The EVPA

Acanthus is actively involved in a charity called the European Venture Philanthropy Association (EVPA) which aims to help charities become stronger and more sustainable.

The EVPA was founded to foster venture philanthropy, still in its infancy in Europe. Venture philanthropy consists in investing in a charity and matching that money with hands-on help whereby the charity can better market itself and raise money more effectively, manage its costs more efficiently and thereby grow and expand its coverage and ability to help. Investment of this kind can have a bigger and more lasting impact on a charity's ability to do good than simple donations. In essence venture philanthropy is rather like the old adage that if you give someone a fish they have food for a day; give them fishing tackle and they have the means to become self-sustaining. The first venture philanthropy charity set up in the UK, Impetus, was founded by Stephen Dawson, one of the founders of ECI.

The EVPA has made very significant progress since its initial formation early 2004. It has received formal endorsement from the EVCA, financial sponsorship from 3i, Barclays Private Equity and recently, KPMG. Further sponsor discussions are underway with very high profile groups which have excellent networks that will assist the EVPA members. The first EVPA conference was held on 1st December 04 in Amsterdam with over 70 groups and individuals from over 10 European countries attending. The EVPA has also initiated a research project entitled "Opportunities and Obstacles for Venture Philanthropy in Europe". This is being done in conjunction with several prominent European universities and the results will be presented at the EVPA Annual Conference to be held in London on 15th June 2005, in conjunction with the Annual EVCA Meeting. For more information please refer to the EVPA website.