The strengths of the VPF model, in the words of its beneficiaries.
VPF selects proven entrepreneurs, then provides finance, expertise and networks, in order to encourage the growth of winning ideas:
Selection:
“VPF’s due diligence badges us with a stamp of approval – a level of credibility that helps us leverage other donors.”
Emma-Jane Cross, CEO of BeatBullying
...plus finance:
“Working with VPF has been a dream – regular injections of flexible funding, plus strategic mentoring and pro bono support, means we can really drive forward in Ghana.”
Georgie Fienberg, Director of AfriKids
"VPF's funding model is the most effective that we have."
Abigail Colley, Head of Communications, PEAS
“Regular, core VPF funding helped ShelterBox establish an office in London, broadening our network of volunteers and supporters outside the South West – and ultimately we can help more families made homeless by disasters.”
John Leach, acting CEO of ShelterBox
...plus expertise:
"VPF’s fantastic network of skills has helped Changing Faces greatly extend its pioneering support for people with facial and other disfigurements.”
James Partridge, CEO of Changing Faces
“By bringing hard-headed advice to our strategic review, VPF is multiplying our chances of seeing Sand Dams transform millions of lives worldwide.”
Simon Maddrell, CEO of Excellent
“Our template for tackling the many injustices faced by people with disfigurements worldwide was designed with the help of global consultancy support secured by VPF.“
James Partridge, CEO of Changing Faces
“VPF’s network allowed us to gain a fascinating insight into how commercial franchising challenges faced by Ben’s Cookies compared to those faced by MyBnk in the social sector.”
Lily Lapenna, CEO of MyBnk
“VPF’s pro bono assistance allows us to draw on specialised talent from the private sector which we couldn’t otherwise afford, to tackle specific organisational challenges.”
Emma-Jane Cross, CEO of BeatBullying
“VPF’s unique blend of generosity of heart and business acumen has helped us get to the stage where we are poised to launch a social franchise of the Model for Mental Health and Development."
Chris Underhill, CEO of BasicNeeds
...plus networks:
“Introductions and strategic support provided through VPF helped us multiply the effect of PEAS’ work in some of the poorest parts of the world.”
John Rendel, CEO of Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS)
“VPF’s network has helped open doors for ShelterBox in London, and the contact point has been a great support.”
Maribeth Lloyds, Corporate Fundraising Manager, ShelterBox
“Beyond the flexible funding that demonstrated their faith in our model, VPF facilitated our first major corporate partnership, thus leveraging more than £120,000 and broadening our base of supporters.”
Simon Maddrell, CEO of Excellent
...equals growth:
“During our time with VPF, PEAS’ income has quadrupled and we are on course to open 100 sustainable secondary schools in Uganda by 2017.”
John Rendel, CEO of Promoting Equality in African Schools (PEAS)
“Since AfriKids has been with VPF, our income has increased by 50% a year and we have been able to develop two new social enterprises in northern Ghana.”
Georgie Fienberg, Director of AfriKids
“Our partnership with VPF has been pivotal in enabling Riders to grow - financial support, advice, wisdom and commitment has helped us increase our impact, ensuring millions more in Africa have access to primary health care.”
Andrea Coleman, CEO of Riders for Health
“VPF is an incredible portal …the only organization of its type in the UK … they have a rigorous, can-do approach to leveraging private sector skills with capital for social returns.”
Larry English, CEO of Homeless International