The flame of SVP Charlotte’s Spark Teams program continues to burn brightly since its inception in the tumultuous year of 2020. As we venture into the midpoint of 2022, the program stands as ambitious as ever, driven by the collective passion and commitment of our dedicated partners.
Since January 2022, a total of 16 SVP partners have invested an impressive 255 volunteer hours, estimated at a value of $25,500. These efforts have fueled the completion of five standalone projects, each undertaken in collaboration with esteemed SVP/SEED20 nonprofit alumni. The diversity of these projects reflects the multifaceted impact our Spark Teams aim to achieve:
- Operations: Consulting with LAWA to align existing programs with their strategic plan and make necessary adjustments.
- Strategic Planning: Guiding Families Forward Charlotte in updating their strategic plan, including a comprehensive review of their mission and vision.
- Fundraising/Marketing: Developing a diversified funding plan and expanding the social media strategy for Care Ring NC.
- Operations Process Improvement: Assisting Eagle Rock’s Executive Director in developing scalable retreat programming.
- Board Governance: Facilitating a redefinition of Foster Village Charlotte’s board roles for a more sustainable and growth-oriented structure.
While the onus of implementing these projects ultimately lies with the nonprofit teams, the alumni express deep appreciation for the ideas, tools, and collaborative spirit that SVP Partners bring to the table. Andy Krafft, Treasurer for Families Forward Charlotte, attests, “The insight and direction SVP provided us during the Strategic Planning process was incredibly valuable! As a group of passionate, nonprofit board members, it can be difficult to synthesize all of our ideas. But SVP knew exactly the right questions to ask that allowed us to organize and prioritize our plans for the future. We are so grateful for their partnership.”
As we stride towards our yearly goal of completing between 10-15 projects, we currently stand at 9 total projects, with four Spark Team projects in progress:
- Finance: Strengthening the financial reporting infrastructure for The Bulb with a focus on supporting a new ED.
- Process Improvement: Crafting a coach recruitment and retainment plan for the Soccer Foundation of Charlotte.
- Fundraising: Conducting a fundraising assessment for Transforming Youth Movement.
In our Spark Teams’ pipeline, several dynamic projects await, eager to unfold their potential impact. However, we’re calling on more SVP Partners to join the ranks and amplify our influence. On average, SVP Partners volunteer one hour per week, contributing their diverse skills and experiences to projects that typically span 6-12 weeks.
“It doesn’t matter what field you come from or how long you have been in it, or even if you don’t have nonprofit consulting experience,” emphasizes Henry Lander, SVP Spark Teams Lead Partner. “What matters is your willingness to understand the challenges the nonprofit faces, and your desire to come alongside others to collaborate on solutions that will help that organizations achieve stability and sustainability.”
To learn more or to get involved with our spark Teams, contact SVP Program Manager, Laurie Grauer at lgrauer@svpcharlotte.org #SparkTeams #SVPCharlotte
