Social Venture Partners San Antonio Surpasses $4 Million in Skilled Volunteer Services to Local Nonprofits
In a powerful demonstration of collaborative philanthropy, Social Venture Partners San Antonio (SVPSA), in partnership with a coalition of local funders, has delivered over $4 million in skilled volunteer services to nonprofits across the San Antonio area through the online platform Catchafire. This milestone marks a significant moment for both the region’s nonprofit ecosystem and the skilled professionals volunteering their time and expertise.
Originally launched in 2020 as a rapid-response initiative to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Catchafire platform (SVPSA.Catchafire.org) connects nonprofits with skilled volunteers—offering pro-bono support in fields such as marketing, finance, data analysis, design, human resources, and more. Since then, over 238 San Antonio-area nonprofits have benefitted from this virtual lifeline, gaining critical expertise that would otherwise be financially out of reach.
And now, for the first time, a single year of Catchafire activity surpassed $1 million in value—a milestone that reflects growing momentum and deepened impact.
“This initiative demonstrates the incredible impact that occurs when funders and business leaders connect to develop creative solutions to local challenges,” said Leslie Palmer, board chair of SVPSA. “Reaching $4 million in contributed services illustrates the lasting difference these skilled volunteers make, allowing nonprofits to reinvest those resources into their programs for a significant win-win.”
A Powerful Return on Investment for Nonprofits
Several local nonprofits shared just how transformative Catchafire’s services have been in helping them grow their impact:
Ability Skateboarding & Action Sports—a nonprofit focused on inclusive recreation—saved $29,838 through 11 unique projects ranging from online research to training plans.
“Catchafire has been a massive force multiplier for us,” said board member Nathan Smith. “It’s enabled us to access the research and assistance needed to enhance our programs.”
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Alamo Area Community Network (AACN) completed four Catchafire projects, saving $13,817 in value while tackling recruitment, branding, and more.
“Catchafire has alleviated the burdens on our small, multitasking team,” said Natasha Lane, AACN CEO. “The volunteers demonstrate immense knowledge and passion.”
San Antonio for Growth on the Eastside (SAGE) used volunteer-led market analysis to secure city funding.
“The strategic insight from volunteers was even more beneficial than the financial savings,” said James Nortey, CEO of SAGE. “Catchafire linked us with professionals who provided the expertise to advocate effectively for funding.”
Powered by a Coalition of Local Funders
The success of the SVPSA Catchafire initiative would not be possible without the generosity of its funding partners. These include:
- San Antonio Area Foundation
- Methodist Healthcare Ministries
- Nancy Smith Hurd Foundation
- Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country
- H.E. Butt Foundation
- K Harvey Brand Partners
- Kronkosky Charitable Foundation
- LISC San Antonio
- San Antonio Area African American Community Fund
Their support has provided nonprofit leaders access to skilled talent and strategic support, all without draining their already-stretched budgets.
“As needs evolve in San Antonio, the resilience of nonprofits is more critical than ever,” said Becky Dinnin, SVPSA executive director. “With burnout at an all-time high, Catchafire serves as a game-changer by unlocking the potential of pro-bono volunteering while sustaining cash flow for nonprofits.”
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About Social Venture Partners San Antonio
At its heart, Social Venture Partners San Antonio is a network of philanthropists, entrepreneurs, parents, business leaders and changemakers who believe in giving back through time, talent, and treasure. More than just grantmakers, SVPSA partners roll up their sleeves to work alongside nonprofits in San Antonio and South Texas, investing their expertise directly into the missions they support.
SVPSA follows a Three Dimensional Philanthropy model to maximize community impact:
- Connect and engage individuals to amplify the impact of their giving.
- Fund and strengthen nonprofits to help them scale their missions.
- Invest in collaborative solutions that align stakeholders and create collective impact.
With a strong emphasis on capacity building, SVPSA helps nonprofits access mentoring, coaching, training, and real-world tools that many could not otherwise afford. The organization seeks out innovative, growing nonprofits that are ready to make a measurable difference—and then surrounds them with the people and resources to succeed.
Their motto, “We see potential everywhere,” reflects a belief that no matter one's background—corporate, nonprofit, or retired—everyone has a skill worth sharing for the greater good.
Get Involved
Those interested in becoming part of SVPSA’s work can visit svpsa.org to learn more about volunteering, becoming a Partner, or supporting San Antonio-area nonprofits. Whether it’s by mentoring a nonprofit leader or helping design a new outreach campaign, skilled volunteers are making a real difference—and there's room for many more.
For nonprofits looking to leverage Catchafire, or donors eager to contribute toward continued access to the platform, SVPSA offers clear pathways to get engaged and help shape the future of South Texas.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.