SVP Boston discusses education and philanthropy in the new economy
Press Release
May 13, 2009

Roundtable Forum of school and business leaders, policy-makers, and philanthropists identified new models of philanthropy for education

(BOSTON) -  On May 13, 2009, Social Venture Partners Boston (SVP Boston) hosted a first-of-its kind discussion on Education and Philanthropy Forum at The Boston Foundation headquarters. The forum was an open discussion by a panel of experts on how philanthropic giving to educational institutions can be optimized during the economic crisis. The audience included school and business leaders, policy-makers, and philanthropists from Boston and surrounding towns.

"In response to the current economic crisis, school districts across the country are slashing district budgets. The results are sizeable teacher layoffs and reductions (often elimination) of valuable academic and enrichment programming, which are hitting all students hard," said Marjorie Ringrose, Executive Director of SVP Boston and moderator of the panel. "Bringing philanthropic resources to bear is critical, but it is equally critical that philanthropic resources are used most effectively and efficiently."

Panelists focused on exactly how to maximize the effects of philanthropy in public schools. The result was a lively discussion about the ingredients for a new model of effective educational philanthropy.

These include:
- long term, unrestricted funding;trust in and accountability from school leadership;
- use of skilled volunteers; and
- policy advocacy and participation.

Panelists included:
- Laura Perille, Executive Director of EdVestors, a non-profit helping donors connect with and invest in urban school improvement in Boston and Lowell
- Jeff Riley, Principal of the Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown
- Eric Schwarz, co-founder, President and CEO of Citizen Schools, a non-profit that partners with middle schools to expand the learning day for low income youth across the country
- Mike Tooke, a founding member of Boston Leaders for Education, a non-profit that brings together government, schools and members of the public in efforts to bring about change through advocacy

About Social Venture Partners Boston
Social Venture Partners Boston (SVP Boston) brings professionals, business executives and entrepreneurs together to promote venture philanthropy and to catalyze social change in Boston. Modeled on the venture philanthropy approach, SVP Boston creates partnerships with innovative non-profit organizations by providing expertise and resources to build organizational capacity and fuel growth. SVP Boston also builds and betters individual philanthropy by engaging its Partners in strategic engagements with non-profits and offering educational and networking opportunities.

Contacts:
For SVP Boston:
Marjorie Ringrose
mringrose@svpboston.org
(617) 312-3772

For Media Inquiries:
Kate Casolaro
kcasolaro@rasky.com
(617) 443-9933 x338Contacts:

Back to News & Events