The Fellow Experience
SVP does not have an open Fellowship position at the moment. Read on to learn more and contact Jennie Arbogash if you would like to be added to the waiting list.
About SVP Boulder County
Social Venture Partners Boulder County (SVP) is a network of accomplished individuals who combine their passion for philanthropy with their professional, volunteer, or life skills in order to aid in the success of local non-profits. Our member Partners improve the capacity and sustainability of investees (grantees) through volunteer consulting projects in 10 core areas of organizational infrastructure. Furthermore, SVP informs, inspires, and prepares Partners to have a greater philanthropic impact. SVP is a fund of The Community Foundation and is a member of Social Venture Partners International, a federation of 26 SVP affiliates. One of the key characteristics of a strong, healthy network of people is to have a diverse group of Partners, bringing a range of backgrounds, perspectives, and cultures to the organization.
About the Fellows Program
In that spirit, SVP announces a Fellowship opening for community-minded individuals working and/or living in Boulder County. The intent is to open SVP's doors to people that couldn't otherwise make the full required financial commitment per year and who will add value to, and get personal value from, the work and conversations within SVP. Fellows contribute significantly to the success of our capacity building work with non-profits.
We will award one new Fellowship in late Spring of 2011, and encourage people of all backgrounds, races, and classes to apply that meet the following criteria:
• You have a desire to make a significant contribution to your community.
• You have experience and knowledge in at least one core infrastructure area that you are willing to share with non-profits as a volunteer consultant. This year we will place an emphasis on Marketing, Board Development, Human Resources, Information Technology, and general non-profit management expertise.
• You are someone that will bring a diverse set of perspectives and experiences.
• You would not otherwise have the financial means to join SVP.
• You live and/or work in Boulder County.
• You are at least 21 years of age.
Fellows will participate fully and be involved in SVP just like any other Partner.* Participation in SVP would include involvement in a committee, participating as a volunteer, and attending Partner meetings. We ask for an interim and final report from each Fellow and expect a minimum average contribution of 96 hours per year. Fellows may have either for-profit or non-profit experience.
* The only exception is that Fellows may not vote on matters of policy, such as the amount of annual dues, or serve on the Executive Committee.
Involvement Opportunities
This is a unique opportunity to receive hands-on learning experience on grant giving, community issues, and how to work strategically with a non-profit. The SVP experience is centered on our community of like-minded professionals from Boulder County. Involved Partners not only help us grow and add value to non-profits, they also learn from each other in our team environment. As a Fellow you will have the opportunity to volunteer your time in the following ways:
Portfolio Grants Committee: SVP runs one primary grant cycle during the spring of each year. The PGC is responsible for educating itself on community issues, reviewing proposals, conducting site visits, ensuring due diligence and making a final recommendation to the Partnership. Committee members gain an understanding of the local non-profit sector, insight into issue areas, learn how to evaluate grant proposals and non-profits, and how to make group funding decisions.
Volunteer Teams: Once a non-profit becomes an SVP investee, the engagement process starts with the volunteer team. The team focuses on supporting the non-profit in capacity building projects. Fellows have a choice of which projects they would like to work on during the year but they must do some consulting work with Investees in at least one of our 10 core capacity areas.
Partner Education Events and Socials: SVP values supporting the personal growth of our Partners through partner education events and socials. We hold various Partner events centered on community issues and philanthropy as well as provide opportunities for Partners to meet informally and connect. As a Fellow you are encouraged to attend as many events as your schedule permits! Or, you may want to organize an event for the Partnership.
Application Process
When Fellowship positions become available, SVP will conduct an open call for applications and a selection committee will determine which individual is offered the position. You may add your name to the waiting list for immediate notification of openings by contacting Jennie Arbogash.
Download the most recent Fellows RFA as a pdf to learn more about applying.
