We help everyday philanthropists leverage their resources for social impact.
Our approach
There is so much need in Chicago and many worthy organizations are trying to make a difference. With so much work to do, we must make choices about how to prioritize time and money. Having a strategic giving plan for both time and dollars allows you to be intentional, values-driven, and impactful. Contributing to SVP Chicago is one way for philanthropists who are passionate about social impact to leverage their resources.
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Our view of strategic philanthropy is deeply influenced by the nonprofit leaders with whom we collaborate through our organization-building support. Our learnings from this work have led us to focus our support on disinvested communities and the nonprofits making outsized impact in those neighborhoods.
SVP Chicago looks to partner with community-based social impact nonprofits led by individuals that have a strong connection to the issues they are tackling and are often overlooked by traditional philanthropy. We seek recommendations from community leaders recognizing they have a first-hand perspective of nonprofits making an impact in their neighborhoods.
Trust-based philanthropy
We practice trust-based philanthropy and appreciate that our partners and nonprofit leaders learn with and from one another through our thought partnership and shoulder-to-shoulder organization-building work.
For us, this approach means:
We understand trust is earned. Our approach is centered around relationship building, not paperwork.
We follow the lead of the nonprofits in how we prioritize our work together.
We provide unrestricted general operating funds and trust the nonprofit leaders to use the funds in the way that best serves their organizations.
We value nonprofit leaders’ time and work to make collaboration easier.
We prioritize being transparent and responsive.
We offer multiple years of support aiming to be flexible based on nonprofit needs.
Nonprofits We Have Worked With
Michelle Chellee Rashad
“My SVP partner team was a sounding board and held my hand through a very challenging time for my organization,” Chellee says. “Having that support made me face the challenges so much differently. I am bolder, more confident, and prepared for the leap that Imagine Englewood if took.”
Testimonials
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Michelle Chellee Rashad
Michelle Chellee Rashad, executive director of our community partner Imagine Englewood if/We Grow Chicago discusses her experiences working with SVP Chicago partners Monali Shah, Bill O’Neill, and Shanda McFadden to help grow
Imagine Englewood if. -
Jason Coleman
Jason Coleman, founder and executive director of our community partner Project SYNCERE, joined us as a SVP partner. Hear what Jason has to say about the work we do.