SVP Shines the Spotlights on Success

On May 23, nearly 100 Partners and guests gathered in Del Mar for SVP’s first ever Spotlights on Success. The auditorium at AMN Healthcare was transformed into an intimate, in-depth experience as guests discovered SVP’s real impact in the community.

Click here to read more.

Check out more event photos!

Getting to Know You: Sandra Timmons

By Rachel Camacho

Sandra Timmons joined SVP with her husband, Richard Sandstrom, in May of 2011. As a first year Partner, it’s plain to see she has picked up and implemented the SVP values and mission like a seasoned pro. Sandra thoughtfully gives input and shares her ideas. Her clarity and perceptive insight allow her to encourage change, as opposed to only see problems.

Upon meeting Sandra, one will notice that she gives her full attention, and she greets you with a beaming smile. The SVP family was greeted by her warmth and generosity at last year’s holiday party that she and Richard graciously hosted. In addition to ensuring everything was in place and ready, she welcomed each guest personally, an art that is becoming lost in this age of text messages and emails.

The SVP staff had the pleasure of getting to know Sandra a little better, and her commitment to strengthening the San Diego community is inspiring. Our Investees will be very fortunate to have someone helping them increase their capacity who is as passionate and enthusiastic as Sandra Timmons!

Why did you join SVP?
I have been involved with nonprofits for many years and have seen them struggle to become sustainable. I knew there had to be a better way. I heard about SVP and saw how much there was to learn.

How are you involved with SVP?
I am on the Outcome Planning Resource Team and participated in this year’s Investment Working Group, including a site visit to one of the finalist organizations. My husband and I also hosted the holiday party.

What are you getting out of your SVP experience?
I am learning so much - how to measure the value of a nonprofit and how their impact influences support. I am meeting great people and giving direction to my own philanthropy.

If you’re in the car in the morning, what do you listen to?
I am a public affairs junkie so I listen to NPR. When I was a producer at KPBS I had to read all three local papers, and I did so willingly. I used to cut up papers, pulling out interesting tidbits and story ideas. Now, even though I don’t need the programming ideas, I still do it, keeping a new digital scrapbook.

What do you think that says about you?
I think you can only affect that which you can touch, i.e. your near environment, so I try to keep up on what is going on around me, I guess because I want to effect change.

On the weekends, what do you look forward to most?
In the morning, reading the newspapers over a cup of coffee. And in the evening I look forward to listening to classical music while drinking a glass of wine.

One thing you could not live without...
I could not live without friends, family and sharing good food together. Life would be way too lonely.

SVP “FastPitch” Discussion + Wine and Cheese

Tuesday, April 10 | AMN Healthcare | 4:00 - 5:30 PM

We're exploring a high-energy, possibly high-profile event at which local nonprofits showcase their plans for social impact and compete for funding and SVP expertise. In January, the SVP Board of Directors approved exploring the test of an all-in-one-day “FastPitch” competition, contingent upon raising the funds to be awarded from local and national sponsors. We need your input on April 10th whether we should bring this event to San Diego, and if so, what it would look like.

Award-winning wine and gourmet cheese reception to follow.

For more information, contact Sherri Neasham at sneasham@gmail.com.

Making a Difference Where it Matters

Social Venture Partners International announced results from its latest in-depth, longitudinal study assessing the effectiveness of its unique model of engaged philanthropy. Specifically this study measured Social Venture Partners’ role in influencing its 2,100 Partners to increase their philanthropic development and engagement.

Key findings include:

• Partners’ giving increases because of SVP. 65% of respondents indicated that their giving has increased since joining SVP.
• Partners give more strategically because of SVP. 96% cite SVP as impacting the way they give.
• Partners are more involved in the community because of SVP. 91% credit SVP for increasing their community involvement: 51% cite SVP as the leading factor.

