Survey Shows SVPP Directly Related to Increase in Partners' Philanthropy

(From the September 2007 Newsletter)

A recent survey of SVP Portland has revealed that nearly 75% of Partners indicated that SVPP has been directly related to an increase in their philanthropic giving. The survey, called Demonstrating SVP's Impact, was completed in July 2007 by over 60% of SVPP Partners. SVP affiliates around North America also surveyed their membership, revealing a similar increase in giving at an average 21% lower rate than Portland.

Further highlights from the Portland survey highlights include:
- 52% increase in Partners writing fewer, larger checks, compared to a 69% average among other SVPs
- 60% indicated an increase in giving since becoming involved in SVPP, compared to an 80% average among other SVPs
- 77% of Partners reported an increase in their amount of volunteerism, compared to a 63% average among other SVPs
- 67% of Partners reported greater community awareness
- 22% increased the amount of their strategic given practices since joining SVPP

These improvements in Partner awareness, community involvement, and giving strategy allow them to achieve greater impact with their giving. Through increased volunteerism, Partners become engaged in the communities they are serving, and by writing fewer, larger checks, Partners often see an immediate impact to the organizations about which they feel most passionate.

The survey outcomes are also extremely useful for SVPP as we strive to grow our partnership and to continue making the social venture model one of the best models for philanthropy. These results allow us to see where we serve our Partners best as well as the areas where we could stand to see some improvement. Partners identified a need for more regular notifications about volunteer opportunities, more diverse membership, and more engaged partners as areas of potential improvement. In response to this, SVPP is working to create Partner teams that would address these areas. The survey results will also help to strengthen our marketing and media relations.

This fall, an AmeriCorps VISTA joined SVPP for a year to help strengthen the infrastructure of the organization. Jenny Herget will work to create a system to notify Partners of volunteer opportunities best suited to their skills and resources, as well as help brainstorm new engagement plans to grow a more diverse membership.

The survey results will also help to share the SVP model and success through our marketing and media relations materials.

To everyone who responded to this survey, we thank you. This type of Partner involvement is the reason the social venture partners model works!