Post on 29-Jun-2018
FROM SVP’S CHAIR OF THE BOARD
Since our founding in 2000, SVP Boulder County’s Partners have worked with 23 local nonprofit Investees on building their capacity and sustainability in the pursuit of their respective missions. It is an approach that has leveraged our Partners’ impact throughout our community.
In 2014, SVP Boulder County became an independent 501(c)3. In the life cycle of a nonprofit, SVP Boulder County is a bright-eyed and confident young adult. It is an exciting time and we have a lot of work ahead of us!
Over the last two years, in a conscious effort to strengthen our own capacity and sustainability, we have turned a portion of our resources inward, effectively adding ourselves as one of our nonprofit Investees. With input from Partners, staff, current and past Investees and other community stakeholders, we are challenging ourselves to improve at every level.
We are engaging and learning. We are connecting and collaborating. We are risking and growing. We are building on our foundation to enable our Partners, our staff, our Investees and our broader community to have an even greater impact on Boulder County in the future. At SVP, that is what we call “Fun!” We invite you to join us.
FROM SVP’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
As my eighth year with SVP began in 2015, SVP Partners were busy assessing nonprofits through the Portfolio Grants Committee, engaging in a variety of projects with Investees and committees, attending SVP’s educational sessions, crafting new programs, and thinking about the future. In the midst of it all, I’ve been reflecting on how much we accomplished in our first fourteen years and the exciting place of change we find ourselves in today.
Receiving a 501(c)3 determination from the IRS in 2014 brought SVP to a pivotal moment. In the language of ‘capacity building’ and ‘nonprofit lifecycles’ we find aspects of our nonprofit in ‘mature’, ‘growth’, and ‘start-up’ phase all at once – parts of our business operate like a well-oiled machine and others are wonderfully messy. I’m proud of how our Partners rallied together to ensure we maintained high-quality services while also turning our capacity building efforts inward. And, I’m inspired by how we used the opportunity presented by change to add more programming for nonprofits and leaders.
In the year ahead, SVP will branch out into executive coaching, organizational assessments, and expanded opportunities for Partners. We’ll work with even more Boulder County nonprofits and givers. Let us know what impact you’d like to see from SVP. What an exciting time!
John McCorvie Board Chair & Partner Social Venture Partners Boulder County
Jennie ArbogashExecutive Director & Partner Social Venture Partners Boulder County
Letters...
Page 2 Onward, Upward
And, strong nonprofits work best with high quality volunteer contributions. To that end, SVP educates givers on nonprofits while engaging them in nonprofit project consulting, coaching, community workshops, and running SVP.
Working side by side and facilitating impactful relationships, SVP increases the capacity and sustainability of nonprofits, while extending the impact of our members. SVP builds a stronger social sector for Boulder County.
In addition to our ongoing deep consulting projects with Investees, we’re expanding the ways we engage Boulder County nonprofits to boost the capacity of even more area organizations. And, in an effort to continue to make our own organization more inclusive, we’ve expanded our ways to play, adding new member levels to the mix.
Together, we are Social Venture Partners. And we’re excited to share what’s next.
Jennie ArbogashExecutive Director & Partner Social Venture Partners Boulder County
SVP BELIEVES
STRONG NONPROFITS DELIVER BETTER RESULTS.
WE BRING GOOD BUSINESS PRACTICE TO GOOD CAUSES,
HELPING REINFORCE THEIR STRATEGIES, SYSTEMS,
PRACTICES, AND SKILLS SO NONPROFITS CAN MORE
EFFECTIVELY AND EFFICIENTLY DELIVER ON THEIR MISSION.
Letters...
SVP Annual Impact Report 2014 Page 3
LEAD & INVEST IN COLLABORATIONS… to create cross-sector solutions
STRENGTHEN NONPROFITS
… for more effective impact
ENGAGE GIVERS… to do more for our community
$89,500Cash grants
in support of SVP consulting
We believe in building the capacity of nonprofits from the inside out – and, we dig in deep alongside them to get there. In 2014, “investing” meant pro-bono capacity building consulting (and cash grants in support of those efforts) with four Boulder County nonprofits: Boulder County CareConnect, Boulder Institute for Psychotherapy and Research, Center for ReSource Conservation and Safe Shelter of St Vrain Valley. Additionally, two nonprofits with social enterprises garnered support as part of SVP’s
SocEnt pilot: Boulder Treasures and Intercambio Uniting Communities.
For us, “capacity” is what it takes to be stronger, better and even more focused than before. Working to create mighty changes inside the “Investee” nonprofits we work with – through leadership support, skill building, or volunteer Board development – SVP helps nonprofit staff create the structures and processes that’ll move them to the next level.
