“SVP plays a very important role in providing connection for folks who want to do local philanthropy,” says Dita Hutchinson, who – along with her husband, Robert “Hutch” Hutchinson – are alumni SVP Partner members who continue to give to the organization. “As a result of that connectivity, I’ve come to understand the nonprofit sector in a much more meaningful way.”
Adds Hutch, “SVP is part of a national – and, increasingly, international – network. What that means in terms of economies of scope is how big the problems are that we can address in our community.”
The couple joined SVP more than a decade ago – just months after moving to Boulder from overseas, and when SVP was still young – as a means to connect with “like-minded folks for whom philanthropy is a priority,” according to Dita.
“We made the financial and time commitments over several years,” she says, noting that Hutch ended up being Lead Partner for Intercambio United Communities when Intercambio – a nonprofit focused on improving the lives of local immigrants through English education, and bringing together communities across cultures – was an SVP investee.
“Among other interests, we’re both committed to education,” continues Hutch, who particularly enjoyed being part of the selection process for new SVP investees. He also notes with appreciation that SVP is driven in part by other Partners who – like Dita and himself – have moved here “from other geographies.”
“As an organization, SVP considers the big picture of our community,” he says. “That approach leverages social change throughout Boulder County.”
Agrees Dita, “We’ve come to see that SVP has really matured – it’s doing great and there are so many programs now that didn’t exist when we joined.
“We think of SVP as a kind of university model for nonprofits. And just as we would with an alma mater, we want to continue to support the impact and connectivity that SVP brings to our community.”
We hope you’ll join Dita and Hutch in making a contribution to support SVP’s capacity-building programming by pre-scheduling a gift for Colorado Gives Day, Dec. 4. Special this year, SVP’s Board of Directors has contributed a matching fund of $5,000 meaning your gift will be doubled!
