5years of impact - Social Venture Partners
5
years of impact
s o ci a l ve nt u re part ne r s Cincinnat i
Over 80% of partners surveyed report they are
more involved in the community
giving is more strategic 75% also say their
2011 Demonstrating SVP’s Impact Survey
2007
2008
August: SVP International approves Cincinnati as an affiliate; Garen Wisner and Marcy Wydman step up as founding Co-Chairs
From the SVP Cincinnati Chair – Wijdan Jreisat Dear Partners and Friends, In 2007, SVP Cincinnati began with a group of local partners committed to an innovative approach to engaged philanthropy. We had the audacious idea that, instead of just throwing money at a nonprofit organization to address its needs, we would throw ourselves into the organization, giving of our time and diverse talents to become true partners. In doing so, we aligned ourselves with a remarkable network of engaged donors – Social Venture Partners International. Five years later, we are gratified that our unique approach has been embraced with excitement by the nonprofit community. The granting of unrestricted funds coupled with the multiplier effect of our pro-bono consulting time and energy have helped move the needle for our investee organizations. Our investees tell us that
our partners provide invaluable support and expertise. Through the efforts of our dedicated partners, we continually review our “Portfolio of Good,” evaluating the progress of our investees and determining how to best support them in unleashing their potential. SVP not only represents a concerted commitment of time and effort to those investees, but a long-term one spanning several years of dedication to their capacity building. As we celebrate our fifth year, we are focused on growing our partnership to increase our impact on the community. We have set our own strategic plan with measurable outcomes to track the progress we are making. This will increase our return on giving to the Greater Cincinnati community and the “return on life” to our partners. We are thrilled to invite you and others to join us on the SVP journey.
November: SVP Cincinnati launches public kickoff with guest speaker Paul Shoemaker from SVP Seattle
2008
2009
January: SVP partners identify environment as first focus area
April: SVP hires first staff, Lisa Davis Roberts
June: SVP selects the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati as the first investee
Welcome to Social Venture Partners We are a global network of local donors who seek to make a difference in our community by doing good better. We do this by pooling SVP annual partner contributions for greater impact with each nonprofit selected for investment. That’s good. Here’s what is better: SVP’s grants are just the beginning of our investment. SVP partners roll up their sleeves and invest their expertise, experience, and networks to help nonprofits really succeed. In Cincinnati, grants are typically $35,000 - $75,000 over three years.
Focus areas: • The Environment and Environmental Education • Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth at Risk Each SVP grant is leveraged by the strategic contribution of our partners’ time and expertise, so that the average benefit to the nonprofit is three to five times greater than the cash grants. That’s $200,000 - $300,000 per investee. The engagement between SVP and the nonprofit fosters a relationship that makes customized, sustainable change possible for the nonprofit, and an unparalleled journey to increased philanthropic impact for our partners.
It is difficult to be an
effective philanthropist by yourself;
even if you have the money and the time. But with the pooled resources both in money and in expertise, it is much easier to
really make a difference. — Former SVP Chair, Glenn Bitzenhofer
When I hear a lead partner
talk passionately
about the work we are doing at an investee, I feel really good about the
stewardship of my investment.
— SVP Founding Co-chair, Garen Wisner
2009
2010
June: Imago for Earth and Gorman Heritage Farm become SVP’s second and third investees
September: SVP contributions of financial and intellectual capital to investees surpass $100,000
Hands-On Philanthropy Money is good. Capacity is better. Our nonprofit investees tell us that, while they are grateful for SVP’s financial grants, what really makes a difference is the time and talents of our partners. The SVP investment of pooled financial and intellectual capital results in a greatly amplified contribution – far more than any one person can make alone. The result: nonprofit investees operate at a higher capacity and serve our community better.
Because real, sustainable change doesn’t happen overnight, SVP’s model is based on a multi-year partnership. As the nonprofit grows in capacity and impact, new challenges emerge. For the duration of the typical three-year grant period, SVP partners share their expertise in critical areas such as strategic planning, board development, and marketing, providing strategic expertise tailored to the nonprofit’s evolving needs.
