Venture philanthropy strategies for foundations

The European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) uses the term venture philanthropy (VP) to describe grantmaking and social investment that involves six characteristics: a hands-on relationship between the social enterprise or non-profit management and the venture philanthropist; use of a range of financing mechanisms; multi-year support; non-financial support; a focus on organizational capacity-building; and performance measurement.

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The Venice Group Meeting – the ‘Davos of European Venture Philanthropy’

For the third year running, the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) convened 24 leading venture philanthropy executives to Venice – the Davos of Venture Philanthropy. These thought leaders gathered to discuss the latest developments, tackle strategic issues and agree on a common agenda for the future of venture philanthropy. The Venice meeting is a unique opportunity for European VP leaders to network and debate with peers. Click here to read ...

Peer groups and engagement key to new money

A recent report suggests that membership in a peer group is key to increasing donor giving and volunteering. Donor ‘socialization’ – the term used by report author Michael Moody – posits that involvement with a group of fellow donors over an extended period has a significant influence on giving behaviour and that this influence increases as donor involvement increases.

Where’s the menu?

I am writing in response to Peter Kenyon’s letter in the December issue of Alliance. I was also in Frankfurt last year at the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) conference and would like to pick up on some of Peter’s points.

I agree with him that it is important to look beyond the debates as to whether venture philanthropy (VP) is in fact new and consequently whether it is more effective than traditional philanthropy. If grantmakers can extract the positive elements from the VP approach, or indeed from any approach to philanthropy, and make best use of these to get on with more effectively supporting the work of NGOs, this will be a triumph.

There are easier ways to get money – the ups and downs of the venture philanthropy experience

In recent years, venture philanthropy (VP) has attracted much hype. It has been touted as a means of making ‘giving’ more effective and has sought to attract a generation of the self-made wealthy, particularly those from private equity and venture capital backgrounds, as engaged donors. The term has been used loosely in connection with the pledges of vast fortunes by the likes of Warren Buffet, Bill Gates and Tom Hunter for charitable purposes. Click here to read ...

4th EVPA Annual Conference

Event 4th EVPA Annual Conference
Date 23 September
Venue Frankfurt, Germany
Organizer European Venture Philanthropy Association

‘What does VP mean to us?’ asked Doug Miller, EVPA’s outgoing chair, speaking at this year’s EVPA conference in Frankfurt. His answer: long-term funding, long-term relationships, hands-on support and building core capacity. Indeed, these long-term commitments might well become increasingly important in the light of recent events. As David Carrington, chairing the conference, remarked, the financial crisis is bound to have an impact on venture philanthropy. Click here to read ...

Hundred up for EVPA

Four years after its launch in 2004, the European Venture Philanthropy Association’s (EVPA) membership has recently passed the hundred mark, with members in 21 countries. Formed to promote venture philanthropy in Europe, EVPA draws its support largely from the private equity industry and the foundation sector. It also numbers several universities and research bodies among its members. In response to this rapid growth, it is about to undergo a number of changes. In addition to opening a permanent office in Brussels, Serge Raicher will take over the Chair from EVPA founder Doug Miller.

Moving on from definitions

I read the latest edition of Alliance on my way home from this year’s European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) conference in Frankfurt. I was struck from your publication and the EVPA event by how much time seems to be spent arguing over definitions, in particular whether venture philanthropy is new or not and over the implied assertion that venture philanthropy is somehow better than traditional grantmaking.

I would like to build on a comment made at the EVPA event by Gerry Salole of the European Foundation Centre when he said that the issue we should really be talking about is smart philanthropy versus not very smart philanthropy – there are examples from across the board. Can we just leave the arguments at that and move on?!

Investors’ perspectives: Microfinance going mainstream?

A growing supply of capital is being directed towards social investing as investors become more aware that they can have a direct impact on pressing social and environmental issues by determining the way their money is invested. This capital is coming from a variety of sources, including foundations, private banks, family offices and asset managers. But it remains to be seen if this supply of capital will continue as global equity exchanges enter bear market territory.

Big Issue Invest to launch Social Enterprise Venture Fund

Big Issue Invest, part of The Big Issue group of companies, is launching a social investment fund in the UK in September to help scale up social enterprises. It will raise both charitable and direct private investment and deliver both social and financial returns.