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We are excited to continue our collaborative Equitable Early Education Grant for its third year, leveraging the resources of both SVP Portland and Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR)  to have a larger impact on organizations serving Oregon and SW Washington. This collaboration aims to increase access to high-quality early learning for children facing the greatest number of barriers to accessing preschool. As SVP's Director of Community Impact, Carolina Castañeda del Río, puts it, "This partnership demonstrates how philanthropy can achieve greater impact by combining resources and amplifying collective strength." SVP and BUF-OR will jointly award two mission-aligned organizations (that are already SVP Community Partners) unrestricted grants. This will be a one-time award with invitation-only applicants. The awards will be announced in January 2026. The mission of the Black United Fund of Oregon (BUF-OR) is to assist in the social and economic development of Oregon's underserved communities and to contribute to a broader understanding of ethnic and culturally diverse groups. As one of the only Black-led foundations in Oregon, as well as one of the few remaining Black-led organizations in historically-Black Northeast Portland, BUF-OR has spent over 40 years increasing post-secondary education success for youth and providing philanthropic support to historically marginalized or underserved populations. Learn more about the Equitable Early Education Grant here .

The story of partnership between KairosPDX and SVP Portland started more than a decade ago. SVP was among the early supporters of KairosPDX’s vision to transform education for Black children. Through a customized capacity-building accelerator, SVP worked closely with KairosPDX’s team to strengthen their strategy, infrastructure, and operations - helping lay the groundwork for an organization that would evolve into a leader of culturally-sustaining education. During that early collaboration, a seed was planted - one that would later grow into a groundbreaking workforce development model. As SVP Executive Director Lauren Johnson recalls,  “I met with Kali, one of the co-founders, back in 2012. She said, ‘I have the seedling of an idea,’ and I knew if anyone could realize the vision for what KairosPDX has become today - fundamentally changing the narrative around what’s possible in education - it was Kali and her team.” Today, that idea continues to flourish through SVP and KairosPDX’s joint focus on cultivating the next generation of early childhood educators. “The biggest piece for us is figuring out the workforce,”  says Marsha Williams, Executive Director of KairosPDX. “That means having providers who are trained and educated - and that’s really what our goal is.” One of the ways KairosPDX is advancing this goal is through its Black Excellence in Early Learning Certificate Program, accredited by Portland State University and supported by Preschool for All. The program’s second cohort includes 24 students, five of whom are returning for a second-year seminar to deepen their Action Research Projects. As these educators grow, their influence extends beyond their classrooms, shaping the broader landscape of early learning in our community. SVP’s Director of Community Impact, Carolina Castañeda del Rio, notes that the partnership exemplifies SVP’s commitment to investing in both ideas and leaders. “When we see visionary leadership tackling systemic challenges - like building a pipeline of culturally responsive early educators - we know it’s time to lean in,”  she said. “KairosPDX is addressing a community-wide need and creating a model that can ripple across the ecosystem.” Looking ahead, SVP - led by Investor Partner Diane Haughton - is exploring new ways to scale KairosPDX’s impact, including innovative funding strategies that not only strengthen workforce development efforts, but also enhance the organization’s long-term sustainability. By investing in this vital work, SVP is investing in a future where all children have access to high-quality, culturally relevant early education - and KairosPDX sees that future coming into view. “We actually have an opportunity here that’s really unique,” Marsha added. “We can reach every Black child in the state of Oregon. We can do it - and it could be a model, a pretty powerful one too.” Find out more about KairosPDX here .  And if you’d like to support KairosPDX’s next chapter, consider joining their annual fundraising gala. It’s a powerful way to invest in their vision - click here  for more information.