SVP partners quite simply have a burning desire to use their own business and life skills to improve their communities. SVP is hands-down my favorite volunteer experience. — SVP Founding Partner Susan Ingmire
all we see is potential
2010
2011
September: SVP selects Whole Again International as its fourth investee and surpasses $225,000 in financial and intellectual capital given
Developing Engaged Donors SVP is committed to developing a community of informed, powerful donors. The engaged philanthropy model provides partners with a unique opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our community and local nonprofits. Partners plan and participate in the grantmaking process and philanthropic education sessions. From annual international conferences to local panel discussions with nationally recognized experts, SVP education programs provide partners with information to build skills and knowledge for truly effective philanthropy. SVP offers partners a safe forum to explore more deeply their own giving philosophies and interests.
How We Invest Through discussion, debate, and consensus-building, partners select a focus area in which to dedicate their time and resources. The Investment Committee follows a rigorous review process with the nonprofit applicants by evaluating proposals and conducting site visits. Final applicants are invited to present to the entire partnership before the Investment Committee votes to select SVP’s newest investee.
October: five partners attend international SVP conference in Long Beach, California
Our SVP team has provided exemplary counsel and
outstanding
support to the staff and board of the Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation on a wide range of matters. Their guidance and assistance was practical and tailored to the size of the organization, and helped focus the Farm’s mission and resources to ensure its future
success.
— Brian Babb, Board President, Gorman Heritage Farm, 2009 SVP Investee
2011
2012
September: SVP surpasses $430,000 in financial and intellectual capital invested in nonprofit partners
Partnering for Impact Gorman Heritage Farm Executive Director: Sandra Murphy Lead Partners: Joe Ratterman and Jim Yunker Giving Area: Environment Total Giving: $37,000 since 2009 Why? Gorman Heritage Farm, a 120-acre farm and outdoor education center in the heart of urban Cincinnati, annually teaches thousands of school-aged children and adults through field trips, summer camps, and family and adult workshops on such
varied topics as beekeeping, flower arranging, and composting. Capacity Building Projects • Mission and Vision: Guidance in articulating a definitive mission and vision • Strategic Planning: Worked with board and staff to create a Five-Year Master Plan • Leadership Development: Strengthened the board through training and resources, including search for new executive director • Marketing and Fundraising: Expanded marketing efforts to broaden support
October: Local SVP partner Tom Callinan joins international SVP board; seven partners attend international SVP conference in Minneapolis
2012
2013
February: SVP Cincinnati reaches 21 partner units (a partner unit can be one or two people) and surpasses $575,000 in invested intellectual and financial capital
November: SVP selects fifth nonprofit investee
Partnering for Impact Civic Garden Center Executive Director: Vickie Ciotti Lead Partners: Craig Young and Glenn Bitzenhofer Giving Area: Environment Total Giving: $74,000 since 2008 Why? The Civic Garden Center is dedicated to improving Cincinnati communities through gardening, education, and environmental stewardship. SVP invested in the Civic Garden Center’s Green Learning Station, a pioneering education center designed to teach Cincin-
natians about green technology and urban garden techniques. Capacity Building Projects • Strategic Planning: Facilitated strategic planning process to inform Green Learning Station objectives • Project Management: Provided project and construction management support for Green Learning Station • Leadership Development: Strengthened the board through needs assessment and training • Marketing and Communications: Formed a marketing team to create and implement brand, strategy, and materials for Green Learning Station.