This report demonstrates what happens when committed, passionate people are connected with the issues they care about and given the tools to engage: the impact is seen on both the issues and the individuals. SVP Partners give more and in a more strategic fashion, and they dive deeper into leadership roles and service opportunities – helping their communities reach their potential. Click here to read the full report.

Social Venture Partners on the Move!

There’s a buzz around town…SVP is an organization on the move! Our new collective impact initiative and opportunity to bring Fast Pitch to San Diego are creating an excitement that is re-energizing our Partners and attracting new ones. As we continue to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with current Investees and local nonprofits, we’re helping take their vital work to the next level. We are delighted that our Partner base has grown to 130 Partners. Our goal is to have more than 145 Partners as we enter our next fiscal year, so we can continue to grow and expand our impact with San Diego nonprofits.

Getting to Know You: Partner, Robin Ritch

By Rachel Camacho

When Robin Ritch became an SVP Partner in April 2011, she didn’t miss a beat. Upon joining, Robin’s intention was to use her business skills in helping nonprofits become more productive. She has been able to do this and so much more! Robin dove right into taking on challenges and responsibilities, becoming a member of IWG, PWG and a Co-Lead Partner for Audeo Charter School. When people meet Robin, they discover a warmth and confidence that is a pleasure to be around. We thought you’d enjoy getting to know Robin too.

Click here to read more.

The Partner 4-1-1

Congratulations to Rachel and Tom vanBetten on the birth of their baby girl, Annika LeClaire vanBetten on December 13.

San Diego Grantmakers has elected David Lynn to represent Social Venture Partners on their Board of Directors. David will replaceAlan Sorkin who provided many years of guidance to the organization.

Celebrating the Season SVP-Style

Social Venture Partners and guests gathered at the magnificent home of Sandra Timmons and Richard Sandstrom on a crisp December night in Olivenhain. George Brown, Executive Director of Investee, Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA spoke briefly yet poignantly about SVP's impact on the organization. SVP's outgoing Board Chair, Ray Ellis introduced incoming Chair, Tuck Forsyth to the group. In the spirit of the season, SVP Partners donated 22 gift cards to the Armed Services YMCA for their Secret SANTA (Support And Nurture Those Americans who serve) Christmas program. A special time of celebration was had by all!

Click here to view photos.

San Diego Social Venture Partners: Building a better community

San Diego Social Venture Partners members assist with packing gift baskets for the Community Resource Center in 2010. In front are partners Robin Parker and Louarn Sorkin; rear, CRC Executive Director and ‘investee’ Laurin Pause and Julie Pardee.

From the Rancho Santa Fe Review
December 29, 2011
By Kathy Day

San Diego Social Venture Partners members say their organization is all about looking at philanthropy in a different way.

The 130 individuals, known as partners, come from all over the county but there’s a strong contingent of people from the North County area, including outgoing chairman Ray Ellis and his successor Tuck Forsyth.

“We really roll up our sleeves with our partners and get to know them,” said Ellis, noting that it‘s all about leveraging their collective skills. “It’s a three-year relationship – we don’t just walk away.”

The San Diego group, headquartered at 12555 High Bluff Drive, is part of an international organization. Around the world and locally its members not only invest money – a $5,000 contribution each year for three years is required – but they also invest their time and expertise to improve the community.

In addition to providing unrestricted cash grants, SDSVP provides skilled volunteer expertise to the targeted nonprofits, as well as other groups in need of a helping hand.

“We put the funds and human capital into an organization,” Ellis said. “A little of our expertise goes a long way.”

The strongest attributes of the group, Ellis said, are its “collective impact” on local nonprofits and in how much partners learn from each other about how to be better philanthropists.

Their efforts recently gained them recognition from the Association of Fundraising Professionals as San Diego’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for 2011.

Each year Social Venture Partners picks a special focus and carefully selects at least two nonprofits, which they call “investees,” explained Ellis, principal of the investment firm Ellis & Associates, LLC, who previously was president of the Marketing Services Division of Protocol Communications, a marketing services firm. He serves on several other boards and has announced he will seek the City Council seat now held by Sherri Lightner.

