Our Model

SVP works much the way venture capital does, by investing both time and expertise in a multi-year partnership.

Pooled funds support Investees and SVP Seattle

SVP Partners join SVP by making an annual contribution of $6,000 or more. The funds are pooled and used to provide grants to Investees (grant recipients) and support SVP’s programs and operations. Grant funds are used for general operating support and capacity-building projects.

We collaborate with our Investees

We bring our collective expertise to promising nonprofit organizations, collaborating with them to positively impact our community. Investees are selected through a committee of 10–12 SVP Partners. Once selected, SVP works in concert with the organization to improve upon their ability to deliver effective programs.

We strengthen the organization as a whole

Building upon the programmatic expertise of the Investee, SVP helps the organization strengthen its management practices, strategies and systems. With access to skilled volunteers, professional consultants and management training opportunities, Investees can improve the following:

• Board Development and Governance
• Leadership Development
• Program Evaluation and Performance Management
• Financial Management
• Fund Development
• Information Technology
• Marketing, PR and Communications
• Human Resources
• Strategic Planning
• Legal

The SVP Organizational Capacity-Building Tool (xls) helps Investees evaluate, plan and prioritize how they will strengthen their organization.

An intense multi-year partnership

SVP seeks to develop true partnerships with nonprofits. SVP’s approach is unique, and most nonprofits are not accustomed to a funder being involved with the internal operations of their organization. Once selected, a Lead Partner is assigned to work with each Investee. The Lead Partner assists the Investee in prioritizing their organizational capacity-building goals, developing their annual work plan and coordinating a team of volunteer and paid consultants. Investees participate in an annual review process to measure progress on goals, assess volunteer projects and use of SVP resources. There are generally 20 Investees working with SVP in any given year, and funding relationships with most organizations last between three and five years.

For more detailed information about the SVP model, read the SVP Capacity Building Model document.