At the same time, SVP offers members (i.e. “Partners”) a way to enhance their personal philanthropy; amplifying the impact their skills, smarts, networks and personal dollars can have when pooled with others. SVP leverages Boulder County’s philanthropists on real-world consulting projects with nonprofits, while increasing their personal capacity to do better with skill building education and opportunities.
What is SVP? SOCIAL VENTURE PARTNERS BOULDER COUNTY IS A NONPROFIT ACCELERATOR THAT HELPS MOVE ORGANIZATIONS TO BE THEIR BEST.
6Nonprofit grantees
43Distinct Partner
volunteer opportunities
(e.g. consulting projects, teaching,
committees)
2,158Volunteer
consulting hours
259Nonprofit
best practice professional development
attendees
$23,310Cash value of nonprofit
educational sessions (valued at $90/registrant
per session)
2,379Partner volunteer hours
dedicated to smart investment-making, running
SVP programs and strengthening SVP
CAPACITY BUILDING IN CALENDAR YEAR 2014 = $328,610 IN TOTAL SUPPORT
$215,800Cash value of SVP consulting
(at $100/hr rate)
Page 4 Onward, Upward
Designer note: just like p13 of Network Office report
What is SVP?
CAPACITY BUILDING IN CALENDAR YEAR 2014 = $328,610 IN TOTAL SUPPORT
SVP Annual Impact Report 2014 Page 5
NONPROFIT CAPACITY BUILDING
CONSULTINGMulti-year pro-bono
consulting has been the core of what SVP does
as an organization. Getting into the deep end and supporting leaders, we work to
help nonprofits emerge better and stronger
after the engagement
PARTNER BOOTCAMP
These quarterly sessions were designed to develop philanthropic awareness and help SVP Partners
increase the professional skills they bring into
projects with Investees
CASH GRANTSIn recognition of the time
required to implement internal change, SVP Boulder County’s grants offer general operating
support to the nonprofits working with Partners on
pro-bono nonprofit capacity consulting projects
KNOCKOUT INVESTEESIn 2014, SVP offered four sessions in this series to help build community among
SVP’s class of current and alumni Investees, boosting awareness
around select topics in nonprofit capacity
KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE
SVP produces resources reflecting leading sector thinking. Any nonprofit
is welcome to take advantage of our thought leadership materials like
analytical investment reports, informative blog
posts, How-To White Papers, and more
BOARDS WITH BRAINS
This professional development programming aims to build
leadership alignment around nonprofit governance best
practice. In 2014, we ran ten sessions open to all nonprofit
board and staff
NONPROFIT ADVOCACYWorking to enhance
the position and stature of nonprofits within
Boulder County, SVP is a voice for nonprofits in regional collaborations, partnerships and media
PARTNER PERSONAL
DEVELOPMENTSVP offers Partners
continued skill development through
individualized one-on-one support from staff and Lead
Partners to hone cross-sector understanding and
communication
2014: A JOURNEY TO SVP’S NEXT LEVELBoy-oh-boy did we have a big
2014! This year, we turned the capacity building lens
on ourselves and worked to intentionally optimize SVP’s own infrastructure to better
take on our next chapter. We’ve captured some of the
most important milestones in that journey on these pages:
Page 6 Onward, Upward
Strategic PlanFollowing an in-depth community
assessment process, SVP unveiled our roadmap for 2014-2017. The plan
provides a map for SVP’s growth as we deepen and grow our ability to support
Boulder County nonprofits.
Expanded Nonprofit Education ProgramsA year’s worth of nonprofit best
practice professional development rolled out in service of enriching SVP stakeholder (Partners, Investees, and
all area nonprofits) skills.
501(c)3 StatusAfter 14 years operating as
a donor-advised fund of The Community Foundation, the IRS
granted SVP Boulder County our official independent nonprofit status, allowing us to expand
community impact.
SocEnt PilotThe third component of SVP’s
trial-run of social enterprise programming wrapped with Boulder Treasures and Intercambio Uniting
Communities graduating one-year investments.
InvestmentsThe SVP Partnership celebrated the graduation of our 17th Investee, TLC Learning Center, while also making a new investment in Boulder Institute
for Psychotherapy and Research and renewing investments in Boulder County CareConnect, Center for
ReSource Conservation, and Safe Shelter of St Vrain Valley.
2014: A JOURNEY TO SVP’S NEXT LEVEL
SVP Annual Impact Report 2014 Page 7
Communications Strategy
Approved a strategy to more clearly position SVP as a visible
player in Boulder County’s nonprofit and philanthropic
space, raising awareness of SVP’s evolution and services.
Change to Fiscal Calendar
Fortifying SVP’s own internal capacity as a high-performing
independent nonprofit, shifting to an October 1 to September 30 fiscal year helps position
SVP to take on what’s coming.