We asked Investor Partner Bibiche Geuskens why she joined SVP Portland, what she’s worked on, and what makes the experience meaningful to her. Here’s what she had to say. Why did you join SVP? “I wanted to find a meaningful way to get involved and give back to the community, while also learning more about the nonprofit world. SVP’s focus on early learning really resonated with me. I believe that having a strong foundation early in life shapes everything that comes after, and I appreciate that SVP works to make that opportunity available to all kids. Another thing I’ve really enjoyed is the community itself. The chance to meet and connect with Partners from all kinds of backgrounds has been incredible. Everyone brings something different to the table, and it’s been fun to learn from each other.” What has been the most rewarding project you’ve worked on at SVP? “So far, I’ve been part of the Ready to Grow program, which helps early learning providers expand their preschool capacity. It’s been rewarding to see how Investor Partners can use their professional experience to support these organizations as they grow. The pilot program was a great learning process for SVP, and it’s exciting to see how the feedback is already helping make the next round even stronger. Being part of that evolution, and knowing it’s helping more families access quality early education, feels really meaningful.” How has joining SVP impacted your life? “I’ve really enjoyed being able to use my skills in a completely different space. It’s been eye-opening to learn more about the amazing work happening in Portland’s nonprofit community. The SVP network is such a positive, welcoming group of people. Everyone genuinely wants to make a difference, and that energy is contagious. It’s given me a new sense of purpose and connection to my community.” If you have a friend or colleague ready to make a difference, send them our way! Contact Ursula at ursula@svpportland.org  to learn more about joining SVP Portland.

After a very busy year for owner Laura Paz-Whitmore - and amidst significant challenges posed by the political climate threatening smooth operations - SVP Community Partner Casita Azul is celebrating a major milestone: the opening of a beautiful, expanded campus in Washington County. The new facility adds more than 70 preschool seats, with an official grand opening on Friday, November 7th. Event details and an RSVP link can be found below. SVP Portland’s partnership with Casita Azul is centered on supporting their rapid growth through strategic organizational development and operational assessments designed to ensure sustainable expansion. Earlier this year, Lead Partner Noel Menezes and Partner Rob Aslett met with Laura to lay the groundwork for a strategic planning session. Along with Partner Anusha Sunderam, the team recently completed an evaluation using SVP’s new organization assessment methodology, developed by SVP summer intern Deenie Choong. The assessment identified both key strengths and opportunities where SVP’s support can make an impact. Noel shared,  "Casita Azul is making great strides in capacity building with the new Hillsboro campus. SVP is uniquely positioned to help their growth with our strategic planning, HR, finance, and marketing strengths." This next phase marks an exciting chapter for Casita Azul - one that reflects both their unwavering commitment to early learning and the power of partnership in expanding access for children across our region. SVP looks forward to continuing to walk alongside Laura and her team as they build on this momentum and shape a strong foundation for years to come.

SVP Portland’s Ready to Grow program is in full bloom this fall, with 19 local early learning providers moving steadily toward graduation. These businesses range from in-home to center-based, collectively serving more than 568 children across the region and employing over 100 teachers. Program sizes vary widely - from smaller programs serving five children to larger centers supporting up to 146. The diversity of these programs reflects the diversity of families they serve, highlighting the strength and reach of Portland’s early learning ecosystem. Since the program’s kickoff in August, participants have completed four intensive modules - Leadership, Strategy & Planning, Finance, and Real Estate - each designed to strengthen the foundation of their organizations and support their long-term goals. Over the four months, each participant is supported by a coach to develop a comprehensive business plan tailored to their preschool’s unique growth path. “This year's cohort is an outstanding group of preschool providers committed to growth, with many actively pursuing expansion,” shares Jenn Luevano-Brummett, SVP Program Manager. “Supporting that momentum has been our new Business Plan Consultant role, led by Investor Partner Marty Ramirez. This direct, hands-on guidance has boosted participants’ confidence to turn their vision into reality. It’s a joy and a privilege to facilitate these vital connections that are driving the future of early childhood education.” Up next are the final two sessions, focused on Management and IT & Marketing. Throughout the program, participants have not only gained practical tools for success but also built lasting relationships with fellow providers, Investor Partners, and community experts. The cohort’s shared learning and collaboration have created a supportive network that will continue long after the final session concludes. Reflecting on the experience, Investor Partner Feargal Moorhead notes, “As a facilitator of the Leadership session, I was humbled by the remarkable dedication of the Ready to Grow cohort. Each participant is deeply focused on developing the skills and strategies needed to strengthen their organizations and build capacity. I can’t wait to see the results of their work.” We look forward to celebrating their achievements at the Ready to Grow Graduation Ceremony  on November 14, where we’ll honor the dedication, vision, and hard work of each participant. Ready to Grow is one of the ways SVP Portland invests in early learning by equipping leaders in our community with the tools and confidence to expand. Together, we’re helping build a stronger future for our kids - and that’s something to celebrate.

