Partner FAQs

Q: What does a Partnership entail?

A: SDSVP Partners are concerned citizens who want to follow the “venture philanthropy” model as a significant avenue for giving back to their community. In addition to making a minimum annual contribution, Partners are invited to engage their expertise, interests and time in projects that strengthen selected nonprofit organizations. But engagement takes many forms and many of our Partners simply give money to support our model. In addition, Partners are invited to attend our education and social events throughout the year.

Q: What are the requirements for becoming an SDSVP Partner?

A: A contribution of a minimum of $5,000 per year. Partners under the age of 35 may join for $2,500 per year.

Q: Can I pay for an SDSVP Partnership with something other than cash?

A: Yes, you can use corporate matching funds and stock transfers. You may also make a credit card donation here.

Q: Is my annual contribution tax-deductible?

A: Yes. SDSVP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and all contributions by U.S. citizens are fully tax-deductible.

Q: Do I join alone? Can someone join with me?

A: Yes to both. You may join alone. If you join with someone else, they must be a spouse, partner, or immediate family member.

Q: When is my annual contribution due?

A: Individuals become SDSVP Partners at the time they make their first annual contribution to the organization. You will be sent a renewal letter each year during the same quarter as your initiation. However, you may send your payment at any time of the year.

Q: Is a SDSVP Partner required to give his or her time as well as the annual financial contribution?

A: No, SDSVP certainly wants all Partners to get involved to the degree they can with their time and expertise, but some Partners just don't have any more time to commit - and that’s OK. About 30% of SDSVP Partners contribute money only. Partners can scale their level of involvement from money only to one-time project-oriented events or longer-term projects lasting up to 6-12 months. And some Partners contribute for a while, take a break, then get involved again as professional and family lives allow.

Q: Can I sponsor/gift someone to be a Partner?

A: Yes. You simply need to pay the minimum annual Partnership contribution. A Partnership makes an excellent graduation or retirement gift.

Q: Can Partners designate their contribution to a particular Investee?

A: No. All Partner contributions go into a pooled fund. SDSVP is like a mutual fund investment for a Partner, not an investment in an individual organization. Partners who are interested in supporting the work of a particular Investee will be invited to provide volunteer services. Of course, they may contribute additional funds to Investees on their own.

Q: Are all of SDSVP's Partners new to philanthropic giving?

A: No. Some are new and others are more experienced and looking to expand their "philanthropic portfolio" by participating in SDSVP's collaborative, venture capital-driven model. The mix of new and experienced Partners makes for a synergistic mix.

Q: What do the education and community-building aspects of your mission entail?

A: SDSVP offers an ongoing slate of education meetings, dinner discussions and engagement opportunities designed to inform our Partners about community need and grantmaking. We also have happy hours and quarterly parties that allow Partners to get to know each other socially. All events are voluntary but encouraged. See Calendar of Events for a full listing.