough to help others learn from it. “If it works for SVP, why not try it with the students in India?”

Prior to joining SDSVP, David was no stranger to helping others in need. In 2007, he became a trustee of the William Gumpert Foundation and had been working with charities since as far back as he could remember. Two years after taking the helm at the Foundation, he was an invited guest at SDSVP’s First Friday. “It was incredible how much I learned in such a short amount of time,” David reflected, “It was then I decided that SDSVP would be a great investment for me and my learning.”

From his learning at Social Venture Partners, David conceived this lesson in engaged philanthropy by giving his students in India a true-to-life case study: while the San Diego’s Partners worked through the process of selecting the year’s Investees, he had his students perform the same analyses a continent away. First, he explained the SVP model to the students and the importance of making a good social investment: “With charities there’s always a need. However, we need to ask, ‘can this organization fill the need, be sustainable, and prove they are effective?’”

So each team excitedly analyzed five applications. The strengths and weakness of the organizations were discussed in depth and then the students narrowed down the pool. After the first round, it was clear the students were becoming passionate about their “favorite” nonprofits. There were heated moments of discussion – not unlike SVP’s investment selection committee! David fondly remembered, “It was like reliving the SVP process all over again!”

After the second round of review, the team leaders shared with the class how their group came to a conclusion. The winner: Reality Changers—the same organization that SDSVP Partners chose. Reality Changers gives at-risk youth the academic and financial resources to become first-generation college students, so it’s no wonder its mission resonated with the students in David’s class. Most of them are from small villages where children are fortunate to receive any schooling at all, so they could relate to the importance and the improbability of going to college. Reality Changers was chosen above all other applicants because they are, in fact, changing the reality of disadvantaged young people. As a result, they are transforming the world view of entire communities who now believe that their children can create a better future for themselves.

In the end, the students got it. Although they already were familiar with the basic concept of “giving back”, the SVP investment process brought a new way of thinking about philanthropy. Before this experience, their idea of philanthropy was helping wherever there is a need and a pull of the heart strings. But now, they’ve learned the importance of giving to organizations that will create the most significant change and get the most “bang for the buck”. Both SDSVP and the Institute students believed that Reality Changers would be a worthy investment because they are a catalyst for transforming lives and ultimately, entire communities.

David reflected, “Unbridled philanthropy is better than no philanthropy. But engaged philanthropy is even more powerful. When people start thinking strategically, it’s very effective.” David was successful in helping his students think in terms of making a larger impact in the community. And that’s what Social Venture Partners is all about.

Nonprofits: The Evolution to the Business Model

By John Burnett, SDSVP Partner

There’s a rumor going around that nonprofits are in big trouble. Recent numbers seem to bear this out. For instance, according to Giving USA, the total estimated charitable giving in the U.S. dropped 3.6 percent in 2009. The Center for Wealth and Philanthropy at Boston College said in its report that individual giving fell 4.6 percent in 2009 but for the rest of 2010 will likely grow to up to $227 billion. This sounds good until you realize that U.S. nonprofits need $1 trillion to operate fully.

There is also the other side of the coin. The needs for the services provided by nonprofits have increased by 30-40 percent during the period since 2008. This trend will continue as more individuals lose their unemployment benefits and suffer greater problems.

The response from nonprofits has been predictable. When-in-doubt cut costs – limit travel, count paper clips, reduce benefits; and, most painfully, cut staff, cut salaries/time, and eliminate programs. All these cuts threaten the Mission of the organization and the reason for its being. The assumption made by many Executive Directors is to wait, and things will turn around- they always have before.

Of course, there is always the possibility that the nonprofit can take action. Learning about social media is the current hot button; hiring a fundraiser, who, in turn, puts in place an elaborate program that includes finding 2-3 angel givers; recreating the Board so that it gets and gives; and organizing a new gala, are all potential components. Even a bit of token Marketing is possible. “All these changes will allow us to operate a couple more years, and then the economy will be better.”