Sustainability Strategy
SVP created a comprehensive plan for how SVP will expand
and provide additional nonprofit capacity building programs and services in a
sustainable manner.
Internal Capacity Growth
SVP’s staff grew from two to three, adding administrative support to smooth the road,
build programming systems and enhance internal efficiency.
New Member Levels
To further expand SVP’s ability to welcome new
members, more inclusive Friend and Partner levels
were opened to the community.
Our “engaged philanthropists” work side-by-side with nonprofits to have an impact through leveraged dollars, expertise, time, and connections. The result is nonprofits with the knowledge, leadership, resources and infrastructure in place to better fulfill their missions.
In 2014, SVP included six nonprofits in our Investee class – four traditional investments of pro-bono consulting and cash grants in support of those efforts, and two investments as part of our social enterprise pilot. Social enterprise investments focused consulting on revenue-generating activities that meet the nonprofit’s mission.
• Consulting on: business planning, marketing, fund development, and more
Boulder Treasures received pro-bono consulting support as an Investee through SVP’s social enterprise pilot. “Our Lead Partner Frank brought incredible entrepreneurial insight as we developed our business early on,” reflects Andy Minden, Co-Founder and President/CEO of Boulder Treasures.
SVP Partner Scott helped identify and create a target customer persona. His insight on the impact a name could have on reaching the target audience
“…ultimately led to Ramble on Pearl, the dba under which our store is run,” remembers Minden.
“Without the SVP discipline of an integrated work plan, we probably never would have opened our doors in August,” says Minden.
• Consulting on: strategy, marketing, coaching, sales, and more
• Cash grant: $10,000
Intercambio Uniting Communities was SVP’s pro-bono consulting and cash support Investee for the third phase of our 2014 social enterprise pilot.
As a result of SVP’s engagement, Intercambio clarified their brand, raised awareness about their products, and improved staff efficiency around the sales process for their suite of immigrant integration curriculum and tools.
“Getting the concrete and moral support from SVP Partners helped give me a can-do attitude,” reflects Executive Director Lee Shainis.
INTERCAMBIO UNITING COMMUNITIES
BOULDER TREASURES
CAPACITY BUILDING WORK IS AT THE CORE OF WHAT WE DO.
Page 8 Onward, Upward
• Consulting on: board development, financial management, coaching, and more
• Cash grant: $25,000
Through SVP’s investment, Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley has been able to grow in meaningful ways. “We are stronger as an organization as a result of our relationship with our Partners,” says Executive Director Jackie List.
Reflecting on the SVP driven creation of a Development Plan, she notes “In our second year with the plan, we increased individual donations by nearly 50%, saw our Board of Directors join in fundraising and donor development at a level not previously experienced, and established three new annual fundraising events.”
Regarding what’s unique about SVP, List says “It is like no other relationships we have with funders,” citing a willingness to listen to concerns in a productive way.
• Consulting on: board development, executive search, and coaching
• Cash grants: $21,000
Center for ReSource Conservation entered their second year of investment in 2014. “The support of the SVP Partners is truly unique and cannot be replicated anywhere else,” interim Executive Director, Michelle Barnes reflects. “Whether actively involved in a project or not, all the Partners who’ve worked with us we still consider ‘our Partners’. Each and every one has been dedicated and focused on helping us build our organization.”
Much of the previous year was focused on launching a software development program, and, “SVP has been able to connect us with experts in this arena” mentions Barnes. This has resulted in new opportunities to license technology for one of their water conservation programs.
SVP offers a unique type of investment for organizations. Reflects Barnes, “We have found SVP to have a clear structure, combined with the flexibility to meet our unique and changing needs.”
BOULDER INSTITUTE FOR
PSYCHOTHERAPY AND RESEARCH
(BIPR)
• Consulting on: strategic planning, branding, leadership coaching, and more
• Cash grant: $15,000
Boulder Institute for Psychotherapy and Research (BIPR) had been in a period of rapid growth. “We were finding huge demands for our services but lacked the infrastructure, training, and systems to serve our potential clients,” reflects Executive Director Cindy Divino.
The work SVP and BIPR are doing “feels like a game changer” says Cindy, with meaningful strategic planning and leadership development under way. Cindy believes each time she meets with Lead Partner Jeanette, “there is some gem to put into place”.
This investment is extremely unique for BIPR. “We talk about a project and SVP helps carry it through from beginning to end,” reflects Divino. “With SVP it’s both…and ‘both’ really helps.”
• Consulting on: videography, program development, and more
• Cash grants: $15,750
Boulder County CareConnect (BCCC) was in its third year of SVP investment when incoming Executive Director Jim Rianoshek started in late 2014. Jim reflects:
“I knew an SVP partnership was gold!”
