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