Partner FAQ
Do you have questions about partnership? See the list of questions asked most frequently by those considering partnership.
What is Vesper Service Network?The Vesper Service Network is an online community of people of faith and faith-based, not-for-profit organizations. Here, individuals can connect to mission-driven organizations that need their business skills. Organizations can find the help they need, at an attractive cost.
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Is Vesper Service Network a not-for-profit organization?No. Vesper Service Network is a social venture enterprise, jointly owned by a for-profit consulting firm and a foundation. Some of the proceeds of our work are reinvested in the company and some of the proceeds support not-for-profit organizations that strengthen our communities.^ top ^
How does Vesper Service Network connect advisors and organizations?Vesper Advisors submit information about their business and volunteer experiences when they join Vesper Service Network. This information becomes part of a searchable database. Client organizations search this database when they are looking for help with projects. Vesper Service Network helps organizations and advisors communicate and come to an agreement on what they want to accomplish and how to do the work. We believe if we give smart people the tools they need to find each other they will accomplish great things together.^ top ^
How does Vesper Service Network support organizations and advisors once connections are made?Organizations and advisors can use the website to keep track of their projects throughout the process. Advisors can log in and see a list of the projects they have been invited to, projects they are currently working on and projects they have completed. Organizations can also see their projects in the creation stage, those that are active and completed projects. Both organizations and advisors can use discussion forums to post general questions or get project advice from other Vesper Service Network members. Once a project is complete the advisor and the organization can rate their experience, which becomes part of their online record.^ top ^
What resources does Vesper Service Network provide?We look for resources that help individuals discover their strengths and how to use them to create significance in their lives and the mission of the organizations with which they work. We also look for resources to help not-for-profit organizations effectively achieve their missions. We post links to these resources on the Vesper Service Network website. We are always looking for suggestions and recommendations so please let us know if you have a favorite resource.^ top ^
What is a Partner?Partners are larger organizations, such as associations, foundations, or colleges and universities that serve individuals of faith and not-for-profit organizations. Partners make resources available to Vesper Service Network members and provide ways for their members to connect to each other. Vesper Advisors can choose to opt into any Partner's network, which means they may receive additional information and resources directly from that Partner, and may have more opportunities to work for organizations affiliated with the Partner.^ top ^
What types of organizations are Partners?Partners are any organization that cares about the health and mission of small, faith-based not-for-profits. Some examples of Partners include church bodies, foundations which fund churches and ministry organizations, associations of not-for-profit organizations, and organizations that engage large numbers of volunteers.^ top ^
What are the benefits of being a Partner?Partners benefit from the Vesper Service Network in many ways. First, Partners have a way to provide additional resources to churches and other small, faith-based organizations they care about. By partnering with the Vesper Service Network, Partners subsidize the membership cost for their constituent organizations. These organizations can be a part of the online community at no cost and have access to all of its resources.
Second, Partners have a unique way to engage individuals in their mission and a set of communication tools that allows the Partner to connect directly to Vesper Advisors in multiple ways. Vesper will create a customized user interface for Partners, which promotes their mission and brand, and provides another way for the Partner to communicate its message to constituents.^ top ^
What does a Partner do?Partners support the work of small, faith-based not-for-profits by inviting them to be members of the Vesper Service Network and giving them access to the resources of the Network at no cost. Partners decide what kinds of customization and communication tools it would like on its front page to the Vesper Service Network, and how much marketing support it needs from Vesper to promote the Network within its own constituency groups. Vesper does the rest, maintaining the technology, providing marketing support, and reviewing the Partner's network activity to maximize traffic to the site.^ top ^
What is my commitment as a Partner?As a Partner, you will meet with a Vesper Service Network account executive to define what kind of customization and marketing support you would like for your Partner web page. You will also be responsible for giving passwords to the organizations that you would like to have access to the site. The Vesper Service Network takes care of the rest. We provide marketing support to drive traffic to your Partner web page and help you maximize network usage.^ top ^
How much does it cost to be a Partner?Membership fees for Partners depend on the level of customization and marketing support required as well as the number of client organizations you wish to invite to the Network.
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What happens to my money?Partnership fees help to maintain and improve the website and resource tools for members. Fees also help to support the membership for small organizations. And 50% of all profits are returned to the community in the form of grants from the Vesper Society.^ top ^
Will I be able to network with other Partners?Yes. The level of networking you choose is up to you. Vesper Service Network provides the tools and we hope that you make full use of them to connect to other Partners in the Network.
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