In 2011, the focus was on the military, a particular passion for Forsyth, who in October completed a four-year “phase out” from his career as a sales executive. He spent the last 20 years with Lee Hect Harrison and became involved with Social Venture Partners four and a half years ago after his wife died.

“I went from working for pay to working for the community,” he said, noting that he was introduced to the group by a friend. “I was always a sucker for a $200 phone call but never knew what my money was doing. This enables me to have a say.”

His most recent “say” has been as lead partner with REBOOT, a local initiative of the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., that assists veterans in moving back to civilian life and finding meaningful employment. The partners also teamed up in 2011 with the Armed Services YMCA at Camp Pendleton

For 2012, the partners have picked education as the target, although they will stay connected to their military investees and others.

Look at the list of groups they’ve supported and you’ll see that children and youth programs have always been interesting to the organization, Ellis said, making this year’s focus on education a natural choice.
“We don’t know the answers,” said David Lynn, who works in La Jolla specializing in investments, database management and business analytics. He is serving as board liaison on the project that will involve seeking solutions to improve local schools as well as raising more money to that end.

The endeavor will also add a new layer as SDSVP enters its second decade, said interim executive director Marion Paul, who was an investee when she worked with Junior Achievement. This year’s education focus includes aligning with other groups that have common goals so they can have a collective impact, she explained.

“We want to help build the capacity of a sector, in this case education,” she added.

Lynn said they will select at least two nonprofit investees and will team up with San Diego Grantmakers, which works to stimulate local philanthropy, and other organizations to pull together a countywide effort to find better ways to educate students.

The process of deciding which nonprofits to support begins with a Discovery Team, which polls partners on what groups they might want to help. Then they invite in experts in that sector who share their thoughts and challenges in that particular arena.

Next, the Investment Working Group of 30 steps in to evaluate proposals and select the investees. Then the real work starts and a team leader steps up.

Ellis said that’s often “someone who falls in love with that nonprofit.” That person becomes a key point of contact and forms the team.

The help comes in a variety of ways, from Resource Teams that step in to assist with fundraising efforts, management practices, developing their boards and leaders, as well as providing financial management, information technology or marketing and PR expertise.

Each year during the three-year relationship, the partners and investees develop an annual plan. But it’s not just about the nonprofit, Ellis said. “We measure us and them against program outcomes and the impact in the community.”

And, Paul noted, it’s not about raising money for them but also about helping them raise money and building a stronger organization.

Often partners go beyond their donations to Social Venture Partners and make individual contributions to the nonprofits as well as rounding up corporate donations for them, she added. “It’s about leveraging our resources to get more.”

To date, that impact has been great. In 2011, the partners gave $175,000 in direct cash contributions; add in-kind services, additional personal donations and 9,510 hours of volunteer time and the tally hits $1.7 million in value to the community, according to the annual report.

And, in case you were wondering, yes there is a “social” in Social Venture Partners. Members get together for social gatherings as well as having fun with their projects, Paul said, noting that again this year they helped the Community Resources Center put together 300 gift baskets.

Learn more at www.sdsvp.org.

Holiday Gifts - Where SVP 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 SVP

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.

Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Partner: Rachel van Betten

Providing information and resources to law enforcement, parents, children including child victims as well as other professionals.

http://www.missingkids.com

Community Resource Center

Partner: Laurin Pause

Providing critical assistance in the areas of domestic violence services, food programs, and emergency and transitional housing assistance.

http://www.crcncc.org/

Friendship Circle in San Diego

Partner: Jerry Schneider

Addressing the challenges facing the families of children with special needs in a novel and innovative way.

http://www.FriendshipCircleSD.com

George Mark Children’s House-San Leandro California

Partner: Peg Eddy

First children's hospice house in the U.S. providing medical, emotional and practical support to families with children that have life-threatening and terminal illnesses.

