Social Ventures Australia (SVA) invests in social change by helping increase the impact and build the sustainability of those in the social sector. Our investments are focused on high potential organisations that are fostering solutions to some of the most pressing challenges facing our community. We provide funding and strategic support to carefully selected non-profit partners, as well as offering consulting services to the social sector more broadly, including philanthropists who are endeavouring to be more strategic in their approach to giving. Our investments have a bias to education and employment, as we believe these to be critical areas of focus if all Australians are to have the opportunity to realise their full potential. As a non-profit organisation at the forefront of sector development and innovation, SVA works in collaboration with sector partners, as well as government, business, and some of Australia’s leading philanthropists. New role for Jan Owen AM After eight years with SVA, Jan Owen AM is leaving her role as Executive Director to take on a new role as Chief Executive of the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA). Commenting on Jan’s appointment, SVA CEO Michael Traill AM said: “Jan has been an anchor partner in all that SVA has done since our establishment in 2002. At a personal and professional level her passion, energy and in depth perspective on the sector will be deeply missed." Reflecting on her time at SVA, Jan Owen AM said: "SVA has contributed to very real and practical innovation and investment in the social sector within Australia and is well placed to inspire, influence and collaborate in the social change revolution which I firmly believe is unfolding before us. "It has been a profound privilege to work with the SVA team, many great social entrepreneurs and ventures, our investors, and our partners in community, philanthropy, business and government across the country over the past eight years." Michael has confirmed that Jan will continue her association with SVA and will be joining the soon to be launched SVA Melbourne Leadership Council. Michael Traill’s contribution honoured SVA CEO Michael Traill was made a member of the Order of Australia in the 2010 Queen’s Birthday Honours List. Michael was awarded for his service to non-profit organisations through the development and implementation of effective financial systems and mentoring, and as a facilitator for social change. Proof of what’s possible As SVA’s Director of Venture Development, Chris Boys has plenty of opportunities to witness the impact of the vital work undertaken by our venture partners. In this ‘Heart of the Matter’ article, Chris tells of a recent encounter with a young Indigenous woman, Meagan O’Shannessy, who has benefited enormously from the support offered through Ganbina’s programs. Find out about the important role Ganbina has played in helping Meagan make her dreams a reality. Creating local jobs for local people Fair Repairs is one of the enterprises established by SVA venture partner Fair Business to provide jobs for the long-term unemployed. Fair Repairs’ business model is based on matching the skills of unemployed public housing residents with repair and maintenance jobs in their local area. And for young unemployed people with limited skills, Fair Repairs also creates trade based traineeships to help improve their skills and employability. In partnership with Housing NSW, Spotless and TAFE, Fair Repairs is taking the lessons learned through their initial operations in outer south-western Sydney, and applying them to a new second depot located in inner-city Redfern. Launching in early July, the Redfern based operation has already employed 25 individuals and enrolled a further 40 in an Occupational Health and Safety induction program via TAFE, with a view to having this group work ready by early August. Research shows that individuals facing long-term unemployment experience social isolation, low self esteem, poorer physical and mental well-being and the increased risk of economic hardship. But Fair Repairs has shown that when people are given the chance to successfully integrate back into the workforce, life can pretty quickly turn around. This has certainly been the case for the 30 plus individuals involved in the Campbelltown operation, who see Fair Repairs as an employer simply willing to “give them a go”. With 10 mowing and maintenance contracts already in place and discussions advanced on additional new business opportunities, the new Fair Repairs Redfern operation is set to very quickly replicate the success of the Campbelltown experience and create local jobs for local people. SecondBite’s ‘More Hunger, More Waste’ Report released Almost 90% of food relief agencies experienced an increase in the need for food related services in 2009, according to a recent report by SVA venture partner SecondBite. The report entitled ‘More Hunger, More Waste’, was based on a survey of some 80 plus food relief agencies across Victoria and Tasmania. According to SecondBite Executive Director Katy Barfield, the report highlights other alarming trends, including the significant shift in the demographic of people who are accessing food relief services. A number of agencies have reported a marked increase in the number of young people, families and elderly people needing to obtain emergency food relief. For a full copy of the report, visit SecondBite. Big Picture in Australia – A Warrior (and Worrier) in Action In this ‘Heart of the Matter’ article, SVA’s CEO Michael Traill AM, tells the story of his experience at a recent forum held in Hobart, which connected teachers and students from 17 Big Picture Education Australia schools. Big Picture Education Australia was founded in 2006 by Viv White, who was inspired by the success of the Big Picture model when applied at schools in the United States. Their unique approach focuses on the learner and customises the school curriculum to connect with each student and maximise learning outcomes. Although Big Picture Education Australia graduated from the SVA portfolio last year, the organisations continue to engage with each other and in this article, Michael highlights the energy, drive and passion that Viv has brought to her role. Read the full story here. | | Quick Links: Join Australian celebrities and be part of Australian Indigenous Mentoring Experience (AIME) National Hoodie Day on 21 July. » Learn how to get involved New business planning guide for social enterprises available now. » Download your copy [PDF File size: 1.7MB] SVA, Centre for Social Impact and the PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation have joined forces to increase awareness of Social Return on Investment (SROI). » Read the latest edition of Investing in Impact News SVA Consulting in conjunction with Cameron Ralph and Zentricity provides Board support to organisations, providing benchmarking, evaluation and guidance to enhance performance. » Download the factsheet [PDF File size: 140KB] SVA’s Leah Armstrong takes on CEO role at Reconciliation Australia. » Read more | |
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home