How to Apply

While SVP funds in four issue areas, we conduct only two grant cycles per year.  Through a competitive grant process, each grant committee selects and awards two organizations with a $40,000 grant.

SVP makes initial single-year grants with the intent of establishing longer term partnerships with its Investees (typically 3-5 years).  At the end of the first year of funding, the grant outcomes and relationship potential with each Investee are evaluated to determine further support.

When exploring if your organization is eligible to work with SVP, please consider the following steps.

1. Determine if you are eligible to apply.
2. Read about our Philosophy & Process.
3. See if your organization meets SVP’s Giving Priorities in one of our grantmaking areas:
• Early Childhood Development
• Environment
• K-12 Education
• Out-of-School Time
• Advocacy and Policy
• Social Venture Kids
4. Determine the appropriate grantmaking deadline.
5. We encourage you to browse our website for details on our programs and current funding relationships. The following documents will be particularly useful:
• SVP Capacity-Building Model – Describes in detail the how we work with our Investees
• SVP Capacity-Building Assessment Tool (xls) – Helps nonprofit organizations assess their current organizational capacity, prioritize and guide their planning
• SVP’s Grant Evaluation Criteria – Provides our Grant Committee objective criteria in which to evaluate each applicant
6. Follow the application procedures.
7. Contact SVP with further questions.
8. Submit your 2-page letter of inquiry by the grantmaking deadline.