SVP Cincinnati allowed Whole Again International to
grow
and move to the next level. As our opportunities grew, we didn’t have the
capacity to keep up – SVP gave us the support
and confidence we needed to take that next step. – Pastor Gregory Chandler, CEO, Whole Again International
2013
2014
March: With a growing partnership, SVP Cincinnati anticipates its financial and intellectual capital investment surpassing $725,000
Partnering for Impact Whole Again International Executive Director: Pastor Gregory Chandler Lead Partners: Lindsay Bitzenhofer and Jane Egasti Giving Area: Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth at Risk Total Giving: $27,000 since 2010 Why? Whole Again International mobilizes local organizations and USDA funding to provide daily breakfast and lunch to more than 2,000 underserved children in the summer. Between meals, WAI also provides
education, recreation, and enrichment programs, helping economically disadvantaged children overcome the education gap that can grow during fallow summer months. Capacity Building Projects • Leadership Development: Board training and resource development, human resources support for executive staff search, governance audit • Financial Management: Budgeting and fundraising support
2014
2015
March: SVP Cincinnati projects surpassing $1 million in nonprofit investments of financial and intellectual capital
Partnering for Impact Imago for Earth Executive Director: Chris Clements Lead Partners: Lynn Hailey and Madeleine Ludlow Giving Area: Environment Total Giving: $37,000 since 2009 Why? A grassroots environmental education organization located on 36 acres in the Price Hill neighborhood, Imago is a regional leader in educating people of all ages about living in concert with the natural world. Imago’s innovative programs help reconnect people and the planet through community building, green
living courses, summer camps, and conservation efforts. Capacity Building Projects: • Planning and Programming: Bioneers event marketing and outreach • Marketing: Guidance, planning, and project management • Board Development: Strengthened board capacity by creating committee structure and responsibilities • Strategic Planning: Resource audit, key leader interviews, master site planning leading to a comprehensive strategic plan
SVP Total Impact* on Nonprofit Investees:
$575,000
In-Kind Contributions
$33,000
$47,000
Contributions From Individual SVP Partners
Partner Volunteer Time
$175,000
$320,000
SVP Financial Support (Grants)
*Since SVP’s first investment in June 2008 through December 2011
We had the audacious idea that, instead of just throwing money at a nonprofit organization to address its needs, we would throw ourselves into the organization, giving of our time and diverse talents to become a true partner. — SVP Chair, Wijdan Jreisat
Thanks to Our Partners Current Partners *Thomas Anderle and Essa Torch Glenn Bitzenhofer and Lindsay Bitzenhofer Tom and Maureen Callinan Wes and Shelley Cowan Jamie and Jane Egasti *Penny Friedman and Ron Meyer Paul Gelter Bruce and Lia Hager Sandra Hughes and Jordan Hughes *Susan Ingmire and Lynn Hailey *Wijdan Jreisat and Patrick Points *Gloria and Alvin Lipson Madeleine Ludlow Arthur Motch Joe Ratterman and Michael Ratterman Diane and Reed Shank David Whittaker *Garen Wisner *Marcy Wydman *Craig and Mary Beth Young Steve Zoller
*Founding Partner
Alumni Partners *Anne Chambers and Cliff Schwandner Chris and Suzy Hendriksen Toni LaBoiteaux and Eliza Sharp Steve and Karen Mulch Bil Potter John Sacco and Cathy Cebulski Bob Walker *Jim Yunker Additional Contributions from Friends and Foundations Since 2007 Christine Bennett Don Hoffman Gloria Lipson’s friends in honor of her birthday Melisse May The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation Scripps Howard Foundation Wydman Family Foundation In-Kind Contributions to SVP and Our Investees Erika Dockery Paul Heagen The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati InterAct for Change Rick Noland Brewster Rhoads Adam Smith Jim Yunker
s o ci a l v e n t ure part ne r s Cincinnat i w w w.s v p c i nc i n n at i .or g • 513 - 458- 67 15 • in fo@ s vp c inc in n at i. or g
Paper contains at least 30% post-consumer waste.
Social Venture Partners International Social Venture Partners (SVP) is an international network of 2,200 dedicated individuals who contribute their money and skills to improve their communities. Today, there are 25 Social Venture Partners affiliates in the United States, Canada and Japan.
