Uncategorized – Social Venture Partners Charlotte

Igniting Impact: 2025 Spark Teams in Action

Cristy Travaglino — Sat, 10 May 2025 21:41:10 +0000

We are off to a strong start in 2025 with two Spark Team projects already completed, three projects currently in progress, and three more set to launch in May and June, bringing the total to eight Spark Team projects thus far (for perspective, we completed 10 projects in 2024). These high-impact, short-term engagements span key focus areas:

Strategic Planning projects with Youth Meditation, Charlotte Rescue Mission, and Our Daily Bread Foundation (launches in May)

Board Governance support for Project2Heal (completed) and Beatties Ford Road Vocational Trade Center (starts in June);

Fundraising guidance for AssistME (completed), Galilee Ministries, and 100 Gardens (launches in May).

We also have the capabilities to support Spark Teams in the following areas: Finance & Accounting, Operations, and Marketing & Communications.

At our Alumni Celebration Lunch this week we reviewed eligibility and opportunities to the new SEED20 Class of 2025 alumni. As demand grows, we’re looking for more Spark Team project leaders and team members! Interested in getting involved? Reach out to Henry Lander at lander1953@gmail.com

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact: SVP Charlotte’s Anniversary 2005-2025

Cristy Travaglino — Mon, 05 May 2025 21:20:38 +0000

Did you know…

May 2025 marks the 20th Anniversary of Social Venture Partners’ work here in Charlotte

There were originally 12 Partner households who started SVP Charlotte with some assistance and fiscal sponsorship from the Foundation for the Carolinas.

We have collectively invested $1.8 Million in grants to 26 grassroots nonprofits.

210 nonprofit leaders have participated in the SEED20 program, with 185 still operating.

We’ve completed 50 Spark team projects since 2020 investing over 2815 hours of skilled volunteer time. Those hours are worth more than $619,300 in saved consulting expense.

Founders’ Reflections
Read about the evolution of SVP Charlotte through the eyes of two of our founding Partners, Margaret and Harrison Marshall: Founding SVP Partners Reflect on the Evolution of SVP Charlotte – Social Venture Partners Charlotte

Save the Date
Please mark your calendars for our 20th Anniversary Celebration the evening of Thursday, November 13th. If you’d like to be part of the planning team, please contact Kristin at kbeck@svpcharlotte.org.

We look forward to celebrating this milestone with you throughout the year. Stay tuned for more details to come on additional ways to celebrate our 20 years of impact.

The History of SVP International
Discover the origins of Social Venture Partners International and how it all began out in Seattle, WA in the mid 1990’s when one man was looking for a different way to give back. Click here to learn more:.How We Started – Social Venture Partners International

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey. Together, we will continue to make a difference in our community and expand our impact.

The 2024 Impact Report is Here – See What You Made Possible

Cristy Travaglino — Thu, 01 May 2025 20:57:55 +0000

We’re excited to announce that the Social Venture Partners Annual impact Report for 2024 is now available—and it’s a powerful reflection of what we accomplished together last year. Thanks to your time, expertise, and generosity, 2024 was a year of deepened impact, meaningful growth, and real change in our community.

From expanded Investee and SEED20 alumni programming to growing corporate engagement, this report highlights the many ways your partnership made a difference. We invite you to take a moment to explore the stories, successes, and numbers that bring our mission to life.

Now in our 20th year, we are more grateful than ever for the power of this network. None of this is possible without you.

SEED20 Alumni Luncheon Welcomes Class of 2025

Cristy Travaglino — Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:50:27 +0000

On April 30th, the SEED20 community gathered at Galilee Ministries of East Charlotte (SEED20 Class of 2020) for a heartwarming and inspiring Alumni Luncheon. The event marked a special occasion: the official welcome of the Class of 2025 into the alumni network.

Alumni from several past cohorts came together to celebrate, reconnect, and encourage the newest class to fully embrace the journey ahead. Their message was clear: the SEED20 experience doesn’t end with the pitch, it’s just the beginning.

During the luncheon, Alumni Enrichment Co-Lead Christi Farr shared an overview of the seven capacity-building enrichment events planned for the year. These events are designed to be attended by each organization’s participant and/or Board Chair or another key leader, reinforcing the importance of collaborative growth and strategic alignment. Our three active SVP Investees will also receive priority access to these events.

Henry Lander, Alumni Enrichment Co-Lead and Lead Partner for Spark Teams, introduced the Class of 2025 to Spark Team program, which provides a unique opportunity for tailored, expert support. These services are offered at no cost to participating nonprofits thanks to the generous contributions of SVP Partners. Similarly, the Alumni Enrichment workshops are made possible through SEED20 donations, including those from this year’s dedicated Cultivators who answered the call to support our region’s next generation of innovative nonprofits.

Alumni in attendance shared how the connections they made and the visibility they gained during their SEED20 season continue to yield significant dividends for their organizations. Their stories served as both inspiration and affirmation for the Class of 2025.

