“This report reflects something deeper than data—it captures a moment of realignment across the SVP network. This is a moment to double down on what makes us powerful: our relationships, our shared principles, and our commitment to collective action. The groundwork has been laid—now the invitation is to step in, together.”
— Adriana Loson-Ceballos, Board Member, Social Venture Partners International
A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO
We step into a new chapter for SVP International with a profound sense of purpose and unity. Our network is rooted in the strength of our local communities. Each affiliate brings unique assets and a deep dedication to social impact that leads to vital change. Now more than ever, we see the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and drive transformation together against the backdrop of a shifting geopolitical landscape.
Today, we usher in a new era—one where we come together as a truly global network, amplifying our collective impact through shared principles, resources, and deepened relationships. The State of the Network Report is both a reflection of where we are and a more aligned vision for where we are headed. It highlights the extraordinary work happening across our affiliates to strengthen our connections and collaboration.
SVPI is committed to fostering these connections in tangible ways. We are:
- Hosting events that bring forward innovative ideas and best practices from within our network and the broader social impact space.
- Providing resources, tools, and templates through a dynamic, web-based resource hub.
- Facilitating affiliate-to-affiliate engagement through an interactive map and ongoing opportunities for peer learning and partnership.
Through these efforts, we are not just building a network—we are strengthening a movement. The sense of community that defines SVPI is growing beyond city limits and national borders, expanding into a truly global force for impact. We are profoundly inspired by the deep pride and commitment that each of you brings to this work.
You are invited to explore the State of the Network Report and join us in shaping the future of SVP. In this moment of transformation, we are honored to move forward with you.
With gratitude,
Ciara Garcia, CEO, Social Venture Partners International
Our Current Moment: A More Aligned, Impactful Network
In the fall of 2024, SVPI completed its first network survey since 2019, engaging affiliates in an in-depth analysis of the network’s size and scope, depth and breadth, values and impact, challenges and opportunities. The candid responses by our affiliate leaders exemplify the transparency needed to identify strengths and weaknesses. This feedback has enabled us to mobilize to strengthen our shared priorities of building a more robust and interconnected network. With the results of our 2024 Network Survey and the adoption of a new SVPI value proposition and affiliate principles (both of which are showcased later in this report), we have a unique opportunity to align our efforts for even greater impact.
We have the opportunity to leverage our collective will to strengthen the nonprofits we invest in, the philanthropists we engage, and the communities we serve—building just, thriving communities around the world.
By continuing to rally behind a common set of values, we are now a more aligned, dedicated, and impactful network. The survey results prove that we are moving more money and resources than ever before. Collectively, it reinforces our commitment to move SVPI forward with greater focus and effectiveness—proving that together, we are transformational.
“It’s about the sort of shared capital, the collective fundraising that was not in the equation 25 years ago, and it is now. Pooling resources is a new part of the model and a damn good one.”
— Paul Shoemaker, Board Chair, Social Venture Partners International
The Pulse of our Network
The insights below come directly from our 2024 Network Survey, reflecting the experiences, perspectives, and priorities of our affiliates around the world. This collective input offers a valuable snapshot of our network now and where we are headed next. Dive into the insights we uncovered.
A Leaner, More Impactful Network
The changes brought on by the pandemic—and the intentional alignment steps taken by SVPI—have led to a more focused network. And that focus is paying off. Together, we are moving more money and resources to communities than ever before and making a more profound, lasting impact. With this renewed clarity and commitment, we are poised to move SVPI forward with greater effectiveness and purpose.
Our Global Network
As of March 2024, the SVP global network includes 2,198 partners—each contributing to our shared mission of driving more equitable, community-led change around the world.
Affiliate Strategies Driving Community Impact
From leadership development to donor services, affiliates are deploying targeted strategies that respond directly to community needs. Here’s a snapshot of the focus areas shaping local impact across the network.
Affiliate Budget Sources
Partner contributions and foundation grants remain the primary revenue sources fueling affiliate work, making up 75% of all revenue sources.
Affiliate Annual Budgets
Almost half of all affiliates have budgets in the midrange between $300,000 and $500,000.
