SVP Chicago views our community partners as one of the best investments we’ll ever make.
Our golden rules of investment are:
We stay in our lane. We recognize the expertise of our community partners, so we ask them to do the talking. Whether it’s recommending new community partners to work with, amplifying their voices by inviting them to become SVP Partners or board members, or providing flexibility — and grace — when a well-intentioned plan needs a pivot, SVP Chicago Partners are here to listen, coach and counsel, not dictate.
Building relationships is paramount. SVP Partners are seasoned professionals who know how to get a project across the finish line. But more importantly, they know how to build a meaningful relationship with our nonprofit leaders that goes far beyond Gantt charts and strategic plans.
Trust beats paper. One of the biggest obstacles to capacity building for a community-based nonprofit is finding the capacity to fill out grant applications and follow up reports to <ahem> … build capacity. SVP Chicago commits to unrestricted general operating funds and trusts our nonprofit leaders to use the funds in the way that best serves their organizations.
And our return on investment is significant.
We grow, together.
SVP Chicago’s tools and resources support our community partners’ growth. From developing their skills as leaders, to supporting capacity building needs that help them tackle community issues they’re deeply connected to —which serve to lift people out of poverty — our approach broadens nonprofit leaders’ capabilities.
Our community partners aren’t the only ones experiencing growth, either. While leveraging their skills to help nonprofits, SVP Partners are growing as philanthropists.
“…having people with me along the journey who are simply there to help me has made me grow a few inches taller as a leader,” — Michelle “Chellee” Rashad, Executive Director, Imagine Englewood if/We Grow Chicago and SVP Chicago Partner
We find meaning, together.
Community partners will tell you our leadership development workshops and pro bono skills-based support is meaningful. But sometimes a deeper meaning is revealed when we bring our soft skills to their table.
Whether it’s helping get a project across a finish line — or being a shoulder to cry on (literally and figuratively!), SVP Partners find meaning in hands-on work they do alongside our community partners.
“SVP Chicago’s coaching experience is why I recommend SVP to other nonprofits. Coaching has created a safe space, so I don’t have to be the strongest person in the room.” — Michelle “Chellee” Rashad, SVP Partner and Executive Director Imagine Englewood if and We Grow Chicago
“We did really good work with a nonprofit that had needs that related to capabilities of our firm. Partnering with their ED, we were operating right at the intersection of their strategy and how they think about leadership and deployment of their people to serve their mission so it was it was right in line with what we do for our day jobs. We've developed strong relationships there — even past the initial requests.” Garrett Sheridan, SVP Partner and Lotis Blue Consulting CEO.
We create impact, together.
From our two-months long Fast Pitch program to our monthly workshops and social events, SVP and Community Partners alike experience the impact of our trust-based approach to philanthropy.
“My two amazing (Fast Pitch) coaches helped me succinctly explain what makes Ladies of Virtue different from other girls’ mentoring organizations. This refined messaging gave me more confidence when approaching funders which paid off with three new grants totaling $44,000 with the first four months following the program. I have incorporated parts of my pitch into radio and TV interviews. One reporter told me I should add speaker to my professional title – I credit that compliment to my Fast Pitch experience!” – Jamila Trimuel, Fast Pitch ’18 and Ladies of Virtue CEO
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.