Our Investees

Current Investees

MedWish repurposes medical supplies and equipment discarded by the healthcare industry to provide humanitarian aid in developing countries to save lives and to reduce waste to save our environment.

Executive Director: Josh Kravitz First Grant Year: 2011

Lead Partner: Dick Cahoon

Total Impact to date 12/31/2012

Value of volunteer hours from partners and friends	$50,600 $ 5,400
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$30,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$15,120
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	tbd
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 337%	$101,120

Results and Accomplishments:

Use of SVP grants:

2011: expedite inventory flow and warehouse improvements
2012: EMT training for warehouse manager to expand knowledge of medical supplies and equipment
2012: Partial cost of Bridge Builders program for marketing and communications manager
2012: Partial costs of executive director search

Organizational Design & Development – To develop leadership capabilities and succession planning: New annual review process includes peer feedback; staff participation in strategic planning connected staff with board members and led to greater ownership. Only two of eleven staff left in 2012.
Inventory Management: Assisted in development of RFP; vendor selected to create industry-leading inventory management system making MW first medical supply redistribution organization (MSRO) to implement such a specialized, intricate system. MW owns software code with potential sale to other MSROs for revenue generation.
Changes in warehouse floor plan and procedure resulted in faster sort time, quicker ability to redistribute aid, less trash, and higher level of satisfaction from end recipient based on monthly dashboard data.
Josh Kravitz hired as new executive director in a national search. Josh has breadth of experience as COO for MSRO in Atlanta and helped start a national association of MSROs.
MedWish nominated by SVP and accepted as one of 30 investees network-wide to participate in the 2012 SVP Conference workshop, Scaling Impact.

Volunteer Partners/Friends of SVP and their Key Contributions

Following OCAT by board and staff, Dick Cahoon examined with them their shared visions to put all stakeholders on same page regarding mission and growth.
Dave Bischel (Dick’s colleague from Dealer Tire) worked with MW to create system audit to understand current inventory management. He created RFP to various inventory management firms.
With Dick’s assistance, staff made changes in warehouse floor plan and implemented procedures to increase efficiency.

1. Created three shipping bays for container shipments to expedite loading and reduce chance of losing product

2. Created a “triage” for donated supplies to expedite sort time, vastly increasing turn-around time

3. Evaluation of time and ability to ship expired products led to discontinuance of recovery of expired supplies.

Pam Conover and Chris Renner began assessment of volunteer management; project on hold following hiring of volunteer manager. Will be considered in 2013.

Open Doors Academy protects, inspires, nurtures, and challenges adolescents to reach their full potential by providing meaningful out-of-school enrichment programs in a safe and structured environment.

Executive Director: Annemarie Grassi First grant year: 2012

Lead Partner: Dominique Litmaath River

Total Impact to date 12/31/2012:

Value of volunteer hours from partners and friends	$ 6,120
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$15,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ 1,000
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	tbd
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 147% to date!	$22,100

Projects

Fundraising Strategy: diversity financial support; develop an integrated funding plan
Human Resources: leadership development & succession planning; strengthen internal procedures & communication; increase opportunities for engaged learning and training for staff; enhance hiring, management, and retention systems
Board Development: Increase board member engagement; support board with additional external expertise
Community Engagement: Increase volunteer engagement

Results and Accomplishments:

ODA is using SVP’s grant to increase visibility in the community through marketing and public relations.
Organizational Capacity Assessment Tool (OCAT) completed by ODA senior staff and several board members.
Work plan developed with ODA executive director based on priorities identified in OCAT.
Lead Partner Dominique River met with ODA’s new development director regarding fundraising strategy.
SVP partners and ODA board governance committee held brainstorming session on best practices.

Volunteer Partners/Friends of SVP and their Key Contributions:

Dominique Litmaath River and Kevin Shaw were co-facilitators of the board governance brainstorming session. Other partners and staff who participated were Mary Bright, Marcia Levine, Sylvia Perez, Dick Cahoon, Hilary Sparks-Roberts, and Linda Springer.

SVP Partners who continue to assist in time-only engagements following the culmination of SVP’s three-year engagement maximize the leverage value of our every partner’s contribution and SVP’s original grant:

Famicos Foundation – Marcia Levine
Progressive Arts Alliance – Chann Spellman serves as President of the PAA board of directors
Near West Theatre – Kevin Shaw serves on the NWT board of directors

Emeritus Investees

Adoption Network Cleveland (ANC) supports anyone touched by adoption – adoptees, birthparents, adoptive parents, foster youth and alumni, foster parents, and professionals. ANC recognizes adoption as a lifelong journey. ANC connects and empowers individuals, organizations and communities impacted by adoption and foster care, provides healing for those in need.

