San Diego Social Venture Partners

REBOOT Receives Grant from Bank of America

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000-08:00

REBOOT by the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc .graduated its 26th class on Friday, December 16 and received $100,000 from the Bank of America Foundation to support REBOOTing transitioning service members.

Click here to view the news coverage.

ARTS: Student Featured in Documentary Film

2012-01-23T10:00:00.000-08:00

Witness the impact of SVP Investee, A Reason To Survive (ARTS) on the life of a 15 year old girl. Inocente refuses to let her dream of becoming an artist be caged by her life as an undocumented immigrant forced to live homeless for the last nine years. Inocente is one of the youth served by the ARTS Empower program.

This film is in production. Click here to view the trailer.

Join SVP for a Night at ARTS!
Thursday, Jan 26
4-5 PM - Interactive Tour
5-6:30 PM - Happy Hour at Solare
For more info or to RSVP, email Dan at dan@sdsvp.org

SVP and Investee Featured on NBC 7/39

2012-01-20T10:00:00.000-08:00

SVP and the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA are helping to improve the community while strengthening military families in San Diego. George Chamberlin delivers the details on how we accomplish this in his Money Matters interview.

The Partner 4-1-1

2012-01-18T10:00:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Rachel and Tom vanBetten on the birth of their baby girl, Annika LeClaire vanBetten on December 13.

San Diego Grantmakers has elected David Lynn to represent Social Venture Partners on their Board of Directors. David will replaceAlan Sorkin who provided many years of guidance to the organization.

Celebrating the Season SVP-Style

2012-01-17T10:29:00.000-08:00

Social Venture Partners and guests gathered at the magnificent home of Sandra Timmons and Richard Sandstrom on a crisp December night in Olivenhain. George Brown, Executive Director of Investee, Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA spoke briefly yet poignantly about SVP's impact on the organization. SVP's outgoing Board Chair, Ray Ellis introduced incoming Chair, Tuck Forsyth to the group. In the spirit of the season, SVP Partners donated 22 gift cards to the Armed Services YMCA for their Secret SANTA (Support And Nurture Those Americans who serve) Christmas program. A special time of celebration was had by all!

Click here to view photos.

San Diego Social Venture Partners: Building a better community

2011-12-30T12:53:00.000-08:00

San Diego Social Venture Partners members assist with packing gift baskets for the Community Resource Center in 2010. In front are partners Robin Parker and Louarn Sorkin; rear, CRC Executive Director and ‘investee’ Laurin Pause and Julie Pardee.

From the Rancho Santa Fe Review
December 29, 2011
By Kathy Day

San Diego Social Venture Partners members say their organization is all about looking at philanthropy in a different way.

The 130 individuals, known as partners, come from all over the county but there’s a strong contingent of people from the North County area, including outgoing chairman Ray Ellis and his successor Tuck Forsyth.

“We really roll up our sleeves with our partners and get to know them,” said Ellis, noting that it‘s all about leveraging their collective skills. “It’s a three-year relationship – we don’t just walk away.”

The San Diego group, headquartered at 12555 High Bluff Drive, is part of an international organization. Around the world and locally its members not only invest money – a $5,000 contribution each year for three years is required – but they also invest their time and expertise to improve the community.

In addition to providing unrestricted cash grants, SDSVP provides skilled volunteer expertise to the targeted nonprofits, as well as other groups in need of a helping hand.

“We put the funds and human capital into an organization,” Ellis said. “A little of our expertise goes a long way.”

The strongest attributes of the group, Ellis said, are its “collective impact” on local nonprofits and in how much partners learn from each other about how to be better philanthropists.

Their efforts recently gained them recognition from the Association of Fundraising Professionals as San Diego’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization for 2011.

Each year Social Venture Partners picks a special focus and carefully selects at least two nonprofits, which they call “investees,” explained Ellis, principal of the investment firm Ellis & Associates, LLC, who previously was president of the Marketing Services Division of Protocol Communications, a marketing services firm. He serves on several other boards and has announced he will seek the City Council seat now held by Sherri Lightner.