Since its formation in 1997, the SVP network has contributed more than $41 million in grant investments to 500 nonprofit organizations and provided thousands of volunteer hours in strategic service and counsel. That is audacious philanthropy.
years of impact
s o ci a l ve nt u re part ne r s Cincinnat i
Over 80% of partners surveyed report they are
more involved in the community
giving is more strategic 75% also say their
2011 Demonstrating SVP’s Impact Survey
2007
2008
August: SVP International approves Cincinnati as an affiliate; Garen Wisner and Marcy Wydman step up as founding Co-Chairs
From the SVP Cincinnati Chair – Wijdan Jreisat Dear Partners and Friends, In 2007, SVP Cincinnati began with a group of local partners committed to an innovative approach to engaged philanthropy. We had the audacious idea that, instead of just throwing money at a nonprofit organization to address its needs, we would throw ourselves into the organization, giving of our time and diverse talents to become true partners. In doing so, we aligned ourselves with a remarkable network of engaged donors – Social Venture Partners International. Five years later, we are gratified that our unique approach has been embraced with excitement by the nonprofit community. The granting of unrestricted funds coupled with the multiplier effect of our pro-bono consulting time and energy have helped move the needle for our investee organizations. Our investees tell us that
our partners provide invaluable support and expertise. Through the efforts of our dedicated partners, we continually review our “Portfolio of Good,” evaluating the progress of our investees and determining how to best support them in unleashing their potential. SVP not only represents a concerted commitment of time and effort to those investees, but a long-term one spanning several years of dedication to their capacity building. As we celebrate our fifth year, we are focused on growing our partnership to increase our impact on the community. We have set our own strategic plan with measurable outcomes to track the progress we are making. This will increase our return on giving to the Greater Cincinnati community and the “return on life” to our partners. We are thrilled to invite you and others to join us on the SVP journey.
November: SVP Cincinnati launches public kickoff with guest speaker Paul Shoemaker from SVP Seattle
2008
2009
January: SVP partners identify environment as first focus area
April: SVP hires first staff, Lisa Davis Roberts
June: SVP selects the Civic Garden Center of Greater Cincinnati as the first investee
Welcome to Social Venture Partners We are a global network of local donors who seek to make a difference in our community by doing good better. We do this by pooling SVP annual partner contributions for greater impact with each nonprofit selected for investment. That’s good. Here’s what is better: SVP’s grants are just the beginning of our investment. SVP partners roll up their sleeves and invest their expertise, experience, and networks to help nonprofits really succeed. In Cincinnati, grants are typically $35,000 - $75,000 over three years.
Focus areas: • The Environment and Environmental Education • Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth at Risk Each SVP grant is leveraged by the strategic contribution of our partners’ time and expertise, so that the average benefit to the nonprofit is three to five times greater than the cash grants. That’s $200,000 - $300,000 per investee. The engagement between SVP and the nonprofit fosters a relationship that makes customized, sustainable change possible for the nonprofit, and an unparalleled journey to increased philanthropic impact for our partners.
It is difficult to be an
effective philanthropist by yourself;
even if you have the money and the time. But with the pooled resources both in money and in expertise, it is much easier to
really make a difference. — Former SVP Chair, Glenn Bitzenhofer
When I hear a lead partner
talk passionately
about the work we are doing at an investee, I feel really good about the
stewardship of my investment.
— SVP Founding Co-chair, Garen Wisner
2009
2010
June: Imago for Earth and Gorman Heritage Farm become SVP’s second and third investees
September: SVP contributions of financial and intellectual capital to investees surpass $100,000
Hands-On Philanthropy Money is good. Capacity is better. Our nonprofit investees tell us that, while they are grateful for SVP’s financial grants, what really makes a difference is the time and talents of our partners. The SVP investment of pooled financial and intellectual capital results in a greatly amplified contribution – far more than any one person can make alone. The result: nonprofit investees operate at a higher capacity and serve our community better.
Because real, sustainable change doesn’t happen overnight, SVP’s model is based on a multi-year partnership. As the nonprofit grows in capacity and impact, new challenges emerge. For the duration of the typical three-year grant period, SVP partners share their expertise in critical areas such as strategic planning, board development, and marketing, providing strategic expertise tailored to the nonprofit’s evolving needs.
