Title of session: Venture Philanthropy in Practice- Plenary 1

Speakers:
James Chen, Chairman, The Chen Yet-Sen Family Foundation
Vidya Shah, CEO, EdelGive Foundation
Richard Gomes, Global Policy and Advocacy Manager, Shell Foundation
Paul Shoemaker, Executive Connector, Social Venture Partners International
Crystal Hayling, Moderator, AVPN Board Member
Summary of the content of the session:
What do you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
James Chen
There is a long road ahead so have perseverance, it takes a lot longer to achieve your goals often
than your initial expectations are. Become a Domaine Expert be passionate about an issue. Make
sure you are the first person one would call when someone is considering a new project.
Vidya Shah
Go out to find those to support- sometimes you must seek the best projects. Find those who can add
value in the sectors which you choose to invest in.
Richard Gomes
Get comfortable with risk. Have patience. Look at what you can bring to a project in terms of nonfinancial support such as marketing, human resources, and governance.
Paul Shoemaker
1) Its all about the network
2) Dont do restricted funding
3) Get donors involved
4) Beware of the arrogance of money
5) No one funds long term enough- be prepared to go deeper
What have you learnt about HOW you partner with people?
Vidya Shah
Treat nonprofits as partners and resource providers. Empathy is required, dont tell them what to
do but rather find out where is your common ground. Solutions are possible- ask partners to assess
where their gaps are.
Paul Shoemaker
Listening is so powerful- practice listening- it is universal- KEEP listening.
Richard Gomes
Cant do this alone- look at things as an ecosystem. Grants can be used creatively- a lack of funds
can constrict growth- try to avoid this scenario.
James Chen
Be flexible- but firm.

The issue of assessment- What has worked? What has not?

Richard Gomes
Dont collect data which is not useful- look at assessing value impact.
Consider focusing on - jobs created, carbon savings, number of livelihoods improved.
Paul Shoemaker
Evaluate on an annual basis. The context will be different for each organization do you have a
theory of change? The way in which you fund sets the tone for the entire programme. Look at
highlighting how what you are doing creates an impact on childrens lives.
Questions and Answers:
Question 1: How do you reconcile the need for accurate reporting with restricted funds?
Vidya Shah
There is a need to have a network of influencers. Have a middle ground where you can leverage
the work of social institutions to find who would be the best partner to engage with. These issues
are difficult to assess via email- when possible try to arrange a face to face meeting.
Paul Shoemaker
Unrestricted does not mean unaccountable. There should be mutual accountability. Need to put
questions to an organization to determine the core issues at stake.
James Chen
Be flexible in reporting. Keep communication channels open and be clear in agreeing what are
realistic expectations.
Question 2: Do you have advice to share on risk?
Richard Gomes
Be prepared- there is a 25% failure rate- risk- get comfortable with it. Look to pilot on a small
scale- Fall Fast and Fail Hard
James Chen
How do you communicate with your board? Make sure you have accountability. Keep all relevant
parties informed and persevere through difficulties.