State of the Network Report

SVPI’s 2025 State of the Network Report

“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. The other piece, of course, is shared knowledge in all of its many forms.”

— Paul Shoemaker, Board Chair, Social Venture Partners International

A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO

Dear SVP Partners,

As we step into a new chapter for SVP International, we do so with a profound sense of purpose and unity. Our network has always been driven by the power of local communities—each affiliate bringing its own unique strengths and deep commitment to social impact. Now, more than ever, we recognize the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and transform together.

Over the years, SVP affiliates have operated with a spirit of independence, leading vital change in their communities. Today, we embrace 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 vision for where we are headed. It highlights the extraordinary work happening across our affiliates and introduces tools 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 SVP is growing beyond city borders and national lines, expanding into a truly global force for impact. We are  profoundly inspired by the deep pride and commitment each of you brings to this work.

We invite you to explore the State of the Network Report and join us in shaping the future of SVP. This is a moment for transformation, and we are honored to move forward with you.

With gratitude,

Ciara Garcia
CEO, Social Venture Partners International

Our Current Moment: A More Focused, 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 — enabling us to mobilize around our common goal of building a stronger, more interconnected network.

SVPI stands at a pivotal moment. With the results of our 2024 Network Survey and the adoption of a new SVPI value proposition and affiliate principles, we have a unique opportunity to align our efforts for even greater impact.

Now more than ever, we have the opportunity to leverage our collective strength to radically transform 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 that is moving more money and resources than ever before. Collectively, we are poised to move SVP forward with greater focus and effectiveness for the long term. Together, we are transformational.

The Pulse of our Network

 

See the evolution of our network over 5 years.

While SVP is now a smaller network of partners and affiliates, collectively, they are making a more profound impact.

The SVP global network has 2,198 partners as of March 2024.


Affiliate Strategies Driving Community Impact

The primary revenue sources for affiliates are partner contributions and foundation grants.

While 82% of our affiliates rate their financial health as above average (3 or higher), it is clear that financial health and affiliate wellbeing are key concerns for the network, and areas of opportunity for SVPI to support.

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:

  • Fundraising training and access to joint funding opportunities 
  • Networking opportunities 
  • Thought leadership development and communications training 
  • Program evaluation and impact measurement
  • Best practices workshops

Mapping our Progress on a Global Scale

Aligning Our Impact: SVPI’s Strategic Opportunity

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.

  • Global Belonging: The survey confirms that SVP is more than a funding model—it is a home for changemakers. Our strategic focus on convening, shared learning, and global connection will further strengthen this sense of belonging.
  • Active Network Management & Stewardship: With affiliates expressing a need for networking, fundraising support, and impact measurement, SVPI’s commitment to strong network management equips affiliates with the tools to thrive.
  • Brand Amplification: Affiliates emphasized the need to tell a stronger, unified story. Through SVPI’s brand strategy and external visibility efforts, we are amplifying the impact of affiliates and their transformative work.
  • Education for Donors & Partners: The demand for donor education and leadership development aligns with SVPI’s role in equipping partners with the tools to drive systemic change.
  • Resource Generation: With 52% of affiliate funding coming from partner contributions, SVPI is expanding fundraising training and access to joint funding opportunities, increasing capacity and sustainability across the network.
  • Organizational Resilience: The need for strategic support in leadership transitions, governance, and impact evaluation underscores SVPI’s role in fostering strong, resilient affiliates.

Affiliate Principles that Drive Lasting Impact

The survey underscores the importance of these principles, with affiliates emphasizing the need for:

  • 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

Moving Forward Together

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.