SVP partners quite simply have a burning desire to use their own business and life skills to improve their communities. SVP is hands-down my favorite volunteer experience. — SVP Founding Partner Susan Ingmire
all we see is potential
2010
2011
September: SVP selects Whole Again International as its fourth investee and surpasses $225,000 in financial and intellectual capital given
Developing Engaged Donors SVP is committed to developing a community of informed, powerful donors. The engaged philanthropy model provides partners with a unique opportunity to learn about the challenges facing our community and local nonprofits. Partners plan and participate in the grantmaking process and philanthropic education sessions. From annual international conferences to local panel discussions with nationally recognized experts, SVP education programs provide partners with information to build skills and knowledge for truly effective philanthropy. SVP offers partners a safe forum to explore more deeply their own giving philosophies and interests.
How We Invest Through discussion, debate, and consensus-building, partners select a focus area in which to dedicate their time and resources. The Investment Committee follows a rigorous review process with the nonprofit applicants by evaluating proposals and conducting site visits. Final applicants are invited to present to the entire partnership before the Investment Committee votes to select SVP’s newest investee.
October: five partners attend international SVP conference in Long Beach, California
Our SVP team has provided exemplary counsel and
outstanding
support to the staff and board of the Gorman Heritage Farm Foundation on a wide range of matters. Their guidance and assistance was practical and tailored to the size of the organization, and helped focus the Farm’s mission and resources to ensure its future
success.
— Brian Babb, Board President, Gorman Heritage Farm, 2009 SVP Investee
2011
2012
September: SVP surpasses $430,000 in financial and intellectual capital invested in nonprofit partners
Partnering for Impact Gorman Heritage Farm Executive Director: Sandra Murphy Lead Partners: Joe Ratterman and Jim Yunker Giving Area: Environment Total Giving: $37,000 since 2009 Why? Gorman Heritage Farm, a 120-acre farm and outdoor education center in the heart of urban Cincinnati, annually teaches thousands of school-aged children and adults through field trips, summer camps, and family and adult workshops on such
varied topics as beekeeping, flower arranging, and composting. Capacity Building Projects • Mission and Vision: Guidance in articulating a definitive mission and vision • Strategic Planning: Worked with board and staff to create a Five-Year Master Plan • Leadership Development: Strengthened the board through training and resources, including search for new executive director • Marketing and Fundraising: Expanded marketing efforts to broaden support
October: Local SVP partner Tom Callinan joins international SVP board; seven partners attend international SVP conference in Minneapolis
2012
2013
February: SVP Cincinnati reaches 21 partner units (a partner unit can be one or two people) and surpasses $575,000 in invested intellectual and financial capital
November: SVP selects fifth nonprofit investee
Partnering for Impact Civic Garden Center Executive Director: Vickie Ciotti Lead Partners: Craig Young and Glenn Bitzenhofer Giving Area: Environment Total Giving: $74,000 since 2008 Why? The Civic Garden Center is dedicated to improving Cincinnati communities through gardening, education, and environmental stewardship. SVP invested in the Civic Garden Center’s Green Learning Station, a pioneering education center designed to teach Cincin-
natians about green technology and urban garden techniques. Capacity Building Projects • Strategic Planning: Facilitated strategic planning process to inform Green Learning Station objectives • Project Management: Provided project and construction management support for Green Learning Station • Leadership Development: Strengthened the board through needs assessment and training • Marketing and Communications: Formed a marketing team to create and implement brand, strategy, and materials for Green Learning Station.
