On November 11, nonprofits and community leaders took place at The Independent Picture House for a special viewing of the documentary, “@home.” This compelling film sheds light on the potential of social media as a powerful tool in combating homelessness. The event also marked a significant moment as Barry Shipp, representing Pivot Point Transitional Housing and the proud recipient of the prestigious 2023 SEED20 Wells Fargo People’s Choice Grand Prize, unveiled the physical prototype for his tiny home village! 

Among the attendees was John Pesavento, an SVP Partner actively engaged in Pivot Point’s Spark Team, demonstrating his unwavering support. During discussions, Barry expressed heartfelt appreciation for SVP’s pivotal role, stating, “SVP has been more than supportive. Their contribution extends far beyond financial aid; it involves reshaping how I present Pivot Point and cultivate meaningful connections.” Barry emphasized the invaluable assistance provided by SVP tools like Board and Financial assessments, along with continuous guidance from John, which has rejuvenated Pivot Point’s confidence and capabilities. 

Initiatives like SEED20 and Spark Teams by SVP emphasize how the collective investment and backing from our Partners can significantly enhance the capabilities of pioneering nonprofits striving to overcome barriers to economic mobility within our community. We eagerly anticipate the next steps for Barry and other distinguished members from his SEED20 Class of ’23, eager to witness their continued progress and success. #SEED20 #SparkTeams #pivotpointtranisitionalhousing #Barryshipp

 

The law firm of McGuireWoods has been integral in supporting SVP Charlotte with its legal expertise since our founding in 2005. We’re excited to announce that McGuireWoods has officially become a Corporate Partner. McGuireWoods attorneys helped our founding Partners establish our nonprofit entity by assisting in the preparation of essential organizational documents, drafting our corporate governance statement, and aiding in the application for tax-exempt status. Their legal expertise and dedication were instrumental in helping to write the organization’s bylaws and file our 501c3 documentation. 
 
Over the years, nearly 50 McGuireWoods lawyers and staff members have given their support and subject matter expertise to various SVP Investees. They have provided legal counsel, guidance, and support to notable nonprofits such as Charlotte Family Housing, Common Wealth Charlotte, GenOne Charlotte, Heart Math Tutoring, ourBRIDGE for KIDS, Profound Gentlemen, Promising Pages, and The ROC. Their guidance has been invaluable in empowering these organizations to thrive, navigate challenges, and make a difference in our community. 

In addition to providing legal expertise, McGuireWoods has been a generous supporter of SEED20 over the years. Moreover,14 attorneys from McGuireWoods have dedicated their time and expertise to coach our nonprofit participants, further showcasing the firm’s dedication to our mission. 

As we embark on this official partnership, we are thrilled to witness the evolution of our community engagement with McGuireWoods. The firm’s continued commitment and support will engage additional people, formalize our collaborative efforts, and play a significant role in propelling our shared mission of creating positive and lasting change in our community. Please join us in welcoming McGuireWoods, their attorneys, and staff to SVP Charlotte!  

According to Leading on Opportunity’s definition, “Social Capital is defined as a person’s ability to access information resources, support, or opportunity through their social network. Contributing to a person’s Social Capital builds more tight knit communities, increases local knowledge and resource sharing and introduces people to new learning opportunities about culture, art, and economics. In the context of economic mobility, an intervention or program that strengthens bonds between members of different socio-economic groups is especially powerful.” 

By bridging these gaps and fostering connections, programs that focus on building Social Capital can empower individuals to overcome barriers and create pathways toward upward social and economic mobility. At SVP Charlotte, we consistently work to demonstrate the transformative power of Social Capital and work to share it whenever we can across our community. This Spring we made significant strides in enhancing Social Capital within our Investee portfolio and SEED20 alumni:   

• In May and June, from SVP and Merancas Foundation made introductions to 18 local nonprofits for potential collaborations with Youth Meditation (our newest Investee) leading to several new programs this summer.  
• On May 31st, SVP hosted a celebratory SEED20 alumni luncheon bringing together over 20 nonprofits from different program years, sectors, and parts of the Charlotte community to network. 
• In June, SVP facilitated introductions that yielded three new radio interviews, providing exposure and marketing opportunities for Pivot Point Transitional Housing, Feeding Charlotte, and Youth Meditation on the Francene Marie Show.   

Social Capital plays a pivotal role in empowering individuals, equipping organizations, and building stronger communities. Though the resolve of our SVP staff (both of them) is quite strong, we could not do this work without the dedication of Partners who enhance SVP’s Social Capital through introductions, collaborations, and resource sharing. By fostering connections between nonprofits, SVP Charlotte continues to strengthen the social fabric of our community, encouraging knowledge sharing, and promoting collective efforts to address persistent societal challenges.

