SVP Dallas Advisee Program

SVP Dallas Advisee Program

Overview: 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