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An In-Depth Look at Seattle’s Leading Social Innovators - Part 2 of 2
The pool of applicants to this year’s past Social Innovation Fast Pitch Competition (SIFP) was extremely strong, and each one of the quarterfinalists presented a great story. In this two-part series, SVP Partner Kevin Owyang explores a collection of quarterfinalists, their stories, and highlights their innovative concepts for efficiently impacting social and environmental change in the Seattle area. This article was originally posted in the Fast Pitch blog.
An In-Depth Look at Seattle’s Leading Social Innovators - Part 1 of 2
The pool of applicants to this year’s past Social Innovation Fast Pitch Competition (SIFP) was extremely strong, and each one of the quarterfinalists presented a great story. In this two-part series, SVP Partner Kevin Owyang explores a collection of quarterfinalists, their stories, and highlights their innovative concepts for efficiently impacting social and environmental change in the Seattle area.
A New Epicenter for Social Impact
October 26, 2012 marked the official grand opening of a new epicenter for social impact. Social Venture Partners (SVP), Bainbridge Graduate Institute (BGI), and the HUB Seattle have teamed up to launch a new space for innovation, sustainability and social good in the heart of downtown Seattle.
Making Impact: NW Green Farms doubles its production since Fast Pitch 2011
Salvador and Misael Morales were last seen in Seattle a year ago holding poster-sized checks totaling $40,000. They were part of the Viva Farms crew, the 2011 big winners in the Social Innovation Fast Pitch. If you thought they had retreated back to the farm afterwards for celebratory drinks, you were wrong. Harvest season was coming to an end and the fields were beckoning.
Seattle Times Says Dawn Trudeau Has Never Stopped Learning
Thirty-six years ago, Storm owner Dawn Trudeau left Cedar Rapids, Iowa, with two suitcases and $200 to pursue an education she never received. She had a solid plan, except for one problem. She excelled at work. Read Dawn’s story in the Seattle Times and MORE Magazine.
People for Puget Sound Passes the Torch
As you may have heard, SVP Investee People for Puget Sound has closed their doors. However, while the entity itself may be ending, their work will live on. They have transferred their policy, advocacy and education programs to the Washington Environmental Council and their restoration programs to Earth Corps.
SVP Steps It Up for Collective Action
It is clear that to tackle the daunting challenges we face in our community, SVP needs to do more than work with individual philanthropists and nonprofits. We have to be smarter, more connected, more aligned. That’s why we are investing in collaborative solutions.
From Bakeries and Bankruptcy to Educating Entrepreneurs
How did the daughter of an Irish baker who witnessed two family bankruptcies end up as a champion of entrepreneurship? At Eastside Prep’s TEDx event, SVP Partner Emer Dooley shares a little of her own story, and what it takes to be an entrepreneur.
Welcome New Partners!
Please join us in welcoming our 16 new SVP Partners! Including Elizabeth Guyman (left), who is enthusiastic about human rights and innovation in education, and currently works with Save the Children.
Fast Pitch Semifinalists Announced
What if you could take food that would go to waste, dry it, and feed kids in need? Or turn neglected houses into energy-efficient homes? Or sell produce grown on urban rooftops? These are just a few of the ways that this year’s Fast Pitch contenders are improving our community. And they're pitching their ideas in 5 minutes or less!
SVP is Turning 15! See How We've Grown...
15 years ago, during a summer much like this one, SVP began. An idea sparked by Paul Brainerd evolved into a network of Partners ready to take their giving beyond the checkbook. That single idea has inspired philanthropists all over the world, and as we kick off our 15th year, we thought it be fun to share a few of the ways we have grown.
Powerful Schools Presents Powerful People: Jennifer Selby
Meet SVP Partner and Powerful Schools volunteer - Jennifer Selby, a mother of two who has been a reading tutor for the organization since fall 2011. “Being a Powerful Schools’ tutor was a dream volunteer assignment,” said Jennifer. “The program is so well organized and in two and a half hours I can really make a difference and see the progress in the young students I tutor.”
Changing the Status Quo
In January 2005, Paul Gross' son had two brain surgeries to implant a shunt in order to treat the brain condition (Hydrocephalus) he developed from his traumatic birth just two months before. The device had a 50% chance of failure within the first two years. A lack of research and treatment on this critical condition led Paul and his wife to create a foundation that will change the status quo.
SVP Partner Recognized as a "Champion of Change"
Nicole Trimble, SVP Partner and Director of Corporate Responsibility at Coinstar, Inc., was recently honored by the White House for being a "Champion of Change." This program was created in order to honor ordinary Americans who are doing great work in their communities.
Giving Back to the Community
After leaving Microsoft in 2000, I knew I wasn't ready to retire and I wanted to find meaningful work that gave me satisfaction. Given how fortunate I was for having worked at Microsoft, I was looking for the right opportunity that would allow me to give back to the community.
Guess Who Hit the Top 50 Again?!
Yep, for the second year running, SVP’s own Paul Shoemaker is named one of The NonProfit Times’ Power & Influence Top 50! Joining the ranks of philanthropic leaders like Jeff Skoll, Marion Wright Edelman, and Bill Gates, Paul has been recognized as one of the nonprofit sector’s top executives and thinkers.
Welcome New Investee: Team Read!
“A student who can't read at grade level by 3rd grade is four times less likely to graduate by age 19 than a child who does read proficiently by that time.” This stunning statistic was released in 2011, and is just one of the reasons why Team Read’s work is so important.
Unified SVP Brand Coming Soon!
By now you’ve probably heard that SVP will have a new home this September, but we also have some other exciting news. This fall, SVP will have a new logo, look and feel that will be shared with SVP affiliates across the globe! With our international network under one unified brand, we will strengthen SVP’s collective presence and amplify our impact.
Welcome New Investee: ECOSS!
During the 13 years that Connie Nguyen has worked in nail salons, she's seen numerous friends and co-workers become ill. She, too, has come down with mysterious skin rashes and respiratory problems – and her story is far too common. There are simple ways to reduce risks, but much of that information does not reach the people who need it most. That’s where SVP’s newest Investee, the Environmental Coalition of South Seattle comes in.
SVP Partners Recognized for Extraordinary Leadership in Philanthropy
Each year the Microsoft Alumni Foundation recognizes Microsoft alumni who dedicate their time, talent, and resources to help address local, national, or global challenges. Can you guess how many of this year’s nominees are connected to SVP?