Over these years, despite the significant challenges BCCC has faced, SVP’s partnership stayed strong and impactful projects were completed (including IT upgrades, program renovation, HR restructuring, volunteer cultivation, and marketing strategies).
The most meaningful aspect of being an Investee has been “the mission and interest in helping us develop capacity for providing much needed services to our fast growing elder population,” explains Rianoshek. “The breadth and depth of organizational expertise that SVP brings is first rate!”
SAFE SHELTER OF ST. VRAIN VALLEY
CENTER FOR RESOURCE CONSERVATION
BOULDER COUNTY CARECONNECT
SVP Annual Impact Report 2014 Page 9
SVP believes educated, engaged givers are more impactful. The majority of Partners surveyed have increased giving, community involvement, and level of strategy used in their philanthropy since joining SVP.
JOINING SVP CREATES IMPACTFUL GIVERS
GIVE MORE INCREASE INVOLVEMENT
Incr
eased givi
ng
since
joining S
VP
Say S
VP was
a fa
ctor
Incr
eased ci
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engagem
ent
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Developed a
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75%
95%
74%88%
80%
96%
THE LONGER A PARTNER IS INVOLVED IN SVP, THE GREATER
THE CHANGES ACROSS OUTCOMES.0-2 years 2-5 years 5+ years
66% 70%80%
Change in giving levels based on tenure
87% of Partners volunteered through SVP
92% of Partners donate beyond
SVP
93% of Partners volunteer
beyond SVP
89% of Partners attended SVP education and social events
2,158 hours were donated
by Partners to consulting with nonprofit
Investees
2,379 hours were donated by Partners to running SVP
programs and strengthening
SVP
GIVE MORE
STRATEGICALLY
Partner Snapshot
Page 10 Onward, Upward
SVP works to increase the capacity and sustainability of Boulder County’s nonprofits, while extending the impact of our
members. We call members “Partners” because they’re so much more than donors; rather, they are engaged in their giving, want to see their impact amplified, and seek to get involved beyond the
checkbook. Coming from a variety of backgrounds, SVP’s members work in a range of industries, bringing unique skills,
resources and perspectives to their SVP participation. Read on to meet just a few:
“My favorite part has been the education available, and the chance to be a part of the striving for excellence that saturates SVP.” —Lester Wall
“I’ve gotten to learn more about the nonprofit world, and have found SVP’s people interesting, incredibly smart, and dedicated.” —Vicky Johns
While doing some estate planning five years ago, Stephanie Wilson was able to reflect on how fortunate she was and wanted to find a smart way to give back. The Community Foundation recommended SVP and it seemed like the perfect fit. “I love getting the opportunity to learn about the great organizations we are helping in Boulder County and I love being a small part of helping them do what they do,” says Stephanie.
Since becoming a Partner, Stephanie has been involved on several committees including Marketing, Portfolio Grants, and Capacity Building. She also is currently the Lead Partner with Center for Resource Conservation (CRC) and has worked on consulting projects. At first Stephanie did not feel as if she “had enough knowledge to dive in and help out.” With the help of SVP Executive Director Jennie Arbogash, she was able to find a meaningful way to get involved.
KYLE KUCZUN Kyle Kuczun has been involved in the nonprofit world ever since he was a high school intern with a local outdoor education center. “That specific experience led me down a path where I would eventually co-found a company to provide enterprise software in support of nonprofits,” remembers Kuczun.
“Bringing a solid process and a community of expertise to help grow an organization to the next level is why I joined SVP,” states Kyle. Since joining SVP, Kyle has had the opportunity to participate on the Portfolio Grants Committee for the last two years. This committee opened another door for Kyle to being working with Investees Boulder County CareConnect, “exploring the potential of leveraging internal resources for social enterprise revenue.”
“In my short tenure, SVP has stayed on track with investee commitments while adding new programs (e.g. BOARDS WITH BRAINS) and re-envisioning a path for long term organizational sustainability,” reflects Kyle.
STEPHANIE WILSON
GIVE MORE INCREASE INVOLVEMENT
Partner Snapshot
SVP Annual Impact Report 2014 Page 11
Social Venture Partners Boulder County
(EIN 46-1384125) believes strong
nonprofits deliver better results. Working
side by side with nonprofits, givers, and
community members, we bring good
business practice to good causes.
2014 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
John McCorvie, Chair
Emily Davis, Vice Chair
Randi Grassgreen, Treasurer
Diane Murphy, Secretary
Ruth Henderson
Debbie Malden
Dan Catlin
Peter Spear
Erik Bernstein
STAFF
Jennie Arbogash, Executive Director
Olga Heifets, Education & Communications Director
Caitlin Plaza, Administrative Assistant
CONTACT
303.840.0165
1877 Broadway, Ste 100
Boulder, CO 80302
www.svpbouldercounty.org