SVPI Conference Report

Posted by on October 7th, 2008 in Events, Partner Education Comments Disabled
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A couple of us Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners just got back from the 10th Annual Conference of the Social Venture Partners International Network in Cleveland. Along with Terry Beggy and me, fellow partners Jeff and Andrea Fitting, Greg and Susan Kaminski and Erica Brusselars represented Pittsburgh.

The biggest take aways for me:

  • The Social Venture Model Works
  • It’s having a measurable impact
  • And the partnership continues to grow

How it Works

Giving partners time, talent and money toward strengthening the operational infrastructure of  nonprofits over a long period of time, with clear measurable and agreed upon objectives in a very transparent fashion works.  Our investees scored the work of SVP Partners 4.5 out of 5 and reported that the partners time was far more valuable than our money.

Measuring the Impact

In the 2007 SVPI report entitled, “Demonstrating Social Vetnure Partners’ Impact”, 72% of partners increased their annual giving because of SVP; 78% indicated that SVP has changed their giving strategies; and 69% credit SVP for increasing their community awareness.

Growth Continues

SVPI now has over 2,000 partners with consistent growth over the last several years.  In fact, 2007 saw a 14% increase in partnership. Since 1997, SVPI network has contribute close to $27 million and has worked with more than 300 nonprofit organizations.

Lessons Learned

Here are some key lessons learned:

  • things that were innovative and maybe controversial several years ago like associate partner levels and in-kind partner dues, have taken hold;
  • More successful SVP’s seem to have a tighter more narrow focus with clearer way to measure impact
  • The model is much more attractive to entrepreneurs (both real and in spirit)
  • Movement to social media communications is very strong
  • Dine arounds for for new partners with current partners are valuable
  • Dallas is moving to implement an emeritus investee program — very cool.

All in all, great time with some high spirited, inspirational people committed to changing the world, one investment at a time!

John Denny

Chair