This fall marks the fourth year of Preschool for All (PFA), and the program continues to expand in both reach and impact. Nearly 4,000 children are enrolled across more than 200 locations this school year - a 70% increase in seats from last year.  The majority of these are full-day programs, meeting the needs of working families and strengthening our region by helping parents re-enter the workforce while educating our future workforce. Equity remains at the heart of Preschool for All’s growth. Among recent applicants: 71%  are from families with incomes at or below 350% of the Federal Poverty Level 65%  of enrolled children identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color 30%  of families speak a language other than English, representing 61 different languages This work is moving us closer to universal coverage by 2030, with a strong focus on reaching historically underserved communities. It also requires sustained investment in workforce development, facilities, and the creation of new  seats (in addition to converting existing). At the same time, PFA is navigating complex questions about long-term funding and sustainability. In August, program leaders voted to postpone a proposal that would have indexed PFA’s income tax thresholds to inflation. Instead, this decision will be considered as part of a more comprehensive review, with recommendations expected in early 2026. The months ahead will involve deep economic analysis, community engagement, and careful consideration of equity impacts. These debates are not without tension. Some community members and stakeholders have voiced concerns about the pace of implementation, fairness of funding structures, and the balance between urgency and stability. At SVP Portland, we see these challenges as opportunities to lean into our unique role: staying data-driven, pragmatic, outcomes-focused, community-centered, and solutions-oriented. That means advocating for continuity of implementation toward universal pre-K while also influencing key partners to collaboratively solve problems that will lead to a stronger program.   SVP Portland Executive Director Lauren Johnson reflects: "We're encouraged by the program's remarkable growth and its dedication to children who face the greatest barriers to accessing preschool, but we also recognize the complexity of building a sustainable, universal system. These challenges require thoughtful, collaborative solutions. SVP’s role is to advocate for the use of accurate data along with community input, and stay outcomes focused, to ensure PFA is both sustainable, and achieves the goal of every child having access to the high-quality early learning they deserve.” It’s heartening to see these discussions becoming more transparent, with community voices part of the conversation. Preschool for All was approved by voters with a two-to-one margin, and thoughtful dialogue is essential to ensuring the program delivers on its promise. SVP is committed to walking alongside community, partners, and policymakers as they work to build upon what’s been accomplished to date, as well as co-create solutions to early stage implementation challenges. Because every child deserves access to high-quality, culturally relevant early learning experiences.

