We look forward to seeing most of our members and many others at our first conference on May 9 and 10 in Singapore. We have a few places left for those who haven’t yet signed up (members benefit from a discounted rate). Under the theme “Creating Social Impact: Blending Philanthropic and Investment Capital” the conference brings together active providers of financial, human and intellectual capital seeking to create more impact for each dollar provided to ambitious non-profits or social enterprises. Don’t miss out on this unique networking and learning opportunity (see the conference website at http://www.avpn2013.com/)
On the subject of social impact, the European Venture Philanthropy Association has just released its second annual survey of venture philanthropy and social investment trends in Europe. This shows higher average spending for Venture Philanthropy Organisations and an increase in the proportion of VPOs seeking both financial as well as societal returns.
I was fortunate to meet and be inspired earlier this month in Mumbai by the social entrepreneurs graduating from the Dasra Social Impact executive education program now in its seventh year. Ambitious CEOs of both non-profits and social enterprises pitched their growth plans to experienced funders. The alumni of this program are now some of the leading change-makers in India.
AVPN organised its first webinar in February on social impact measurement featuring Marlon van Dijk of Social E-valuator who will be leading a series of one day workshops in Asia in July. Our next webinar will be on April 17th and features Fiona Halton of Pilotlight and we will hold more in future.
We are collecting data on Venture Philanthropy and Social Investment transaction activity in Asia. Send me copies of press releases or profiles of relevant deals (both old and current as we build up a history) and we will track activity. Selected transactions by AVPN members will be featured on the AVPN website in the Investment Showcase that is being developed. Highlighting our members’ transactions is one of the most effective ways AVPN can communicate the diversity of VP strategies and attract new capital and participants to the sector.
Send us your comments and feedback so that we can build a more vibrant and high impact venture philanthropy community.
