On June 11, more than 150 people filled Washington Hall for GrowFundMe: Thrive to listen, learn, and invest in seven organizations creating lasting change across King County.
The evening marked the culmination of six months of support, storytelling, and partnership between nonprofit leaders, skilled volunteers, and SVP Partners. But GrowFundMe has never been just about one event. It is about investing in leaders who are already transforming their communities and reimagining philanthropy as something we do with communities, not for them.
SVP Seattle has a very different take and approach to philanthropy. It's extremely community-centered and focused on helping these BIPOC organizations within King County really thrive.
An Evening of Stories and Community
Washington Hall buzzed with conversation long before the program began. Nonprofit leaders reconnected with the volunteers who had supported them over the previous six months. Guests wandered from table to table discovering organizations they might not have encountered otherwise. There was excitement, a little nervous energy, and an unmistakable sense that everyone in the room wanted these organizations to succeed.
Then the storytelling began.
One by one, each nonprofit leader stepped onto the stage to share not only what their organization does, but why it matters. They spoke about the challenges their communities face, the hope that drives their work, and their vision for a more just and equitable future. Throughout the evening, the audience laughed, reflected, applauded, and responded with remarkable generosity. It was a powerful reminder that stories have the power to connect people and inspire action.
Getting to see everyone up there and do their thing, share their story, it was really impactful. It's really encouraging to hear what all the organizations are doing together.
The Impact
When the evening ended, we knew something special had happened.
What we didn’t know yet was just how much our community had accomplished together.
Over the weeks that followed, gifts continued to come in.
Then we added them all up.
TOGETHER, WE RAISED $114,000 for the seven nonprofits participating in GrowFundMe.
Every organization will receive an equal share of the funds raised because GrowFundMe is built on the belief that collaboration, not competition, creates stronger communities.
Each organization serves a unique community with unique challenges. It has been incredibly fulfilling to better understand those communities and discover where I, and others, can help.
This is Only the Beginning
Over the past six months, nonprofit leaders built new skills, strengthened their fundraising, and formed lasting relationships with skilled volunteers and SVP Partners. Those relationships will continue long after the event, creating a network of support that helps organizations grow stronger over time.
That is what GrowFundMe is really about.
Not just one successful evening.
Not just one fundraising goal.
But a community coming together to invest in leaders, strengthen organizations, and reimagine what philanthropy can look like when it is built on trust, partnership, and shared purpose.
Because when community-rooted nonprofits thrive, our communities thrive. And perhaps no one captured that transformation better than the nonprofit leaders themselves.
(GrowFundMe) taught me there's so much opportunity out there. There's people that will believe in you, but you gotta believe in yourself first.
Help Us Cross the Finish Line
Together, our community has already raised $114,000 toward our goal of $140,000.
With just $38,000 to go, we can provide $20,000 in unrestricted funding to each of the seven nonprofits in this year’s GrowFundMe cohort. Every additional gift will be shared equally among the organizations, giving them the flexible resources they need to respond to new opportunities, strengthen their organizations, and continue serving their communities.
Help us reach our goal by Friday, July 31, and ensure every nonprofit receives the full investment our community set out to make.
Continue the Journey
GrowFundMe showed what is possible when we invest in people, relationships, and community before asking for results.
If this story inspired you, we’d love to welcome you into the SVP community. Whether you’re interested in becoming an SVP Partner, volunteering your expertise, or helping shape future GrowFundMe cohorts, there is a place for you.
Meet the 2026 GrowFundMe Cohort
The seven organizations below spent six months strengthening their fundraising, storytelling, and leadership through GrowFundMe. We invite you to learn more about their work and the communities they serve.
