Connecting Millennials and Gen Z to Philanthropy: SVPSA’s Approach

Social Venture Partners San Antonio (SVPSA) wants to discover ways to get Gen Z and Millennials engaged with philanthropy by giving both time and treasure. As part of our strategy to cultivate more donors, we are finding ways to connect all generations for the betterment of our community. One initiative is to collaborate with the United Way of Bexar County’s … Read More

Bexar Branches: Cultivating a Greener, Healthier San Antonio

Jaci Randel and Bexar Branches Alliance

For Jaci Randel, the vision of a healthier environment where everyone can thrive has always been at the heart of her work. This passion led her to help establish Bexar Branches Alliance in 2021, a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing San Antonio’s urban forests. Jaci’s journey to founding this organization is a testament to her lifelong commitment to making the world … Read More

Unveiling the Magic Behind Magik Theatre’s Success

A story of how SVPSA’s Catchafire program made a difference In the heart of San Antonio, Magik Theatre stands as a beacon of creativity and imagination, captivating audiences of all ages with its spellbinding productions. But behind the scenes, Director of Development, Heather, had a vision to enhance the theater’s operations and ensure its continued success. Enter our hero, Jack, … Read More

Steven Meyer: A Local Leader Committed to Community Impact

With deep roots in the San Antonio community and a passion for making a difference, Steven is a welcome addition to our network of changemakers. As Branch Manager at ABC Home and Commercial Services in San Antonio, Steven brings a wealth of leadership experience and a commitment to enhancing community welfare.

Helping nonprofits make an impact

After moving to San Antonio in 2022, Rebecca White quickly found her niche. With two decades of experience in the nonprofit world, including five years leading her own consulting firm, she immediately started to explore the local nonprofit landscape.

When she learned about SVPSA from Partner Billy Cox, she was captivated.

“At first I thought wow, could this be? Maybe I don’t understand what he’s saying,” she said. “Then I dug into SVPSA and I was just so impressed.”

SVPSA discusses how to support mental health programs for youth

Social Venture Partners San Antonio hosted a sold out crowd of community leaders who gathered to learn more about how to support the mental health programs helping youth in our area. Why was this so important to SVPSA? Our focus is to cultivate an ongoing learning journey helping us to discover how to give better and to dig deep into … Read More

Teaching kids life lessons through golf

first tee San Antonio

“The thing I loved about the SVP fellowship was that it was more tactical toward what you’re doing every day,” she said. “With me being new to nonprofits, looking at the financials, HR, marketing, fundraising – the information was incredible. But beyond that, the conglomeration of other nonprofit leaders just sharing ideas with the tools we were given from SVP was truly invaluable.”
Zamora is one example of how First Tee of Greater San Antonio is changing the lives of young people. First Tee San Antonio is the local chapter of a national youth development organization that empowers kids and teens through golf.

Supporting moms and families

When Tia Gibson’s younger brother died tragically, she was lost in grief. 
“I didn’t realize how deep-rooted it was. I didn’t know how to deal with it, but I knew I still had my children to take care of,” Gibson said. “I decided I needed to do something that would allow me to feel again and to live out his legacy.”

That’s when she decided to start Monster Moms…

A new generation of philanthropy

Garrett Brown

At 35, Garrett Brown is among the youngest SVPSA Partners, which gives him a unique perspective on engaging the next generation of philanthropists. He also has more than a decade of experience in recruiting millennial leaders to serve in community. Garrett shares some things he has learned with SVPSA.

While he believes younger professionals have a strong desire to serve, they don’t always understand the need in their communities. The key is telling a story effectively, and use appropriate communication channels to let them know what’s happening close to home, Brown said.
While he believes younger professionals have a desire to serve, they don’t always understand the need in their communities. The key is using their communication channels to let them know what’s happening close to home, Brown said.

SVPSA Founder Helmle receives Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award

Harriet Helmle Texas Volunteer Award

Harriet Marmon Helmle, a founding partner and first Executive Director of Social Venture Partners San Antonio, was recently recognized for her lifetime of exemplary service at the 39th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Helmle is a financial advisor of new client relationships for CAPTRUST, financial advisory firm in San Antonio.

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced Helmle’s award for the Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award on Feb. 2 at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.