FAQs

How does Social Venture Partners differ from a typical foundation?

Unlike most foundations that are funded by a single person or family, SVP is a philanthropic organization comprised of individuals, many from the high-technology community, who plan to achieve a greater impact than they could individually. SVP seeks to leverage the collaborative impact of Partners (investors) working in small, entrepreneurial teams to make grant decisions and create in-depth, long-term partnerships (typically 3 or more years) with non-profits in the San Diego region. In addition, Partners combine the investment of financial resources with their business skills and expertise to support the mission and help build the organizational capacity and infrastructure of its non-profit investees.

In addition to wo...

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Are there other organizations and foundations following this venture capital approach?

A few foundations around the country are taking a "venture philanthropy" approach and focusing on long-term funding, organizational capacity building, and mezzanine/scale-up funding. Some of the more notable ones SVP has learned from and that provided a role model are the Ashoka, and the Robin Hood Foundation. In recent years, other similar organizations have emerged around the U.S., including The Entrepreneurs Foundation, New Schools,

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Are there SVP's in other cities?

Yes, engaged community members in other cities have chosen to adopt SVP's model. Each of these organizations operates independently in the formation of its local giving priorities and grant decisions. The SVP cities listed jointly adopted 10 core principles, but otherwise each SVP is very community-based and locally driven. Information about other SVP cities may be found at www.svpseattle.org/resources/resources_other_svps.htm. SDSVP enjoys the benefits of belonging to SVPI (Social Venture Partners International), where participating cities share their experiences.

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What is SVP's relationship to the community foundation?

Seattle SVP and several others are donor-advised funds at their community foundations, many are supporting organizations, and others have grown and spun off independently.

SDSVP is a donor advised fund of the San Diego Foundation.  The San Diego Foundation provides administrative support and intelligence and education on investment opportunities in San Diego.

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What is the vision behind Social Venture Partners and who were its founders?

After a number of conversations with his peers in 1997, Paul Brainerd, former Aldus founder, decided to start a social venture partnership to invest in long-term solutions to the social challenges facing the Puget Sound region. Paul's vision was to catalyze the potential of individuals in the technology and business communities in Puget Sound to get more involved in philanthropy and to utilize venture capital-like strategies in SVP's approach to giving. Hence, SVP has a dual mission, which is reflected in its mission statement.
SVP's Mission Statement - "Social Venture Partners seeks to develop philanthropy and volunteerism to achieve positive social change in the geographical region in which it is located. Using the ven...

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What criteria will SVP apply to choose the programs?

SVP looks at its potential social investments the same way venture capitalists do, focusing on leadership, bold ideas that have achieved small scale success, people with vision to have a broader, growing impact on the community, and measures of performance.

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What are the reasons people join SVP?

Partners typically have several reasons -

- To learn more about regional / area issues, the non-profit community, and how the grantmaking and investing process works.
- Because they care about how they invest their time and money in social challenges and their involvement in the community; and
- Because they believe in SVP's model of collaborative decision-making and partnering with investees as well as the venture capital principles in SVP's approach.
- To enjoy the fellowship of like-minded social entrepreneurs in a meaningful, rewarding and fun experience.

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What are the requirements for becoming an SDSVP Partner?

Contribute a minimum of $5000 per year for a minimum of three years.  Some organizations also have an operational funding component that has been added to the annual contribution.

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

Yes, through its affiliation with the San Diego Foundation, SDSVP allows you to give securities, mutual funds, and real estate.

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

No, SVP certainly wants all Partners to get involved with their time and expertise, but some Partners just don't have any more time they can committ - and that is OK.  Over 47% of SDSVP Partners have actively engaged in a working group over the past 9 months.  About 20% of SDSVP Partners contribute money only at this stage.  Partners can scale their level of involvement from money only to one-time events or time-based projects at Investees up to ongoing 6-12 month (or more) commitments as a Lead Partner, committee chairperson, mentor, etc.  And some Partners contribute for a while, take a break, and then get involved again, as professional and family lives allow.

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Your philosophy talks about "developing philanthropy and volunteerism." What does that mean?

Many SVP's have ongoing curricula of workshops, seminars, and resources for their Partners, addressing personal philanthropy, social entrepreneurism, and various issues, in addition to their volunteer efforts.

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What can SVP learn from other groups that also pool funds for grant giving?

There are several other pooled giving efforts around the country. In the Seattle region, Washington Women's Foundation, the Threshold Foundation, and A Territory Resource are all good resources for SVP. There are others throughout the nation, and there are many important lessons from these groups: Clear grant giving criteria is essential. Good grant people who can set aside their personal interests to see opportunities that serve the group's goals lead committees. Site visits to prospective investees are invaluable in learning about specific efforts and increase philanthropy skills. SVP will continue to draw on the experience of others.

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Are all of SVP's Partners new to philanthropic giving?

No, some are and others are more experienced and are looking to expand their "philanthropic portfolio" and participate in SVP's collaborative, venture capital-driven model.  The mix of new and experienced Partners makes for a synergistic mix.

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