What is SEED20?
About SEED20
SEED20 (Social Entrepreneurs Empowered) is an annual program created by Social Venture Partners Charlotte in 2012 to uncover and amplify the region’s most promising ideas for addressing pressing social challenges. We spotlight innovators who are making a difference, whether they are just getting started or expanding their reach.
Who We Support
Each year, we welcome a diverse class of ten nonprofit participants, including:
• Individuals or startups with a well-formed idea
• Emerging nonprofits
• Established nonprofits launching new programs
What We Offer
Over the course of three months, SEED20 participants receive expert training, personalized coaching, and thoughtful feedback to help them clearly and powerfully share their story—who they are, what they do, and why it matters. To amplify their mission, the SEED20 program provides professional videos, photographs, and strategic media exposure. Participants are featured across SVP Charlotte’s digital channels and newsletters, and we actively engage local media partners to spotlight their work.
SEED20 OnStage
The participants’ coaching and marketing journey culminates in SEED20 OnStage—a high-energy evening where each participant delivers a three-minute pitch to a live audience. Cash awards are given, but the real win is connection: attendees engage directly with the presenters, learn about their missions, and discover meaningful ways to support and get involved during the celebratory reception.
Beyond the Stage
After SEED20 OnStage, participants are invited to join capacity-building workshops throughout the year—continuing their growth, strengthening their organizations, and deepening their impact across the community. As alumni of the SEED20 program, organizational leadership teams are invited to participate in SVP Charlotte’s other nonprofit enrichment programs.
SEED20’s mission is to promote the power of social innovation.
- We believe in the power of social innovation to unleash breakthrough ideas that creatively attack tough social challenges.
- We connect innovative people and organizations to funders, to one another, and to the broader Charlotte region.
- We empower nonprofits with the skills and confidence to tell their stories in ways that inspire people to act.
- We educate the community about pressing social issues and organizations that are dedicated to addressing them.
Social Venture Partners Charlotte is a nonprofit organization passionately attacking the issue of social and economic inequality in Charlotte through venture philanthropy. Our vision is that through SEED20, the Charlotte region will be a community that embraces our nonprofit entrepreneurs, providing them with an environment that supports innovation. The SEED20 program, the OnStage event, and alumni activities are all coordinated by SVP Charlotte’s staff and volunteer members.
“I’ve attended SEED20 for many years, and it is by far my favorite nonprofit event. You leave feeling inspired and uplifted knowing there are positive people in our community who are passionate about helping others and bringing about social change.”
Nicole Stotts
SEED20 Alumni Network
To the audience, SEED20 OnStage might feel like one unforgettable evening of inspiration and connection. But for our participants, it’s just the beginning. After the applause fades, the prize checks are deposited, and the lights go down, each member of the SEED20 class joins the SEED20 Alumni Network, a growing community of nonprofit organizations committed to collaboration, learning, and impact. SVP Charlotte’s SEED20 program hosts multiple enrichment workshops each year, designed to support continued growth and leadership development.
Topics vary annually and have included:
• Organizational assessments and best practices
• Strategies for improving organizational governance
• Best practices in fundraising and donor engagement
Below is a sample of SEED20 Alumni Enrichment Programs offered in 2025:
About Social Venture Partners Charlotte
Social Venture Partners (SVP) Charlotte invests in and strengthens innovative nonprofits who are tackling our community’s greatest challenges by leveraging our network of engaged philanthropists. We envision a thriving Charlotte area nonprofit community equipped to support all people to pursue their full potential.
SVP Charlotte fuels nonprofit innovation in the community through three distinct programs:
- SEED20: Our annual signature program that identifies, highlights, and connects the community to the Charlotte region’s most innovative ideas for tackling pressing social challenges
- Spark Teams: Short term pro bono consulting for SEED20 alumni with a focus on building skills and knowledge
- Investee Grants: Deep, multi-year investments of financial, social, and human capital in a select number of promising nonprofits who have been through the SEED20 program and are tackling issues of upward mobility
SVP Charlotte is an affiliate of Social Venture Partners International (SVPI), which is the largest network of engaged donors in the world with more than 40 affiliate organizations in nine countries bringing together over 3,400 partners investing $70 million in 900+ nonprofit organizations worldwide. Each SVP affiliate invests in their local community and is connected to the global movement woven together by SVPI.
Visit www.svpcharlotte.org to learn more about our Partners, our initiatives and how to get involved.