Venture Philanthropy from an Actual VC!

While "Venture philanthropy" is a phrase that's all the rage, it is most often advanced by folks that are neither venture capitalists nor philanthropists.

That's why it is so refreshing to hear from Matt McCall, author of the blog: VCConfidential , which encourages "dialog between entrepreneurs and the proverbial dark side." In addition to Matt's professional accomplishments
(co-founder and Managing Director of Draper Fisher Jurvetson Portage Venture Partners and Crain's Chicago Business "40 under 40”) Matt is a founder and trustee of the McCall Family Foundation, focused on improving early childhood development in Chicago’s disadvantaged communities.

Matt's posts on venture philanthropy don't hype the concept, but they do provide advice and encouragement for those who want to walk this road:

Your time is more important than your money. As with a VC, if you just bring money, it is helpful, but suboptimal. You have connections, experiences and resources. Once you have found an organization to support, find out what road blocks or short falls (beyond just money) that it needs. Spend time to learn more about the issue. Study other historical approaches, efforts and organizations that are involved. What worked & what didn't. Visit and see in the field how services are provided. This is like coming up to speed on a new deal. You are only as helpful to the organization as you are knowledgable. No armchair quarterbacks. Lastly, find a cause or problem that you have a personal passion around. Like a start-up, this is a marathon, not a sprint.

Susan Herr