Are you or your company interested in sharing your expertise to support nonprofits? If so, contact Kristin.

RSM US LLP, a leading audit, tax, and consulting firm, has formed a strategic partnership with Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte to foster an environment for community engagement among their employees. Michele Juliana, Principal in the Business Applications practice and Nonprofit and Education Industry Leader at RSM, and, an SVP Board Member, shares insights into the partnership, its benefits, and its positive influence on RSM’s culture.

A Partnership Begins: Michele Juliana and SVP:

“My role at RSM focuses on nonprofit clients, but I also wanted to understand the nonprofit landscape in Charlotte, learn what the issues are, and explore what we could be doing differently,” Michele Juliana explained. As a result of her role and personal interest, Michele attended a Foundation For The Carolinas event where she met Kristin Winkle Beck, SVP’s Executive Director. “Learning about SVP’s mission and approach, I was immediately drawn to the organization’s focus on connecting individuals and businesses with local nonprofits.”

Inspired by the concept, Michele proposed the idea of a corporate partnership with RSM. Recognizing the potential benefits of increased community engagement and skills-based volunteering, RSM enthusiastically embraced the opportunity. “The partnership aimed to provide RSM employees with opportunities to become more involved in the community, learn about local issues, and develop board leadership skills,” Michele explained.

RSM and SVP Charlotte have collaborated on several initiatives, including board training and skills-based volunteer opportunities. The company also hosts panel discussions on education, hunger, and healthcare, each featuring speakers from SVP’s partner nonprofits.

“The partnership has provided employees with opportunities for professional development, enhanced their understanding of community issues, and strengthened their connections with local nonprofits,” Michele said. “Additionally, the partnership has fostered a sense of camaraderie and teamwork among RSM employees, as they work together to make a difference.”

Empowering Employees: RSM’s Community Engagement Initiatives:

Specifically, RSM employees and partners have become involved with SVP partner organizations such as Feeding Charlotte, GardHouse, Families Forward Charlotte, and HeartMath Tutoring. Several have joined their boards, became SEED20 coaches, and joined SVP Investee Teams and Spark Team projects. SVP has even impacted some of RSM’s longstanding initiatives that predate the corporate partnership.

The “Power of Love” program, which started in 2010, encourages RSM employees to volunteer their time, resources, and donations to support one local nonprofit each September through November. Last year’s honoree, Feeding Charlotte, received $15,000 in donations and over 200 volunteer hours. This year’s honoree, Families Forward Charlotte, is primed to match those numbers and possibly surpass them.

Michele has also seen tremendous growth and connection among staff who are actively engaged in these projects. “They’ve gotten involved on a much more hands-on level. By receiving training and skills development around board involvement, they’ve broadened their own internal networks and honed new skills. They’ve also become more connected to the community and more engaged with each other.” Michele also shared that working with SVP has helped her get to know employees she wouldn’t get to work with otherwise. She went on to emphasize that “the people that have taken advantage of these opportunities love it. They’ve been really enthusiastic.”

Encouraging Other Companies: Why Become a Corporate Partner with SVP:

Michele believes that other companies should consider becoming corporate partners with SVP. “It’s a great match for companies looking to expand their connections within the nonprofit community, engage in newer, upcoming, innovative nonprofits, and provide employees with opportunities to learn how to be great partners with nonprofits,” she said.

Through her experience as a corporate partner, Michele has learned the importance of ongoing engagement and personal connection. “You have to inspire employees to become personally invested in the causes they support and to provide them with meaningful opportunities to make a difference.”

The partnership between RSM and SVP Charlotte is a testament to the power of collaboration and community engagement. Their ongoing relationship has strengthened RSM’s corporate culture by providing meaningful service opportunities for its employees while supporting the critical work of Charlotte’s most innovative nonprofits.

Are you or your company interested in sharing your expertise to support nonprofits? If so, please contact Kristin.

Croixstone Consulting, a Charlotte-based boutique consulting firm specializing in management consulting, interim leadership, and executive search, has a deep-rooted commitment to community impact. Founded in 2016 by industry veterans Patti and Mark Weber, the company has quickly grown into a recognized leader in its field, earning accolades such as a certified woman-owned business and an Inc. 5000 honoree.

The Weber’s Journey with SVP:

The company’s founders, Patti and Mark Weber, are longtime partners with Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte. Their involvement began with SEED20, an annual pitch event showcasing local nonprofits. “I was immediately hooked,” recalls Mark. “We were both drawn to the potential for creating a larger impact through collective giving,” adds Patti.

The Webers’ decision to become SVP Partners was driven by a shared passion for entrepreneurship and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by nonprofits. “As business owners, we understand the startup struggle,” says Mark. “SVP’s model of providing unrestricted funds gives nonprofits a better chance to thrive.”

The couple’s volunteer journey with SVP first began with SEED20. Mark, drawn to the entrepreneurial spirit of the organizations, became deeply involved with SEED20, serving on the marketing committee and eventually as a lead partner. His business acumen proved invaluable in helping the program expand to a wider audience. Patti leaned into her analytical skills when she joined the SEED20 steering committee and selection committees.

