Venture Philanthropy: A Global SVP Initiative

SVPP Partner, Holly Levow, reflects on the international connections she made at the 2014 SVP Network Conference.

As a new Partner with SVP Portland I was looking forward to soaking in as much information as I could from the Audacious Philanthropy conference in Austin, Texas. I was received with open arms not only by the SVP Portland contingent, but also by all the SVP Partners, affiliates, and staff from around the world. I was amazed to see so many international Partners and affiliates. I had the opportunity to meet SVP Partners from Beijing and Tokyo and discuss similarities and differences in their respective social landscapes. I also had the opportunity to meet a representative from the Turkish Industry and Business Association and hear about the challenges she is facing in driving social change. In addition, I learned about a new SVP affiliate launching in South America called NESsT Partners which will bring the engaged philanthropy model to Latin America. All of this is very exciting to me. Yes, there are similar social challenges across the globe, but there is also a network of likeminded social philanthropists who are dedicated and motivated to amplify impact through the venture philanthropy model. The opportunity to witness all the energy and motivation to affect change was inspiring!

I came away from the conference with a renewed desire to get involved in my community, but even more importantly, to spread the word about SVP and venture philanthropy. Although it appeared to me to be a great turnout, I’m certain that we did not have everyone from around the world that believes in the engaged philanthropy model. Connecting and sharing best practices is a great way to catapult an idea, organization or even an entire movement to the next level. I’m confident we are moving in the right direction with the Social Venture Partners network and am even more motivated and inspired to get others involved!