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.
