Greetings SV2 Friends

We are ‘March-ing’ ahead with a spring in our step toward the kickoff of SV2’s fast-paced Lightning Grant Round, a special workshop taught by Partner and field leader Paul Brest, and a high-energy all-community gathering that holds a new twist for participants this year (more on The Big Think-A-Thon below!). And it's time for SV2 Partners to nominate a fellow Partner for the Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen Social Impact Award. Also featured in this eNews: an update on our work with 2013-14 Education Grantee, The Big Lift, and information about a key feature of my.SV2 that’s empowering Partners to learn, share, and connect with each other. Enjoy!

— Team SV2

Ready for lightning?

Join us for the 2016 Lightning Grant Round, focused on organizations that provide opportunities for environmental learning and stewardship for local youth. This lighter touch, shorter duration grantmaking experience is designed to be accessible to a wide range of Partners, especially those who are unable to regularly attend traditional Grant Rounds. Read More

Tales of SV2 Engagement: The Big Lift

The Big Lift, SV2's first collective impact Grantee, was selected in the 2013-2014 Education Grant Round and is now in its second year of its three-year grant. Over the past two years, The Big Lift has made big strides toward its goal of raising the portion of San Mateo County third graders reading at grade level from 57% to 80% by 2020. SV2 Partners have played a number of Beyond-the-Dollars roles with The Big Lift throughout this period - keep reading to learn how. Read More

The Big Think-A-Thon

Save the date - May 10th - for SV2’s 2016 Spring Gathering: The Big Think-A-Thon. In addition to mingling, Partners and Grantees will team up for some powerful on-the-spot brainstorming and conversation related to challenges and opportunities faced by Grantees in their work right now. You won't want to miss this engaging evening. RSVP here now! Read More

my.SV2: Why use discussion boards?

Imagine that you just read an insightful article, which introduced you to a thoughtful new approach to international development, challenging your thinking and shifting your perceptions. If only there were an easy way to share it with others at SV2 with a common interest in this topic. Enter my.SV2, our new collaboration platform! Read More

Nominations for the Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen Social Impact Award

The Laura Arrillaga-Andreessen Social Impact Award was created in 2010 and is named for SV2’s Founder. Each year, the award is presented to a Partner who has gone above and beyond in his or her dedication and work for SV2 and/or our Grantees. Keep reading to learn more about past recipients and how to nominate a fellow Partner for this award. Read More

What SV2’s reading

Welcome, New SV2 Partners!

Upcoming Events

tues. MAR. 8 | 6:30PM - 8:45PM

Impact Investment Round Meeting 

Partners will review due diligence and potentially vote on investments. Light dinner provided.

SV2 - 350 TWIN DOLPHIN DR., SUITE 103

sat. mar. 12 | 12:30pm - 2:30pm

SV2 Kids at My New Red Shoes

SV2 Partner and Prospective Partner families (with children 4-12) are invited to volunteer together at My New Red Shoes. My New Red Shoes helps homeless and low-income children look confident as they start the school year by providing them with new clothing and shoes. After volunteering, we'll gather at the SV2 office from 2:00-2:30pm for snacks and socializing. Please RSVP here and bring this waiver with you. Volunteers are encouraged to bring a new pair of athletic shoes to donate (see here for shoe donation guidelines).

My new red shoes - 330 twin dolphin dr., suite 135, Redwood city

Tues. mar. 15 | 11:15am - 1:30pm

Education Grant Round Meeting 

Partners will report out on site visits conducted in the previous few weeks and decide which remaining applicants to invite for finalist presentations. Lunch provided.

SV2 - 350 TWIN DOLPHIN DR., SUITE 103

Thurs. mar. 17 | 11:15am - 1:30pm

International Grant Round Meeting 

Based on applications received from 10 organizations, Partners will select up to 6 for a Q&A call or meeting with a few Partners (who will craft a report to share at the next meeting). Lunch provided.

SV2 - 350 TWIN DOLPHIN DR., SUITE 103

tues. mar. 22 | 8:30am - 2:30pm

SV2 Board Retreat

tues. April 12 | 11:15am - 1:30pm

Education Grant Round Meeting

Partners will hear presentations from the 2-3 finalist organizations. Lunch provided.

SV2 - 350 TWIN DOLPHIN DR., SUITE 103

Mon. & tues. April 18-19 | 9:00am - 4:00pm

The Essentials of Strategies for Problem Solving Philanthropy with Stanford PACS & SV2

Paul Brest, a faculty co-director of Stanford PACS and SV2 Partner, will lead this highly interactive workshop, walking participants through the essentials of nonprofit and philanthropic strategy. Small groups will work together to apply the basic elements of strategic planning to real-world problems―from defining the problem to designing a theory of change to evaluating outcomes. Participants will develop strategies that help ensure long-term impact for philanthropic objectives, rather than just the illusion of results. Space is limited; please request reservation by March 15.

stanford PACs - 559 nathan abbott way, Stanford

Grantee Events

MAR. 4 | Village Enterprise - 'Chip in for Africa' Casino Night (San Carlos)

MAR. 10 | Somos Mayfair - 'Gracias a la Vida' Celebration & Luncheon (San Jose)
 

Partner Organized Events

MAR. 7 | Understanding the Refugee Crisis & How We Can Play a Role in Helping (Redwood Shores)

MAR. 22 | SV2 Movie Night, POVERTY, INC. - Showing & Discussion with Village Enterprise (Portola Valley)
 

Curated Events

MAR. 8 & 22 | SSIR Webinar Series "The New Network Leader" (Webinar)

MAR. 23 & 29 | "Who's in the Money this Year?" (Webinar)

APRIL 25-26 | SVP 2016 Leadership Retreat (Scottsdale, AZ)

MAY 3-5 | SSIR's Frontiers of Social Innovation Forum (Stanford)

SV2, Silicon Valley Social Venture Fund, is a community of more than 200 individuals who have joined together to learn about effective giving and pool their resources to invest in innovative nonprofits and social enterprises.