About EVPA
EVPA is a membership association made up of individuals and organisations interested in or practising venture philanthropy. The association was established in October 2004 and is a registered charity currently based in the UK. During 2008 it will open an office in Brussels.
EVPA is a unique network of venture philanthropy funds and others committed to promoting high-engagement philanthropy in Europe.
The association has received endorsement from the European Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (EVCA), and receives financial sponsorship from 3i, Barclays Private Equity, Pantheon Ventures, Natixis Private Equity and KPMG, as well as pro bono legal support from S.J. Berwin. EVPA is a member of the European Foundation Centre (EFC) and works closely with grantmaking foundations across Europe.
EVPA’s diverse membership includes venture philanthropy funds, grantmaking foundations, private equity firms and professional service firms, philanthropy advisors and business schools.
EVPA has two main aims: to support its members in carrying out their venture philanthropy activities, and to promote venture philanthropy throughout Europe. To achieve this mission, EVPA:
- Provides a forum within which European based venture philanthropists can network, exchange ideas and debate best practice;
- Informs potential donors and others of the role and benefits of venture philanthropy and facilitating its development, with the aim of increasing knowledge and acceptance of the benefits of venture philanthropy in the charitable sector;
- Facilitates and promotes new venture philanthropic efforts; and
- Seeks to increase the effectiveness of venture philanthropy, through research, working groups and conferences.
EVPA activities to date include annual European conferences since 2005, country seminars throughout Europe, research projects on venture philanthropy activity in Europe, and annual directory and working groups exploring key issues for venture philanthropists. EVPA also provides training workshops and peer learning events for its members.