http://www.georgemark.org/

Horses of Tir Na Nog

Partner: Patsy Hartman

Providing consistent, quality care for horses in need of a loving, life-long home.

http://www.horsesoftirnanog.org/

Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties

Partner: Wendy Gillespie

Providing financial literacy education that empowers young people to own their economic success.

http://www.jasandiego.org

Volunteers of America of SW California

Partner: Mark Neilson

inspire hope through our ministry of service by providing individuals and families with tools to improve their quality of life.

http://www.voa-swcal.org

SVP Investees:

A Reason to Survive (ARTS)

Providing visual, performing, and literary art programs for kids facing life challenges.

http://www.areasontosurvive.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/

Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)

Enhancing the lives of Camp Pendleton Marines, Sailors, and their families by offering programs and services that focus upon Spirit, Mind, and Body.

http://www.camppendletonasymca.org

Reality Changers

Providing tutoring and mentoring to disadvantaged San Diego youth to become first-generation college students.

http://www.realitychangers.org/

REBOOT by the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (REBOOT)

Assisting veterans in adjusting to civilian life and securing meaningful employment by combining best-practice performance social solutions and techniques.

http://www.nvtsi.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/

Meet Partner Ken Davenport!

Recently, SVP sat down with first year Partner, Ken Davenport to get to know him better. Last year, Ken left the day-to-day operations of the company he co-founded in Colorado and moved back to San Diego with his wife Juliet and son Gabe. While most people with a lot of free time on their hands would resort to relaxing at home or picking up a new hobby, Ken joined SVP to give back and connect with the San Diego community. Since becoming a Partner, Ken has jumped right in and taken the helm of the IT Resource Team and is Lead Partner of Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA.

Why did you join SVP?

I lived in Colorado from 2006 to 2010, and after returning to San Diego I was looking for a way to connect back into the community. I had also recently left the company I co-founded, and had both the desire and time to give back. SVP gave me a way to use my business experience to help nonprofits be more effective, and SVP's model of leveraging charitable giving with management and operational expertise really appeals to me. So my wife, Juliet and I signed up, and we are really enjoying the experience.

How are you involved with SVP?

I figured the best way to learn about the SVP was to jump in with both feet, so when I joined I started going to as many meetings as I could. The choice of last year's investment sector, military support, was a great fit for me because I am very passionate about helping the military community. Now I am the Lead Partner for our investment with the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA. I also am Chair of the SVP IT Resource Team, where I'm helping the San Diego Armed Services YMCA revamp their IT infrastructure. Additionally, I recently started representing SVP on the Military Working Group collaborative that is designed to facilitate coordination between funders and service providers assisting the military in San Diego. And, I've also done some Board facilitation work with Elderhelp and Barrio Logan College Institute.

What are you getting out of your SVP experience?

It's been tremendously rewarding to work with the dedicated staff at both the Pendleton and San Diego Armed Services YMCAs. These are people who are giving so much to those who serve America, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to help them. And I've really enjoyed the chance to get to know the other SVP Partners -- it's given both Juliet and I a set of great new friends!

Quick 5 about Ken:

1. If you’re in the car, in the morning, what do you listen to

Thankfully these days I'm not often in the car in the morning unless it is to take my five year old to school, but I usually listen to sports talk radio.

2. If you were to take a “staycation” in San Diego, where would you go and why?

Definitely Coronado. I love the sleepy feel, the big wide beaches, the history of the Hotel Del and the cute little stores along Orange Avenue. And I like all the American flags, the retired navy veterans the feel-good patriotism of the place.

3. What’s your poison/vice?

Is coffee a vice? If so, I'm definitely addicted. I'm personally responsible for at least 1% of Starbucks worldwide revenue. And that's in addition to the espresso maker I have at home!

