Apply for Investment
Qualities of an SVPP Investee
Nonprofits that become SVPP Investees are at a crossroads of sorts. They have proven, effective programs but also a vision for their next-stage of development and impact.
Our Investees are organizations committed to outcomes measurement and meeting goals and objectives. They have a long-term perspective on their impact and a bold vision. They are led by social entrepreneurs–innovative, passionate leaders who eagerly employ traditional business principles to achieve their goals and make creative use of limited resources in pursuit of their organization’s mission.
Our Investees are committed to receiving an infusion of high-level volunteer support from our Partners in areas such as strategic planning, operations, information technology design, marketing, communications, financial planning and analysis, outcomes tracking and measurement, among others.
Investment Focus Area
SVPP seeks to be a catalyst for effective, enduring investment in the well being of children, youth and families in greater Portland, including:
- Economic, social, health and environmental risk factors
- Early learning, development and education of children and youth
Two Investment Funds
In January 2009, we launched two investment funds with very different venture philanthropy objectives:
- The Social Venture Fund offers SVPP lead investments in a new idea or start-up nonprofit organization that offers systemic, measureable solutions to important community needs. These typically require a strategic combination of funding and expertise in order to come to fruition and achieve sustainability. Learn more about the fund here.
- The Capacity Building Fund offers investments in existing nonprofit organizations that have effective programs and strong leadership, but which could advance to a higher level of impact and effectiveness by strengthening the underlying organization. Continue reading for more information. Learn more and download the latest guidelines here.
Eligibility Requirements
During specified investment cycles, we invite proposals from organizations that:
- Serve communities within at least one of the four counties of the Portland, Oregon metro area, i.e., Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clark
- Represent a public school or school district, or is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization classified as a 501(c )3 under Section 170(c ) of the Internal Revenue Code
Grant requests will not be considered from individuals, organizations that discriminate, religious organizations for sectarian purposes, sports teams, and political or lobbying organizations. We will not consider requests for auctions or fund raising events, capital projects, debt reduction, endowment funds, litigation or legal expenses, land acquisition, products or performances.
To receive updates and future notices about our investments, submit contact information here: Contact Us
To learn more about applying for an SVPP investment, see our Frequently Asked Questions page.
