To learn more about ASVP, read the following interview with ASVP founder David Lunsford. It was founded by several of us who work at Dell who were interested in supporting community organizations, but beyond just writing individual checks. We wanted to work with community groups whose missions support important social issues facing Central Texas. These skills can range from management and marketing expertise, to financial management and technology development.
Partners also work with the organizations to help design metrics to measure and demonstrate success.
This is much like venture capital firms that work with start-ups for the long term. Our original founders of ASVP come from the technology community, and they tend to approach their philanthropic responsibility as they would their businesses. Many of our members have lived in Austin less than 10 years, and they have been completely immersed in their work. They now have sufficient financial resources that they are inclined and able to re-invest in the community. Re-investing in the community means you're strengthening the business and social environments, which lead to a healthier situation for everyone.