Caren DeWitt Merrick is a founding investor in VPP. She is also an entrepreneur, investor, and board member in innovative technology companies, social impact nonprofits and financial services businesses.
In June of 2000, Venture Philanthropy Partners opened it doors,
spurred by the efforts of three founders who asked themselves,
“Could the business world provide a different, innovative
approach to social change?”
In the years that followed, VPP quickly became a strategic hub for high-impact
investments through deep and sustained partnerships with foundations, businesses,
government agencies and school systems.
In April of 2020, VPP formed a strategic alliance with Raise DC to build an investment
organization capable of driving alignment among communities, and nonprofit, business
and regional leaders around systems change. VPP+Raise DC committed to call out and
confront policies, practices and systems that contribute to racial inequity.
Today, we recognize the need to do more, be bolder, and act faster. Youth Invest Partners
is a call to “dream big and do big” to drive change that will build better futures for
Greater Washington youth today and in the days, months and years to come. Our new
name and brand reflects energy and focus as we collaborate, innovate and transform.
