The new Generosity Commission report confirms what we’ve long believed at SVPSA: strong nonprofits need more than just funding—they need strategic partnership.
The recently released Generosity Commission report “Everyday Actions, Extraordinary Potential” reveals important trends in American giving and volunteering that have direct implications for San Antonio’s nonprofit sector. As Social Venture Partners San Antonio (SVPSA) works to strengthen our local nonprofit ecosystem, several key findings deserve our attention:
- The Power of Partnership
- The report emphasizes that community foundations and giving networks play a crucial role in building nonprofit capacity. This aligns perfectly with SVPSA’s model of engaged philanthropy, where partners contribute not just funds but also professional expertise to help nonprofits thrive.
- Building Trust Through
- Transparency The research shows that trust in nonprofits increases with familiarity. SVPSA’s hands-on approach, where partners work closely with nonprofit leaders, helps build that crucial trust bridge between donors and organizations.
- Focusing on Capacity Building
- One clear recommendation is the need for increased investment in nonprofit fundraising capacity. This validates SVPSA’s emphasis on strengthening organizational infrastructure through targeted capacity-building grants and professional expertise.
- Engaging Next-Generation Donors
- The report highlights the importance of engaging younger donors who often prefer direct involvement with causes. SVPSA’s model of active participation and clear impact measurement speaks directly to these next-generation philanthropists.
- Supporting Small, Local Organizations
- Research shows smaller, community-based nonprofits have been most affected by declining donor participation rates. This underscores the importance of SVPSA’s focus on supporting emerging and mid-sized local organizations.
Examples of SVPSA’s Impact:
Mission Pitch: This signature program exemplifies how SVPSA is building fundraising capacity in our community. By training nonprofit leaders in storytelling and connecting them with potential new donors, we’re directly addressing the report’s emphasis on strengthening nonprofit fundraising capabilities.
Capacity Building Partnerships: Through our work with organizations like Youth Code Jam and The Lemonade Circle, SVPSA partners provide strategic planning, financial management, and operational expertise – exactly the kind of support the report identifies as crucial.
Cross-Sector Collaboration: Our partnerships with Methodist Healthcare Ministries, the H.E. Butt Foundation and the San Antonio Area Foundation and other local funders demonstrate the report’s recommendation for community foundations to take leading roles in encouraging giving and volunteering.
Be Part of the Solution: Join SVPSA
The Generosity Commission’s report makes one thing clear: strengthening our nonprofit sector requires more than just funding—it demands engaged, committed partners willing to share both resources and expertise. As we look to the future, SVPSA offers a proven model for creating lasting impact in San Antonio.
Why Become a Partner Now?
- Make a Deeper Impact: Your professional skills combined with your philanthropic giving can transform local nonprofits
- Join a Community of Leaders: Connect with like-minded professionals committed to building a stronger San Antonio
- See Your Impact: Work directly with nonprofits and witness their transformation
- Learn and Grow: Gain new perspectives and skills while making a difference
- Be Part of the Solution: Help address the challenges identified in the Generosity Commission’s report right here in our community