In 2011, the focus was on the military, a particular passion for Forsyth, who in October completed a four-year “phase out” from his career as a sales executive. He spent the last 20 years with Lee Hect Harrison and became involved with Social Venture Partners four and a half years ago after his wife died.

“I went from working for pay to working for the community,” he said, noting that he was introduced to the group by a friend. “I was always a sucker for a $200 phone call but never knew what my money was doing. This enables me to have a say.”

His most recent “say” has been as lead partner with REBOOT, a local initiative of the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc., that assists veterans in moving back to civilian life and finding meaningful employment. The partners also teamed up in 2011 with the Armed Services YMCA at Camp Pendleton

For 2012, the partners have picked education as the target, although they will stay connected to their military investees and others.

Look at the list of groups they’ve supported and you’ll see that children and youth programs have always been interesting to the organization, Ellis said, making this year’s focus on education a natural choice.
“We don’t know the answers,” said David Lynn, who works in La Jolla specializing in investments, database management and business analytics. He is serving as board liaison on the project that will involve seeking solutions to improve local schools as well as raising more money to that end.

The endeavor will also add a new layer as SDSVP enters its second decade, said interim executive director Marion Paul, who was an investee when she worked with Junior Achievement. This year’s education focus includes aligning with other groups that have common goals so they can have a collective impact, she explained.

“We want to help build the capacity of a sector, in this case education,” she added.

Lynn said they will select at least two nonprofit investees and will team up with San Diego Grantmakers, which works to stimulate local philanthropy, and other organizations to pull together a countywide effort to find better ways to educate students.

The process of deciding which nonprofits to support begins with a Discovery Team, which polls partners on what groups they might want to help. Then they invite in experts in that sector who share their thoughts and challenges in that particular arena.

Next, the Investment Working Group of 30 steps in to evaluate proposals and select the investees. Then the real work starts and a team leader steps up.

Ellis said that’s often “someone who falls in love with that nonprofit.” That person becomes a key point of contact and forms the team.

The help comes in a variety of ways, from Resource Teams that step in to assist with fundraising efforts, management practices, developing their boards and leaders, as well as providing financial management, information technology or marketing and PR expertise.

Each year during the three-year relationship, the partners and investees develop an annual plan. But it’s not just about the nonprofit, Ellis said. “We measure us and them against program outcomes and the impact in the community.”

And, Paul noted, it’s not about raising money for them but also about helping them raise money and building a stronger organization.

Often partners go beyond their donations to Social Venture Partners and make individual contributions to the nonprofits as well as rounding up corporate donations for them, she added. “It’s about leveraging our resources to get more.”

To date, that impact has been great. In 2011, the partners gave $175,000 in direct cash contributions; add in-kind services, additional personal donations and 9,510 hours of volunteer time and the tally hits $1.7 million in value to the community, according to the annual report.

And, in case you were wondering, yes there is a “social” in Social Venture Partners. Members get together for social gatherings as well as having fun with their projects, Paul said, noting that again this year they helped the Community Resources Center put together 300 gift baskets.

Learn more at www.sdsvp.org.

Holiday Gifts - Where SVP Partners are Giving

2011-12-08T10:00:00.000-08:00

During the Holidays, gifts are abound...charitable contributions included. Increasingly, we know that more people are not just writing checks but actually seeking a return on their charitable investment. The Wall Street Journal's How to Donate Like a Pro suggests that by volunteering your time and researching a nonprofit's effectiveness, your dollars will make the biggest impact possible. We here at San Diego Social Venture Partners are known for just that: doing our due diligence before investing in a nonprofit and then giving of our time and expertise to help them become more effective. Click here to learn more about SVP

I know some of you are asking: "Now is the season of giving...so where do I start?"

Our Partners are very generous with their time and donations, especially during the Holidays. Would you like to see what nonprofits they are interested in? Once a year, we highlight some of their favorite organizations with a link to donate or volunteer.

Disclaimer: The nonprofits on this list are not necessarily vetted by SDSVP. They only represent organizations where our Partners are giving during the holiday season.

