Q1: How did you learn about SVP Chicago?

I’ve known Erik and Shani Harmon for more than 20 years, so when we relocated back to Chicago seven years ago, I was looking to get involved in some kind of nonprofit work and Erik suggested joining SVP. And it’s perfect because SVP gives me the flexibility to do what I can based on my own availability.

Q2: You and Chris joined SVP as a household, so you must have some shared philanthropic goals to do that?

I don’t think we had any set philanthropic goals, but we knew we needed to give back. And it’s funny because I think Chris and I have sort of different philosophies about philanthropy. Chris is of the mind that you support certain organizations year after year so that they can count on your contribution, and I’m definitely more impulsive. We’re still trying to figure out how to plan that, but it’s probably going to be some kind of hybrid model.

I hadn’t actually formally thought about philanthropic goals until I recently saw a preview of the partner impact measures at a board meeting which highlighted how SVP becomes your partner in thinking about goals so you can figure out your own personal philanthropic strategy.

Q3: What’s been your most meaningful experience with SVP Chicago so far?

One of the best feelings I’ve gotten was when we were preparing for a presentation and Chellee and Shanda had this breakout Q&A. Just hearing their conversation was so amazing because it’s always been so hard for me to put into words what the ED benefits were because I’m such a numbers person and I want measurable, tangible outcomes. But to hear Chellee talk about the benefits she got out of it – building her confidence and being about to go to her board more prepared – I realized, “Oh! That’s why we do this!”

The big reward comes from when you hear the EDs talk about what they’ve been able to achieve and how they are doing their work differently or more confidently because of the interaction with SVP, and that really gets to me.

As a partner, it’s sometimes just answering calls that make a difference – that’s what people need the most, and that’s been a major shift in my perspective on how to support nonprofits.

Q4: You came into SVP at the tail end of our investment cycle model. How have you experienced SVP’s evolution?

I think we’re going in the right direction. We’re tapping into organizations that aren’t getting help from others, so it’s really an unmet need. And I do like the fact that they are mostly small organizations where we can make a big difference, and we can really build the relationship with the EDs.