Based on my twenty years working with nonprofits in a number of capacities, I have concluded that these band-aids are not the solutions needed. It is not the bad economy, or the donor who quit giving; it is a fundamental flaw in the nonprofit model. Organizations cannot endure if their fundamental goal is to breakeven every year or they are not allowed to delete programs/services that don’t make sense. The world has changed and nonprofits must adapt to a business model that is relevant, implementable and realistic. The process of creating such a model is well established. It starts with a review of your situation including the mission, a SWOT, objectives, strategies, tactics, budgeting, and evaluation. However, the challenge is the lack of resources necessary to create this document and implement it fully.

One possible solution for this lack of resources is for the nonprofit to connect with an organization that can guide them through this process and keep them on track. Although there are many possibilities, San Diego Social Venture Partners is one that I have recently joined and feel offers all the elements to help nonprofits succeed and sustain. Check them out at http://www.sdsvp.org/.


Click here to read more about John Burnett.

SDSVP Investees Utilize Questions to Tackle Tough Issues

By SDSVP Partner, AmyK Hutchens and SDSVP Board Member, Christopher Bush

For many philanthropic organizations it's about the check. Money is indeed quite helpful and appreciated, but what if you could take $1 and magically make it worth $9? SDSVP knows how to wave that magic wand with each and every Investee by focusing on engagement. Engaged partners are at the heart of the organization. With diverse backgrounds in business, law, medicine, human resources, finance, philanthropy, and the arts, to name a few, SDSVP leverages each dollar with our time and expertise. The engagement opportunities lead to rich dialogue, better decisions, and healthy outcomes.

In July, the Executive Directors from each of the Investees were invited to an educational roundtable discussion on leadership led by SDSVP Partner and international speaker, AmyK Hutchens. Utilizing question-based tools to raise the level of critical thinking, participants immediately tackled tough issues such as facilitating cultural change, overcoming economic challenges, restructuring a business model and how to maximize their relationship with SDSVP. Through the lens of Socratic Methodology, Partners and Investees framed specific operational and strategic issues so the problem could be better evaluated, reflected upon, and successfully solved.

There are six main types of critical thinking that the brain can perform. However, when it comes to organizational leadership, there are three levels of thinking that yield the most profitable results: reflection, evaluation and prediction. Unfortunately most leaders often ask low -level (recall) questions that simply require memorized, regurgitated responses. Very little critical thinking takes place. However, when a leader asks a more reflective, evaluative and predictive type question, critical thinking skyrockets as does the quality of solutions. For example, if a leader asks, What is our goal this year? and everyone shouts out, To raise 1 million dollars in funds, that was an easy question…too easy. If the leader changes that question to, How might we meet and exceed our 1 million fundraising goal?, now respondents have to think. They must reflect on where and how money was successfully raised in the past, they must evaluate where they are now in the process including the current environmental and legislative changes, and they must predict what their first several steps and collateral consequences will be in successfully moving toward their new fundraising goal. A simple change in the quality of your questions can exponentially raise the quality of your answers.

In an interactive workshop format, triads of Investee Executive Directors and SDSVP Partners put the Socratic Methodology to good use by evaluating their working relationship. They then identified critical factors that would contribute to healthier, more measureable outcomes. Groups closed by sharing their ideas/tweaks that SDSVP Partners and each Investee could make, that when put into practice, would create an even stronger benefit for both organizations.

Participants at this forum included ARTS, Tariq Khamisa Foundation, ElderHelp, Community Resource Center and Corporation for Support Housing. This forum was so successful that SDSVP has already scheduled Part II which will include more of the Investee staff members. For more information about SDSVP's Executive Directors Roundtable and our upcoming events, contact Mandy Sherlock at mandy@sdsvp.org.

San Diego Social Venture Partners Grows Board of Directors

SAN DIEGO (August 30, 2010) – San Diego Social Venture Partners (SDSVP), dedicated to bringing great people together to dramatically impact San Diego philanthropy, announced its board of directors is growing with the addition of three local business leaders. New members include Trevor Callan, CEO of Callan Capital, Christopher Bush, Managing Partner and Thought Engineer of AmyK, Inc., and Laurin Pause, Executive Director of Community Resource Center.

“We are thrilled to have the support of these individuals, who bring invaluable insight in areas ranging from financial to leadership development to nonprofit operations,” said Peggy Kidd, Executive Director for SDSVP. “Together, we will work toward achieving our mission of accelerating long-term social change by developing the sustainability of nonprofits, empowering them to serve the community more effectively and efficiently.”