Center for Missing & Exploited Children

Partner: Rachel van Betten

Providing information and resources to law enforcement, parents, children including child victims as well as other professionals.

http://www.missingkids.com

Community Resource Center

Partner: Laurin Pause

Providing critical assistance in the areas of domestic violence services, food programs, and emergency and transitional housing assistance.

http://www.crcncc.org/

Friendship Circle in San Diego

Partner: Jerry Schneider

Addressing the challenges facing the families of children with special needs in a novel and innovative way.

http://www.FriendshipCircleSD.com

George Mark Children’s House-San Leandro California

Partner: Peg Eddy

First children's hospice house in the U.S. providing medical, emotional and practical support to families with children that have life-threatening and terminal illnesses.

http://www.georgemark.org/

Horses of Tir Na Nog

Partner: Patsy Hartman

Providing consistent, quality care for horses in need of a loving, life-long home.

http://www.horsesoftirnanog.org/

Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties

Partner: Wendy Gillespie

Providing financial literacy education that empowers young people to own their economic success.

http://www.jasandiego.org

Volunteers of America of SW California

Partner: Mark Neilson

inspire hope through our ministry of service by providing individuals and families with tools to improve their quality of life.

http://www.voa-swcal.org

SVP Investees:

A Reason to Survive (ARTS)

Providing visual, performing, and literary art programs for kids facing life challenges.

http://www.areasontosurvive.org/

Audeo Charter School

Provideing a unique alternative educational environment for students whose academic and psychosocial needs are not met by traditional approaches.

http://audeocharterschool.net/

Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA (ASYMCA)

Enhancing the lives of Camp Pendleton Marines, Sailors, and their families by offering programs and services that focus upon Spirit, Mind, and Body.

http://www.camppendletonasymca.org

Reality Changers

Providing tutoring and mentoring to disadvantaged San Diego youth to become first-generation college students.

http://www.realitychangers.org/

REBOOT by the National Veterans Transition Services, Inc. (REBOOT)

Assisting veterans in adjusting to civilian life and securing meaningful employment by combining best-practice performance social solutions and techniques.

http://www.nvtsi.org/

Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF)

Teaching students about the realities of violence, forgiveness, gangs, and the importance of making positive choices in their lives.

http://tkf.org/

Getting to Know You: Partners, Christopher Bush and AmyK Hutchens

2011-12-06T20:37:00.000-08:00

Christopher Bush and AmyK Hutchens originally came to SVP via friends, but it’s the organization’s record of success that has kept them involved. “Knowing that our resources of time, talent, and treasure will produce a positive, measurable impact,” Christopher says, has kept his work on the Board, Investment Working Group, Marketing Team, and other areas meaningful.

When Christopher and AmyK aren’t volunteering, hiking, or traveling, they work with their team at AmyK International, Inc., their leadership and sales development company. Prior to joining AKI, Christopher served as a business development executive in companies from business brokerage to banking to medical technology. If he seems buttoned-up now, though, consider this revelation: “I was a ‘rock star’ in the ‘80s,” he confesses. “Well,” he amends, “actually, I played in a band that toured the East Coast.” Perhaps bigger hair? Impressive, nonetheless.

Record-Breaking Grant Awarded to Reality Changers

2011-11-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

The California Wellness Foundation awarded a record-breaking $250,000 to Reality Changers, making this the largest grant ever received by the organization. "This program is helping young people from neighborhoods with the highest rates of gang violence and homicides in San Diego become the first in their families to go to college," said Julio Marcial, a Foundation program director.

TKF Says Goodbye to Summer

2011-11-17T10:30:00.000-08:00

As summer officially came to a close, the Tariq Khamisa Foundation (TKF) found it only fitting to reflect back and share some memorable moments from their Summer Program.

Click here to enjoy their short photo montage.

New Veterans Struggling to Reboot

2011-11-15T10:30:00.000-08:00

From The San Diego Union-Tribune
October 3, 2011
By Jeanette Steele

Eric Bernal was sitting at home, unemployed and depressed. After 13 years of proud service, including six sea deployments, the San Diego sailor was pushed out in April as the Navy trimmed its ranks. “I went from providing for my family to this,” said Bernal, 31, who eventually overruled his pride and filed for unemployment benefits.

