A life of faith, community and service

For SVPSA Partner and Board Member Ed Pope, the concept of helping others is woven into everything he does. It’s part of the reason he founded his technology company, DigitalGenetix, which not only helps nonprofits and churches with their digital needs, but also helps support Pope’s charitable giving.  

A new generation of philanthropy

Garrett Brown

At 35, Garrett Brown is among the youngest SVPSA Partners, which gives him a unique perspective on engaging the next generation of philanthropists. He also has more than a decade of experience in recruiting millennial leaders to serve in community. Garrett shares some things he has learned with SVPSA.

While he believes younger professionals have a strong desire to serve, they don’t always understand the need in their communities. The key is telling a story effectively, and use appropriate communication channels to let them know what’s happening close to home, Brown said.
While he believes younger professionals have a desire to serve, they don’t always understand the need in their communities. The key is using their communication channels to let them know what’s happening close to home, Brown said.

SVPSA Founder Helmle receives Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award

Harriet Helmle Texas Volunteer Award

Harriet Marmon Helmle, a founding partner and first Executive Director of Social Venture Partners San Antonio, was recently recognized for her lifetime of exemplary service at the 39th annual Governor’s Volunteer Awards. Helmle is a financial advisor of new client relationships for CAPTRUST, financial advisory firm in San Antonio.

Texas First Lady Cecilia Abbott announced Helmle’s award for the Governor’s Lifetime Volunteer Achievement Award on Feb. 2 at the Texas Governor’s Mansion.

SVPSA Partner Insists on Finding Solutions

In Judaism there is a tenet called repairing the world. That principle has been a guiding force in the life of Barbie Scharf-Zeldes, a Bexar County associate judge and SVP Partner.  

“That’s something I carry with me, that I’m repairing the world in little bits and pieces wherever I go,” she said.

Scharf-Zeldes’ life is a testament to that goal. It not only drives her professionally, but also fuels her commitment to community service. She’s served on nonprofit boards, provided leadership in her faith community and has served as an SVP Partner for the last four years.

Helping nonprofits grow with innovation and ROI

As a wealth management advisor with over two decades in the financial services industry, SVP Partner Justin Pawl understands return on investment. That’s what makes him a big believer in SVP. For Pawl, SVP’s appeal is its adoption of the venture capital model that investors use in private enterprise: building smaller organizations and helping them scale by investing not only dollars, but professional guidance.

SVP founder shares leaderships insights in San Antonio

The most important (leadership trait) of all, Shoemaker said, “is a generosity mindset, which looks for ways to connect people and is based on the belief that bringing people together makes the whole greater than the sum of its parts.”

“It’s insanely important in the world today. It’s not about being nicey nice and polite. Having a generosity mindset is a truly strategic way you approach your work. When you walk into the room, are you looking to see who should be connected?” he said.

Helping nonprofits stay financially strong

Chris Carmona has built his business on helping nonprofit organizations with their accounting needs. Along the way, he’s developed a passion for serving San Antonio nonprofits as a board member and is now giving back as an SVPSA partner. Carmona is a CPA and the co-owner of Schriver Carmona, an accounting and advisory firm. He and his partner Derek Schriver … Read More

The Power of the SVPSA ConnNectwork

Connections through SVPSA

A car wash does not seem to be a very big deal. However, when a fledgling organization gets an unexpected communication offering the proceeds of a Haunted Car Wash to be held the weekend prior to Halloween, the wheels start to turn.

Dr. Cindy Rebmann

Cindy Rebmann has over three decades of experience with faith-based nonprofit organizations primarily in the education and human service sectors in San Antonio, Texas. Cindy’s expertise is helping nonprofit organizations accomplish their mission and vision while staying true to their values.

From First Responder to Nonprofit Executive

SVPSA Partner Leslie Palmer knows the nonprofit world from every possible angle. In a career spanning more than 30 years, she’s volunteered in just about every position on various boards and served in virtually every role as a nonprofit staff member.   “I’ve been CEO, program and operations person, chief development officer and emptied the trash if you needed it,” … Read More