Introducing Danette O’Connell: A Q&A with SVP NYC’s New CEO

The SVP community is thrilled to welcome SVP New York City, the newest affiliate in our global network—and to introduce Danette O’Connell, the affiliate’s inaugural CEO.

Danette brings more than two decades of nonprofit leadership and entrepreneurial experience to her new role. After founding and scaling multiple organizations that now serve thousands of nonprofits nationwide, she is stepping into this position with a clear vision: to expand access to resources, training, and unrestricted funding for grassroots organizations in New York City.

In this Q&A, we get to know Danette—her background, her approach to collective giving, and her vision for SVP NYC.

Tell us about your professional background.

I started my career in the restaurant industry and then transitioned into technology. After selling my tech company in 2004, I shifted gears and began working with nonprofits. For more than 20 years, I’ve helped organizations navigate funding, build capacity, and grow sustainably.

That work led me to create the Nonprofit Cooperative, which now serves more than 8,000 nonprofits across the United States, and the Nonprofit Collective Foundation, which provides unrestricted funding through innovative, trust-based practices.

When we started the Nonprofit Collective Foundation, we wanted to make the grant application process more personal and accessible. Instead of traditional paper applications, nonprofits submit a 5-7 minute video where they share who they are, who they serve, what their mission is, and how they would use the funding. This approach allows organizations to tell their story in their own voice, show their passion, and really convey the impact they’re making in their communities. It’s engaging, transparent, and gives us a deeper understanding of the people and programs we’re supporting.

What brought you to this role with SVP NYC?

I approached SVP because I saw an opportunity to bring their model to New York City and build on the work we were already doing with the Nonprofit Collective Foundation. It felt like a natural extension. Partnering with SVP means building on the work we’re already doing—layering in SVP’s global network, tools, and partner model to strengthen grassroots organizations locally.

What excites you most about SVP’s mission and network?

The power of working together. Joining SVP means we’re part of a global movement. We now have access to partners in places like India, Melbourne, Tokyo, and beyond—people approaching challenges differently, who we can learn from and share with.

The network is incredibly empowering. Together, we can march forward with shared resources, collective knowledge, and a commitment to equity and trust-based philanthropy.

Tell us about the nonprofits SVP NYC will support.

SVP NYC will support grassroots nonprofits with budgets under $1 million, which make up 85% of nonprofits nationwide. Our goal is to help them grow. We do that through unrestricted funding, mentorship, training, vetted resources, and opportunities for collaboration.

What does trust-based philanthropy mean to you? 

To me, trust-based philanthropy means believing in nonprofits to know what they need. We don’t require lengthy reports. Instead, we collaborate with grantees throughout the year—matching them with mentors, offering monthly training, and attending their events.

It’s not “here’s money, good luck.” It’s a partnership. We’re in this together, building relationships and providing consistent support so nonprofits can thrive.

How have you seen collective giving work for philanthropy and individuals? 

Pooling resources allows us to make a larger impact. An individual donation is powerful, but when combined with others—and layered with mentorship and training—it becomes transformational.

That’s what sets SVP apart: it’s not just funding, it’s collective action. Donors don’t only give money; they also give their time and expertise. That combination helps grassroots organizations build sustainable futures.

What’s something about you that you’d like to share with our network? 

I absolutely love to travel! This year I’ll be spending time not only in New York and Florida, where I split my time, but also internationally in Amsterdam, Greece, and Istanbul. And while in Seattle recently, I had the chance to connect with SVP leaders there—it’s a great reminder of the global reach and community that makes SVP so special.