4. What’s one thing you could not live without and why?

Now that I am a dad, it's hard to imagine life without my son, Gabe. I obviously had a life before him, but it just seems so inconsequential now. Being a parent is the best thing I've ever done (besides marrying my wife), and now when people say that they would give up their life for their kids, I totally understand what they mean.

5. What’s one thing you could do without and why?

Rude people. It's so much easier (and rewarding) to be polite. I feel sorry for people who don't understand the gift of being respectful and kind to others!

SVP is San Diego’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization of the Year

On November 1, Social Venture Partners was recognized as San Diego’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization 2011by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. SVP’s Executive Director, Peggy Kidd and Board Chair, Ray Ellis accepted the award at National Philanthropy Day. They celebrated with over 900 attendees including 20 SVP Partners and staff. This is a wonderful honor for our organization and a real compliment to all of our Partners. Your support and work in the community are greatly appreciated!

See more photos and read about SVP’s award in the San Diego Business Journal.

Driving Informed Decision Making for San Diego’s Future

All in a Day’s Work for Equinox Center

By Trevor Callan
CEO, Callan Capital
Board Member, San Diego Social Venture Partners
Vice-Chair, Equinox Center

This summer, the City of San Diego unveiled its first ever recycled drinking water project. Fittingly, the unveiling occurred almost two years to the date of Equinox Center’s official founding.

An independent, non-partisan, not-for-profit policy center focused on how the San Diego region can achieve a more prosperous economy and healthy environment, Equinox Center was founded in 2008 through the support of San Diego Social Venture Partners. As the San Diego region prepares to add another 650,000 people by the year 2030, Equinox Center’s policy analysis, communications and convenings inform and engage the public and decision makers in crafting bold, intelligent solutions to our region’s growth challenges.

Seeing the recycled water project come to fruition was a gratifying moment for many of us involved with Equinox from the very beginning, as the organization had played an instrumental role in this outcome.

By conducting independent analysis of the benefits and drawbacks of recycled water, publishing a policy brief, and collaborating with a broad coalition of business, environmental, labor and community groups to disseminate its findings, Equinox Center helped encourage the San Diego City Council, Mayor Sanders and the San Diego Union-Tribune to reverse their earlier opposition to San Diego’s first recycled drinking water project. (Based in part on this success, Equinox Center was recently highlighted in national magazine YES! as a promising model to drive positive change in other regions across the United States.)

Part of Equinox’s success so far has been as a result of its strong network and spirit of collaboration, both of which are in its DNA as a result of its birth from the SDSVP network. For example, on September 14, 2011, Equinox Center will co- host a convening of our region’s top business leaders and policy makers, with the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corporation (EDC). The convening, “The Young & Restless: Winning the Race for America’s Best Talent,” will feature Joseph Cortright, a noted economist, Brookings Institution fellow and senior policy advisor to CEOs for Cities. Together, we’ll explore the question of how ensuring our region’s long-term competitiveness means being strategic about courting the “Young & Restless”—well-educated 25-34 year olds—tomorrow’s knowledge workers and entrepreneurs. (I encourage San Diego Social Venture Partners to attend!)

What are they looking for? According to Cortright’s research, this population is ditching the suburbs for urban neighborhoods at a rate of 2 to 1. They seek vibrant, walkable communities and multiple transportation options. They value culture, diversity and a high quality of life.

That means that in order to attract this demographic to the San Diego region, we need a new way of planning for the future. A more integrated approach toward economic development, transportation and land use can create vibrant, appealing communities to live and work while maintaining the high quality of life so many of us treasure here today.

This is precisely Equinox’s “sweet spot.” Evidence from its research shows that through intelligent policy making we can advance both our region’s economic and environmental goals. With the help of many SVP Partners over the past few years, Equinox is poised to do both. The organization has expanded its board of directors to include individuals involved in the real estate, health sciences, recreation and tourism industries, and has a new strategic plan and fundraising strategy. We continue to welcome the involvement of SVP members in Equinox’s work going forward, and I encourage you to attend one of our events or to follow us on our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and YouTube pages.