The three new members draw from diverse backgrounds and a proven track record of success:

• Trevor Callan, CIMA, CEO, Callan Capital. Trevor co-founded Callan Capital in 2007 after a 15-year career at leading firms including Merrill Lynch, where he earned several service awards and became the first advisor to be selected to represent the Private Banking and Investment Group. A Recipient of the Five Star Award for Client Satisfaction, Callan Capital provides high net worth families with independent and expert advice in all the areas important to a significant estate including wealth management and financial planning. Callan Capital is located in La Jolla.
  
• Christopher Bush, Managing Partner, AmyK International, Inc. With expertise in leadership, sales and communications, Christopher and the AmyK, Inc. team show people the “how” of transforming average performance into brilliant, profitable growth. A leadership and sales development company, he and his firm have received five Telly Awards for marketing and training as well as the Summit International Award for creativity. AmyK, Inc. is located in San Diego.
  
• Laurin Pause, Executive Director, Community Resource Center. Since taking the helm as CRC’s Executive Director in 2004, Laurin Pause has been critical to bringing funding to the community and smart project management to social services. Considered both a fiscal and social services authority in the county, Laurin has developed and introduced innovative domestic violence and social services programs that have produced remarkable success rates. CRC is located in Encinitas.

According to Pause, “As the Executive Director of a former SDSVP Investee, I have seen firsthand how the unique model can create a plan for long-term success by providing support and enhancing productivity. I am pleased to collaborate with this esteemed group of local leaders to further the vision of SDSVP as a community-minded organization.”

Bush added, “SDSVP not only produces life-changing results with their investees in the San Diego community, they are transforming philanthropy by creating better philanthropists. Being part of SDSVP is like an immersion study in the power of giving.”

Other SDSVP board members include Mark Fackler, Vistage Chair; Marjorie Fox, President & CEO of Cultivating Brilliance Institute; JoAnne Berg, CFO of Spectrum Concepts, Inc.; Linda Bernstein, retired business owner/CEO; Peg Eddy, President/CEO of Creative Capital Management, Inc.; Ray Ellis, Principal of Ellis & Associates; David Johnson, Principal of Clearpath Advisors; David Lynn, President of Ayamba, Inc.; Steve Ness, retired business executive/philanthropist; Joyce Ross, Founding Partner of Ross Partners; Alan Sorkin, Founding Partner of SDSVP and Board Chair of SVPI; and Duane Trombly, Founding Partner of PointeBreak Solutions.

ABOUT SAN DIEGO SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS (SDSVP)
Established in 2001, San Diego Social Venture Partners is a nonprofit organization of professionals who invest time and money in innovative nonprofits in San Diego County while becoming more educated and involved givers. Recent Investees includeA Reason to Survive, Audeo Charter School, Community Resource Center, Corporation for Supportive Housing, ElderHelp of San Diego, Reality Changers and Tariq Khamisa Foundation. To learn more about SDSVP, call (858) 724-6065 or visit www.sdsvp.org.

Saving Donkeys?

Last month, New Philanthropy Capital, a UK-based consultancy helping funders and charities to be more effective, blogged in response to a charitable act that involved "saving" an (unharmed) donkey in Russia who was forced to parasail as part of a publicity stunt. NPC wrote that spending charitable funds on donkeys is not an effective giving strategy and money could have been more wisely spent helping disadvantaged people. All this chatter about donkeys may seems silly, but SDSVP Partner, David Lynn made it relevant by asking, "Is giving to a less noble cause better than giving nothing at all?" We thought you'd like his response too.

I prefer to think any acts of charity are better than none, whether in-kind or cash, and help promote more charitable acts and better care of the bottom tier. So whether saving donkeys, local kids, or far-off areas, it’s all better than doing nothing. As long as people have a passion and do something about it, that will help everybody in the long run.

David took it a step deeper by asking a stickier question.

The dollar cost of saving a child in the UK or US is far more expensive than saving one in the third world. So should you save one child in the UK, or ten in Africa? How do you allocate your funds?

Definitely food for thought. What do you think?

