Paul Brainerd of Aldus Corporation created the Social Venture Partners (SVP) model in 1997, with co-founders Scott Oki and Ida Cole of Microsoft, Bill Neukom, Microsoft General Counsel, and Maggie and Doug Walker, WRQ software.

Their vision was to build a philanthropic community using a model that paralleled venture capital practices. SVP is a network of business and community leaders who believe that they can have a positive impact on their communities by investing in nonprofit organizations that are using innovative strategies to address complex community issues.  There are currently 22 communities using this model.

Donlea will talk about the impact of this model on communities and what it takes to start an SVP. (www.svpi.org)