Jack Davies, VPP Investor and Chairman of VPP’s Development Committee -

When I stepped down from my role as President of AOL International in early 2000, I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children in this community where I had enjoyed such success.

But I was looking for more than just writing checks or attending charity events. I wanted to be involved and leverage my experience in the business world.

Venture Philanthropy Partners resonated with me because it represented a pragmatic, business-like, and highly engaged approach to philanthropy.

In the seven years since, I have witnessed first-hand that VPP's innovative approach works. Twelve nonprofits in the National Capital Region are becoming stronger, more effective institutions as they grow to serve tens of thousands of children better by 2010.

I have had the satisfaction of working with social entrepreneurs who have the same passion and drive as for-profit entrepreneurs but channel that drive toward social good. I've watched our nonprofit partner organizations grow and become more effective and sustainable. And, most importantly, I've seen the joy of the children and youth who ultimately benefit from VPP's good work.

VPP has had a significant impact, but there is a bigger impact that we must make. I have stepped up to chair VPP's development committee to help raise the capital for VPP’s next stage.  We have set an ambitious goal of raising $50 million dollars and, thanks to the generosity of more than 30 individuals, families, or institutions (of whom 20 are Founding Investors), we are more than halfway there.

We invite you to join us. As a VPP investor you will:

• See the lives of children of low-income family improved in tangible and meaningful ways;
• Know that your money is being "invested" in a disciplined, highly rigorous manner, and focused on achieving outcomes for children and youth and that your investment dollars are being leveraged by others, influenced by VPP's participation, providing funding and value to nonprofits serving children and youth;
• Become part of a growing community of donors joined together in a common commitment to philanthropy and seeking to make a difference in their community; and
• Participate in advancing an innovative approach to philanthropy for long-term change in the communities, funding, and systems that serve children of low-income families.