Here at San Diego Social Venture Partners, our members have the opportunity to find their passion and determine how to best invest their money and their time. We are able to stretch their dollars as they give of their expertise to nonprofit organizations. Because we encourage open dialogue with these nonprofits about what they need to achieve lasting change, we know that wherever we allocate our generosity - to people or animals or the environment - we are greatly impacting the San Diego community for good.

Learn more about San Diego Social Venture Partners

Follow David Lynn on Twitter

Learning About the Homeless

By Mark Fackler, SDSVP Partner and Board Chair

For people reading this blog entry that have not read my previous entries on the homeless, I encourage you to read Homeless Project Background. It will give you some background on my project. Briefly, I have made a commitment to give $20 each week to a homeless person and minimally ask their name and where they are from.

I have been meaning to summarize my thoughts on the homeless project since Dec 31st. After the year ended, it was strange for me not to have a $20 in my pocket at all times just in case I came upon a homeless person who I think would be interesting to talk to. I am saddened by the plight of the homeless. My views of the homeless have changed from a year ago and they also changed during the year long project. My conclusions follow.

I ended the year with $540 I did not give away. My goal was to give away $20 per week if an only if I could have a conversation with the recipient. So over the course of the year, I had twenty five conversations with the homeless. The homeless I spoke to had the following profile. They all live in La Jolla, California, an affluent area in San Diego County. They are the chronic homeless, men and women, and fifty years old or more. They are generally alcoholics. Some are mentally unstable, but stable enough that I did not feel threatened. They are nice, polite and gracious. They are filthy, weathered and wear pitiful clothes. They smell like alcohol at times. At other times, they smell nauseating.

And of course, they are real people. They are our brothers and sisters, our nephews and nieces. They are our moms and dads, our aunts and uncles. They are our children. They are our neighbors. They laugh. They cry. They bleed. They die. They are you and me.

Over the year as people have followed this project, some have told me that the homeless don’t deserve compassion or help. They tell me that the homeless are lazy. They are drunks and drug addicts. They tell me that to help a lazy drunk drug addict only perpetuates that lifestyle. I can certainly understand that point of view. Clearly there are many homeless who are alcoholics and drug addicts and some forms of help do perpetuate their lifestyle. However, what I found in my year long project is that these chronic homeless, these substance abusers are real people with life stories. So to not help them in inhumane. Please note here that there are many categories of homeless and I am dealing with just one category, the chronic homeless and substance abuser. An often misunderstood category are the homeless who just can’t afford rent for a few months and are evicted. These are often families.

Back to the chronic, substance abuse category, where we are faced with a dilemma. Help them and potentially perpetuate their behavior or don’t help them and loose a bit of our humanity.

How do we show our humanity and help them? I believe the best way is to support homeless is to support the charities that serve them. The homeless need professional help. They need medical attention, substance abuse counseling, job training, food, shelter, legal help and countless other services. If you are in San Diego, I would suggest you donate money to Community Resource Center or Corporation for Supportive Housing. San Diego Social Venture Partners (SDSVP) has vetted and supported both these non-profits. SDSVP considers them top notch organizations that help the homeless. Since I am Chairman of the Board of SDSVP, I decided to give my extra $540 to SDSVP. I like leveraging my charity donations and SDSVP has leveraged my gift for help for the homeless.

I would suggest two other things we can do for the homeless. If you feel safe, say hello to a homeless person. Again, if you feel safe, engage in a conversation. Ask them where they were born. Ask them what their favorite food is. Ask them about their family or where they went to high school. Help them feel like a human being. Be their friend just for the moment. That does not perpetuate an addictive behavior. That perpetuates love and kindness.

Check out Mark's Blog at http://facklerfamily.org

The Case for Social Venture Partners

By Alan Sorkin, SVP International, Board President & San Diego SVP, Partner

It has been said, “No amount of travel on the wrong road will get you to where you want to go.” Our most respected charitable foundations have spent billions of dollars in the last 100 years and the world’s population seems worse off, not better. Today’s intractable problems require innovative solutions. Throwing more money at the same organizations will not yield different results.

If Boston College’s Paul Schervish is correct about the $41 trillion wealth transfer that is occurring as baby boomers inherit, we have a unique opportunity if we can do something different.