Congratulations to the SEED20 Class of 2023! The ten nonprofit leaders took the stage on Thursday, April 27, and wowed us with their compelling stories of how they are making the greater Charlotte region a better place! The Children’s Theater of Charlotte was a buzz with excitement and energy as audience members piled in to support our nonprofit community. Award prizes given out totaled more than $32,000 and so far, we have been able to raise over $51,000, including Wells Fargo’s generous match. Thank You to our corporate sponsors, cultivators, audience members, and SVP Partners (donor volunteers) for making it possible to bring SEED20 back to the stage this year! Because of your support, over $82,000 went to support nonprofit innovators addressing tough social challenges in the Charlotte region!

 

The 2023 Award Winners are as follows:

Wells Fargo People’s Choice Grand Prize Award: $20,000

Barry Shipp-Pivot Point Transitional Housing

2nd Place Award: $7,000

Gwendolyn Harris-The FACTS Initiative 

Video Production Package: Total Value: $3,500

Stephen Saucier-Sullenberger Aviation Museum

Coaches Award: $2,000

Rochel Groaner-Friendship Circle

Online Community Vote Award: $1,000

Alexandra Arrington- Money Magnets Club

Digital Storytelling Package: Total value: $750

Rochel Groaner-Friendship Circle

On March 23rd, RSM, one of our esteemed SVP Corporate Partners, took a proactive step in addressing the prevalent issue of food insecurity by hosting a lunch and learn session in their Uptown Charlotte office. Attended by over 35 employees, the event aimed to deepen their understanding of local food insecurity challenges. Kristin Winkle Beck, SVP Charlotte’s Executive Director, moderated a panel featuring two prominent figures in the field: Tina Postel, CEO of Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays, and Kim Aprill, Co-founder and Executive Director of Feeding Charlotte (an active SVP Investee). The panel provided valuable insights, dispelling myths surrounding food insecurity in our community. 

Key Food Facts Discussed: 

• 11% of Mecklenburg County residents receive Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, highlighting the significant need for support. 
• North Carolina ranks among the top 10 states in the U.S. with a high number of people experiencing food insecurity. 
• Approximately 40% of freshly prepared food is discarded, contributing to environmental issues and greenhouse gas emissions. 
• In 2021, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays fed enough local individuals to fill Bank of America Stadium. 

• In 2022, their impact expanded to include Bank of America Stadium, Bojangles Coliseum, and the Spectrum Center. 
• Q1 of 2023 indicates another record-breaking year in supporting hungry neighbors.

Both nonprofit organizations, Loaves & Fishes/Friendship Trays and Feeding Charlotte, are actively collaborating and innovating to broaden their impact and address the hunger gap. Tina Postel shared exciting news about their capital campaign to transform an abandoned warehouse in West Charlotte into the “Hunger Hub of Hope” later this year. This renovated 90,000 sq ft. facility will also serve as a collaborative space for other nonprofits fighting hunger, including Feeding Charlotte, offering expanded refrigeration space and office facilities for more effective collaborations in the fight against hunger. 

Our heartfelt thanks to RSM for not only providing an educational platform on this critical issue but also for their generous donation of 31 leftover box lunches to Feeding Charlotte. These meals were promptly distributed to Hoskins Park Ministries, a transitional housing facility. This initiative highlights the collective impact we can achieve when businesses, nonprofits, and the community unite to combat hunger and minimize food waste. Together, we can make a difference. #SVPCharlotte #RSM #Feedingcharlotte #SEED20 #SVPInvestee

Founded by David Jessup in 2014, Digi-Bridge is a nonprofit dedicated to fostering a generation of learners passionate about science, technology, engineering, and the arts (STEAM). After a successful run at SEED20 OnStage in 2016, David continued leading the organization until 2019 when Alyssa Sharpe assumed the CEO role while David pursued a career in environmental law. 

In the past year, Digi-Bridge underwent rapid growth, experiencing a 300% increase in staff and receiving program requests from over 22 schools. This surge in demand prompted a need for a refined organizational model that could adapt to current requirements, maintain service consistency, and support their accelerated expansion. Alyssa Sharpe sought external perspectives and engaged an SVP Spark Team led by Scott Brennan, supported by Maria Lander, and Ben Wilhelm. 

Scott Brennan, a retired strategy consultant, brought his expertise in building teams for scalable growth to the table. Maria Lander, a former Dean of a local community college, and Alyssa Sharpe, also an SVP Board member, contributed their unique perspectives. The team’s diversity, both in professional backgrounds and viewpoints, proved to be a key strength. According to Maria, “We worked well together because even though each of us came from a different professional perspective, we were able to reach consensus and come to better solutions than if any of us were doing this work by ourselves.” 