The Arts Empowerment Project named 2025 Investee Grant Recipient

Cristy Travaglino — Tue, 15 Apr 2025 22:24:28 +0000

The Arts Empowerment Project (TAEP) has been named Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte’s 2025 Investee grant recipient, marking an exciting step forward in the organization’s mission to use the arts to break cycles of violence and trauma for youth in the community.

Through innovative, trauma-informed programming—including Encounters, Access Arts, Culinary Camp, Art of Resiliency, Heart Packs, and a growing Arts Residency Program—the nonprofit creates safe, creative spaces for young people in grades K-12 impacted by trauma, court involvement, or other systemic challenges to grow, heal, and thrive. TAEP is proudly housed in the VAPA Center, a vibrant collaborative arts hub in the heart of Charlotte that supports local artists and arts organizations.

The Investee grant from SVP Charlotte brings not only $20,000 annually of unrestricted financial support but also includes access to SVP Charlotte’s diverse Partners (donor volunteers) who bring professional expertise in a variety of areas including strategic planning, operations, and organizational growth. This multi-year partnership will be spearheaded by three Lead Partners, who will serve as primary volunteer liaisons and are committed to helping The Arts Empowerment Project build capacity and sustainability by identifying and supporting initiatives leveraging SVP Charlotte’s skilled volunteers as it continues to scale its impact. Lead Partner Rachel Johnson is a CPA and MBA with extensive experience in financial leadership and nonprofit advisory; Indre Buechler brings a background in strategic operations and a passion for fostering innovation in community organizations; and Molly Withers is a finance executive with deep expertise in investment strategy and impact-driven initiatives.

“This partnership is about so much more than funding,” said Natalie Frazier Allen, Founder and CEO. “To have experts who are genuinely invested in our mission, standing beside us to help guide strategy and growth—it’s truly invaluable.”

With this support, TAEP plans to strengthen its internal infrastructure, pursue strategic goals that were delayed due to the pandemic, and position itself for long-term success in serving youth through the power of the arts.

As a member of the SEED20 Class of 2014, TAEP looks forward to deepening its partnership with SVP Charlotte as it enters this exciting new chapter.

To learn more about what The Arts Empowerment Project is doing in the community, or for ways to get involved, go to the arts empowerment project – empowering youth through the arts

Oh what a night! Congratulations to the SEED20 Class of 2025!

Cristy Travaglino — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 22:44:10 +0000

It might have been April 1, but there were no fools in Central Piedmont’s Parr Theater for SEED20 OnStage last night! Social Venture Partners Charlotte welcomed over 500 people including in-person audience members and livestream viewers so the SEED20 Class of 2025 could share their stories and grow their impact!

As one audience member observed to an SVP Charlotte volunteer, “By putting these social entrepreneurs on stage, you are validating the work that they do and together, you and the nonprofits, are stitching together the fabric of our community. It is really meaningful to me to see this in Charlotte.” We couldn’t have said it better ourselves!

We encourage you to engage with this year’s nonprofit participants in any capacity that your resources permit. Ways to get involved include:

Volunteering with the nonprofit organizations that inspired you.

Amplifying their reach by sharing social media posts.

Leveraging your personal networks to provide connections.

Continuing to make financial contributions to these organizations via our SEED20 donation page, open until April 30.

(Note: Donations $1,000 and under are not subject to service charges, and tips can be reduced to $0.)

SVP Charlotte wants to thank our community members for attending or streaming SEED20 OnStage, our many generous sponsors for financially supporting this program and our staff, coaches, and volunteers for putting together a night that inspired us all! Because of YOU, our nonprofit heroes are able to grow, thrive and make our community a better place.

Equipping SEED20 Board Members with Fundraising Tools and Insights

Cristy Travaglino — Mon, 30 Sep 2024 19:38:59 +0000

SEED20 Alumni Enrichment Workshop:

Equipping Board Members with Fundraising Tools and Insights

Nineteen nonprofit leaders and board members from 12 SEED20 alumni organizations attended a two-hour interactive workshop on September 18th focused on improving board fundraising effectiveness. Generously hosted by TowneBank, the working lunch session was facilitated by SVP Board member Adam Wassell and Executive Director Kristin Winkle Beck, who covered board responsibilities, fundraising trends and principles, plus practical tools to use during board meetings. Attendees offered positive feedback following the workshop, with one noting, “The big picture of fundraising paths and the donor cycle were really helpful for my mindset.” The workshop encouraged small group discussions, allowing alumni to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas long after the session ended. SEED20 alumni organizations who attended the workshop included:

A Brighter Day Outreach
Books with Color
Feeding Charlotte
Our Daily Bread
Assist ME
Charlotte History Museum
Resound Educators
Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats
Children’s Attention Home
Families Forward Charlotte
Freedom Fighting Missionaries
Project2Heal

Q3 Partner Meeting Hosted by the Forum at Hope Haven

Cristy Travaglino — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 20:51:40 +0000

SVP Partners Support Hope Haven’s Efforts in Recovery and Nonprofit Support

On September 19th, SVP Partners and guests gathered at The Forum at Hope Haven for the Q3 Partner Meeting. Hope Haven’s CEO, Kristin Blinson, shared the organization’s significant impact on adults in recovery and its commitment to supporting frontline nonprofit professionals.