Facing those obstacles, a year-old nonprofit group in San Diego is testing a novel approach. Reboot — co-founded by retired Rear Adm. Ronne Froman and Maurice Wilson, a retired Navy master chief — offers a “reverse boot camp” for people leaving the military.

Click here to read more.

Global Social Venture Partners Meet in Minneapolis

2011-11-11T10:30:00.000-08:00

In October, SVP Partners and staff from all over North America and Japan gathered in Minneapolis for the annual Social Venture Partners Conference. The conference was an inspirational sharing of new ideas and transformational stories and as a result, the SVP network was recharged and ready to unleash its full potential!

Click here to read highlights and see more photos.

Meet Partner Ken Davenport!

2011-11-10T10:30:00.000-08:00

Recently, SVP sat down with first year Partner, Ken Davenport to get to know him better. Last year, Ken left the day-to-day operations of the company he co-founded in Colorado and moved back to San Diego with his wife Juliet and son Gabe. While most people with a lot of free time on their hands would resort to relaxing at home or picking up a new hobby, Ken joined SVP to give back and connect with the San Diego community. Since becoming a Partner, Ken has jumped right in and taken the helm of the IT Resource Team and is Lead Partner of Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA.

Why did you join SVP?

I lived in Colorado from 2006 to 2010, and after returning to San Diego I was looking for a way to connect back into the community. I had also recently left the company I co-founded, and had both the desire and time to give back. SVP gave me a way to use my business experience to help nonprofits be more effective, and SVP's model of leveraging charitable giving with management and operational expertise really appeals to me. So my wife, Juliet and I signed up, and we are really enjoying the experience.

How are you involved with SVP?

I figured the best way to learn about the SVP was to jump in with both feet, so when I joined I started going to as many meetings as I could. The choice of last year's investment sector, military support, was a great fit for me because I am very passionate about helping the military community. Now I am the Lead Partner for our investment with the Camp Pendleton Armed Services YMCA. I also am Chair of the SVP IT Resource Team, where I'm helping the San Diego Armed Services YMCA revamp their IT infrastructure. Additionally, I recently started representing SVP on the Military Working Group collaborative that is designed to facilitate coordination between funders and service providers assisting the military in San Diego. And, I've also done some Board facilitation work with Elderhelp and Barrio Logan College Institute.

What are you getting out of your SVP experience?

It's been tremendously rewarding to work with the dedicated staff at both the Pendleton and San Diego Armed Services YMCAs. These are people who are giving so much to those who serve America, and I feel honored to have the opportunity to help them. And I've really enjoyed the chance to get to know the other SVP Partners -- it's given both Juliet and I a set of great new friends!

Quick 5 about Ken:

1. If you’re in the car, in the morning, what do you listen to

Thankfully these days I'm not often in the car in the morning unless it is to take my five year old to school, but I usually listen to sports talk radio.

2. If you were to take a “staycation” in San Diego, where would you go and why?

Definitely Coronado. I love the sleepy feel, the big wide beaches, the history of the Hotel Del and the cute little stores along Orange Avenue. And I like all the American flags, the retired navy veterans the feel-good patriotism of the place.

3. What’s your poison/vice?

Is coffee a vice? If so, I'm definitely addicted. I'm personally responsible for at least 1% of Starbucks worldwide revenue. And that's in addition to the espresso maker I have at home!

4. What’s one thing you could not live without and why?

Now that I am a dad, it's hard to imagine life without my son, Gabe. I obviously had a life before him, but it just seems so inconsequential now. Being a parent is the best thing I've ever done (besides marrying my wife), and now when people say that they would give up their life for their kids, I totally understand what they mean.

5. What’s one thing you could do without and why?

Rude people. It's so much easier (and rewarding) to be polite. I feel sorry for people who don't understand the gift of being respectful and kind to others!