For more information about Equinox Center, visit: http://www.equinoxcenter.org/.

Conquering the Fear of Asking

By Mark Fackler

In my mid-twenties, I developed a motto for my life that was "face your fear.” Over the years, after much self-reflection and many conversations with my wife, I changed this motto to "identify your fears and break through them." This motto seems more appropriate, for facing your fear is great, but moving past your fear is even better.

Last year, I decided to tackle a fear of mine, the fear of asking for charitable donations. After three decades of supporting charities, I felt it was time to break through this fear. For me, this irrational fear was based on the following:

1) Being rejected.
2) Annoying the potential donor.
3) Sounding like a stereotypical used car salesman with high pressure tactics. I do apologize to great used car sales people.
4) Asking someone who could not afford a donation and embarrassing them.
5) Friends avoiding me because I am always asking for donations.
6) Setting up a quid pro quo expectation to give to their meaningful charity.

In full disclosure, I have read books and attended seminars on sales for both for profit and non-profit companies. I have worked with and even mentored great salespeople in both sectors. With all of this experience, my fear still prevented me from actually doing the work to become a successful fundraiser. Even stranger, I have a few friends who are excellent at asking for donations for their favorite charities. I have a ton of respect for them and would be proud to be like them. Yet, my fear still ruled me.

The Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) is one of my favorite non-profit organizations. I have proudly worked with TKF for over ten years. Their vision is to create “a world free of youth violence.” The founder's 20-year-old son was murdered by a 14-year-old boy. The founder realized that “there were victims at both ends of the gun” and created TKF as a solution to end youth violence. This organization does important and impactful work, so I was motivated to conquer my fear and help TKF and the kids we serve at the same time.

TKF created an email campaign that was based on a request for one dollar. The idea was to inspire one million people to each donate one dollar to TKF. However, a few months after the campaign started, TKF had less than one hundred donations, though one donation was for $25,000. That donation said a lot about what could happen when you ask someone for a dollar.

On the day I started my campaign, I had 1,117 contacts in my email list. I crafted a generic email with the help of a TKF board member who was the best at marketing. She and I drafted an email containing both a logical and emotional reason to give. I decided to personalize each email with a few sentences that made it clear to the recipient that I was speaking directly to them. The thought of personalization made my fear grow because the fear of reject would be more real for me. However, but I believe that the path that produces the most fear is often the best path to take, so I continued with my effort.

I started with the A's in my contact list and disaster struck immediately. My first contact was a fellow partner in San Diego Social Venture Partners (SDSVP) and there is an unwritten rule that partners are not supposed to ask each other for donations to their specific causes. I labored over this dilemma for literally days. I began rationalizing that fundraising was not for me and this was a sign from God that I was not supposed to do this work. As I looked through my contact list, there were hundreds of contacts that I had some rationale as to why I would not ask them for money. Clearly, this task was too difficult for me.

However, the quiet and persistent voice in the back of my head told me to press on. So, I looked at my contact list with a different perspective. I looked for contacts who I would feel comfortable asking for a donation. Much to my surprise, the majority of the people on the list were perfect for my ask. I was only asking for a dollar and that would probably not anger them. I skipped the second name on my list as I was courting her for SDSVP and did not want to court her for two charities. I went for the brass ring on the third name. I wrote her a nice couple of personal connection sentences, pasted in the generic ask and sent the email off. I was exhausted by the process, so I quit for the day.

Miracle of all miracles, this absolutely wonderful lady responded five days later with a $25 donation! I was beyond excited. I sent off a grateful thank you note and a few more requests for the one dollar donation. More money came in and, lo and behold, not a single person sent me a nasty email as my unrealistic fear had predicted. In fact, I received some incredibly nice responses about TKF and my efforts. I was actually getting energized by my work. Honestly, I was still mentally exhausted from my fear, but I was really excited every time I checked my email for donation notifications.

