Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVP) is seeking organizations to participate in the fourth annual Greater Phoenix Fast Pitch Social Innovation Expo. On the night of the event, up to 8 finalists will make three-minute pitches to a panel of judges. What’s at stake, you may ask? Six different awards and the chance to tell your story to over 500 community leaders and potential donors. The winner will become the next SVPAZ investee and benefit from multi-year cash grants and capacity building.
Social Venture Partners Arizona is an entrepreneurial approach to philanthropy. It offers partners an innovative way to give of their time and talents, as well as donate funds to non-profit organizations focusing on children and education.
Terri Wogan, Executive Director of SVP Arizona says, “SVP Fast Pitch Arizona is unique and important as it not only highlights social innovations, but also connects and actively engages members of the business community with non-profits in a highly effective, programmatic manner. Members of the business community serve as coaches over a two-month period and other business leaders, venture capitalists, and social investors are among the judges and audience members at the event.”
SVP Arizona’s Fast Pitch Social Innovation Expo is a free two‐month communication skills training program and competition for innovative nonprofits that are effecting social change in the Greater Phoenix area. The program ends with a live showcase event on March 26, 2014 at Tempe Center for the Arts, and $32,000 in prize money will be given away the evening of March 26th.
The Fast Pitch program trains nonprofit leaders to powerfully communicate their story and connects them with leaders of the business and funding communities who can help them achieve their goals. Leaders from 20 nonprofit organizations will be selected for their innovative approaches to creating significant social impact. They will participate in the training program and receive mentoring and feedback from valley business leaders.
Here is a breakdown of the prize money:
$10,000–SVP Award–SVP Arizona as an engaged philanthropy organization will be offering this award to one of the eight semi-finalists that provides the best “fit” to be their next grantee. They provide $10,000 that evening and then the winning non-profit becomes eligible for an additional four years of grant funding (approximately $20,000 a year for an additional four years) along with the skills and expertise from SVP partners who represent the business community.
$10,000–Community Award (Selected by 8 business leaders from the community)–based on innovation, compelling message & pitch, and potential for tangible societal impact.
$2500–Audience Choice Award–The audience in attendance will vote for their favorite pitch of the evening.
$2500–Mentor’s Choice Award–The 45 mentors from the business community will select from the finalists–they create their own criteria which might include leadership, idea, innovation, etc.
$2500–New this year, SVP is partnering with The ASU Rob and Melani Walton Sustainability Solutions Initiatives. They will award $2500 to a venture that demonstrates an ability to provide Arizona with a viable sustainability solution.
$2500–New this year, SVP is partnering with the KIITA Foundation. They are still determining their criteria.
$2000–SVP partners with ASU and offers students an opportunity to enter the student division for social entrepreneurs. Up to three students will go through the two month training and then SVP Arizona will select one of the students to present the evening of the event. That presenter will receive this grant.
Additionally, audience members will be encouraged to give, volunteer, become board members, etc. In 2013, an additional $140,000 was raised from audience members to the nonprofits that participated.
The deadline for applications is October 31, 2013, midnight. Apply now here!
Photos provided by Social Venture Partners Arizona.
