SVP Dallas Advisee Program

A comprehensive capacity building program designed to provide social impact organizations with opportunities to improve their ability to deliver effective programs and fulfill their mission.

Program Components

Pro-Bono Capacity Building

• Short-term consulting engagement (typically 3-6 months)
• Dedicated team of 4-6 SVP Dallas Partners
• Focus on strengthening organizational capacity

Non-Profit Impact Institute Clinic Series

• Shared cohort experience with peer Advisee organizations
• Clinic sessions on organizational assessment, growth, and sustainability
• Training for staff and board members on governance and operations

Financial Support

• Base grant: $2,500 unrestricted grant if selected as 2026 Advisee
• Completion grant: $5,000 additional grant upon completion of 2026 Non-Profit Impact Institute Clinic Series
• Site visit participation: $1,000 unrestricted grant for organizations selected for site visit during application review
• Spark Tank 2026 Fast Pitch winner: $2,500 additional grant

Enhanced Visibility

• Exposure to all SVP Dallas Partners and peer philanthropic organizations
• Invitations to SVP Dallas Social Innovation Luncheon Series
• Invitations to bigBANG! Social Impact Conference
• Invitations to Philanthroparty and ancillary events

Geographic Scope

• North Texas communities

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet the following minimum criteria:

• Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in operation for at least 12 months
• Have at least one paid staff member and Board of Directors
• Have annual revenues approaching $100,000 or more
• Advance a mission and programs dedicated to addressing root issues of social justice causes
• Serve communities in North Texas
• Have a plan for future growth
• Be in good standing with the IRS

What SVP Dallas Does NOT Fund

SVP Dallas does not select organizations that:

• Proselytize
• Require participation in religious activities as a condition of receiving services
• Promote a specific faith

Selection Process

Round 1 – Application Review (March)

• Committee of SVP Dallas Partners reviews applications holistically
• Review criteria include:
  • Organizational Leadership
  • Mission & Strategy
  • Financial Standing
  • Impact & Evaluation
  • Sustainability & Scalability
  • SVP Project Opportunity

Round 2 – Organizational Site Visit (April)

• Finalists selected for organizational site visits
• Teams of SVP Partners conduct visits
• Assessment of organizational dynamics, opportunity fit, and project viability

What Makes a Good Consulting Project

Capacity Building Definition: Development of core skills, management practices, strategies, and systems to enhance an organization's effectiveness, sustainability, and ability to fulfill its mission.

Successful Project Characteristics:

• High-impact efforts that support future growth
• Support for operations enhancement, governance improvement, or leadership capacity building
• Clearly defined internal champion to steward project relationship

Why Apply

Successful applicants will:

• Be able to clearly communicate how a pro-bono capacity building consulting engagement will amplify impact and benefit internal organizational capacity
• Have a clearly articulated mission and vision to address root issues of social justice causes
• Demonstrate strong, stable, and committed leadership
• Identify internal capacity (staff and board time) to support consulting engagement
• Have a track record of successful collaboration and/or partnership

Contact Information

For Questions: Wissem Sinatra

• Email: wsinatra@svpdallas.org
• Phone: 214-855-5520
• General Email: dogoodbetter@svpdallas.org

Application Process

Step 1: Submit Application

• Complete the Social Impact Advisee Application
• Deadline: Friday, February 27 @ 5:00 PM (annual)

Step 2: Application Review Round (March)

• SVP Dallas Partners committee reviews all applications
• Holistic review including organizational leadership, mission & strategy, financial standing, impact & evaluation, sustainability & scalability, and SVP project opportunity

Step 3: Site Visit Round (April)

• Finalists selected for organizational site visits
• Teams of SVP Partners conduct on-site assessments

Application Materials Required

While specific form fields are not detailed in the source material, the application should address:

• Organizational leadership structure
• Mission and strategic direction
• Financial standing and revenues
• Impact metrics and evaluation methods
• Sustainability and scalability plans
• Detailed description of proposed consulting project
• Internal champion/project steward identification
• Organizational readiness for 3-6 month consulting engagement

Questions

For questions about the SVP Dallas Social Impact Advisee Application Process, contact:

• Wissem Sinatra: wsinatra@svpdallas.org
• Phone: 214-855-5520
• General Email: dogoodbetter@svpdallas.org