2021 Annual Partner Survey Results
Short on time? Check out our brief presentation of the survey results.
As is our custom, we again asked Partners for their feedback through our 2021 Annual Partner Survey. Thirty-eight Partners shared their thoughts about their engagement, offered opinions about our communications, and highlighted their most meaningful and proud SVP moments.
What’s the best part of being a Partner?
“Community of head and heart with great human beings”
SVP’s venture philanthropy model continues to be the top reason that Partners join (68%) but it is no longer the primary reason they will continue investing -- that has become the opportunity to engage as a Partner, either internally or with Community Partners (61%). This aligns with the second reason Partners join -- to in engage skills-based volunteerism (55%). Our model of collective giving and leveraged investment is another key benefit for Partners who understand the transformative potential of venture philanthropy.
What impact are you most proud of or inspired by?
“Preschool for All is a generational impact win and I am so proud to have been a part of it.”
A notable upward trend is the 95% of Partners who are satisfied with their level of engagement, a nearly 20-point improvement from 2019 and a two-point increase over 2020. Additionally, 14% more Partners are actively engaged in 2020 than in 2019. That being said, 27% express that they would like to contribute more, but there may not be enough opportunities for their areas of expertise. An equal number said they don’t know what opportunities are available. We clearly need to do a better job creatively exploring how we might use all Partners' expertise and communicating the opportunities for engagement.
What’s the best part of being a Partner?
“Not just giving money but opportunity to leverage our talent to have more impact in the community it serves”
Our equity commitment and DEI work continues to be a reason people join (37%) and reinvest (50%). Also noteworthy is passion for our focus on early childhood impact with 42% joining because of it and 53% renewing due to it. With this in mind, it should come as no surprise that a very high percentage, 95% of Partners, feel that SVP resonates with their overall sense of purpose. Moreover, 76% say it gives them an opportunity to create meaningful interpersonal relationships, and 76% feel like a part of a community where they belong -- all of these are slight increases over 2020.
What is the most meaningful experience you’ve had as a Partner?
“Equity Team quality discussions and opportunity for vulnerability”
Continued feedback indicates that Partners bringing friends and business into the Partnership remains a challenge, but two additional questions this year shed some light on why. While a combined 76% ran the gamut from 'somewhat interested' to 'somewhat uninterested', 82% said it was because they have already referred anyone they think would be interested or don't believe friends and colleagues have the resources (time or money) to be an SVP Partner. While the former is a natural limitation, we can do more to communicate the nature of our Partnership. This means understanding that our model allows Partners to contribute a combination of their skills, influence, and a personally-significant financial investment.
What impact are you most proud of or inspired by?
“The true and transformative commitment to anti-racism.”
There were several areas of increased interest for engagement, including on the Board of Directors and through hosting an SVP social event (virtual and/or in-person). If you are interested in leadership opportunities at SVP Portland, please email Bob Tate, Board President. For other engagement opportunities, email Rose, or to host a social event, please email Elizabeth.
Many thanks to the Partners who participated in the survey and continue to help us improve.