SVP is San Diego’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization of the Year

2011-11-09T13:29:00.001-08:00

On November 1, Social Venture Partners was recognized as San Diego’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization 2011by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. SVP’s Executive Director, Peggy Kidd and Board Chair, Ray Ellis accepted the award at National Philanthropy Day. They celebrated with over 900 attendees including 20 SVP Partners and staff. This is a wonderful honor for our organization and a real compliment to all of our Partners. Your support and work in the community are greatly appreciated!

See more photos and read about SVP’s award in the San Diego Business Journal.

Business Skills Take Nonprofits to Next Level

2011-10-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

By Deirdre Maloney

Monday, October 24, 2011

Alan Sorkin believes that nonprofits need to run more like a business. But it’s not because business people have all the answers.

Sorkin says it’s all about the discipline you see in many successful companies—the discipline to create a structure for an organization, to develop meaningful strategies and effective business operations, to be clear about what is measured, monitored and communicated.

“When it comes down to it, it’s all about capacity building,” Sorkin said, “If you don’t build the capacity of an organization, it will be struggling forever.”

Sorkin believes in this principle so much that he and his wife were one of about 20 founders of San Diego Social Venture Partners, an organization of individuals who want to discover the nonprofit world, find their passion and determine how to best invest their money and time to improve the community. Sorkin is also the president of Social Venture Partners International.

Enriching Experience

SDSVP is a unique model, engaging with partners from the business world who possess a wide variety and deep-set of professional expertise. Those partners then bring their skills together to connect, strengthen and enrich nonprofits, in effect changing their philanthropic “ecosystems.”

“Our network of partners transform nonprofits, transform communities and transform themselves as they move from success to significance,” Sorkin said.

The numbers back up the story. Since 2001, SDSVP has delivered to the San Diego community: more than $12 million in cash and in-kind services; 360 effective philanthropists; 86,000 strategic volunteer hours.

This proven history of transformation is just one reason why SDSVP will be honored as the Outstanding Philanthropic Organizations at this year’s National Philanthropy Day event. The organization will be among eight honorees featured during the annual luncheon, which is sponsored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals San Diego chapter.

The honor, and the work of SDSVP, couldn’t come at a better time. Despite a continuing period of economic doubt and increased competition among the thousands of nonprofits in San Diego, Sorkin believes this is a time of opportunity for those who embrace SDSVP’s philosophies.

“All we see is potential,” he said. “Philanthropy has to change and there are many people who want to change it. We have Generation X and Y with many who are less about making money and more about making a difference. And, we have the largest generation of baby boomers who are retiring younger and have at least one more encore career. Many of them are already using their skills for good.”

Community members can do their part by investing in organizations that invest in themselves.

The Big Day

National Philanthropy Day is a day set aside each year around the world to show appreciation for all that has been accomplished in the culture of philanthropy. The 2011 gathering marks the 39th event for the San Diego Chapter.

The 39th Annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon will be held Nov. 1, 11:30 a.m. at the Hilton Bayfront San Diego.

A unique development is the decision of three powerful entities in town to join together on behalf of the event. The Jewish Community Foundation, The San Diego Foundation and the Rancho Santa Fe Foundation committed to stand together and share the spotlight as presenting sponsors.

For more information or to register for the luncheon, visit www.afpsd.org.

Deirdre Maloney is an author, speaker and owner of Momentum San Diego, which helps nonprofits meet their missions through better business.

Equinox Center in the News

2011-10-14T10:31:00.000-07:00

Equinox Center in the News

From 10News.com
September 14, 2011

Despite the enduring unemployment picture in the San Diego region, a growing number of economists believe a labor shortage may be in the region's future...The shortage will put San Diego against other cities when competing for attracting young, skilled workers.

According to the research group Equinox Center, San Diego has not ranked in the top 15 in any recent listings of best places for young adults...Equinox Center held a forum in La Jolla on Wednesday made up of business and economic leaders to talk about what needs to be improved.

Click her e to read more and see the news video.

