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/.