Enrich the Social Sector
Why, when we have so many great people and organizations fighting for a better world, do our social and environmental problems persist?
SVP wrestles with this question constantly, and we recognize that our work with individual philanthropists and nonprofits is not enough. We have to change the landscape in which they operate.
Strengthen Nonprofits Across Washington State
There has never been a formal approach to nonprofit capacity building statewide – until now. SVP is co-leading the Statewide Capacity Collaborative, a group of nine funders committed to strengthening nonprofits throughout Washington. Current initiatives focus on increasing nonprofit access to quality resources, particularly in rural and under-served areas.
Facilitate Collective Action
Large-scale social change is beyond the reach of a single person or a single organization. Together, it's a different story. SVP's Collective Action Teams are exploring roles as:
- Collective Action Grantmakers – providing funding and volunteer support to help align and propel collaborative solutions to our community’s most entrenched problems.
- Conveners and Connectors – hosting forums, making introductions, and connecting common players in the education and environmental arenas for amplified impact
Use Our Voice
We know that those closest to the work are often best equipped to make important decisions, and that strong nonprofits deliver better results. That’s why we do what we do.
The question is: How can we help all funders reap the benefits of strengthening whole organizations? How can we make capacity building and general operating support the rule, rather than the exception?
We use our voice. We speak at national conferences, share our ideas in articles and online forums, and develop relationships with other funders – passing on what we’ve learned (and continue to learn).
Some Examples of Our Sector Work...
700 Votes for Social Innovation
When we kicked off the Social Innovation Fast Pitch in May, none of us imagined we’d have 120 social innovators apply, nearly 100 people volunteer, and 700 people attend the fast pitch event to see 14 excellent innovators pitch. But we did! AND we learned a ton. We have a list as long as our arms of things we want to improve in 2012 – and we welcome your thoughts!
Daunted by Yes
Three months ago, I wrote a note about an idea to launch a collective impact effort on the Eastside to “enable every child in Bellevue to emerge from our community ready to succeed.” Today, a group of three brain-storming at a local Tully’s has grown to a leadership team of 23, representing the school district, the city, the schools foundation, service providers, community groups, faith-based organizations and many volunteers.
Inspired to Pitch
After hearing my wife Janet tell enough stories about inspired discussions and activities at SVPI Annual Conferences, I finally carved out time to go to Long Beach last November. Those two days re-ignited my passion for making a difference in our community and gave me the idea of what to do next.
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