Investment Philosophy
"The most transformational thing a person can do is to give of himself." SVP Seattle Partner
Social Venture Partners Portland has two missions - the first is to make positive changes in the community and the second is to stimulate and foster philanthropy among our partners. We believe the combination of engagement and giving effectively accomplishes both.
SVPP's current focus is on children at risk. Grants are made to nonprofits who strive to make the lives of these children and their families better by working with them to improve and expand the numbers served. Our grants span two to three years and require significant volunteer opportunities which take advantage of the skills of the partners. These skills have historically been business related and include strategic planning, operations, information technology design, marketing, public relations and financial planning and analysis.
SVPP funds specific projects. We do not fund ongoing operating expenses, fundraising activities, debt reduction, endowment funds etc.
Who may apply?
At this time SVPP does not accept unsolicited grant proposals. An investment team of twelve or more SVPP partners forms each fall and meets weekly for several months. The team discusses issues affecting children at risk, solicits opinions from experts on the topic and ultimately decides on areas of interest and further examination. Proposals may be requested of those nonprofits working in an area of interest and which demonstrate innovation and creativity in their programs.
How does a nonprofit get SVPP's attention for consideration?
If a nonprofit working for children at-risk believes they fit the above criteria, that is are innovative, creative, have high-level volunteer opportunities and are in the four-county region around Portland, Oregon, they may submit a brief letter via e-mail for possible consideration at the next investment committee. At this time no out-of-cycle ideas are being considered. One example of how an idea or a current social problem got SVPP's attention follows.
In the fall of 2003, hunger in Oregon was in the national news. The team studied ways in which we might reduce children's hunger. We know that the Boys and Girls Clubs feed many children in after school and summer programs. We approached them, evaluated ways in which we might contribute and subsequently have helped build kitchens for that organization. This has significantly increased the number of children fed at each location. For more information see Kids Café under Current Investments.
What are the grant eligibility requirements?
Programs must serve communities within at least one of the four counties surrounding Portland, Oregon. (Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington Counties and Clark County Washington)
Organizations which have achieved tax-exempt status from the U.S. Department of Treasury and have been designated a 501(c)(3) are eligible to receive grants from SVPP assuming other criteria as defined above have been met.
The ideal investee would have a strong board of directors, a stable operations staff, a skilled leader, prudent fiscal policies, financial statements available for review, and a compelling, evidence-based program that positively affects the lives of children and families. Equally important are opportunities for high-level volunteer business consulting with SVPP partners.
What is the application process?
If the SVPP investment committee selects an organization for further study and consideration, they are contacted and instructed about how to proceed. A one to two page proposal may be requested including a broad outline of the project for which funding is being requested. This may vary depending on several factors such as timing, complexity of the project, other funding sources, etc.
How are organizations evaluated and how are selections made? How are subsequent funding decisions made?
Organizations are evaluated on the strength of their leadership both at the operational and board level, the creativity of their approach, their reputation for success, the measurability of the outcomes, and the ways in which SVPP volunteers might assist, among other criteria. Selections are made by the investment committee and ratified by the SVPP board of directors.
If approved for funding, a project plan with specific milestones will be jointly developed by the recipient and SVPP. These plans are reviewed by the SVPP board quarterly at a minimum and the results posted on the SVPP website, distributed at partner meetings and to interested community leaders. Approval for a second round of funding is also an SVPP board decision and is based on performance against plan.
An organization may be requested to submit a grant proposal based on the interest of the investment committee. This is not a guarantee that funding will result. Typically one or two new investees is chosen during every investment cycle. This, too, could vary depending on the complexity and difficulty of the proposals submitted.
