Philanthropy as a capital instrument

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June 26, 2025 - At VP Capital, we see philanthropy not as charity but as a powerful lever for positive change – especially when aligned with impact investing. As the world grapples with interconnected crises – climate change, biodiversity loss, and widening social inequality – we believe giving must be strategic, long term, and rooted in impact.

In a world where 10% of people own 76% of the world’s wealth, those of us with access to wealth and influence carry a shared responsibility. Venture philanthropy offers a path to deploy that privilege for structural, long-term change.

That’s why we embraced venture philanthropy: a results-oriented model that blends the entrepreneurial spirit of venture capital with the purpose of philanthropy. Our giving strategy is deeply aligned with our broader investment themes - Biodiversity, Climate, and Social Equality (BCS) – and is guided by clear metrics and long-term partnerships.

To design and implement this approach, we collaborate closely with Telos Impact, a leading expert in venture philanthropy and impact investing. As Lola Debersaques, Manager at Telos Impact puts it:

“In the face of growing challenges and finite resources, aligning impact investing and philanthropy under a shared strategy transforms capital into a lever for deeper, more sustained impact.”

In the sections that follow, we share how this strategy comes to life – through structured processes, trust-based relationships, and a shared commitment to building a more sustainable and equitable future.

Venture philanthropy: A new approach for lasting change

Venture philanthropy is a progressive approach that blends philanthropic intent with venture capital methods to drive lasting social and environmental impact. It emphasises long-term partnerships, tailored financing (grants, loans, or equity-like instruments), and capacity building. Beyond funding, it offers strategic support by providing added value through our network and expertise. Venture philanthropy is about scaling what works and bold where others hesitate. By applying the principles of venture philanthropy, we ensure that our philanthropic contributions have a tangible, lasting effect on the causes we care about.

To achieve this, we work with Telos Impact, who use a structured process to identify and support suitable nonprofit organisations. Most nonprofits or social enterprises are sourced proactively and go through a two-step selection process: first, alignment with our values and strategic themes; second, a due diligence phase assessing four key areas – impact potential, governance and HR, financial health, and the action plan.

Once selected, organisations enter into a partnership agreement with clearly defined KPIs. These are used both for reporting and for ongoing coaching throughout the partnership. Most supported organisations receive multi-year funding to enable long-term impact, with a planned exit strategy in place.

Focusing on those who drive change

A crucial element of our strategy is placing social entrepreneurs and organisations at the centre of our approach. By providing unrestricted, mostly multi-year funding, we enable grantees to operate with greater autonomy, allowing them to make decisions based on their expertise, rather than on donor-imposed agendas. As philanthropists, we recognise the delicate balance between trust and accountability – providing guidance and support where needed, while ensuring transparency and responsible use of funds. We are committed to finding this equilibrium, where organisations feel both empowered and accompanied.

Marieke Terhaar, Senior Associate at Telos Impact:

“We believe in philanthropy that doesn't just deliver answers but cultivates possibilities. True partnerships thrive when funders listen, engage meaningfully, and invest for the long haul – especially when the path forward isn't clear.”

Key highlights of our 2024 philanthropy

More than EUR 1 million was directed towards organisations focused on social equality, climate action, and biodiversity preservation following the principles of venture philanthropy.

At VP Capital, the venture philanthropy donations are divided into three categories. In 2024, 39% of our donations focused on organisations with a direct impact, 47% supported initiatives for systemic change, and 14% were directed towards accelerators promoting long-term sustainable development.

Direct impact

A curative action that addresses an existing social problem, mainly through direct intervention on the ground.

Example organisation in our portfolio:

Casa Legal combines legal assistance with social work and psychological support to those who face barriers in accessing justice, particularly undocumented women or victims of domestic violence.

System change

A preventive approach aiming to durably modify the root causes of a social issue, using levers such as advocacy, awareness raising, or policy change.

Example organisation in our portfolio:

Buzz Women provides on-the-ground training in financial literacy, entrepreneurship, and personal growth through mobile classrooms, offering women in rural areas immediate tools to improve their livelihoods and gain autonomy. This approach has direct impact but also contributes to system change. For instance, their peer-led "Beehive" groups foster community leadership and empower women, leading to broader shifts in societal norms and structures.

Accelerator

A programme that supports early-stage companies or initiatives with mentorship, funding, and resources to accelerate growth.

Example organisation in our portfolio:

Remove supports start-ups developing innovative methods to advance carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Through a two-stage accelerator programme, the organisation provides selected start-ups with essential coaching and networking opportunities.

Some other highlights from our historic philanthropy approach:

Annetje van Puijenbroek Foundation:

We contributed EUR 150,000 in annual support to initiatives promoting social cohesion and empowerment in our local communities Goirle and Hilvarenbeek. Through this commitment, VP Capital plays a vital role in strengthening our presence and fostering social unity within our immediate community, while providing opportunities for marginalised groups.

Emergency relief

EUR 150,000 was allocated to emergency relief efforts in regions such as Lebanon, Gaza, and Sudan, which often receive limited attention in global humanitarian discussions.

Philanthropic values in the family:

In order to involve the next generation in philanthropy, each family member, from the age of six, can donate EUR 6,000 annually. In 2024, this initiative resulted in EUR 150,000 in donations to causes such as refugee aid, poverty relief, healthcare, and nature conservation.

Philanthropy as a catalyst for systemic change

At VP Capital, we combine impact investing and philanthropy to maximise our contribution to positive change. Building on this dual approach, our next ambition is to better assess and focus on those initiatives targeting systemic change and to develop alternative financing solutions, so we can better match the right tool to the needs and maturity of each organisation we support. Our efforts remain focused on creating lasting impact, particularly in our core areas: Biodiversity, Climate, and Social Equality.

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Philanthropy as a capital instrument

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