PSVP

Who becomes a partner?

Some of our partners are new to philanthropic giving, while others have a history of personal giving. Partners range in age from their 20’s to their 60’s, from the young to the young-at-heart.  PSVPers come from many different fields, from full-time moms to CEO’s, lawyers, doctors, business people, professionals, and entrepreneurs.  In short, PSVP Partners come from many different walks of life, but they are united by their desire to have an impact in their community and to become better philanthropists and givers.   All of our partners want to be involved in making a difference in our community. 

What will I get in return for my donation?

Just like entrepreneurs do everyday, PSVP is about creating partnerships.  It is a volunteer-driven group dedicated to addressing charitable issues in the community.  Partners decide together how to leverage their pool of expertise and money to support collaborative solutions to social challenges.  PSVP invests in high-impact, high-social return, local charitable causes.  Partners determine funding priorities and select the nonprofit agency investments.  Partners join for two years at a Full Partner Level ($5,000 annually for two years) or Associate Partner, those 35 or younger ($1,000 annually for two years).   Included in your Pittsburgh dues is membership in Social Venture Partners International and access to over 1600 partners in 21 cities in North America. 

How does Pittsburgh Social Venture Partners differ from a typical foundation?

Unlike most foundations that are funded by a single person or family, PSVP is a philanthropic organization comprised of individuals who plan to achieve greater impact than they could individually.  PSVP 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 the Pittsburgh region.  In addition, Partners combine the investment of financial resources with their business skills and expertise to support the mission and help to build the organizational capacity and infrastructure of its nonprofit Investees. 

In addition to working with nonprofits, PSVP also provides seminars, workshops and other resources to its Partners to help them further develop their personal philanthropic objectives. 

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 Affiliates in the US and Canada jointly adopted 10 core principles, but otherwise each SVP is very community-based and locally driven.  Information about other SVP cities can be found at www.svpi.org

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

There are several other pooled giving efforts around the country.  The Women and Girls Foundation of southwest PA, Three Rivers Community Foundation are all good resources for PSVP.  There are others throughout the nation such as Washington Women’s Foundation in Seattle Washington, The Roberts Enterprise Development Fund, Ashoka and the Robin Hood Foundation.  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 to serve the group’s goals lead committees.  Site visits to prospective Investees are invaluable in learning about specific efforts and increase philanthropy skills.  PSVP will continue to draw on the experience of others. 

Is a Pittsburgh Social Venture Partner required to give their time as well as the $5,000 annual contribution?

No.  PSVP 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’s OK.  We are a guilt-free organization.  About 25-30% of PSVP partners contribute money only at this stage.  Many Partners contribute their time for a while, take a break, and then get involved again, as professional and family commitments allow.

Can I become a Partner by giving just my time and expertise but not the $5,000 annual contribution?

No, but friends and business associates of PSVP partners can contribute skills and time as part of the Investee Teams working with the nonprofit agencies we support.  In addition, we have the Recker Fellowships, awarded annually that provide full financial support.  We will also work with you to find someone to join with and share the annual contribution.

Is $5,000 the only giving level?

If you are 35 years old or younger, we have an Associate level and the annual contribution is $1,000.  Full Partners (teams of one or two people) make an annual tax deductible contribution of $5,000.  Partners may elect to contribute more than $5,000 to Pittsburgh SVP and designate the extra funds to investments and/or administrative costs. 

Can I pay for my PSVP partnership with something other than cash? 

Yes, through our affiliation with The Pittsburgh Foundation, PSVP can accept your contribution by giving securities and mutual funds. 

How is PSVP funded year after year?

PSVP’s funding comes directly from the financial resources of its Partners who actively support and engage in participatory philanthropy.  Each partner contributes to this initiative with a minimum gift of $5,000 each year for two years or more.  This covers all of our administrative costs and our grants to our Investees. 

PSVP has had tremendous support from Pittsburgh’s Foundation community. This support helped us form PSVP and provided matching funds for partner dues in the early days.  More recent grant support is enabling us to work on reaching more people with more diverse backgrounds that we’ve been able to reach in the past.