September Insider 2026
Dear Partners, Grantees, and Supporters,
The summer always flies by, but I've had a few moments to recharge and prepare for a very busy fall!
Our investment committee is digging into LOIs submitted by nonprofits doing great work on economic mobility in our community—the first step in selecting our 2027 grantees.
Our NextGen Philanthropists group is launching its Fireside Chat series with three high-powered philanthropist speakers: Jane Steinmetz, Josh Kraft and Jeff Bellows.
We have two Lunch & Learn sessions in September.
Our Resource Team is supporting our 2026 grantees with customized workshops on effective fundraising: Increasing the Individual Donor Base and Activating and Building a Board of Fundraisers
It's rewarding to see the programs we've built together over the past two years grow and bear fruit!
As always, I'd welcome the chance to connect—by phone, over Zoom, or over a cup of coffee. Just reach out.
In gratitude,
Karin Cassel Mitterando, CEO
Conversations that Shape Leaders: Fireside Chat Series
Josh Kraft, founder of MassForward, will join Jane Steinmetz, EY Atlantic Markets Managing Partner, and Jeff Bellows, Vice President Corporate Citizenship & Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, for SVP Boston NextGen Philanthropists first installment of series, “Leading with Purpose: A Conversation on Leadership, Community, and Impact.” |
Conversations that Shape Leaders: Fireside Chat Series  Together, Josh, Jane, and Jeff will share their experiences in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, and community engagement, and discuss how the next generation can use their time, talent, networks, and resources to create meaningful change in the Greater Boston area.  📅 September 23, 2026 ⏰ 5:30–7:30 PM 📍 EY Boston, 200 Clarendon Street, Boston Whether you are looking to deepen your community involvement, expand your network, or become a more informed philanthropist, this event is for you.  This Fireside Chat is generously sponsored by  Anonymous (4) Dimity Thornton Sylvia Le  The Simkovits Family Fund |
Lunch & Learn: September 9, 2026: Nonprofit Employment Law Must-Knows
The Lunch & Learn Series is free and open to the public.
This session will be hosted by Doug Sweeney, an attorney in Holland & Knight LLP’s Boston office. Doug will discuss key employment law issues that non-profit organizations need to know to run an effective workplace and minimize litigation risk. Topics are expected to include wage act compliance, family and medical leave, and the essentials of an employee handbook.  Doug is a litigation attorney in the Holland & Knight Boston office, specializing in labor and employment law. He represents and advises private, public, nonprofit, and educational employers on litigation, compliance, and workplace matters, including discrimination, wage-and-hour issues, and restrictive covenants. He also conducts internal investigations and provides strategic counsel on policies, hiring, terminations, and regulatory compliance, with particular expertise in Massachusetts PFML. In his education practice, he advises institutions on Title IX, student conduct, and governance issues. |
Lunch & Learn: September 30, 2026: How To Scale Events This session explores every stage of a successful fundraising event, from developing a compelling case for support and event theme to building and motivating a high-  performing fundraising committee. Participants will learn how to equip volunteers with the tools, messaging, and confidence to engage their networks, create an exceptional donor experience, and deliver a concise, inspiring event program that motivates generosity. The session focuses on designing an effective Fund-the-Mission paddle raise, maximizing the role of event leaders and honorees, creating meaningful donor experiences, and implementing strategic follow-up that strengthens relationships and increases future giving. Throughout the session, attendees receive practical strategies, templates, and best practices they can immediately apply to strengthen their own fundraising events. Karin C. Mitterando is a nonprofit executive and philanthropic leader with 30+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and organizational growth. She currently serves as CEO of Social Venture Partners Boston, where she works with donors, nonprofit leaders, and community stakeholders to strengthen nonprofit capacity and expand economic mobility opportunities for under-resourced communities across Greater Boston. Karin brings extensive event fundraising expertise, including growing and producing large-scale nonprofit galas that have raised $1 million+ annually. Her experience spans event strategy, sponsorship development, donor cultivation, volunteer and committee engagement, storytelling, program development, and using events as part of a broader fundraising and donor engagement strategy. |
Look for these Lunch & Learns coming soon: October 14: Janet Lawn: Planning a Comprehensive Fundraising Campaign: Samaritans' Experience November 11: Kate Bennis: Communicating with Sway: Cultivating the Skills and Techniques of Great Communication January 2027 TBD: Deesha Dyer: Imposter to Impact! The Lunch & Learn Series is sponsored by the CORE Plan: Nonprofits deserve a retirement plan. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts makes this possible for those with 1-100 employees.  All previous Lunch & Learn sessions are available on our website for free — and we have an amazing library! Topics include cybersecurity, fundraising, leveraging AI, and more! |
Welcome New Partners Michelle Davis Michelle is a retired fundraising executive with years of experience in positions at Northeastern University and the Dana Hall School. She has also served as a consultant, strategic advisor, and board member for area nonprofits. "I am thrilled to join SVP  Boston, where I can continue helping mission-driven organizations to capitalize on their strengths, address obstacles with creative solutions and, most importantly, achieve their goals. SVP Boston stands out as a true partner to nonprofits looking to implement strategies, not to have them sit on a shelf. I look forward to working collaboratively with fellow partners and nonprofit leadership and staff to make the magic happen." |
Tara Mahoozi  A commercially minded finance leader with 20 years of diverse sector experience across people-driven industries. Tara Mahoozi, CPA, and now pursuing an Executive MBA at MIT, has delivered profitable growth through a combination of passion, creativity, customer-centric thinking, and data-driven financial insight. "My ambition is to grow as an individual while helping create stronger, more compassionate communities. Losing my own sense of community taught me just how essential connection, support, and belonging are. That experience inspired me to be intentional about rebuilding community and advocating for those who are often marginalized. I am excited to join SVP Boston, build meaningful relationships, and learn from others who share a commitment to creating positive change." |
Welcome New Resource Team Member Kenny Weill  Kenny brings deep experience in fundraising, communications, and executive coaching to The Resource Team through his business, K. Weille Consulting Services. "I am thrilled to join Social Venture Partner's Resource Team. SVP Boston has such a positive reputation for bringing diverse partners together to build the capacity of promising nonprofits which, in turn, strengthens the entire sector. I look forward to helping in any way I can." |
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