Reality Changers now offers to help ALL San Diego 12th graders seeking to ace college applications

2011-10-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Reality Changers now offers to help ALL San Diego 12th graders seeking to ace college applications

It's "crunch time" for college-bound high school seniors and their families! As deadlines loom, the pressure to write compelling essays, compose resumes, garner recommendation letters and submit application packages for college will escalate dramatically.

SVP Investee Reality Changer’s new fee-for-service program, College Apps Academy, delivers an effective, proven system that takes the student through the intricacies of the college application process.

If you have friends or family with kids who are seniors, please spread the word.

SVP to be recognized at National Philanthropy Day

2011-10-12T10:00:00.000-07:00

SVP to be recognized at National Philanthropy Day

Tues, Nov 1 | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM | Hilton Bayfront

San Diego Social Venture Partners has been chosen as the 2011 recipient of San Diego’s Outstanding Philanthropic Organization award by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. SVP will be recognized at the 2011 National Philanthropy Day Luncheon on Tuesday, November 1st. Please contact Mandy at mandy@sdsvp.org for info on purchasing tickets.

Congratulations to all our Partners over the past decade on this achievement and well deserved recognition!

SVP Interim Executive Director Announcement

2011-10-11T10:31:00.001-07:00

We are pleased to announce that Marion Paul will be serving as Interim Executive Director while Peggy is on family leave.

Marion has been a familiar face at SVP. Starting in 2003, when Junior Achievement was selected as an Investee, SVP Partners worked with Marion and the JA leadership to create JA BizTown, an exciting experiential learning facility that teaches kids about business, personal finance and life skills.

In 2006, Marion joined the SVP board and served until 2010. In addition, Marion continues to serve on the Fund Development Resource Team today.

Marion also became the first Executive Director of Equinox Center, a nonprofit organization that was created through SVP Partners, and is dedicated to balancing our economic growth while preserving our exceptional quality of life.

Prior to moving to San Diego, Marion had an extensive policy background, serving as senior policy analyst in the Colorado Governor’s Office, executive director of Jobs for Colorado’s Future, and as public affairs manager at the Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce.

Currently, Marion runs her own nonprofit consulting firm, and her clients include the McGrath Family Foundation.

Marion is excited to take on her new role as Interim Executive Director, and will be sharing her enthusiasm about SVP across the San Diego community that we serve.

The Partner 4-1-1

2011-10-11T10:00:00.000-07:00

Congrats to SVP Executive Director and Partner, Peggy Kidd on the birth of her twin baby girls, McKaylee and Alyssa. They were born Saturday, September 24th. Mom and babies are healthy and doing well.

Tom van Betten has taken the helm of SVP’s Social Committee as the new Chairman. Tom’s event planning experience will take SVP parties into a new season.

What was your “aha moment”? Check out SVP Seattle Paul Shoemaker’s story on the Huff Post about the importance of an inflection point in the work of social change. Click here to read.

Welcome Membership Director, Dan Blank!

2011-10-06T10:00:00.000-07:00

Welcome Membership Director, Dan Blank!

By Scott Tritt

Dan Blank joins Social Venture Partners at an important time in our evolution, as we build on the success of the last 10 years.

As a former investment banker, his deep experience in the capital markets means Dan can easily see the value in building collaboration between both funders and agencies, as well as speak the language of those who might be inclined to support SVP's bold initiative to 'move the needle' on graduation rates.

Click here to read more about Dan.

SVP’s Annual Report earns two Silver Quill Awards

2011-10-05T16:37:00.000-07:00

SVP’s Annual Report earns two Silver Quill Awards

We are proud to announce that the San Diego Social Venture Partners Annual Report has earned two Awards of Excellence in the 2011 Silver Quill Award s competition, one for social responsibility and the other for writing. Many thanks to Cathleen Wolf and Parallax Visual Communication for their time and efforts to effectively communicate about SVP.

Click here to check out SVP’s award winning report!

Could the sewage spills' environmental and economic impact have been prevented?