Mark later took on other leadership roles such as joining the SVP Board of Directors and becoming the Board Chair for SEED20 alumni and former SVP Investee ourBRIDGE for KIDS; a nonprofit supporting refugee and immigrant students. “Leveraging my experience in organizational development, I helped ourBRIDGE strengthen its governance and expand its reach,” he explains.

Patti, a former math and computer science teacher, and technology consultant, volunteered as a math tutor and part of the Assessment Team with former SVP Investee HeartMath Tutoring. She used her technology expertise to assist with the development of a system for managing volunteer and student data. She also took on leadership roles as Chair for SVP’s previous Education Committee and founder of SVP’s E3 (Explore, Education, Engage) Committee.

Croixstone Consulting’s Corporate Partnership:

The couple’s involvement inspired Croixstone to become a corporate SVP partner. “Our core values at Croixstone include care, and SVP aligns perfectly with our mission to accelerate and sustain transformations,” says Mark. Patti adds, “We wanted to empower our employees and clients to make a difference.”

Croixstone’s partnership has yielded tangible results. “We’ve shifted the mindset from one-off donations to long-term, strategic partnerships,” Mark explains. The company has introduced numerous employees and clients to SVP, expanding the organization’s reach.

When asked about recommending a corporate partnership with SVP, Patti emphasizes employee empowerment: “It’s about using your skills and building connections to create real change.” Mark highlights SVP’s flexibility: “They customize partnerships to fit your organization.”

The Webers’ journey with SVP has been transformative. “I’ve learned a ton about the challenges facing our community,” says Mark. “It’s made me a more well-rounded person.” For Patti, it’s been about leveraging skills and creating positive change.

Croixstone’s relationship with SVP exemplifies how businesses can leverage their expertise and resources to drive positive and lasting community impact. By aligning corporate goals with social responsibility, Croixstone demonstrates that venture philanthropy can enhance a company’s reputation, foster employee engagement, and strengthen the capacity and sustainability of local nonprofits.

Are you or your company interested in sharing your expertise to support nonprofits? If so please contact Kristin Beck.

 

A small group of volunteers from SVP was fortunate to spend a Tuesday morning with Arin Wucherer, her mom Talia, and other staff and volunteers at Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats in Belmont, NC. We participated in baking and bagging the dog treats and not only saw how the nonprofit runs, but also experienced firsthand the heartbeat of the organization, which is the belief that all people, regardless of ability, have something special to offer.

Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats won second place at SEED20 this year as the audience resonated with their mission of supporting careers for individuals with disabilities that reinforce independence, resilience, and purpose. Their vision is to provide employment opportunities for all individuals who need adaptability by finding meaningful careers that leverage their unique talents and interests. Our group was impressed at how organized this nonprofit was, especially as they do not have a commercial kitchen of their own and must pack up everything that goes into making the treats and cart it to the kitchen at the American Legion building each time they bake.

The operation runs very efficiently, and each person working there is extremely capable with a strong work ethic. There is definitely a happiness that pervades the place as everyone feels proud of their contributions to the finished product. The whole organization is committed to providing the highest quality dog treats, which several of us can attest to after bringing some treats home and having them enthusiastically gobbled up by our dogs!

authored by,

Denise Ratchford, SVP Partner

Feeding Charlotte is halfway through the year, and they’re already making a huge difference in the fight against hunger!

Here’s a look at some of their impressive accomplishments this year:

• Strategic Planning for Success: During a lunch and learn interactive webinar on June 12th, SVP Partners John Pesavento and Patrick Wilde utilized their professional expertise to equip 10 SEED20 Alumni with an overview of how to create their own strategic frameworks.

 

• Fundraising Finesse: SVP Partner Henry Lander walked SEED20 Alumni Money Magnets Club (MMC) through a fundraising assessment at their Board Retreat on June 15th. Both Henry and Christi Farr are conducting a Spark Team with MMC to increase their fundraising capacity.

 

• Summer Social Sizzle: Nearly 40 Partners and friends connected at our Summer Social on June 18th hosted by SVP Board Member Denise Burkard and her husband Mike.

 

• Building Board Effectiveness: Kristin Winkle Beck and GardHouse Lead Partner Michelle Cottrell facilitated a workshop on Board Leadership and Engagement for GardHouse’s newly expanded board at their Annual Board Retreat on June 22nd.

Want to get involved? Joining SVP is a great way for you and your colleagues to share your skills and resources with local innovative nonprofits who are creating the biggest impact in our communities. To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Kristin Winkle Beck. 

SVP stayed busy in May supporting Charlotte’s Nonprofit Community through a variety of hands-on engagements.

Want to get involved? Joining SVP is a great way for you and your colleagues to share your skills and resources with local innovative nonprofits who are creating the biggest impact in our communities. To learn more, contact our Executive Director, Kristin Winkle Beck.