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, who pool their money, expertise and networks 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 with nonprofits in Rhode Island. 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 SVPRI's nonprofit investees.

In addition to working with non-profits, SVP also provides seminars, workshops, and resources to its Partners to help them define their personal philanthropic objectives. This "curriculum" of Partner education provides in-depth information about philanthropic planning, community involvement, social entrepreneurism, and important local and regional issues.

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

A few foundations and organizations around the country are taking a "venture philanthropy" approach and focusing on long-term funding, organizational capacity building, and mezzanine/scale-up funding. These foundations and organizations include: the Ashoka, and the Robin Hood Foundation, The Entrepreneurs Foundation, New Schools, New Profit, Inc., and Youth Social Ventures.

Are there SVP's in other cities, states and countries?

Yes, engaged community members in other places have adopted SVP's model. Each of these organizations operates independently in the formation of its local giving priorities and grant decisions. Information about other SVP cities, and SVP's jointly-adopted core principles, may be found at www.svpi.org. SVPRI enjoys the benefits of belonging to SVPI (Social Venture Partners International), where participating SVPs share their experiences.

What is SVP's relationship to the Rhode Island Foundation?

The Rhode Island Foundation helped to incubate SVPRI in its early years, providing generous start up funding and support. Today, the Foundation provides ongoing administrative support and intelligence and education on investment opportunities in Rhode Island.

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 the new organization's approach to giving. Hence, SVP has a dual mission, which is reflected in its 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 venture capital approach as a model, SVP is committed to giving time, money, and expertise to create partnerships with non-profit organizations.

What criteria will SVP apply to choose the organizations with whom it works?

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.

What are the reasons people join SVP?

Partners typically have several reasons:

• To learn more about local 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.
• 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.

What are the requirements for becoming an SVPRI Partner?

Contribute a minimum of $2500 per year for a minimum of two years, and work with SVPRI staff to determine your desired level of hands-on involvement with SVP itself or with one of our Investees.

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

Yes, through its affiliation with the Rhode Island Foundation, SVPRI allows you to give securities, mutual funds, and real estate.

Is an SVPRI 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 the time to commit - and that is okay. About 20% of SVPRI Partners contribute money only at this stage, receiving the benefit of leveraging their contribution with the hands-on engaged philanthropy that is SVPRI's focus. Partners can scale their level of involvement from money only to one-time events to ongoing involvement with an Investee, either as a team member or as a Lead Partner. And some Partners contribute for a while, take a break, and then get involved again, as their professional and family lives allow.

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.

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 creates wonderful synergies.