Information for Philanthropists
Social Ventures Australia (SVA) was established in 2002 as an independent non-profit organisation. We invest in social change by helping increase the impact and build the sustainability of those in the social sector.
SVA’s investments are focused on high potential organisations that are fostering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our community. We provide funding and strategic support to carefully selected non-profit partners, as well as offering consulting services to the social sector more broadly, including philanthropists who are endeavouring to be more strategic in their approach to giving.
As a non-profit organisation at the forefront of sector development and innovation, SVA works in collaboration with sector partners, as well as government, business, and some of Australia’s leading philanthropists. Because of the tangible, measurable and enduring benefits to society that flow from our model, SVA refers to the philanthropists who fund the work we do as ‘social investors’.
Many social investors want to do more than just give money; they want to contribute their expertise and skills, monitor the impact of their philanthropy and participate in the journey of making change happen.
This growing movement of individuals, private foundations and corporations have discovered a more deeply engaged way of giving – this is known as engaged philanthropy.
To help you to quickly find the information that you need on our site, here are some of the ways that philanthropists (private funders, corporate foundations and trusts) currently engage with SVA.
Support SVA’s work
SVA believes that lifting education and employment participation levels is the most effective foundation for achieving sustainable, broad based and breakthrough change in disadvantaged communities.
We work on initiatives that are focused on this goal, ranging from supporting high potential non-profit ventures already delivering services in these areas, to collaborating with partners across sectors to design and implement better programs, to providing evidence of what works to influence a more efficient flow of capital to the social sector.
Of utmost importance to funders, SVA helps drive real social change in a highly accountable manner, regularly reporting on our performance. Additionally, we provide opportunities to take part in regular events so our funders can witness the impact of their generosity firsthand.
Find out how to support SVA’s work.
Engage SVA consulting services
Prudent funding decisions are imperative to ensure positive social returns and measurable impacts are achieved from philanthropic investments.
A growing list of philanthropists, including private funders, corporate foundations and trusts have engaged SVA Consulting to use its extensive experience, networks and strategic planning skills to support them in making informed decisions on their social investments.
Find out more about SVA’s consulting services to funders.
Invest in an emerging asset class
Through the GoodStart Childcare bid for 660 of the ABC Learning childcare centres, SVA established a precedent proving that there are investors who will invest in enterprises and accept reasonable commercial returns below conventional market rates, provided there is clear evidence of social impact.
While the Social Capital Notes in GoodStart are now fully subscribed, SVA is continuing to look for ways to link investors to the right ‘for purpose’ investment opportunities, where the return offered will be a combination of both social and financial outcomes.
Find out more about how to invest in an emerging asset class.
Utilise the services of Australian Philanthropic Services
In April 2012 the SVA Private Ancillary Fund Service and team rebranded to Australian Philanthropic Services (APS), to provide greater focus and accelerate growth plans.
APS is a separate entity within Social Ventures Australia focussed on inspiring and supporting philanthropy and effective grantmaking, APS has a unique model, operating as a not-for- profit business and being completely independent. Find out more.
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Quick links for philanthropists:
If you would like discuss how you could support SVA’s work, please contact Jo Fenner on (02) 8004 6710, or via email on jfenner@socialventures.com.au.