Sep 24 | The recent grand opening of chaku kumtuks haws (“learning house”)  marks a significant milestone for the community and a moment of pride for SVP Portland. Co-led with the Native American Youth and Family Center (NAYA) , this new affordable housing community brings together housing, education, workforce training, and on-site early learning. The 84-unit development, which includes an early child learning center called chaku kumtucks illahee (“learning place”)  with three classrooms serving 38 children, reflects NAYA’s vision and persistence, supported by partners including Home Forward, Portland Community College (PCC), and Metro. While SVP was not a partner in creating this new center, our earlier work with NAYA helped strengthen the foundation that made such an ambitious project possible. Years ago, SVP Portland partnered with NAYA to build organizational capacity and expand culturally specific early childhood education. Together, we worked on developing sustainable business models, growing leadership capacity, creating new home visiting and Early Head Start programs, and helping NAYA attract investments to fuel growth. Though our formal engagement eventually concluded, the impact of that work lives on, and the opening of chaku kumtuks haws  stands as a powerful example of what long-term investment in organizational strength can enable. For longtime Investor Partner Larry Fox, who co-led SVP’s second engagement with NAYA, this moment carries special meaning. He remembers when NAYA faced leadership transitions, financial strain, and difficult choices about whether to continue its housing program. What made the difference, he reflects, was the trust and respect that created space for frank and honest dialogue - a relationship that went hand in hand with expanding early childhood services and building the foundation for future growth. “Learning about the opening of this new housing complex and preschool fills me with joy. It’s incredibly gratifying to know that the work we did years ago - helping to strengthen NAYA’s capacity, supporting their preschool expansion, and creating space for values-driven decisions - has blossomed into something that will benefit families for generations. That’s the real reward of being an Investor Partner: seeing how early investments in capacity can ripple forward into profound community change.” — Larry Fox, SVP Investor Partner The success of chaku kumtuks haws is NAYA’s achievement - a testament to their vision, leadership, and persistence. Yet it also illustrates the power of building strong foundations through capacity building and partnership. SVP Portland is honored to have played a role in NAYA’s journey years ago, and we extend our warmest congratulations to NAYA on this outstanding accomplishment. “NAYA realized this great opportunity to include an early child learning center within an affordable housing property that focuses on higher education. This fits so nicely along with NAYA’s broader goals to establish an Indigenous culture corridor in the Cully neighborhood. We are grateful for the many community partners who stepped forward to support our efforts.”   — Oscar Arana, CEO Native American Youth and Family Center You can find out more about NAYA's new space and the grand opening event here .

At this year’s SVP Portland Summer Social, we had the honor of presenting the 2025 Sarah Cohen-Doherty Community Impact Award to Ruby Ramirez , a champion for equity in early childhood and a vital force in SVP’s work through her role on our Portfolio Management Team. Ruby serves as a Program Officer at Oregon Community Foundation, where her leadership and advocacy are grounded in deep community connection and an unwavering commitment to equity. Across her roles, she leads with heart and clarity, helping to reshape systems that support children and families. Reflecting on the award, Ruby shared: “I only had a few chances to connect with Sarah, but it was always clear that we shared a passion for reducing disparities and building equitable early learning environments. Like me, Sarah deeply believed that all children - regardless of ethnicity, income, religion, gender, or zip code - deserve access to high-quality, culturally relevant early learning experiences. Today, my work continues to focus on moving our early learning system forward. I’ve witnessed the transformational impact of SVP’s capacity-building efforts and the strong, trust-based relationships SVP fosters with Community Partners. Thank you all for doing this work collectively to create real, lasting change.” About the Award The Community Impact Award was created in 2021 to honor the legacy of Sarah Cohen-Doherty, a former SVP Portland staff member and visionary leader who passed away in 2020. Sarah was known for her fierce belief in community-led change, her courage to challenge the status quo, and her deep relationships across Portland’s early childhood ecosystem. Each year, the award recognizes someone in the SVP community who exemplifies the values Sarah embodied: Genuine care for others A focus on developing meaningful relationships A personal commitment to equity A changemaker in the community who works to ensure that all children thrive Ruby embodies all of these, and more. In Carolina Castaneda del Rio’s words, SVP Director of Community Impact: “Ruby’s presence on SVP’s Portfolio Management Team has brought invaluable insight, accountability, and wisdom to our grantmaking. She listens with care, acts with intention, and leads with a deep sense of shared purpose - all qualities that Sarah embodied in her own work.” Please join us in celebrating Ruby Ramirez and her extraordinary impact. We are so lucky to be in this work alongside her. Pictured here: Sarah’s Parents Jerry and Ruth Cohen, Award Recipient Ruby Ramirez, SVP Portland Executive Director Lauren Johnson