Over the course of a year, I asked 671 out of my 1,117 original contacts for a dollar. I decided to not ask 446 contacts for a few reasons. As I said before, anyone associated with SDSVP was a no ask. Some contacts I did not know well enough to personalize an email, and others I felt would be inappropriate due to my close relationship with them. On my best days, I made ten asks. At times, I went weeks in between asks and even took a break from November to January in order to not compete with year-end asks from other charities.

There were many highlights from my involvement in this campaign effort. I reconnected with old friends and they were as grateful as I was. One man gave me money even though I had only seen him twice a few years back. A few donations came in from friends who were unemployed. They were grateful to contribute even though money was tight. One person donated five months after receiving my email. He was a salesperson in a slump, but he donated when things brightened up for him. One donation came from a former coach of mine who I had not had contact with for eight years.

All in all, a third of the emails I sent resulted in a donation. Twenty-two donations came from friends of my contacts and the average gift size was $71.52. I raised just over $16,000 for TKF. Twelve donations were for a dollar and five donations were for $500. One of the $500 donations came from someone I did not even know. All of the donations were exciting to receive and they inspired me to send out more requests.

Interestingly after getting through 80% of my contact list, my views of asking changed from feeling bad to feeling obliged. I started to realize that the recipient is an adult and has the right to choose. Without my ask, I would have denied people the opportunity to decide for themselves due to my fearful assumptions. I was always kind and sincere in my ask, so why should I feel bad? When I get asked and the ask is sincere and not too frequent, I appreciate it. I am capable of saying yes or no to an ask, so I now assume the people I ask are also capable.

Overall, I am grateful for all of the donations that were generated for TKF and opportunity to break through my fear. The fear is not gone, but it no longer rules me. TKF’s email campaign was a great first step and there are more steps for me to take, specifically with asking for donations face-to-face and over the phone. TKF needs my help and there are other great charities out there that need your help. Are you ready to take a step to break through your fears?

Mark Fackler
Blog: www.facklerfamily.org
Cell: (619)316-7723

The Partner 4-1-1

Partner, Lenore Hawkins was a panelist on Fox Business Bulls & Bears discussing how to improve the employment situation and suggestions for investors in the current climate. Click here to see Lenore in action.

Animal Fireside Chat

SVP's Fireside Chats are designed for Partners with similar interests to connect in a small group setting. The June Chat focused on animals and included a mix of SVP Partners, funders, and nonprofits. There was great discussion and a high desire to do something that could raise the floor of the whole animal sector while elevating the value of the human/animal bond. There is a group of committed individuals that are continuing to push this larger, collaborative initiative - and would welcome any help from other animal lovers.

To learn more, contact Richard Bockoff at bockoffr@aol.com.

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.

SVP's Executive Director, Peggy Kidd Connects Partners with Passions

Social Venture Partner's Executive Director and Partner, Peggy Kidd connects Partners with their passions in the nonprofit community. She was recently featured as a Nonprofit Profile in the San Diego Business Journal.

Click here to read more.

SVP Turns 10 Years Old!

We want to thank, honor and celebrate our Partners and Alumni for 10 years of success. We are very proud of what we have accomplished and will continue to accomplish with your help.


Over the last 10 years, Social Venture Partners delivered to the San Diego Community:

• 330 new philanthropists


• $19+ million in cash and in-kind services


• More than 77,000 strategic, volunteer hours

Resulting in:

• 20 successful Investees with significant, measurable outcomes


• Over 100 nonprofits supported in the community with our Resource Teams
  

View the video we created for the anniversary showing impact on both our nonprofit Investees and our own Partners.

Click here to see party photos.

Welcome New Partners

• Joe Fisch and Joyce Axelrod
• Ann McCulloch and Chuck Maurer
• Lisa Liguori

Learn more about becoming a Partner! Call Membership Director, Jacqueline Silverman at (858) 724-6067.