Social Venture Partners (SVP) believes one of the best ways to deal with these issues is to dramatically leverage the number of donors. There is a new generation of successful business people turned social entrepreneurs. Examples like: Skoll, Gates, and Buffett. SVP attracts these same types of donors.

We are network of 2000+ engaged donors who care passionately about changing the world one community at a time. We are having a positive impact by using effective, innovative strategies to address complex social issues and our model is readily scalable.

SVP transforms individuals who in turn transform nonprofit organizations who transform their community by bringing together worlds that typically do not overlap: grant making, volunteerism, nonprofit capacity building, and philanthropic education.

A recent USC Study found “79% of SVP partners report increases in their amount of giving, 86% said they have changed how they give; and 27% report they gave more than $50,000 last year.”
Our Partners are taking on leadership roles in the nonprofit and public sectors and exerting their influence in important public policy debates including public education, affordable housing, early childhood services and youth aging out of the foster care system.

SVP is the largest network of engaged donors in the world. I believe we engage donors better than anyone else. We have 26 member organizations in 3 countries. Partners give their time, professional skills and creativity to work in partnership with hundreds of local children's, education, and environmental nonprofit organizations.

Our business-like approach is cutting edge. Major philanthropic organizations now validate much of what we began saying for 12 years. More and more funders and foundations are recognizing that building capacity is more important than funding another innovative program year after year and almost everyone is now looking for impact accountability and sustainability.

With more visibility, come more donors providing their time, talent and resources to most of our world’s problems. Imagine how many more nonprofit organizations will be dramatically impacted with SVP involvement?

With your help we can change even more in the world.

Meet New Partner, Harriet Carter

By Lori Thiel

Even though she has been a Partner only since April, taxation and business attorney Harriet Carter is well known among SDSVP thanks to her many years of volunteer service.

Harriet volunteers about 20 hours a month and has served on nonprofit boards for more than 10 years, completing her stint as secretary of the Tariq Khamisa Foundation’s (TKF) board just prior to partnering with SDSVP. Harriet, 67, also currently serves on the Board for The Monroe Institute, the Disabled Businessperson’s Association, the Alternative Healing Network, the Ralphs Prather Ranch Foundation, the Alain Ralphs Benson Foundation, and the Hogar de los Ninos.

“As I get older I realize it’s time for me to change the ratio of work I do for pay versus volunteering,” she explains. “I’ve been given so many gifts in my lifetime and I want to give them all back—and more—before I die in order to make the world a better place than it was when I was born.”


Two creative gifts she nurtures are painting and writing. She has completed about 30 paintings—primarily landscapes and animals—all acrylic on canvas. In 2000, Harriet published her book, “Guided Tour to the Afterlife: the Remarkable First-Hand Account of One Woman's Death and Her Adventures in a New Life After Death” which she co-authored with Susan E. Wells.

What she seems to take the most pride in, though, is her relationships, fostered through work and volunteer activities.

An attorney for 23 years, Harriet runs her law practice out of her home which is a gallery of her own artwork. She spends about an hour and a half with each of her tax clients every year. These sessions often include her homemade cookies and lots of catching up on each other’s lives. “I love my clients, and they love me,” she says of her more than 300 regulars. She attributes these long-term friendships to the nature of her practice. “I see them every year for tax season and sometimes know more about their finances than they do.”

In addition to legal services, Harriet provides her clients with an annual newsletter that includes information on such varied topics as politics, economics, science, social and cultural issues and book reviews. Harriet estimates she reads about 30 to 40 books a year and is currently reading Jonathan Alter’s “The Promise: President Obama, Year One.”

Harriet also takes pride in her seven step-children, 16 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren who all live in Ohio. “People are sometimes surprised to learn I have so many children and grandchildren. But I raised a family while I worked full-time and put myself through college.”

Harriet earned her BSBA in management and her MBA in accounting and finance from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. She earned her JD (Law) degree at Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego while she worked as senior financial analyst and treasury services manager for Security Pacific Finance Corp. When she completed her degree she opened her own practice as a tax attorney and began also providing business and estate planning. She is one of the few lawyers in San Diego who have experience setting up and providing legal services to nonprofits.