Programming that Enhances Impact
Affiliates identified the following programming and learning opportunities that would strengthen their ability to absorb unexpected challenges and/or sustain and grow opportunities and wins:
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Thought leadership development and communications training -
Networking opportunities -
Fundraising training and access to joint funding opportunities -
Program evaluation and impact measurement -
Best practices workshops
Affiliates also emphasized the need for:
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Mission-driven donor education to inspire meaningful engagement -
Cross-sector collaboration to drive systemic change -
Equitable decision-making, ensuring community leaders have a voice at the table -
Sustainable funding strategies to support long-term impact
Mapping our Global Impact
Aligning our Impact: SVPI’s Strategic Opportunity
Affiliate Principles that Drive Lasting Impact
SVPI is building a future where all principles will be fully integrated across our global network, ensuring that affiliates operate with a common purpose while reflecting their local communities’ unique needs.
By 2027, we envision all SVP affiliates operating with the following principles:
Provide Opportunities for Community Engagement & Volunteerism
Affiliates will offer meaningful pathways for donors and partners to engage directly in volunteerism and civic action.
Develop Direct Relationships Between Donors and Community Leaders
Affiliates will structure engagement so that donors and nonprofit leaders co-create solutions rather than operate in silos.
Provide Funding to NGOs or Other Social Impact Organizations
Affiliates will provide multi-year, unrestricted grants and/or financial investments to nonprofits, NGOs, charities and/or other social impact organizations.
Believe in Transforming Philanthropic Practices, Dynamics, and Models
Affiliates will inform and influence philanthropic practices within their communities, challenging traditional philanthropy and equipping donors with new perspectives.
Have a Culturally-Relevant Commitment to Equity, Justice, and/or Human Rights
Affiliates will embed culturally relevant social justice practices in governance, decision-making, and/or programming.
Provide Mission-Driven Donor Education and/or Organizing
Affiliates will offer educational programs that inform their partners about community-based issues, systems change and/or philanthropy.
Understand and Address the Root Causes in Social Impact Priorities
Affiliates will integrate systems-thinking and root-cause analysis into funding and programming strategies.
By 2029, we envision even more.
Have NGO Leaders or Other Community Representatives Serving in Decision-Making Roles
Half of our affiliates will formalize governance and/or grant making structures that include nonprofit and community representatives.
Serve as a Community Convener and/or Develop Cross-Sector Partnerships
Half of our affiliates will leverage their role as a convener to connect funders, nonprofits, and policymakers.
Advocate for Systems Change to Build More Just and Equitable Communities
Half of our affiliates will incorporate advocacy strategies into their work, ensuring that philanthropy addresses systemic barriers to justice.
Moving Forward Together
Strengthening Our Network Through the SVPI Value Proposition
The insights from the survey directly inform and reinforce our new SVPI value proposition, which defines how SVPI supports and amplifies our network. Based on affiliate feedback, SVPI identified six strategic focus areas to guide our work moving forward.
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Global Belonging: SVP is a home for leaders, partners, and community members who work collectively to make an impact.
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Active Network Management: SVPI weaves relationship-building with internal network data and field-level expertise to increase alignment around affiliate model principles and grow network-wide impact on our shared purpose.
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Brand Amplification: SVPI develops and promotes a unified SVP brand and amplifies the individual and collective stories of Affiliates with stakeholders and external audiences. -
Affiliate Well-being: SVPI provides programming and develops strategic partnerships that support the leadership, sustainability, and impact of SVP affiliates, boards, partners, and investees. -
Resource Generation: SVPI plays a pivotal role in developing relationships and strategic partnerships to increase capacity and revenue for affiliates, the global network, and SVPI. -
Education for Donors & Partners: SVPI develops and implements mission-driven educational programs for affiliate donors and partners throughout the network.
Ready to Move the Network Forward
With a 19% growth rate and 89% partner retention across the network, the results of this survey affirm that SVPI and its affiliates are poised to deepen our impact through strategic alignment. Our value proposition and affiliate principles are guiding statements on how we are building a more inclusive, high-impact, and connected network.
Through focused leadership, resource mobilization, and a commitment to collective impact, SVPI is moving the network forward with greater effectiveness than ever before. Now is the time to embrace this opportunity. Together, we can strengthen our alignment and accelerate our mission to deepen our impact and uplift communities worldwide.
We invite you to join us, share your insights, collaborate with peers, and help shape what comes next. Onward.