2011-09-20T12:59:00.000-07:00

By Megan Baehrens, San Diego Coastkeeper

On September 7th at the Social Venture Partners Grant Briefing, SVP Partner and Board Member, Joyce Ross highlighted the incredible growth in capacity and impact that San Diego Coastkeeper experienced as an SVP Investee.

That growth in capacity has shown in Coastkeeper’s ability to respond immediately to a catastrophic environmental event just down the hill from SVP’s office, where 2 million gallons of sewage spilled into Los Penasquitos Lagoon as a result of the power outage on September 8th.

San Diego Coastkeeper has already brought about corrective action. Thanks to the evidence collected by our volunteers, responsible parties will pump about 1M gallons of untreated sewage out of the lagoon. It was too late for the fish that died and devastating harm to that waterway, but it’s a start.

We can’t wait until another catastrophe like this occurs to act. We desperately need to work with authorities now to prevent further sewage crises and other devastating harms that lurk one generator failure away.

Our mayors, city council members, state officials and other decision-makers have the power to prevent serious environmental and economic damage before they happen. We know that SVP Partners care about our region’s social, economic and environmental vibrancy and we’d love your help in encouraging important conversations that educate the public about dangers we face and get decision-makers to make responsible choices.

Some examples of the work our region desperately needs San Diego Coastkeeper to do:

- Sewage: In 1995, San Diego averaged a sewage spill each day. San Diego Coastkeeper’s work reduced sewage spills by 90% since then. Old and easily clogged or damaged infrastructure must be monitored and routinely replaced. This weekend’s events demonstrate the catastrophic environmental and economic harm of not prioritizing this work.

- Copper boat hull paint: We are working with state senator Chris Kehoe to phase out copper hull paint that flakes into the water and sediment and kills marine life in marinas and the bay. The state bill was held back this session, but will return in January and we’ll be pushing for statewide support.

- Sewage in the bay: Coastkeeper employs scientists, educators and attorneys. We encourage our staff to pursue higher education. Dylan Edwards is working on a masters thesis related to gathering data about the extent of this problem in the bay and how to educate boaters and enforce proper use of mobile pump-out stations to prevent it.

- Sea level rise: A new state-commissioned report by San Francisco State University economists predicts that if we do nothing, the economic impact of sea level rise on Torrey Pines State Reserve and the local economy in Torrey Pines will be $125-500 million in the next 90 years. We have the opportunity to advise the San Diego Bay jurisdictions about preparing.

- A coordinated voice that speaks for the region. San Diego environmental groups from Sierra Club to Audubon to Environmental Health Coalition to Coastkeeper has come together weekly for years to collaborate and strategize around region-wide environmental issues. The power of our united effort greatly outstrips the “sum of our parts.” The coordinating member was recently re-assigned due to lack of funding. San Diego Coastkeeper would like to take up that mantle.

San Diego Social Venture Partners, thanks for all you do. As always, my team and I are happy to speak to anyone with an interest in these issues.

Megan can be reached at MeganB@sdcoastkeeper.org.

Social Venture Partners Annual Conference

2011-09-13T10:00:00.000-07:00

Audacious Philanthropy: Unleashing SVP Potential

Oct 13-15, 2011 | Minneapolis, MN

Do you get energized by your interaction with the thought-leaders who make up SVP? Are you excited about the opportunity to collaborate on a bigger scale?

This is a conference you won’t want to miss! The network of 2100+ SVP Partners are poised to take your work to the next level with new initiatives, rapid expansion and collective impact. With two provocative keynote speakers, nearly twenty sessions and YOU, the collective power of SVP will be unleashed.

Click here for more info or to register.

SVP Congratulates…

2011-09-09T10:00:00.000-07:00

Happy 1-Year Anniversary!
(One year of partnership in the quarter Apr-Jun 2011)

Kimberly Canton
Harriet Carter
Tuck Forsyth
Jill and Rick Mendlen
Neal Walton

Vested Partners
(Three years of partnership in the quarter Apr-Jun 2011)

Diane and Mike Branon
Jim Farley
Patrick Dempsey
Patrick Duffy
Florence and Irwin Zahn

Graduated Investee

ElderHelp of San Diego, 2009-2011