Harriet is invigorated by the opportunities she sees in SDSVP. Already she has joined the Board Development Resource Team, Discovery Team, Portfolio Working Group, and Investment Working Group. “And I also joined Louarn Sorkin’s knitting and crocheting group, where we are busy making hats and scarves for charity,” she laughs.

Reflecting on her accomplishments and busy schedule, she says, “Sometimes I feel I’ve lived three lifetimes in one.”

Thank You from Partner, Alan Sorkin

As many of you know, Founding Partner and Board Member, Alan Sorkin recently received a kidney transplant. Alan would like to thank his SDSVP community and friends for their support:

“I wish to thank all of you who sent cards, emails or donations wishing me a speedy recovery. I am doing really well, but will be stuck in the house for at least another month to minimize infection that could jeopardize the new organ. I am ready for visitors (especially at lunch time if you bring us both a sandwich). I the meantime, I will try and stay connected on conference calls.“

Many of you have asked about the amazing altruistic donor, Tirina who made this life-saving gift. Here is what she said on her MatchingDonors.com profile:

“I am a 23 year old female, looking to help someone in need. I do not drink or smoke. My blood type is A- . I want to do this after reading story after story of how many people are on the donor list, and how many people are forced to add their name to this list. Thankfully I do not know anyone that is in need and could not imagine knowing someone that would have to go through this scary thing, with no one to turn to.”

The Partner 4-1-1

• Partner Lori Steele is in the San Diego Business Journal and Fox 5 News! Lori is CEO of Everyone Counts, which offers systems that allow people to vote on their personal computers, telephones or personal digital assistants.


• Jewish Federation installs SDSVP Partner and community leader, Jan Tuttleman as new Board Chair. Kudos, Jan!


• Congrats to Partners Aaron Contorer and Lori Steele on their upcoming wedding in the fall! Aaron and Lori met through mutual friends in SDSVP.

Meet Partner, David Field!

By Lori Thiel

An SDSVP Partner since 2000, David Field is a long-time proponent of renewable energy technologies, especially solar, and environmental stewardship. He co-founded a renewable energy company specializing in the production of renewable fuel additives (ethanol and methanol) and, following that established and managed a joint venture to develop and operate water infrastructure projects among municipalities and public agencies. David counts among his specialties commercializing sustainable energy technologies, raising investment capital, developing and leading high achieving management teams and driving investor returns. He recently took some time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for us:

You have an extensive background in energy, particularly renewable/sustainable energy. What do you think is the best energy source(s) for the next century and why?

I believe that rooftop solar is a “sleeping giant” that is only now awakening. Not only because I manage a solar technology and development company, but rooftop solar tends to be lower cost than all other delivered forms of renewable energy since it avoids incremental investment in unsightly transmission and distribution power lines. As a result of recent dramatic decreases in solar technology and financing structures that take advantage of government incentives, in many cases electricity produced from rooftop solar panels is now lower cost than comparable electricity purchased from our local utility — and that is significant!

You also have been president of the board of Coastkeeper. Do you consider yourself an environmentalist and, if so, how did you come to be one?

I consider myself to be a pragmatic environmentalist — meaning that I try to take into account and balance overall societal impacts versus solely protecting the environment at all costs. For example, one must ask the question, “Do the economic and security benefits of new water sources that are desperately required here San Diego outweigh the environmental costs associated with ocean desalination?” I believe in a balanced approach to protecting the environment, and in the case of ocean desalination, that it should proceed forward based on its societal benefits and in a way that minimizes (not eliminates) its impact on the environment.

How did you come to be involved with SDSVP?

I first joined SVP in Phoenix, Arizona in 2000 and became a partner in San Diego when I moved here in 2003. I believe very strongly in its mission and approach and have seen time, and time again, the effectiveness of the model.

What is the best thing about being involved in SDSVP?

The people. Because of the strength and depth of the partner base, innovative and creative approaches can be adapted to deal with issues that are unique to San Diego. For example, the success that the partnership has had in driving the establishment of the Equinox Center is truly amazing, especially now when one sees the quality of work and impact that Equinox is having on the community. This is a testament to the strength and vibrancy of SDSVP, its model, and most of all, its partners.

