Social Venture Kids Grantmaking

Social Venture Kids (SVK) is a program of Social Venture Partners that involves our Partners’ kids in grades 9–12 in grantmaking. By introducing young people to the needs of their community through grantmaking, we hope to get them involved in philanthropy at an early age and instill in them the desire to continue to give to their community throughout the rest of their lives.

Learn more about how Social Venture Kids works.

SVKids Grantmaking Process

While not as sophisticated as the SVP model, SVK tries to be thorough and rigorous in our grantmaking approach. Every fall we select a different focus area. We research it and host a panel discussion with experts from local nonprofits. We fundraise. We develop giving priorities based on what we have learned and solicit grant applications. We create a rating tool so that we can score each application more objectively. Criteria are weighted by importance and may include: fit with giving priorities, program execution, financial health, funding sources, mission/program match, outcomes, innovation, and measurability. The applications are read, reviewed, scored and discussed at length. The grant applications that receive the top four scores receive site visits. Site visits are summarized in reports and which are presented. The final grants are selected from the four finalists and awarded in May. 

SVKids 2009 Giving Priorities

SVK has chosen to focus their 2009-10 grantmaking cycle on education. Providing a quality education to all youth is critical to our community's success. From the foundation of early childhood through high school, SVK will be learning about education issues in King County and what makes a successful program. We will be refining our giving priorities as we learn more. Contact Social Venture Partners at info@svpseattle.org if you have any questions or to request an electronic copy of the RFP.

SVKids 2009-2010 Grant Timeline

January 2010          Education Panel Discussions
February 10             Request for Proposals Sent
March 16                  Grant Applications Due
March-April              Site Visits
May                           Select Grant Recipients

SVKids 2009-2010 Grant Guideline

For more information, download a PDF copy of the grant guideline.