Since its founding in 1976, Hope Haven has successfully provided residential recovery and wraparound services, boasting impressive outcomes: 89% of clients maintain sobriety, 85% secure employment, and 75% transition to independent living.

Blinson discussed the innovative concept behind The Forum at Hope Haven, which was initially proposed by Barbara Thomas as part of the SEED20 class of 2023. The Forum’s mission is to “help the people who help the people” by providing training and support to frontline nonprofit professionals who are at risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. In its first year, The Forum hosted over 80 classes, reaching more than 1,000 professionals. Course topics include Trauma-Informed Care, Mental Health 101, and Self-Care days.

Blinson highlighted the alarming rise in substance abuse, from 1 in 4 people to 1 in 2, exacerbated by the pandemic, and the concerning increase in fentanyl use. She emphasized the critical role of community members and SVP Partners in combating Substance Abuse Disorder. She suggested four actionable steps:

Educate yourself: The Forum offers a Substance Use Disorder Basics class open to the public for $25.
Know how to help: Familiarize yourself with local resources like AA, Al-Anon, and outpatient treatment clinics.
Eradicate stigma: Normalize recovery by sharing recovery stories on social media, supporting candidates in recovery in hiring decisions, and considering renting to individuals in recovery.
Administer Narcan: a life-saving over-the-counter nasal spray medication that can reverse opioid overdoses. Blinson encouraged attendees to carry Narcan and emphasized that it cannot harm someone even if they are not experiencing an overdose.

SVP is proud to support Hope Haven’s vital work in recovery and nonprofit support. By raising awareness, providing resources, and reducing stigma, we can collectively save lives and assist others with their recovery journies.

SVP Corporate Partner Spotlight: Opkalla

Cristy Travaglino — Wed, 25 Sep 2024 20:56:39 +0000

Opkalla: A Charlotte-based Startup Leading by Example with Social Venture Partners

Opkalla is a Charlotte-based Technology Advisory Services company that helps businesses make smarter technology decisions by providing unbiased insights into emerging and innovative technologies. But their commitment goes beyond insight. Thanks to Steve Ermish, an award-winning technology innovator, Opkalla is a leader in corporate social responsibility through their partnership with Social Venture Partners Charlotte (SVP).

Steve’s Journey: From Newcomer to Community Partner:

Steve’s connection with SVP began in 2015 when Mark Weber of Croixstone Consulting (another SVP Corporate Partner) introduced him to the organization. As a recent transplant from Texas, Steve embraced Mark’s passion for community engagement and the importance of professional networking. Not long after their meeting, Mark invited Steve to SEED20 Onstage. After attending, Steve was inspired by the organization’s mission and the innovative ideas being presented by local nonprofits. Steve soon secured corporate funding for his SVP membership, paving the way for their future corporate involvement in SVP and a prototype for what would later become our corporate partnership model.

In 2018, Steve organized a SEED20-style event within his company, showcasing the talents of local nonprofits to almost 1,000 employees. This initiative not only raised awareness of SVP but also inspired other companies to consider joining the work of SVP.

As a co-owner and Chief Operating Officer of Opkalla, Steve sought to become involved in various SVP initiatives, including serving as a SEED20 coach, contributing to the development of the corporate sponsorship program, and leveraging Opkalla’s resources to provide free Microsoft licenses and support to SVP and other local nonprofits. He has developed a deep appreciation for the work of nonprofits and the positive impact they can have on their communities. Steve explains: “We want to instill a culture of giving back to the community. Every person we hire sees SVP on the list of nonprofits we support, and we encourage them to get involved either as an individual or a team event.”

Building a Culture of Giving Back: Becca and Elizabeth Join the Work of SVP:

Steve is not the only Opkalla employee to take advantage of the company’s partnership with SVP. Becca Black, a Technology Advisor, utilizes her skills through volunteering. “SVP allowed me to truly leverage my experience to make an impact,” Becca explains. Her contributions range from consulting for Attach Families to serving on SEED20 and SVP Investee selection committees and assisting with SVP’s IT audits. Becca highlights how SVP broadened her perspective: “It’s inspired me to give even more back and solve problems more creatively.”

Elizabeth Davis, Opkalla’s Director of Marketing, shares similar sentiments. “SVP allows me to give back to organizations doing the most important work,” Elizabeth says. As a SEED20 coach and Spark Team member, Elizabeth uses her marketing expertise to support nonprofits like She Built this City and Project One Scholarship. “I’ve met amazing people and learned about critical community issues,” Elizabeth reflects. “SVP allows me to hone my marketing skills while seeing the impact firsthand.”

Steve, Becca, and Elizabeth exemplify the transformative power of SVP. By becoming a corporate partner and actively participating, Opkalla supports local nonprofits and fosters a culture of giving back within its team. Their journey serves as an inspiration for other businesses and individuals seeking to make a positive difference in their communities.

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

SVP Corporate Partner Spotlight: RSM US LLP

Cristy Travaglino — Tue, 27 Aug 2024 18:49:57 +0000

Connecting Employees with Their Communities: RSM’s Corporate SVP Partnership

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.