Dear SVP Community, As we navigate a particularly complex, uncertain, and volatile period, at least in recent history, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the partnerships I witness at SVP: truly powerful connections, even between unlikely allies. I see our Community Partners inviting SVP Investor Partners to get even closer as they courageously and creatively adapt to a rapidly changing environment, and I see Investor Partners asking, “What else is needed in this moment?” - then following that curiosity with genuine listening as well as the pursuit of resources requested. This is hope in action. The first few months of 2025 have been vibrant, marked by meaningful milestones and deepened relationships. Here are a few highlights, thanks to your unwavering support: Celebrating Growth with our Scaling Cohort In February, we held a joyful Graduation Ceremony to recognize the preschools in our 2024-25 “Ready to Grow” Cohort, who completed what they shared was a “transformative journey” with SVP. It was inspiring to see these outstanding leaders share their stories and future plans for expansion. Building on this success, we are excited to announce Ready to Grow 2.0, launching in August 2025. It will incorporate key learnings from the pilot and continue helping established preschools grow their reach. Onboarding 6 New Community Partners We’ve begun a new and intentional approach to partnership: investing in multiple Community Partners at once. By bringing in organizations together, we’re aligning support, encouraging peer connection, and strengthening collective capacity. Our recent Meet & Greet offered space for SVP Partners to share their visions and needs, setting the stage for meaningful collaboration. Each of these organizations brings powerful expertise and deep community roots, and we’re excited to walk alongside them as they grow their impact. Launching Building Together 2025 In response to common barriers our Lead Partners observed among Community Partners, we launched a new series designed to foster resilience, collective strength, and shared solutions. Early sessions, facilitated by SVP Partners, surfaced key challenges. We’re now moving beyond identifying problems to setting priorities and developing an action plan that SVP can help champion. Celebrating a Legacy with Latino Network at La Plaza Esperanza One of the most moving moments this spring was joining Latino Network to celebrate the opening of La Plaza Esperanza, a new early childhood education and family support center in East Portland. This milestone represents more than a decade of deep partnership between SVP and Latino Network. As I shared at the event, it’s a beautiful example of what’s possible when people invest their hearts, minds, and resources over time. This long-term partnership helped scale Latino Network’s impact and contributed to making Preschool for All a reality in Multnomah County. La Plaza Esperanza stands as a powerful symbol of what trust-based partnership and shared vision can achieve. Strengthening Our Leadership In April, we were pleased to welcome Rob Aslett to SVP Portland’s Board of Directors. A committed Investor Partner since 2020, Rob has served on our Strategy Dynamic Team and as Lead Partner for CAIRO. His deep expertise and belief in our venture philanthropy model will be a tremendous asset as we continue growing our community impact. In June, Rob was elected Board President, and we are thrilled to have his leadership in this role. We are also deeply grateful to Bob Tate, who served as Board President over the past few years with dedication, thoughtfulness, and a steady vision for SVP’s future. Connecting as a Community It’s been inspiring to see our SVP community stay engaged and connected. Recent SVP Happy Hours were filled with new connections, thought-provoking conversations, and laughter. These gatherings remind us that progress moves at the pace of trust—and it’s through relationships that we strengthen our shared commitment to a more just, equitable future for our community’s kids. These early months of 2025 highlight the tangible impact we’re creating together. As a network of skilled professionals and values-driven philanthropists, we are helping Community Partners build capacity, scale impact, and ensure more underserved children attend preschool. Your continued support is what makes this work possible. Your generosity fuels strong partnerships, drives innovation, and helps build a more inclusive, compassionate future for our kids. With heartfelt gratitude, Lauren Johnson Executive Director, SVP Portland

Last month, SVP Portland joined a rapid and coordinated response to a surprise amendment in the Oregon Senate that would have eliminated the tax funding Preschool for All (PFA). Thanks to the quick action of Partners, Community Partners, and advocates, the bill was moved to an informational hearing and did not advance, but the issue is not over. As a founding champion of PFA, SVP responded swiftly by issuing a public statement, mobilizing our network, supporting Community Partners with testimony, and contacting lawmakers directly. In moments like these, we’re reminded why SVP exists: to activate our collective resources and influence in service of bold, community-driven solutions. We’ve since convened internal leadership to reflect on our unique role moving forward. We believe we can be most effective by continuing to collaborate, helping shape a long-term narrative rooted in the success of PFA, and lifting up the voices of the providers and families doing the hard work every day. Over the coming weeks, we’ll be coordinating with other leaders across the early learning ecosystem to align strategy, messaging, and advocacy. We’re also exploring opportunities to amplify what’s working and to engage in how PFA can continue to grow in both reach and sustainability. Stay tuned for ways to get involved, including messaging tools, calls to action, and opportunities to stand with us for the future of our children and families.

