Model
Since DSVP was launched in 2000, we have raised more than $2.9 million for direct investment with our investees and provided thousands of hours of volunteer time and expertise to those nonprofit organizations. We started with the Social Venture Partner model created in 1997, in Seattle, Washington, under the inspiration and vision of Paul Brainerd, Aldus Corporation founder and president. Additional founding members include Scott Oki, Ida Cole, Bill Neukom, and Doug and Maggie Walker.
The vision of the founders was to build a philanthropic community using a model that leveraged venture capital practices. This model became known as venture philanthropy. Key tenets of this approach to philanthropy include long-term, highly engaged investments of money, resources, and business expertise to develop the capacity and sustainability of local nonprofits.
Today, there are 26 Social Venture Partnerships across the country with three in Canada and one in Tokyo, Japan. Each participate in Social Venture Partners International (www.svpi.org) where we share our ideas, practices and resources. Within the network, we cumulatively have over 2000 partners who have invested over $30 million to over 300 nonprofit agencies.
