Investee FAQ
What is SVP’s investment focus?
The partners of SVP currently make investments in the area of community literacy, which has been identified as a great community need. This is defined as not only the ability to read, write and speak, but also the skills that enable individuals to fully participate in day-to-day life in the workplace, marketplace and community. Partners reexamine our focus yearly, and may chose to expand or rework the focus depending on the community need in the future.
What is capacity building? Why is capacity building important to SVP?
We define Organizational Capacity Building as the development of core skills, management practices, strategies and systems to enhance an organization’s effectiveness, sustainability and ability to fulfill its mission.
SVP believes that stronger management, systems and infrastructure result in stronger organizations that can more effectively achieve their programs and fulfill their mission. To achieve this, SVP works in partnership with nonprofits. SVP is not only a grantmaking organization, but also a capacity building organization. In addition to cash grants, SVP provides skilled volunteers, professional consultants, leadership development and management training opportunities.
SVP matches our Partners’ expertise with the needs of our Investees. By working together, our Partners and Investees develop a unique mutually beneficial relationship.
How does my organization apply for investment? What is the process and guidelines?
Organizations apply for investment through our Grant Round. You can learn more about the process and guidelines here.
Can my organization apply for grant money specifically, without technical support?
SVP Partners believe we can make the largest impact in an organization where we can invest both our funds and technical expertise to help the organization build capacity and create increased sustainability.
Is it possible to apply for funding for a specific program within the organization?
No, our Partners invest in the organization itself, increasing organizational capacity and effectiveness, so the organization in turn can better fulfill it’s mission and make more programmatic successes.
SVP develops “long-term strategic relationships” with non-profit organizations, but only gives 12-month grants in its first year. That seems contradictory, can you explain?
SVP gives initial 12-month grants to new Investees with a long-term approach in mind. During the first year of a funding relationship, the nonprofit Investee and SVP have a chance to get to know each other and mutually decide if there is a basis for a longer-term relationship. After the first year, SVP will make individual refunding grant decisions based on a review of annual objectives. Although the refunding decisions are made annually, SVP expects relationships with its Investees will span three years.