Over 12 weeks, the Spark Team collaborated with Alyssa to identify the specific needs of Digi-Bridge, researching models employed by leading nonprofit organizations. Drawing inspiration from Heart Math Tutoring (HMT), a successful math enrichment organization launched with SVP Partners’ assistance in 2010, the Spark Team crafted an organizational chart that: 

• Streamlined skills with staffing needs while clarifying roles and responsibilities. 
• Created project-focused departments to enhance collaboration opportunities, balance workloads, and ensure program consistency. 
• Established a Staff Development Committee and a Community Engagement Department. 
• Allowed for testing and gradual roll-out phases. 
• Cultivated a new working relationship with Heart Math Tutoring. 

Beyond achieving their organizational goals, the Spark Team members developed a deeper connection with each other. Alyssa shared, “Scott and I both serve on the SVP Board, so I know him in one perspective, but being on the same Spark Team provided us with the opportunity to develop a different working relationship.” Scott and Maria appreciated Alyssa’s leadership and prompt implementation of suggestions. All three were excited to collaborate with Ben, a new Partner.  

Scott Brennan emphasized, “Almost anyone can make a difference by working on a Spark Team. No matter your background, if you have any business experience, it’s likely that you can help beyond your expectations; you just have to have the passion and time for solving the most pressing problems for our nonprofits.” 

If you are interested in learning more about Spark Teams, please contact SVP’s Program Manager, Laurie Grauer at lgrauer@svpcharlotte.org. 

As the world returned to more events and meetings in person, including Partner meetings, social gatherings and workshops, our members and nonprofits forged new connections and rekindled relationships. Programs that emerged during the challenging times of the pandemic, such as Spark Teams, became integral offerings for SEED20 alumni and former Investees. SVP Partners and staff also launched an extensive listening campaign and brainstormed enhancements as plans were made to have SEED20 return to the stage in 2023. None of our accomplishments this year would have been possible without the generosity of our donor volunteer Partners. Read more in our 2022 Annual Impact Report: Read Now

Anne Sinsheimer, a dedicated SVP Partner, discovered Families Forward Charlotte (FFC) when the nonprofit became an SVP Investee. Drawn to hands-on volunteer opportunities that directly impact the community, Anne was captivated by FFC’s model and mission. “I prefer hands-on volunteer opportunities working directly with people in our community, and I simply fell in love with their model,” she shared. 

After attending an information session and engaging in discussions with SEED20 Alum and FFC’s Executive Director Carrie Christian, Anne decided to become a Family Liaison. The process involved a questionnaire, staff interview, and comprehensive training provided by FFC. The training encompassed educational materials, interactive role plays, and guidelines on building relationships, setting goals, and more. 

In June 2022, Anne was matched as the Family Liaison Mentor for Leslie, a single mother, and her family. Describing an instant connection, Anne expressed, “We felt an instant connection with each other. Leslie is outgoing and friendly, and her kids are lovely.” Family Liaisons typically spend 4-6 hours per month over a year, working on various goals such as budgeting, resumes, and summer camp sign-ups. Sometimes, the most meaningful impact comes from simply being there to listen and invest in their success. 

Families Forward emphasizes creating a trusting environment to discuss goals and obstacles. Anne exemplifies this by thinking creatively and going beyond the usual. Discovering that Leslie’s children couldn’t attend summer camp, Anne connected them with Charlotte Aquatics for FREE swim lessons, providing an opportunity for meaningful adult conversations while the children were engaged.  

Reflecting on her experiences, Anne shared, “My two favorite outings were arranging pool time for Leslie’s kids (they were so excited and couldn’t stop smiling the whole time) and taking her out for dinner after she landed a new job.” These moments held deep significance for both Anne and Leslie, reinforcing the transformative power of genuine connections. 

As an SVP Investee in its third year, Families Forward Charlotte pairs families with volunteer Family Liaison Mentors, leveraging social capital, lived experiences, and skills to guide low-income families towards self-sufficiency goals. Currently recruiting family liaisons, FFC welcomes volunteers, whether single adults, couples, or families, offering flexible commitment times and schedules with support from the dedicated FFC staff. For more information on volunteering, click here 

Anne’s journey as a Family Liaison highlights the profound impact one individual can have on the lives of others. Through her commitment, Families Forward Charlotte continues to foster lasting relationships and make a positive difference in the community. #SVPcharlotte #FFCFamilyLiaisonJourney #Familiesforwardcharlotte

We are delighted to share the exciting news that Youth Meditation has been selected as the latest addition to Social Venture Partners Charlotte’s (SVP) Investee program in 2023. This program empowers promising nonprofits like Youth Meditation with multi-year investments encompassing financial, social, and human capital. Over the next three years, Youth Meditation will receive $20,000 annually in unrestricted funding from SVP to support their impactful initiatives. 