What is your favorite place in the world and why?

On my sailboat moored off of Catalina Island. The enormity of the ocean humbles oneself, the beauty of the shoreline is endless....and it’s so close to home in San Diego.

Please tell us about your family.

I am blessed to have a wonderful wife, Caroline and four children, Sarah (11), Katherine (13), Connor (17) and Tyler (20).

Please tell us about favorite pet.

We have a Belgian Malinois (think: police dog) that is the favorite of the family. Jack is truly a big playful child that redefines the phase “go fetch.”

How do you spend your days off?

Going to the beach or being on my boat are my preferred ways to spend my time. I can’t get enough of summertime and being outside in general.

Please tell us about a personal project you can’t wait to finish.

Cleaning and organizing the garage — seriously. Don’t want to start it, but can’t wait to finish it.

What is your most prized possession and why?

The things that I receive from my children tend to be my most prized possessions. Many are made by them, and I love the thoughtfulness that goes into them. For Father’s Day this year, my daughters hand-painted a shirt for me, which I wore with pride when we all went out to lunch to celebrate.

Please tell us one of the most useful or valuable things you ever learned.

Compassion. All of our lives are journeys that take us both up and down, and you never know which is coming next. It is not until we fall down in life do we truly gain the ability and further understand the need to feel and extend compassion towards others. I have been blessed by others in my life who have shown me compassion when I most needed it.

What is your most impressive useless talent?

Unfortunately, I probably have many useless talents, but the one that comes to mind the most — based upon being told as much by my children — is my ability to convey a plethora of useless factoids.

What book will you read at the beach this summer?

Right now, I am reading “The Next 100 Years” by George Friedman. An amazing analysis into our future.

What gets the most play on your iPod / MP3 player?

It depends upon my mood, which changes frequently.

Nobody in SDSVP knows that...

Until I was 21 years old, I spent every summer at a family cabin in northern Canada with no electricity, phone, roads (access by boat only), etc. Probably one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life and serves to define who I am today.

Social Venture Partners Continues to Grow Despite Sluggish Economy

SAN DIEGO (June 11, 2010) – During 2009 when the nonprofit sector suffered a 3.5% reduction in charitable contributions, San Diego Social Venture Partners increased its impact to the community, donating a record $3 million of cash and value-added services to nonprofit organizations in San Diego County.

San Diego Social Venture Partners (SDSVP) are community minded professionals who contribute time, money and business expertise to help innovative nonprofits chosen through a rigorous selection process. The organizations selected for investment – called Investees – have a clear vision, strong leadership, a commitment to measuring successful outcomes and a desire to collaborate with high-level volunteers.

SDSVP’s mission is to accelerate social change by developing the organizational capacity and sustainability of each nonprofit they support, empowering them to serve the community more effectively and efficiently. Its Partners are diverse in their interests, but all are united in their commitment to strengthening San Diego County, helping its people achieve long-term social change.

Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) recently announced its latest numbers associated with organizational growth, grant making, and volunteer service. Based on member data, the SVP network grew 2% in 2009. The SVP network of personal philanthropists contributed $3.16 million to 149 nonprofits last year and SVP Partners contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service to nonprofits in 25 cities throughout North America and Japan.

“Our Partners continued to be highly engaged in their communities in 2009.” says Alan Sorkin of San Diego, president of Social Venture Partners International. “For the ninth year in a row, Partner satisfaction continues to improve. About 77% are involved as active volunteers.” SDSVP Executive Director Peggy Kidd said today: “SVP Partners were more engaged than any year to date. Despite the economic downturn, 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 its model as a proven and effective way to make a difference.”

ABOUT SAN DIEGO SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS (SDSVP)
Established in 2001, San Diego Social Venture Partners is a nonprofit organization of professionals who invest time and money in innovative nonprofits in San Diego County while becoming more educated and involved givers. Recent Investees include A Reason to Survive, Audeo Charter School, the Community Resource Center, the Corporation for Supportive Housing, ElderHelp of San Diego, Reality Changers and the Tariq Khamisa Foundation. To learn more about SDSVP, call (858) 964-0290 or visit http://www.sdsvp.org/.