·         Is an SVP Partner required to give their time as well as the $5,000 annual contribution?

No. SVP certainly wants Partners to get involved with their time and expertise, but some Partners just don't have time to commit, and that is OK. About 30% of Cleveland SVP Partners contribute money only. Many Partners contribute their time for a while, take a break, and then get involved again, as professional and family commitments allow.

·         Can I become a Partner by giving just my time and expertise but not the $5,000 annual contribution?

No, but friends and business associates can contribute skills and time as part of the Volunteer Teams' work with our investees.

·         Is $5,000 the only giving level?

Partners may elect to contribute more than $5,000 to SVP. Partners give at the level that matches their passion for the impact that SVP has in the community.

Partner Pairs (spouses, domestic partners, business partners, colleagues or friends) may join SVP together for a total contribution of $5,000. 

SVP also offers an Associate Partner contribution level of $2,500 for those who are under 40 years old.

For those who cannot otherwise meet the annual financial contribution, click here to learn more about the Fellows program. A fellowship requires participation, but not a financial commitment. 

·         Is my annual contribution tax-deductible?

Yes. Cleveland SVP is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and all contributions to SVP are fully tax-deductible.

·         When is my annual contribution due?

Individuals become SVP Partners at the time they make their first payment to the organization at any time of the year and renew annually on that anniversary. Annual contributions can be paid in full once a year, or in equal payments semi-annually or quarterly.

·         Can Partners designate their contribution to a particular investee?

No. All Partner contributions go into a pooled fund. SVP is like a mutual fund investment for a Partner, not an investment in an individual organization. Partners interested in supporting the work of a particular investee may provide volunteer services. Of course, they may contribute additional funds to investees on their own.

·         Can I pay for SVP Partnership with something other than cash?

Yes, you can use corporate matching funds and stock transfers.

·         Do Partners continue as members for more than two years?

To date, approximately 85% to 90% of SVP Partners have re-committed to renew their membership in succeeding years.

·         Your mission statement talks about "developing philanthropy and volunteerism." What does that mean?

SVP has an ongoing curriculum of workshops, seminars, and resources for its Partners, addressing personal philanthropy, social entrepreneurism, and social issues. Events are listed on our events listing. We assess the outcomes of our work n developing philanthropy. The chart below indicates changes in partners' strategic approach to giving since joining SVP: