Welcome to Our 2023 Full Circle Program Participants!

SVP Pittsburgh and the Equity | Impact Center is proud to announce the selection of the participants for the 2023 Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator Program! 

The Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator, facilitated by Leigh Solomon Pugliano, is a proven capacity-building program designed to improve organizational efficiency, program implementation, and financial sustainability, and increase overall impact, through an equity-centered lens. The organizations in this years program will accelerate their growth through strategic workshops, impactful mentorship by our SVP Coaches, and relationship-building and networking opportunities. 

Learn more about the 2023 Full Circle program participants below!


2023 Full Circle Organizations

 

Communitopia exists to provide transformative climate change education that develops today’s climate leaders and advances equitable solutions with a vision to live in a world where solution-based climate change education will transform community thought and practice resulting in empowered and healthy local communities.

Visit the Communitopia website to learn more!

Connect with Communitopia: Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn


The Pittsburgh Robotics Network has grown and supports the regional robotics and autonomous systems businesses, careers and capital investments in southwestern Pennsylvania. The Pittsburgh Robotics Network envisions their commercial cluster to be the largest, and most successful in the world, offering competitive, sustainable and equitable opportunities for southwestern Pennsylvania.

Visit the Pittsburgh Robotics Network website to learn more!

Connect with Pittsburgh Robotics Network: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn


We Are Beautiful Outreach Program, Inc. provides quality mental health services and mentorship to young girls and women ages 5-18 years old and up. They are dedicated to building up the self-esteem of their program participants and cultivate the beauty within them. They also provide a safe space for girls to connect with mentors, learn and grow, and become female leaders who will positively impact the world.

Visit the We are Beautiful Outreach Program, Inc. website to learn more!


Women in Tech PGH (WIT PGH) is a human-centered workforce development and community for women in technology and growing companies who aim to impact 31,000 women in technology through community and human-centered skill development as they reinvent the path towards economic mobility.

Visit the Women in Tech Pittsburgh website to learn more!

Connect with Women in Tech PGH: Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedIn


 

Follow and connect with each organization to learn about their journey throughout the Full Circle Accelerator program! We hope to see you on Thursday, Dec. 7, from 5-7PM, to support each organization and celebrate the completion of the Full Circle program at the Final Pitch event.

 

Announcing the 2023 SVP Pittsburgh Fellows

2023 SVP Fellows | (left to right) Markeya Lowry, Lindsey Aquino-Robles, Shanae Phillips, Christine Gameos, Kaceme Djellouli

We’re excited to announce the fellows for our SVP Pittsburgh program! The 2023-2024 cohort of SVP Fellows were selected from an impressive pool of applicants. This year’s fellows will bring unique expertise and diverse experiences to SVP and the Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator Program, along with a passion for social justice, equity, and community engagement.

The SVP Fellowship is an 18-month-long program designed to provide the opportunity for those interested in civic engagement to bring their knowledge, skills, and expertise to nonprofit organizations in the region. The program offers professional development, increases knowledge on social issues and inequities that affect our community, and allows participants to build an expanded network within the nonprofit and corporate sectors.

Read about our 2023 Fellows below and learn more about SVP Pittsburgh program!


2023 SVP Fellows

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Markeya Lowry – Markeya, born and raised in Pittsburgh, PA, started her journey with writing just a short time ago. After graduating from Cal U of PA in 2009, with a BA in Sociology, Markeya went off to do her due diligence in social service working with high school students, troubled youth, homeless families, and individuals diagnosed with mental health and substance abuse. It was shortly after the birth of her lovely daughter, Navi Ahavah, that she was inspired to write her children’s book series, On a Mission, and created Birth of Ahavah LLC which provides trained birth doula and life coaching services. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lindsey Aquino-Robles – Lindsey, originally from Santa Cruz, CA, currently works in the Mayor’s Office as a Community Liaison, supporting the 90 neighborhoods in the city. After graduating from Saint Mary’s College of California with a BA in Politics and a BA in Spanish Linguistics, Lindsey moved to Pittsburgh to complete the year-long Coro Fellowship in Public Affairs. She serves on the board of ALPFA, and continues to support Senderos, a nonprofit organization in Santa Cruz that teaches Latino culture and history through dance and music. In her free time, she enjoys going on runs, volunteering, and finding new places to eat!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Shanae Phillips – Shanae has served as the Managing Director at Radiant Hall since 2018. She has a background in the visual arts and nonprofit administration and holds a Master’s Degree in Arts Management from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz College of Management. Since moving from Austin, TX, in 2010, Shanae has worked in Pittsburgh’s nonprofit arts sector for organizations including the Frank-Ratchye STUDIO for Creative Inquiry at CMU, The Andy Warhol Museum, Bach Choir of Pittsburgh, The Denis Theatre Foundation, and City of Asylum. She also currently serves as a board member for the Society to Preserve the Millvale Murals of Maxo Vanka.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christine Gameos – Christine is currently the Program & Community Engagement Coordinator with Strong Women, Strong Girls, where she builds community partnerships and opportunities for youth. Christine’s career matches her passion for youth development and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, trauma, and displacement. After earning her Master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh (GSPIA), she conducted postgraduate research on Education in Emergencies (EiE) in Greece’s largest refugee camp. She also supports the Pittsburgh Metropolitan Area Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, the Girl Scouts of Western PA, and the Mayor’s Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA) initiatives, while striving for equitable access to advocacy, education, and opportunity for all.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kaceme Djellouli – Kaceme currently serves as the Director of Operations at The Education Partnership where he distributes school supplies to local under-resourced schools. He earned a business administration degree in Supply Chain Management from Duquesne University in 2018 and a Certification in Planning and Inventory Management in 2019. Kaceme leverages his expertise to build an infrastructure that serves Pittsburgh’s communities in need. Previously, he served in the US military from 2006-2011 and was awarded the Humanitarian Service Medal for his work in Haiti. The experience inspires him to continue helping communities in need where the impact is greatest in the US.

Follow us on socials @svppgh to stay updated about all things SVP Pittsburgh!

Announcing the 2022 Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator Cohort!

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh and The Equity | Impact Center are collaborating to re-launch SVP Pittsburgh’s capacity-building program for small and mid-sized nonprofits in the Pittsburgh region. The Full Circle Accelerator Program addresses the key strategic and tactical operational challenges that nonprofits are experiencing with an intentional focus on equity. The three organizations selected for the 2022 cohort represent a diverse group of nonprofit organizations and leaders making a significant impact in our community. The selected nonprofits will engage in an intensive 14-week accelerator program that combines strategic consulting, workshops, networking and a pitch event. The program focuses on three areas of organizational effectiveness; growth strategy, financial sustainability, and communicating impact. The nonprofit leaders in the cohort will work with teams of coaches (SVP Partners) who bring various skills and expertise to support in developing strategic solutions to their growth challenges. Full Circle intentionally incorporates a space for the corporate and nonprofit sector to connect, build relationships, and develop collective solutions. The program culminates with the Final Pitch event on November 17th, which provides a platform for nonprofit leaders to tell their impact story.

 

The Citizen Science Lab

The Citizen Science Lab (TCSL) is Pittsburgh’s first community life sciences laboratory. A space where hands-on, discovery-based learning and STEM enrichment fuel inquisitive minds and enthusiasm for all things science. The Citizen Science Lab is a nonprofit OPEN TO ALL to observe, analyze, and explore the life sciences. 

 

Sisters Lifting As We Climb

The Sisters Lifting As We Climb Network is an intergenerational, personal, and professional support network for women of color. The Sisters Lifting As We Climb Network’s mission is to serve as a conduit to advance economic mobility for Black women while amplifying their voices and visibility in the City of Pittsburgh and beyond. 

 

Radiant Hall

Radiant Hall’s mission is to create and preserve studio environments for working artists. Radiant Hall provides a vibrant, sustainable support network for artists, centered around safe, functional, and affordable studio space. Radiant Hall enables a diverse community of artists specializing in a variety of disciplines to work alongside each other in a forward-thinking environment that fosters professional growth, experimentation, collaboration, and inspiration. Their work serves the Pittsburgh region in its aspiration to become a welcoming, inclusive, and viable community for all artists.

 


The Full Circle Accelerator Program is facilitated by Leigh Solomon Pugliano, President and CEO of the Equity |Impact Center. Nonprofits that successfully complete the program will receive an unrestricted financial award, professionally produced video, and additional resources/contributions from SVP Partners and program sponsors. 

 

The Equity | Impact Center addresses systemic inequity through broad social, cultural, and economic solutions and comprehensive, intentionally designed initiatives. The Equity | Impact Center provides capacity-building, leadership development, and organizational development support to advance social justice missions through programs and initiatives that address systemic inequity.

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh is a community of engaged philanthropists who contribute their expertise, skills, networks, and finances to grow the impact of nonprofits and tackle our community’s greatest challenges. SVP Pittsburgh’s core program is the Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator, which connects SVP Partners as executive coaches to accelerate the impact of Pittsburgh’s most innovative nonprofits.

 

Upcoming SVP Pittsburgh Events

 

Happy Hour with a Purpose

Current and prospective SVP Partners should join us on Tuesday, September 20th from 5 – 7 pm at Blue Sky (211 N Whitfield St, Pittsburgh, PA 15206) in East Liberty for a SVP Partner “Happy Hour with a Purpose”. Connect with SVP Partners, learn more about becoming an SVP Partner, and meet the nonprofit leaders in the current cohort. RSVP here.

 

Full Circle Final Pitch 

SAVE THE DATE for our Full Circle Final Pitch on Thursday, November 17th at 5PM. Learn about the impact of the incredible organizations in our program. More details to come.

SVP Pittsburgh Opens Application for the 2022 Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator Cohort

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh and the Equity | Impact Center are collaborating for the 2022 Full Nonprofit Accelerator, a capacity-building program for small and mid-sized nonprofits in the Pittsburgh region. The Full Circle Accelerator Program is designed to address the key strategic and tactical operational challenges that nonprofit organizations and their leaders experience. 

Full Circle is a proven capacity-building program designed to improve organizational efficiency, program implementation, financial sustainability, and increase overall impact. The 14-week cohort program incorporates workshops, mentoring, networking opportunities, and a pitch event. The program allows SVP’s Partners who serve as mentors and coaches to provide nonprofit leaders with resources, expertise, and strategic solutions that better prepare them to solve immediate and ongoing challenges within their organizations. Full Circle is designed to increase impact and improve overall financial sustainability. This year’s program will address the impact of COVID-19 and includes an intentional DEI focus for leaders seeking to improve their knowledge, skills, and awareness. There is no cost to participate in Full Circle. Nonprofits that successfully complete the program receive a $3,000 unrestricted award as well as additional resources, support, and financial contributions from SVP Partners and program sponsors. The Full Circle program culminates with the final pitch event, which provides a platform for nonprofit leaders to share their organization’s mission, impact, and organizational goals and needs to a broader audience.

The Full Circle curriculum areas of focus include: 

  • Organizational Growth Strategy
  • Financial Sustainability
  • Storytelling: Communicating Impact

 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA

  • Organizations that apply must be designated as 501(c)3 nonprofit organization (or have a fiscal sponsor) operating in or around Allegheny County.
  • Organizations that apply must designate at least two leadership staff who will participate consistently throughout the duration of the 14-week Full Circle program. The time commitment is approximately 60 hours over the 14-week period including 3 Saturday sessions.
  • Organizations, if selected, will be asked to submit their most recent annual report and/or year-end financial statements.

 

The 2022 program will include both in-person and virtual meetings and gatherings.

 

2022 Full Circle Application

 

 

About SVP Pittsburgh

SVP cultivates effective philanthropists, strengthens nonprofits, and invests in collaborative solutions – building powerful relationships to tackle our communities’ social challenges. 

 

About the Equity | Impact Center 

The Equity | Impact Center addresses systemic inequity through broad social, cultural, and economic solutions and comprehensive, intentionally designed initiatives.

 

Email questions to fullcircle@svppittsburgh.org 

 

Celebrating the Spring 2021 Cohort and Getting Ready for Fall!

The Spring 2021 cohort ended on June 24th with an incredible Final Pitch event and celebration! Each organization presented to SVP Partners, coaches, and Forbes Funds staff. The five organizations selected for the spring 2021 cohort represent a diverse group of nonprofit organizations and leaders directly addressing the needs of our community. We recognize how hard our nonprofit leaders are working to make an impact and hope that the Full Circle program provides some resources and tools to support their growth and sustainability. Thanks to sponsors Covalent and Straightforward Consulting, each organization was also awarded with a video highlighting the work of their organization. Please take a moment to watch the Spring 2021 Cohort Video to learn more about the work these organizations are doing and how you can support them.

 

The Spring 2021 Cohort Sponsors:

DipJar

Pineapple Payment

The Irick Group

Covalent

Straightforward Consulting

SVP Pittsburgh Partners

and with generous support from The Forbes Funds and The Pittsburgh Foundation


Applications are now open for the Fall 2021 Cohort!

Details:

The Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator; a program of Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh and The Forbes Funds

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF THE FULL CIRCLE NONPROFIT ACCELERATOR?
Organizations selected for Full Circle will each receive the following:

• Program: An intensive, hands-on 14 week program (~15 hours/month) consisting of workshops, consulting sessions, and networking opportunities that help your organization meet its impact and financial goals.
• Coaching: Teams of SVP Partners serving as coaches alongside your organization throughout the Full Circle program.
• Network: Access to a growing support network of innovative nonprofits and socially conscious private sector professionals eager to share their skills and expertise.
• Funding: Selected organizations receive an unrestricted financial award as well as the opportunity to acquire additional funds and in-kind support at the final pitch event of the program.

The Full Circle program culminates with the final pitch event, which provides a platform for non-profit leaders to share their organization’s mission, impact, and organizational goals and needs to a broader audience. 

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
• Organizations that apply must be designated as 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations operating in Allegheny County or have a Fiscal Sponsor
• Organizations that apply must designate at least two leadership staff who will participate consistently throughout the duration of the 14-week Full Circle program.
• Organizations, if selected, will be asked to submit their most recent annual report and/or year-end financial statements.

Applicants must also submit The Forbes Funds Nonprofit Needs Assessment as part of the application process.
https://forbesfunds.org/Nonprofit_Needs_Assessment

Application closes on Wednesday, September 1st
Applicants will be notified by Friday, September 10th

**All programming will be virtual in 2021.

 

Fall 2021 Full Circle Application

Info Session:

Friday, August 27th 10:00AM-10:45AM

Register for the info session

 

About The Forbes Funds

The Forbes Funds focuses on building the management capacity and strengthening impact of community-based nonprofits individually and collectively. Our work supports capacity-building initiatives for human services and community development agencies by facilitating innovative partnerships, implementing learning cohorts, connecting local talent and initiatives to global frameworks like the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and the Bateson Institutes Warm Data Labs, and building coalitions through the Greater Pittsburgh Nonprofit Partnership (GPNP). Learn More: www.ForbesFunds.org

 

About SVP Pittsburgh 

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh is a community of engaged philanthropists who contribute their expertise, skills, networks, and finances to grow the impact of nonprofits and tackle our community’s greatest challenges. SVP Pittsburgh’s core program is the Full Circle impact accelerator, which connects SVP Partners as executive coaches to accelerate the impact of Pittsburgh’s most innovative nonprofits. Learn More: www.SVPPittsburgh.org

Announcing the Spring 2021 Full Circle Cohort!

 

Full Circle: Unleashing Nonprofit Potential

 

The five organizations selected represent a diverse group of nonprofits making an impact on, and meeting the needs of, our community. The selected nonprofits will engage in the intensive 14-week program that combines consulting, workshops, networking, and a pitch event. The program is designed to enhance each nonprofit’s programming impact, financial sustainability, and communication and storytelling. The nonprofit leaders in the cohort will work with teams of coaches with various areas of expertise skills, and experience to develop strategic solutions to their growth challenges. The Full Circle program culminates with the Final Pitch event which provides a platform for non-profit leaders to share their organization’s story and impact in the community.

 

Spring 2021 Cohort:

AWAKEN pittsburgh

Awaken Pittsburgh promotes personal and community well-being through mindfulness programs and compassionate actions. Our vision is a Pittsburgh region where people are in touch with their inherent worth and can cultivate the confidence and dignity to create a more just and enlightened world.

Divine Intervention Ministries

The DIM mission provides currently and formerly incarcerated adults and at-risk youth with coordinated resources that will connect them to supportive services and job training opportunities focusing on realizing their maximum potential spiritually, physically, and economically.

Pittsburgh Learning Commons

Pittsburgh Learning Commons (PLC) is an educational nonprofit whose mission is to provide educational opportunities that break down disciplinary boundaries and relate to real-world contexts where learners can claim ownership over their education and build lifelong learning skills, and develop expertise in applied STEAM fields. 

Western Pennsylvania Diaper Bank

To ensure babies in need are clean, healthy and dry. We serve babies, families, senior citizens and girls and women. We are making a great impact in the community supplying basic needs.

When She Thrives

When She Thrives is dedicated to empowering single mothers to move their families from poverty to prosperity through advocacy, education, and personal and professional development.

 

The Full Circle Accelerator program is facilitated by Leigh Solomon Pugliano of Straightforward Consulting. The 2021 Full Circle program is a collaboration between The Forbes Funds and Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh

 

Announcing the 2021 Full Circle Fellows!

We are excited to announce the 2021 SVP Full Circle Fellows! Each of the selected fellows brings diverse skills and expertise along with a passion for social justice, equity, and community engagement. We are truly excited to work with this group over the next year supporting the nonprofit organizations in our region.

 

The 2021 Fellows are:

 

Ashley Lynn Priore— an American chess player & coach, social & civic entrepreneur, nonprofit founder & consultant, political strategist & commentator, and youth rights activist,—is the founder, president and CEO of Queen’s Gambit, a national, multi-departmental hybrid nonprofit and social enterprise using chess as a catalyst for change and a model to empower, educate, and impact a better society. Ashley is the author of four books, including Let’s Learn Chess!, and is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts in English and Politics at the University of Pittsburgh. She also leads Y-22, a youth on boards movement, Youth Political Strategies and Priore Consulting, an innovative consulting firm.

 

Daniella Greeman is a Programming and Events Specialist at CMU’s Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. She moved to Pittsburgh in 2008 to complete her B.A. in Urban Studies at the University of Pittsburgh, with a concentration in Community Organization and earned certificates in Public & Professional Writing, and African Studies. Daniella’s passion for community development has led her to host and coordinate strategic events for diverse audiences through her professional and volunteer work. Daniella also previously served as a board member for the Urban League Young Professionals of Greater Pittsburgh, Repair the World, Civically, Inc, and was a fellow of New Leaders Council Pittsburgh Chapter.

 

Caelan Hidalgo Schick is studying Human Security at Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs and working with the Center for Latin American Studies as a coordinator for an online research publication. She completed her undergraduate degree at Boston University with a B.A. in Philosophy and Political Science. In Boston, she spent time interning in the nonprofit sector–solidifying her interest in civic engagement and providing dignity, and amplifying voices of underrepresented communities. Caelan serves on the board of Island Press, a nonprofit environmental publishing house and is on the leadership team of the GSPIA Students of Color Alliance.

 

Dr. Victoria Mattingly has been providing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) and learning & development consulting services to businesses and non-profit organizations for 10+ years. She has built and implemented DEI & allyship solutions with companies including Intel, American Eagle, Sargent & Lundy, and Project Management Institute. Dr. Mattingly is founder and CEO of Mattingly Solutions, a woman-owned DEI consulting firm. Mattingly Solutions believes that DEI is much more than a one-off, HR initiative. DEI done right is embedded in the fabric of a company’s culture, its overall strategy, and considered in every business decision—at all levels of the organization. Dr. Mattingly is a proud Woodland Hills and University of Pittsburgh alum and lives with her husband and son in Stanton Heights.

 

Andrea Padilla was born in Quito, Ecuador and she holds a master’s degree in Latin American Studies from Ohio University. Andrea has a bachelor’s degree in International Relations from the Pontifical Catholic University of Ecuador. Before joining Casa San Jose, Andrea gained experience in Communications by working as an intern for the Ecuador-Mexico Chamber of Commerce. Driven by her passion to support marginalized communities, she worked as a Program Assistant at the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society (HIAS) in Quito, which gave her professional experience in the field of migration and humanitarianism. 

 

About the Program

The Fellows program was designed to encourage and invite civically engaged individuals to join Social Venture Partner (SVP) Pittsburgh and serve as coaches for the nonprofit accelerator program. The year-long program provides the opportunity for those interested in social responsibility and civic engagement to bring their knowledge, skills, experience, and expertise to nonprofit organizations in the region. 

 

SVP Fellows will benefit from: 

  • Professional Development: opportunities for learning and skill-building throughout the program in areas of DEI, Coaching, and Facilitation.
  • Increased Awareness: build knowledge and insight about the inequities that exist in our society and systemic injustices that impact our communities, and work with nonprofit leaders to improve and enhance their solutions.
  • Professional Network: connect with a growing community of civically engaged professionals from across industries who are eager to build friendships and partnerships with their SVP colleagues.

Fellows will work with two cohorts of organizations in the Full Circle program over the next 10 months. The Fellows program is facilitated by Leigh Solomon Pugliano of Straightforward Consulting. The 2021 Full Circle program is a collaboration between The Forbes Funds and Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh

Launch of Full Circle Spring 2021 Application!

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh and The Forbes Funds are collaborating to re-launch SVP Pittsburgh’s capacity-building program for small and mid-sized nonprofits in the Pittsburgh region. The Full Circle Accelerator Program, will address the key strategic and tactical operational challenges that nonprofits are experiencing due to the impact of COVID-19.

Nonprofit organizations in the Pittsburgh region are invited to apply for the April Spring 2021 Full Circle Accelerator cohort. Click here to apply! Full Circle is a proven capacity-building program designed to improve organizational efficiency, program implementation, financial sustainability, and increase overall impact. The 14-week cohort, facilitated by Straightforward Consulting, incorporates workshops, mentoring, networking opportunities, and a pitch event. The program allows SVP’s Partners who serve as mentors and coaches to provide nonprofit leaders with resources, expertise, and strategic solutions that better prepare them to solve immediate and ongoing challenges. Full Circle is designed to increase impact and improve overall financial sustainability. This year’s program will address the challenges and impact of COVID-19 and include an intentional DEI focus for leaders seeking to improve their knowledge, skills, and awareness.

There is no cost for nonprofits to participate in Full Circle. Nonprofits that successfully complete the program will receive a $1,000 unrestricted award and additional resources/contributions from Partners and program sponsors. DipJar, a company that provides fundraising devices (see video of how it works here) and an online giving platform SparkVirtual, will provide each participating nonprofit with one DipJar and a one year subscription (value of $450 per nonprofit). The only fees that apply to the nonprofit are credit card processing fees that can be covered by the donor.

All programming will be virtual in 2021.

The Full Circle curriculum areas of focus include: 

  • Organizational Growth Strategy
  • Financial Sustainability
  • Communicating Impact

Questions for the Full Circle Application:

  • What is the mission of your organization?
  • Programs and Services: Who does your organization serve? What programs and services does your organization provide? What type of impact are you making?
  • Organizational Goals: List and describe up to 3 goals for 2021. How did the organization determine these goals?What do you need to achieve them? How will achieving these goals increase your impact?
  • Barriers: What are the 3 biggest challenges your organization is currently facing?
  • How will the FULL CIRCLE Program benefit your organization? What do you hope to gain, learn etc. from the program?
  • In addition to your goals and challenges, is there a specific program or initiative you would like to focus on during your time in the program? Please describe.
  • Full Circle connects you to a committed team of SVP Partners and subject matter experts who act as coaches to your nonprofit throughout the 14-week Full Circle accelerator. Full Circle coaches represent a wide range of professional backgrounds ranging from technology to finance. Based on the organizational challenges you identified, what skills and expertise would be valuable for the Full Circle coaches matched with your organization to have?

For more information about the program email questions to fullcircle@svppittsburgh.org.

Click here to apply for our Full Circle Spring 2021 cohort. 

Re-launch of 2021 Fellows Program

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Pittsburgh cultivates effective philanthropists, strengthens nonprofits, and invests in collaborative solutions – building powerful relationships to tackle our communities’ social challenges.

SVP Pittsburgh is an engaged community of corporate leaders using their skills, expertise, networks, and finances to support the growth of Pittsburgh area nonprofits. SVP Pittsburgh provides the opportunity for the corporate and nonprofit sectors to connect and work collectively to increase the impact of nonprofit organizations in our region. Our signature program (in partnership with The Forbes Funds), the Full Circle Nonprofit Accelerator Program, is a proven capacity-building initiative that serves cohorts of nonprofit leaders in order to improve organizational management, program design, program implementation, financial sustainability, and increase overall impact. The 14-week program allows SVP’s Partners, mentors, and coaches to engage with nonprofit leaders to provide insight, expertise, and strategic solutions. Partners’ strengths and entrepreneurial mindsets enhance the curriculum by supporting nonprofit leaders with strategic and tactical consulting to better prepare them to solve immediate and ongoing challenges, as well as identify ways to improve outcomes and efficiency through partnerships, collaboration, and mergers. The program concludes with a Final Pitch Event. which provides a platform for nonprofit leaders to share their organization’s mission, impact, and organizational goals and needs with  a broader audience.

The Full Circle curriculum and areas of focus include: 

  • Organizational Growth Strategy
  • Financial Sustainability
  • Communicating Impact

Join the Next Generation of Philanthropy 

In order to realize our DEI commitments, SVP Pittsburgh has redesigned and are re-launching our Fellows program. We invite socially conscious private sector professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as those interested in civic engagement to join our network of engaged philanthropists (SVP Partners) through the SVP Full Circle Fellowship. Traditionally, SVP Partners contribute annually to the organization in addition to providing coaching and mentoring. SVP Full Circle Fellows are invited to join as SVP Partners with a scholarship award that covers the annual contribution. This program is designed to expand our Partner network by providing access to those who may not be able to make a financial contribution, but have skills and expertise that can support the nonprofit organizations we serve. A special thanks to our supporters to make this program possible: Pineapple Payments and The Irick Group, Merrill Private Wealth Management !

SVP Pittsburgh Inclusion Statement

SVP Pittsburgh will prioritize Diversity & Inclusion by being mindful and intentional about engaging, attracting, and welcoming diverse stakeholders. We will ensure this by conducting DEI training for our Board and Partners, incorporating appropriate and inclusive language into our materials, ensure our organization is accessible to all, and build a diverse board to lead the organization and help guide these initiatives. We will measure success by capturing feedback from Partners and nonprofit organizations as well as the community at large.

The Forbes Funds Equity Statement

The Forbes Funds focuses on building the management capacity and impact of community-based nonprofits individually and collectively. TFF incorporates a racial equity lens in our education and learning, grantmaking, advocacy, and capacity building work. Today, all services provided by TFF are aligned with the Social Determinates of Health and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) to show the impact in the ten-county region. This approach requires courageous conversations, community partnerships, and establishing shared goals to not only improve organizational capacity of nonprofits but to ensure that the populations served by nonprofits we support benefit as well.

About the Program

The SVP Full Circle Fellowship will launch in January of 2021. The year-long program will provide the opportunity for those interested in social responsibility and civic engagement to bring their knowledge, skills, and expertise to nonprofit organizations in the region. SVP Fellows will benefit from: 

  • Professional Development: opportunities for learning and skill-building throughout the program in areas of DEI, Coaching, and Facilitation.
  • Increased Awareness: build knowledge and insight about the inequities that exist in our society and systemic injustices that impact our communities and work with nonprofit leaders to improve and enhance their solutions.
  • Professional Network: connect with a growing community of civically engaged professionals from across industries who are eager to build friendships and partnerships with their SVP colleagues.

