Social Venture Partners International: Collective Giving for Global Impact

In the late 1990s, as the dot-com boom reshaped Seattle’s economic landscape, a revolutionary idea in philanthropy was taking root. After selling his software company Aldus Corporation to Adobe, Paul Brainerd had a desire to make a difference, but wasn’t content with traditional philanthropy. He envisioned a new model that would engage donors like himself in a more active, hands-on approach to giving. Brainerd believed that by leveraging not just money but also skills, expertise, and networks, philanthropists could create a deeper, more sustainable impact in their communities.

This philosophy would become the cornerstone of Social Venture Partners International, a concept that would grow into a global network. 

The Growth of a Movement

Paul Shoemaker, who would later become the Executive Director of SVP Seattle (the first affiliate) and Founding President of SVPI, recalls the landscape that gave birth to the organization. “In 1997, the term was giving circles. I eventually came to not like that term too much for SVP because the giving circle technically means we get together once a month, put our money together, and talk. Some SVPs are a little bit more than that. And a lot of SVPs are a hell of a lot more than that.”

Shoemaker, inspired by Brainerd’s vision, joined SVP Seattle early on, helping to shape and grow the organization from its roots in the Pacific Northwest. The model quickly caught the attention of philanthropists in other cities. 

Lois Savage, president of the Lodestar Foundation, remembers the early days of expansion. “[Lodestar founder] Jerry Hirsch heard about the program in Seattle and thought this would be a great program to have in Phoenix.” This led to the formation of SVP Arizona in 1999, sparking the need to create a hub — SVP International — to support new affiliates in a growing network.

SVP International was created in 2002 to not only guide the expansion of the SVP model but also be a staunch advocate for trust-based philanthropy before anyone even had a name for the practice. Providing a link between novel concepts such as multi-year general operating grants and emerging collective giving organizations was crucial to addressing the needs of nonprofits and getting to the heart of systems change work.

Over time, SVPI has evolved to meet the changing needs of its affiliates. Shoemaker identifies critical components of SVPI’s value proposition today: “It’s about the sort of shared capital, the collective fundraising that was not in the equation 25 years ago, and it is now. Pooling resources is a new part of the model and a damn good one. The other piece, of course, is shared knowledge in all of its many forms.”

The Power of Together

Interest in SVP’s model grew internationally, and affiliates formed in Canada, India, Australia, Japan, and beyond. New opportunities for cross-cultural learning and global impact brought philanthropists together.

SVP India stands out among the international chapters for its rapid growth and impact. Established in 2012, the affiliate now boasts over 430 partners in 8 cities. Its success stems from their commitment to creating 1 million jobs in the country, which energized partners around a very clear and attainable goal. India demonstrates the SVP model’s adaptability across cultural and economic contexts while highlighting the power of what can be achieved when we work together.

Adapting in a Changing World

While SVPI’s core mission has remained consistent throughout its history — to provide connections, resource-sharing opportunities, and a robust and reliable network for collective funding — much has changed. 

Sofia Michelakis, who served on the SVPI board and worked with SVP Seattle, reflects on the organization’s fundamental values. “There’s a strong desire to make meaningful contributions, which can take many forms. Writing a check is incredibly valuable and impactful. SVP also offers opportunities for those who want to engage further through learning and direct involvement in the community.”

Michelakis also highlighted the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the network: “We did a series of these partner conversations that showed us that it’s not just about getting back to our old normal. The theme that emerged was that we need to invest in building more resilience in our communities because we’ve seen the huge cracks in the system.” 

As the world emerged from the pandemic, SVPI started exploring ways to balance virtual connectivity with the irreplaceable value of face-to-face gatherings.

This commitment to engaged philanthropy has allowed SVPI to adapt to changing times while maintaining its essential role in the philanthropic ecosystem. As collective giving has evolved from its early days, SVPI is growing in its role as a crucial connector, demonstrating that we need each other to make the work work.

Looking to the Future

Now in its third decade and under the leadership of new CEO Ciara Garcia, SVP International is poised for renewal and prosperity.

Garcia brings a wealth of experience and a fresh perspective to the role after successfully leading SVP Tucson through a season of tremendous growth. “The opportunity to strengthen SVPI’s worldwide impact is humbling and inspiring. I’ve witnessed how channeling resources and trust into communities can empower generational change. Our entire international movement has this potential. One key focus for the future is reconnecting in person.”

As the network looks to the future, it remains committed to its founding vision of engaged, collaborative philanthropy. SVPI continues to play a crucial role in connecting collective giving organizations, facilitating resource sharing, and providing a reliable network for its affiliates worldwide. As SVPI moves forward, it envisions a world where engaged philanthropy is the norm, not the exception, and aims to amplify the impact of collective giving, ultimately leading to more equitable, resilient and thriving communities worldwide.

The journey that began with Paul Brainerd’s innovative idea in 1997 continues to evolve, inspiring new generations of philanthropists to give their money, time, skills, and passion. As it embarks on its next chapter, SVPI is poised to further strengthen its role as the essential body connecting people and resources in engaged philanthropy.