SVP Network Grows 2% while Giving $3.16 Million in Grants to 149 Nonprofit Organizations in 2009

SEATTLE  (May 18, 2010) – Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) announced its latest numbers associated with organizational growth, grant making and volunteer service.

Based on 2009 member data, the SVP network grew 2 percent in 2009.  The SVP network of personal philanthropists contributed $3.16 million to 149 nonprofits last year and SVP partners also contributed thousands of hours of volunteer service to nonprofits in 25 cities throughout North America and Japan.

“Our partners continued to be highly engaged in their communities in 2009.” says Ruth Jones, Executive Director at Social Venture Partners International. “For the fifth year in a row, our partner satisfaction rate continues to grow. 77% of partners are involved with SVP beyond making an annual contribution and are active volunteers.”

Fundamental to the SVP model is engagement in which members give of their time, professional experience and creativity to work in partnership with nonprofits and local leaders to meet community needs. Therefore, cash grants are only a portion of the value that grant recipients gain through their relationship with SVP. Partners also volunteer professional skills and strategic counsel to help nonprofits build capacity and make vital connections within the community. This level of engagement translates to a high level of satisfaction among donors throughout the SVP network which is comprised of 25 SVP organizations in the United States, Canada and Tokyo.

Since its inception in 1997, the SVP network has made $36.1 million in grant investments to 397 nonprofit organizations.

Social Venture Partners International (SVPI) is the membership association for Social Venture Partners – an international network comprised of more than 1,900 accomplished individuals who combine their professional skills and financial contributions with a passion for philanthropy. SVPI supports local SVP organizations by providing technology, professional development, an annual conference and peer networking opportunities designed to share knowledge and promote best practices throughout the network. The Social Venture Partners network currently has 25 member organizations located throughout the United States, Canada and Tokyo. To learn about starting SVP in your city or for more information on Social Venture Partners, please visit www.svpi.org.

For more information about the SVPI 2009 Network Data Report, please contact Aya Burgess at SVPI.