VPP does not accept grant proposals.

Instead, our investment selection process begins with a reconnaissance of nonprofit organizations serving children of low-income families in the National Capital Region to identify those where there is a compelling investment opportunity—defined as an organization’s aspiration to substantially increase its impact for children. We next try to discover the reasons that makes the investment opportunity for this organization a compelling one for VPP by talking with stakeholders, experts in the field, and their peers to get an informed view. And, we use research to gain early assessments of the organization’s history and patterns of growth, reputation and impact within the community, leadership, accomplishments for the children it serves, funding base, and so forth. This reconnaissance and analysis is continuous and iterative as the circumstances and situations for organizations and their communities change, and it is often during this change when highly attractive opportunities emerge.

Subsequent to the reconnaissance work, we continue background research and begin initial meetings with the leadership of the organization to determine if they may have a compelling investment opportunity. And, we need to make a quick judgment if an investment makes sense for them and us—it is very important to avoid building expectations if an investment is unlikely. This approach is highly subjective, but at this preliminary stage it helps us navigate through many good opportunities to find those that may represent the best investment opportunities.

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