Executive Director: Betsie Norris Years of Engagement: 2007- 2010

Lead Partner: Jon Adams

Value of volunteer hours from partners	$ 30,000
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$ 60,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ ??
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	Priceless!
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 150%	$90,000

Results and Accomplishments

Use of SVP’s grants: marketing and general operations
Projects: Coaching, Marketing, Program Replication, Technology

Volunteer Partners: Reka Barabas, Jamie Cole, Pam Conover, Joni Marra, Anna Penner, Brad Reynolds, Joyce Shaw, Cynthia Tancer

E CITY (Entrepreneurship: Connecting, Inspiring & Teaching Youth) teaches entrepreneurship to low-income young people by improving their academic, business, technology and life skills so that they can become economically productive members of society and break the cycle of poverty. In January 2011, E CITY merged with Youth Opportunities Unlimited.

President: Deborah Perkins Years of Engagement: 2005-2010

Lead Partner: Mary Bright

Value of volunteer hours from partners	$ 67,000
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$ 65,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ ??
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	Priceless!
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 203%	$132,000

Results and Accomplishments

Use of SVP grants: president search and general operations.
Projects: Development, Human Resources, Operations, Marketing

Volunteer Partners: Kay Carlson, Charlie Farrell, Desikan Gandarvakottai, Ann Garland, Shilpa Kedar, Marcia Levine, Randy Markey, Tim McCarthy, Dominique River, Sonni Senkfor, Kevin Shaw

Famicos Foundation is a community development corporation that improves the physical and social landscape of neighborhoods through real estate development, community organizing, programs, and services. Famicos provides programs in youth development, education, literacy, and technology and ongoing emergency services that help people stay in their homes.

Executive Director: John Anoliefo Years of Engagement: 2006 – 2010

Lead Partner: Marcia Levine

Value of volunteer hours from partners	$57,383
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$ 74,217
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ ??
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	Priceless!
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 177%	$131,600

Results and Accomplishments:

Use of SVP’s grants: to hire a development director, for marketing, and for general operations

· Increased marketing efforts and communication of outcomes

· Increased community awareness about Famicos’ mission

· Improved gathering of client information to better plan, operate and fund programs and services

· Executive Coaching

· Governance

· Fundraising strategy consulting

Volunteer Team: Jamie Cole, Charlene Hyle, Shameka Jones, Russell Lamb, Rob Martens, Anju Mathew, Bronwyn Monroe, Joyce Shaw, Kevin Shaw, Heather Sherwin, Cynthia Tancer

Marcia continues to work with Famicos Foundation in a time-only engagement of SVP.

Family Connections provides quality early childhood education serving children of all abilities and backgrounds to encourage and support families raising young children.

Executive Director: Joanne Federman Grant Years: 2008 – 2011

Lead Partner: Rob Martens

Value of volunteer hours from partners	$ 25,000
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$ 55,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ ??
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	Priceless!
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 145%	$80,000

Family Connections used SVP’s grant for marketing materials and general operations.

Projects: Marketing, Performance and Outcomes Measurement, Technology

Volunteer Partners/Friends of SVP and their Key Contributions

Rob Martens evaluated technology needs and assisted with designing specifications and selecting vendors
Reka Barabas assisted with website improvements by proofreading and testing links.
Diane Bergeron offered consultation on outcomes evaluation

The Intergenerational School enables children to learn in a timeframe and manner that suits their individual capabilities. Age is not the single, most important factor in organizing the educational environment and experiences. Students learn and thrive in flexible multi-age classes based on developmental needs. They learn in their own way and at their own pace for an individually tailored experience.

Executive Director: Brooke King Grant Years: 2010-2012

Lead Partner: Gil Lowenthal

Value of volunteer hours from partners and friends	$ 860 $ 7,000
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$22,500
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ 500+
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	Priceless!
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 138%	$30,860

Results and Accomplishments:

Use of SVP’s grants: to purchase software for student evaluation and marketing
TIS made progress in developing a specialized data system to fit their educational model to track student progress in very individualized learning plans.
TIS opened its second school on the Near West Side while dealing with challenges including adapting to the new organizational structure with Breakthrough Charter Schools as the umbrella organization, issues with its landlord, its charter sponsor and with CMSD, AND with Brooke out early in the year on maternity leave!

