This opportunity is different from other grants in that it calls for an investment from both the funder and the nonprofit. Beyond investing our dollars, we partner with nonprofits to leverage their work and increase impact.
A Unique Alliance
Each year, SVP selects nonprofit organizations called “Investees” to fund and support through pro bono consulting from our members, who are called “Partners." Our Partners are a group of highly skilled, compassionate, philanthropically minded individuals that come with decades of experience in organizational leadership and business. We form Partner teams that work closely with our Investees over two or more years to help them become as effective as possible in delivering their programs and services by helping them build organizational capacity.
SVP seeks to develop true partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Our model is not appropriate or desirable for every nonprofit. Our approach is unique, and most nonprofits are not accustomed to a funder being involved with the “guts” of an organization. For those nonprofits that are willing to engage in this type of relationship, our alliance can support transformative growth and impact.
Organizational Capacity Building
We define organizational capacity building as the development of core skills, management practices, strategies and systems to enhance an organization’s effectiveness, sustainability and ability to fulfill its mission. Practically that means we work on projects in these areas of support:
Board Governance
Communication & Messaging
Facilities, Real Estate & Infrastructure
Finance & Budget Planning
Human Resources
Information Technology
Leadership Development
Legal
Marketing
Operations
Program Development & Evaluation
Revenue Stream Development
Strategic Planning
Multi-Year Unrestricted Grant Funding
SVP will select two organizations in San Diego during this 2021 Funding Cycle to receive grants of at least $25,000. The funds will be disbursed over a two-year period and will be unrestricted, which allows Investees to allocate dollars where they are needed most. Investees are eligible for reinvestment for a third year based on their performance and available funds.
SVP grants come from pooled funds donated by our Partners, each of whom makes a minimum investment to be a member. In some cases, co-funders invest alongside SDSVP to amplify our support.
The Investee Experience
In addition to receiving grant funding, Investees will be matched with a team of SVP Partners over the course of our partnership. Each team will have a Lead Partner who will be the primary point of contact for the Executive Director. One of the first steps will be developing a plan to use our pro bono consulting to improve organizational capacity.
We typically work with Investees in many of our support areas toward the nonprofit's goals and objectives. Our Impact Committee will periodically ask for reports or feedback, track progress toward goals and consider reinvestment for a third year of support. We may also invite you to present or participate in SVP events or discussions. These can be great opportunities for nonprofits to increase their exposure to the philanthropic community.
Can't quite picture it? Listen to these short testimonials from executive directors from both current and former Investees:
Just In Time for Foster Youth
Hannah's Family Center
Dreams for Change