Nonprofits that become our Investees are at a crossroads of sorts. They have proven, effective programs and a vision for their next stage of development and impact. They are organizations that could move to a higher level of impact and effectiveness by strengthening the underlying organization.

Our Investees are organizations committed to outcomes measurement and meeting goals and objectives. They have a long-term perspective on their impact and a bold vision. They are led by social entrepreneurs -- innovative, passionate leaders who eagerly employ traditional business principles to achieve their goals and make creative use of limited resources in pursuit of their organization’s mission.

Our Investees are committed to receiving an infusion of high-level volunteer support from our Partners in areas such as general management, strategy and business planning, marketing and public relations, finance and revenue development, boards and governance, human resources management, evaluations and outcomes, and growth and replication.

Investment guidelines and criteria

Our grants are for general operating support -- they are used to strengthen the organization's capacity for long-term effectiveness and sustainability. They are renewable each year for up to three years, dependent upon progress toward mutually agreed upon goals.

We build long-term partnerships with organizations who share the following characteristics:
- Clearly articulated mission and a long-term vision
- Strong, visionary executive and Board leadership
- Commitment to building and strengthening organizational capacity
- Desire to expand, replicate or otherwise leverage programs that have proven results
- Strategic volunteer opportunities for SVP Partners
- 501(c) (3) status or appropriate fiscal sponsor/agent

Grant requests for auctions or fundraising events, debt reduction, endowment funds, capital campaigns, litigation or legal expenses will not be considered. SVP Boston will not consider requests from individuals or from organizations that discriminate on the basis of race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national origin.