Fellowship Obligation and Expectations

  • Serve as Full Circle coach for 1 year (2 cohorts)
  • Attend Full Circle meetings, workshops, and gatherings
  • Complete year-end evaluation of Fellows program for SVP
  • Create a Full Circle Impact Report for their nonprofit organization at the end of the program 

Application Process

Application Questions/Requirements

  1. Applicant short bio. (150 words)
  2. Why is civic engagement important to you?
  3. Please share your civic engagement and community service experience. What areas of focus or communities have you served?
  4. What do you hope to learn or gain from this program?
  5. What community challenges or social injustices are you most passionate about addressing?
  6. What skills or areas of expertise can you bring to the nonprofit organizations in the Full Circle Program?
  7. What do you see as the biggest challenge facing our community today?
  8. Applicants will also be asked to submit a 1-minute video 

Program Timeline

Thursday, February 11th: SVP Fellows On-boarding 

Thursday, February 25th: Full Circle Coaches Training 

Thursday, April 8th: Program Kick-off- Relationship Building

Saturday, April 10th: Workshop #1 Organizational Growth Strategy

April 11th – April 23: Team Work Sessions (Nonprofit team and Full Circle Coaches)

Saturday, May 8th: Workshop #2 Financial Sustainability

May 10th – May 21st: Team Work Session (Nonprofit team and Full Circle Coaches)

May 24th – May 28th: NPO Check in with Program Manager

Saturday, June 5th: Workshop #3 Communicating Impact 

Wednesday, June 16th: Workshop #4 Pitch & Presentation Development

Thursday, June 24th: Full Circle Spring Cohort Final Pitch Event

Apply here or reach out to leigh@svppittsburgh.org with questions.

Social Venture Partners Pittsburgh and The Forbes Funds Announce Strategic Partnership to support Pittsburgh Nonprofits

SVP Pittsburgh’s Full Circle Program, in collaboration with The Forbes Funds, will help nonprofits to navigate the challenges caused by COVID-19

PITTSBURGH, PA – Social Venture Partners Pittsburgh (“SVP Pittsburgh”) and The Forbes Funds announce a new collaborative effort to provide SVP Pittsburgh’s hands-on capacity-building program to small and mid-size nonprofits. SVP Pittsburgh’s nonprofit accelerator model, Full Circle, will be restructured to specifically address the key strategic and tactical operational challenges that nonprofits are experiencing due to the impact of COVID-19. The program will target nonprofits that serve underrepresented groups in the Greater Pittsburgh Area community, particularly those focused on building inclusive, comprehensive, and integrated programming.

Through this collaboration, ten nonprofits will be selected to engage in the intensive 14-week Full Circle program that combines consulting, workshops, seminars, networking, and a pitch event to build awareness in the community. The program is designed to enhance each nonprofit’s impact, goal setting ability, financial sustainability, and the communication of their organization’s story. During the program, each nonprofit will be matched with teams of SVP volunteer Partners who serve as coaches, working hands-on to add a layer of support to the nonprofits by providing new strategies, ideas, methods, and connections to increase their impact.

The Full Circle program culminates with the final pitch event, which provides a platform for non-profit leaders to share their organization’s mission, impact, and organizational goals and needs to a broader audience.

SVP Pittsburgh and The Forbes Funds have engaged Straightforward Consulting to facilitate the Full Circle Program. Leigh Solomon Pugliano, the firm’s principal, is a former SVP Pittsburgh Partner and has facilitated multiple Full Circle cohorts.

“The Forbes Funds is committed to helping nonprofits of all sizes navigate the changing demands of COVID-19,” commented Fred Brown, president and CEO of The Forbes Funds. “As a team, we are excited to partner with SVP Pittsburgh to extend our learning and education programming and increase the capacity of nonprofit leaders individually and collectively.”

Jon Halpern, board chair of SVP Pittsburgh, commented that, “Both SVP and The Forbes Funds have experience in capacity building work. This strategic partnership unlocks synergistic opportunities, and resources to expand Full Circle within the robust Forbes Funds ecosystem with greater efficiency.”

Nonprofits interested in applying to participate in the Full Circle program are invited to join The Forbes Funds call for community solutions on January 25th for additional information. Click here to register. The nonprofit Full Circle application will launch at the beginning of February 2021 and the Full Circle program will kick off in early April 2021.

Individuals interested in becoming an SVP Partner or Fellow and serving as a coach for the Full Circle Program should contact us by emailing leigh@svppittsburgh.org.