Nonprofits Compete for More Than $50,000 at ‘Fast Pitch’ Event

Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVPAZ) selected nine finalists for the seventh-annual Fast Pitch program, a spirited competition that connects social entrepreneurs with the business community and potential investors.

SVPAZ selected the seven nonprofit finalists, plus one ASU student organization and a for-profit organization with a social mission, because they stand out for their innovative charitable work bringing positive social change to the Valley. The finalists were selected from a pool of 26 semi-finalists, who participated in the two-month training program.

Each finalist receives 180 seconds to pitch the audience and panel of distinguished judges, who will award more than $50,000 in grants guaranteed by SVPAZ, plus thousands more raised during the event by community leaders, business executives and philanthropists looking to invest in the nonprofits to help sustain or grow their missions. The March 28 event takes place at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

The finalists are:

• Arizona Coalition for Military Families
• Labor’s Community Service Agency
• The Nagi Foundation
• NorthBridge College Success Program
• Pal Experiences
• Read Better Be Better
• Skate After School
• Zenjoi – For-profit finalist
• Fortunes Financial – ASU student

Fast Pitch is part of SVPAZ’s commitment to bringing a venture capital approach to philanthropy. The finalists, along with the other semifinalists, have taken part in a two-month training and mentoring program designed to sharpen the organizations’ social impacts and business models. It also trains them to succinctly and powerfully tell their stories.

“We have an inspiring group of nonprofits that are doing amazing work in the community,” said Terri Wogan-Calderón, executive director and partner of Social Venture Partners Arizona. “It’s exciting and rewarding to be on the ground-floor of their trajectories, helping them grow and become sustainable organizations into the future.”

For more information, visit: www.FastPitchsvpaz.org.

About Social Venture Partners Arizona
Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVPAZ) offers an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy. A network of Partners donate money and lend their time and talent to nonprofit organizations primarily focusing on children and education. Partners who join SVPAZ operate like venture capitalists, providing infrastructure so nonprofits and can build skills and resources. More at www.socialventurepartners.org/arizona.