Pictured here: SVP International CEO Ciara Garcia, SVP Portland Investor Partners Larry Fox, Bob Tate, Rob Aslett, SVP Portland Executive Director Lauren Johnson, SVP Investor Partner Mark Holloway In late May, SVP Portland joined peers from across the globe in Austin, Texas for the 2025 SVP Global Summit, a high-energy gathering focused on reimagining what’s possible for the SVP network and the communities we serve. For SVP Portland, the Summit affirmed the urgency of this moment and the importance of showing up with clarity, accountability, and deep collaboration. The event brought together a diverse mix of SVP affiliates, funders, and partner organizations, all committed to transforming philanthropy and advancing more equitable outcomes. Board Member and longtime Investor Partner Larry Fox described it as the most relevant and focused convening he’s attended in his 16 years with the network. He noted that the keynote speakers offered unvarnished reflections on the current landscape, and that the breakout sessions were practical and led by people with real, on-the-ground expertise. Throughout the Summit, it was clear that a shift is underway. There is momentum building to raise the bar for how we show up as a network; with greater urgency, stronger partnerships, and a shared commitment to doing better together. As SVP Portland continues its work locally to support community-led solutions, we return from Austin inspired by what’s possible when we align resources, relationships, and resolve toward a more just future.

This month, SVP Portland gathered for a meaningful and energizing Meet & Greet. We’re deeply grateful to the Children’s Institute  for hosting us. This gathering marked one new and intentional approach for SVP: investing in a group of Community Partners all at once. By bringing on multiple organizations simultaneously, we’re maximizing our resources, aligning shared support, and fostering opportunities for cross-learning among groups facing similar moments of growth and transformation. Each Community Partner gave a presentation, offering insight into their organization’s background, goals, and the kinds of support that could help accelerate their impact. While each organization was selected for unique reasons, they also share common threads, including a deep commitment to equity, and a desire to build capacity. Together, we explored how SVP can most effectively support these organizations, both individually and collectively, as they take the next steps in their journeys. Just as important, this was a space for Community Partners and Investor Partners to connect with one another, uncover shared opportunities, and exchange ideas. In a time when community and support are especially vital, the gathering offered room for authentic dialogue, inspiration, and discovery. We were honored to welcome: Casita Azul & Amanecer Academy :  A bilingual, bicultural early childhood education program centering Latine identity and community-rooted learning. Future Generations Collaborative :  A Native-led collective advancing cultural healing and community health for American Indian and Alaska Native families. Their early childhood programs strengthen Indigenous identity through culturally-specific curricula, playgroups, caregiver support and trainings. Iraqi Arabic School :  A community-centered program preserving Arabic language and culture while supporting youth and families with culturally responsive education and early STEAM learning experiences, with a vision to expand early learning programs. KairosPDX :  A longstanding partner in educational justice, focused on equity-driven, culturally affirming early learning environments for Black children, and early learning workforce development. Path Home :  Working to empower Portland families with children to move into, and remain in, permanent housing, with plans underway to launch an on-site childcare and preschool to expand their impact in early learning. Community Education Network  (not in attendance): A hub for culturally responsive early education programs, CEN supports immigrant and refugee families through multilingual preschool initiatives, parent engagement, and community-led learning grounded in lived experience and cultural identity. They envision a family-focused early learning center with extended hours. SVP Portland Director of Community Impact, Carolina Castaneda del Rio, reflected:  "The energy came from people really showing up—for one another, for the work, and for what’s possible together. That kind of connection between Community and Investor Partners is where strong partnerships start." If you are an SVP Investor Partner interested in working with one or more of these new organizations, please reach out to Ursula Garcia at ursula@svpportland.org .