SVP Cincinnati allowed Whole Again International to
grow
and move to the next level. As our opportunities grew, we didn’t have the
capacity to keep up – SVP gave us the support
and confidence we needed to take that next step. – Pastor Gregory Chandler, CEO, Whole Again International
2013
2014
March: With a growing partnership, SVP Cincinnati anticipates its financial and intellectual capital investment surpassing $725,000
Partnering for Impact Whole Again International Executive Director: Pastor Gregory Chandler Lead Partners: Lindsay Bitzenhofer and Jane Egasti Giving Area: Transforming the Lives of Children and Youth at Risk Total Giving: $27,000 since 2010 Why? Whole Again International mobilizes local organizations and USDA funding to provide daily breakfast and lunch to more than 2,000 underserved children in the summer. Between meals, WAI also provides
education, recreation, and enrichment programs, helping economically disadvantaged children overcome the education gap that can grow during fallow summer months. Capacity Building Projects • Leadership Development: Board training and resource development, human resources support for executive staff search, governance audit • Financial Management: Budgeting and fundraising support
2014
2015
March: SVP Cincinnati projects surpassing $1 million in nonprofit investments of financial and intellectual capital
Partnering for Impact Imago for Earth Executive Director: Chris Clements Lead Partners: Lynn Hailey and Madeleine Ludlow Giving Area: Environment Total Giving: $37,000 since 2009 Why? A grassroots environmental education organization located on 36 acres in the Price Hill neighborhood, Imago is a regional leader in educating people of all ages about living in concert with the natural world. Imago’s innovative programs help reconnect people and the planet through community building, green
living courses, summer camps, and conservation efforts. Capacity Building Projects: • Planning and Programming: Bioneers event marketing and outreach • Marketing: Guidance, planning, and project management • Board Development: Strengthened board capacity by creating committee structure and responsibilities • Strategic Planning: Resource audit, key leader interviews, master site planning leading to a comprehensive strategic plan
SVP Total Impact* on Nonprofit Investees:
$575,000
In-Kind Contributions
$33,000
$47,000
Contributions From Individual SVP Partners
Partner Volunteer Time
$175,000
$320,000
SVP Financial Support (Grants)
*Since SVP’s first investment in June 2008 through December 2011
We had the audacious idea that, instead of just throwing money at a nonprofit organization to address its needs, we would throw ourselves into the organization, giving of our time and diverse talents to become a true partner. — SVP Chair, Wijdan Jreisat
Thanks to Our Partners Current Partners *Thomas Anderle and Essa Torch Glenn Bitzenhofer and Lindsay Bitzenhofer Tom and Maureen Callinan Wes and Shelley Cowan Jamie and Jane Egasti *Penny Friedman and Ron Meyer Paul Gelter Bruce and Lia Hager Sandra Hughes and Jordan Hughes *Susan Ingmire and Lynn Hailey *Wijdan Jreisat and Patrick Points *Gloria and Alvin Lipson Madeleine Ludlow Arthur Motch Joe Ratterman and Michael Ratterman Diane and Reed Shank David Whittaker *Garen Wisner *Marcy Wydman *Craig and Mary Beth Young Steve Zoller
*Founding Partner
Alumni Partners *Anne Chambers and Cliff Schwandner Chris and Suzy Hendriksen Toni LaBoiteaux and Eliza Sharp Steve and Karen Mulch Bil Potter John Sacco and Cathy Cebulski Bob Walker *Jim Yunker Additional Contributions from Friends and Foundations Since 2007 Christine Bennett Don Hoffman Gloria Lipson’s friends in honor of her birthday Melisse May The Manuel D. and Rhoda Mayerson Foundation Scripps Howard Foundation Wydman Family Foundation In-Kind Contributions to SVP and Our Investees Erika Dockery Paul Heagen The Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati InterAct for Change Rick Noland Brewster Rhoads Adam Smith Jim Yunker
s o ci a l v e n t ure part ne r s Cincinnat i w w w.s v p c i nc i n n at i .or g • 513 - 458- 67 15 • in fo@ s vp c inc in n at i. or g
Paper contains at least 30% post-consumer waste.
Social Venture Partners International Social Venture Partners (SVP) is an international network of 2,200 dedicated individuals who contribute their money and skills to improve their communities. Today, there are 25 Social Venture Partners affiliates in the United States, Canada and Japan.
Since its formation in 1997, the SVP network has contributed more than $41 million in grant investments to 500 nonprofit organizations and provided thousands of volunteer hours in strategic service and counsel. That is audacious philanthropy.
