EVPA is a membership association made up of organisations interested in or practising venture philanthropy and social investment across Europe. Established in 2004, the association aims to be the home of investors for impact committed to using venture philanthropy and social investment tools to target social impact.

EVPA defines Venture Philanthropy as an approach to building stronger investee organisations with a societal purpose by providing them with both financial and nonfinancial support in order to increase their societal impact. The venture philanthropy approach includes the use of the entire spectrum of financing instruments (grants, equity, debt, etc.) and pays particular attention to the ultimate objective of achieving societal impact. The approach includes both social investment and high engagement grant making.

The association’s membership covers the full range of venture philanthropy and social investment activities and includes venture philanthropy funds, social investors, grant-making foundations, impact investing funds, private equity firms and professional service firms, philanthropy advisors, banks and business schools. EVPA members work together across sectors in order to promote and shape the future of venture philanthropy and social investment in Europe and beyond.

Currently, the association has over 280 members from 30 countries.