Kristin Winkle Beck, Executive Director of SVP Charlotte, expresses enthusiasm about this collaboration, recognizing the critical role mental health plays in our community, especially for hardworking students and families facing challenges in under-resourced and low-income neighborhoods. By partnering with Youth Meditation, SVP aims to enhance and broaden their organizational capacity, enabling them to scale their innovative programs and make a positive difference in the lives of more students and adults in our community.  

Founded in 2014, Youth Meditation is on a mission to empower students, teachers, and parents with practical knowledge and effective tools for managing stress, anxiety, and anger, prevalent in Title 1 schools. The organization’s age-appropriate 8-week program focuses on teaching mindfulness skills that have lifelong impacts. Angela Gala, Co-founder, SEED20 alumni, and Executive Director of Youth Meditation, emphasizes, “Our mindfulness and meditation skills help kids and adults bring clarity, peace, and joy to any situation. These skills are simple, effective, and lifelong. We are thrilled to work with SVP Charlotte to bring Youth Meditation to more children and the adults who care for them.” 

Youth Meditation now joins the esteemed ranks of SVP Charlotte’s Investee Portfolio, standing alongside other impactful nonprofits like Families Forward Charlotte, Feeding Charlotte, and Soccer Foundation of Charlotte. Together, we look forward to fostering positive change and creating a lasting impact on our community! #YouthMeditation #SVPInvestee #SVPCharlotte 

Fall brings shorter days, cooler temperatures, and the unmistakable aroma of pumpkin spice wafting through coffee shops and hardware stores. For me, autumn is a season of reflection. On October 14th, I’ll mark my third anniversary with SVP Charlotte – the traditional length of engagement time for one of our investees. Now, with this milestone approaching, it’s the perfect moment to look back on our collective journey and celebrate the transformative impact your investment, engagement, and partnership have had on SVP Charlotte amid one of the most chaotic periods in global history. 

SVP’s Capacity Expansion: 

• Spark Teams Program Launch: In spring 2020, we introduced the Spark Teams program to provide additional capacity-building support to our nonprofits. Since its inception, Sparks has engaged over 30% of our Partners, bolstered 20 nonprofits, and contributed over 715 volunteer consultation hours – valued at over $715,000 to date. 
• Board Expansion: In 2021, SVP expanded its Board of Directors by adding 2 seats for SVP nonprofit alumni leaders, enriching our strategy and programs with their valuable community experiences. 

• Creating Reserves: SVP diligently established an Operating Reserve account with 5 months of expenses, reinforcing our sustainability and financial resilience. 
• Initiating a Strategic Plan: SVP is in the process of developing our own strategic plan to ensure perpetuity for our programs, operations, and expanded impact. Stay tuned for more details in the coming weeks. 

SEED20 Adapts to a New Reality: 

• Innovating and Adapting SEED20: SVP Charlotte was quick to pivot and hosted a virtual community event during the onset of the pandemic in March 2020. 

• From SEED to Harvest: We showcased our alumni’s progress through community workshops and video productions, culminating in 3 virtual events that provided an opportunity for our community to reconnect with 9 alumni organizations. 
• SEED20 2023: After thorough listening sessions with SEED20 alumni, board members, and sponsors, potential changes to our signature program are under consideration. This includes reducing class size and exploring new venues to amplify SEED20’s impact on local nonprofits and enhance the event experience for all participants and attendees.

SVP Diversifies its Revenue Stream: 

• Partnering with New Foundations: For the first time, SVP Charlotte secured a grant to support our work ($90,000 over 3 years) from The Merancas Foundation to fund our 2023-2025 Investee Grant cycle. 

• Corporate Partner Cultivation: SVP enhanced our Corporate Partnership program to offer more robust employee engagement offerings. This effort has yielded 6 new company partners and $125,000 in revenue over 3 years. 

As Benjamin Franklin advised, “think of these things, whence you came, where you are going, and to whom you must account.” Reflecting on my time with SVP, I’m humbled by the tenacity of our organization and partners. Amid global instability, SVP remained steadfast in meeting the needs of our nonprofits, establishing innovative programs, generating new revenue streams, and strategically building our capacity. Once again, thank you for your generosity and steadfast dedication to SVP Charlotte’s mission of localized trust-based philanthropy. With your continued partnership, I eagerly anticipate our continued growth and expanded impact on the greater Charlotte Region.  #SVPCharlotte #SVPInvestee #SEED20