Partner FAQ

What is the Partner contribution?

Partners make an annual contribution of at least $5000, with an initial commitment of 2 years. After the 2 years, Partners renew yearly. This contribution is pooled with other partners’ contributions and used to make grants to our investees, and to support SVP operations.

Do all Partners have to volunteer and give their expertise?

No, you are free to gauge your involvement to suit your own needs. For some of our partners, their financial contribution is the sum total of their involvement. Many Partners contribute their time for a while, take a break and then get involved again, as professional and family lives allow. However, we encourage you to seek out opportunities to be involved in SVP in ways that fit within your schedule. Some Committees only meet twice a year, and we have a variety of interesting, educational and fun events that you can participate in as you see fit.

Can I offer my expertise and time without the financial contribution?

To be a Partner you must make an annual contribution of at least $5,000.  However, we can direct you to opportunities to get involved with our investees.

Can Partners designate their contribution to a particular Investee?

No. All Partner contributions go into a pooled fund. SVP is like a mutual fund investment for a Partner, not an investment in an individual organization. Partners who are interested in supporting the work of a particular Investee will be invited to provide volunteer services. Of course, they may contribute additional funds to Investees on their own.

In what ways can I get involved with SVP?

There are numerous ways to get involved with SVP. Partners are involved in all levels of SVP operations, so you can participate on a variety of Committees, Teams and with Investee Projects.  You can attend social and educational events, and you can volunteer directly with any of our investees. We are always coming up with new ways for Partners to get engaged.

What is your focus?

SVP Greater Tucson’s funding focus since our inception in 2006 was Literacy. In 2011 SVP decided to explore a new focus area. The Partners and Board of Directors decided collectively to begin funding in the area of “Life Skills” starting in the Fall of 2012. SVP will keep this focus for the coming 3-5 years, and begin re-evaluation of the focus in year 3 (2015). SVP believes the development of core life skills, including literacy, enables individuals of all ages, through education and learning, to participate fully in the workplace, the marketplace and in day-to-day community life.
How do you choose your Investees?

Each year, an Investment Team consisting entirely of Partners reviews Letters of Inquiry from organizations in the community. The Team then selects organizations to submit a full proposal, which is carefully considered. The Team goes on site visits and applicants give a final presentation. The Team selects an organization, consults the partnership, and ultimately makes the decision to fund our next Investee.