Social Venture Partners to make first investment in Toronto

TORONTO, May 12, 2007 – This Wednesday is a big day for a new group of Toronto philanthropists, as Social Venture Partners Toronto meets to make its first investment in a not-for-profit agency working to combat poverty in Canada’s largest city.

Formed in November 2007, SVP Toronto is a unique partnership that brings together a broad group of professionals to invest time and money in the most pressing challenges facing the city. It is based on a proven “venture partnership” model that has attracted more than 1,800 partners in 20 cities across North America. The partners believe that by pooling their money, time and expertise, they can maximize their positive impact on Toronto.

“In just a few months, SVP Toronto has raised more than $125,000 – and we have proven that philanthropy isn’t just for the wealthy,” said Kathryn Wortsman, the founding chair of Social Venture Partners Toronto. “By offering donors more engagement and more education, SVP aims to deliver more money and more time for worthy causes — expanding the pie of charitable dollars in Toronto.”

On Wednesday May 14, more than 40 partners will meet to hear presentations from four not-for-profit agencies working to lift disadvantaged Toronto residents out of poverty. At the end of the evening, SVP Toronto will select one agency as its first investee.

About Social Venture Partners Toronto (www.svptoronto.org)
Social Venture Partners Toronto is a diverse network of professionals who are pioneering a new model of giving -- venture philanthropy. The group’s aim is to bring its collective expertise and resources to innovative nonprofits in Toronto, collaborating with them to strengthen their organizations and expand their capacity to transform local communities. SVP Toronto is a chapter of Social Venture Partners International.
 

For more information:

Daniel Tisch, SVP Leadership Committee
(416) 968-7311, ext 223
dtisch@argylecommunications.com