Volunteer Partners/Friends of SVP and their Key Contributions

Gil Lowenthal (Lead Partner) provided general assistance to Brooke in adjusting to the many changes and issues identified above. Brooke indicated that she valued the time and advice/guidance from Gil.
Dominique River advised TIS on its compensation strategy for teachers.
Mark Moresky (friend of Gil) began to identify software to determine which can be adapted to TIS’ unique student evaluation systems.
Stacey Miller (friend of Rob Martens) assisted in writing an RFP for a customized data system for student evaluation. She branched out to work with all of the schools in Breakthrough.
Mary Bright helped Brooke strategize ways to prepare the Board for committee changes and bylaws revision.
Susan Troia (friend of Gil) provided major direction for TIS’ first (and successful) fundraiser and aided the new (first) full time Development director.

Near West Theatre provides youth of Cleveland’s Near West Side with an alternative to drugs, violence and vandalism by involving them in the theater arts. Children, youth and adults participate in Near West Theatre’s productions, acquiring performance and technical training.

Executive Director: Stephanie Morrison-Hrbek Grant Years: 2003-2006

Lead Partner: Kevin Shaw

Value of volunteer hours from partners	$ 8,100
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$ 96,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ 10,000+++
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	Priceless!
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 118%	$114,100

Results and Accomplishments:

Use of SVP’s grants: to hire a development director to increase fundraising success
Executive coaching, assistance in developing job description for development director, referral of candidates, assistance in interviewing, research of potential fundraising database software

Volunteer Partners/Friends of SVP and their Key Contributions

Shilpa Kedar researched fundraising databases and made recommendations
Kevin Shaw provided executive coaching

Progressive Arts Alliance inspires students to reach their full potential by providing unique and relevant learning experiences using contemporary arts and 21^st century media.

Executive Director: Santina Protopapa Engagement Years: 2008 -2012

Lead Partners: Chann Spellman (2010 – 2012) and Sonni Senkfor (2008-2010)

Total Impact to date 9/24/2012

Value of volunteer hours from partners and friends	$20,000
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$60,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$45,110
Projected impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	$500,000++
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 541%	$625,110

Results and Accomplishments:

Use of SVP’s grants: salary of a part-time development coordinator. Contributed revenue increased 83% in the first year and $500K in grants was raised in three years!
PAA’s board of directors made dramatic improvements in governance structure and policies:
Board giving increased from less than 60% to 100%!
PAA began implementing new fee-for-service activities with Cuyahoga County Public Library system.
PAA now uses monthly cash-flow projections.

Volunteer Partners/Friends of SVP and their Key Contributions

Lead Partner Chann Spellman helped Santina and the board develop committee descriptions and work plans, member job descriptions, and a tenure process.
Chann and Mary Bright did initial brainstorming about board committees.
Kevin Shaw assisted PAA’s accountant in developing monthly cash-flow projections with back reconciliations.
Kevin Shaw made suggestions for engaging board members.
Chann worked on annual planning for board and staff fundraising activities.
Mary Bright provided advice on a personnel situation.

Chann continues to work with PAA in a time-only engagement of SVP.

Youth Opportunities Unlimited (Y.O.U) serves at-risk youth through innovative programs that link employers, schools and youth to provide work and life skills, facilitate work-based learning, and assist with job development, recruitment, and placement.

President: Carol Rivchun

Lead Partner: Mary Bright Grant Years: 2002-2005

Value of volunteer hours from partners	$ 62,500
SVP direct financial contributions (grants awarded)	$ 120,000
Indirect contributions – donations from partners, friends, businesses, co-investments, in-kind – because of introduction by SVP	$ ??
Projected operational impact from SVP-supported projects/initiatives	Priceless!
Totals SVP grant was leveraged 152%	$182,500

Results and Accomplishments:

Use of SVP’s grants:
Designed and implemented a human resources strategy for the organization’s 50 employees following the merger of three organizations
Developed a streamlined system for incorporating community volunteers into Y.O.U.’s programs
Tracked employer relationships to achieve mutually beneficial goals

Ongoing impact:

2012: SVP connected Y.O.U. to a grant opportunity with the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation in which Y.O.U. was awarded $130,000 for outcomes evaluation.
2012: SVP nominated Y.O.U., which was accepted, as one of the investees network-wide to participate in the SVP Conference workshop, “Scaling Impact” in Portland. ED Carol Rivchun and Board Chair Brian Broadbent will attend.