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Why should I become a Partner?
Finding the best way to make a measurable and meaningful difference in the community is often a challenge. SVPC offers an opportunity for Partners to become more strategic in their giving, leverage their skills and financial resources with others of similar values, and become more active and informed in their philanthropic work. By joining SVP Charlotte, you become part of a group that offers:
- A community of like-minded peers with a shared commitment to give back to the community and make a positive difference;
- Educational opportunities to help accelerate and strengthen your personal philanthropy and community involvement;
- Pooled resources that maximize your contributions and impact (time + talent + funds);
- An opportunity to apply your professional skills and expertise to provide collaborative solutions to social challenges with measurable, sustainable results.
Who becomes a Partner?
SVPC Partners represent a diverse group of men and women with a wide array of personal and professional backgrounds. Our Partners value the idea of getting involved and addressing community problems, and are united by their desire to have an impact in their community and to become more engaged philanthropists.
How do I join?
Partners may join as individuals or as a "partner unit" of two people (with a spouse, partner, family member, or friend). Partnership requires a commitment of $5,000 a year (for a partner unit) for a minimum of two years. For Partners under the age of 35, the annual commitment is $2,500. These contributions cover all of our administrative costs and our grants to our Investees.
Is my annual contribution tax-deductible?
Yes. All contributions to SVPC are fully tax-deductible.
Can I pay for my SVPC partnership with something other than cash?
Yes. SVPC accepts corporate matching funds and stock transfers.
How is SVPC connected to Foundation For The Carolinas (FFTC)?
FFTC helped launch SVPC in 2005 with a grant to cover start-up costs. FFTC continues to support SVPC through administrative assistance and co-marketing opportunities. SVPC remains connected to FFTC as a Field of Interest Fund.
Can Partners designate their contribution to a particular Investee?
No. All Partner contributions go into a pooled fund. SVPC is like a mutual fund investment for a Partner, not an investment in an individual organization. Partners who are interested in supporting the work of a particular Investee will be invited to provide volunteer services. Of course, they may contribute additional funds to Investees on their own.
Are SVPC Partners required to give their time as well as the $5,000/$2,500 annual contribution?
No. SVPC certainly wants all Partners to get involved with their time and expertise, but understands everyone has different demands and commitments at various times throughout life. We are a guilt-free organization. About 94% of SVPC Partners are engaged at this point, and we work to match our volunteer needs with our Partners' strengths and availability.
How much time does being a partner require?
The time required for engagement in projects will vary and depend on our Partners' availability and our Investees' needs. Projects can be a one-time contribution (a few hours doing a specific task or participating in a special event), a longer term assignment (several hours of time over several weeks or months), or an on-going periodic or regular commitment (quarterly or monthly meeting, serving on a board, or being a mentor).
What if I become engaged in SVPC and something changes in my schedule or life?
Schedules and life can change, and we at SVPC know that there are times when our Partners can be very engaged and times when they have to scale back. We appreciate all of the time that Partners contribute to our Investees and we work with individual schedules so that both the Investee and Partner benefit from their SVPC experience.
Can I become a Partner by giving just my time and expertise but not the $5,000/$2,500 annual contribution?
No. However, friends and business associates of SVPC Partners may contribute skills and time to the initiatives we support. We will also work with you to find someone to join with and share the annual contribution.
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