The 10th Annual Desert Fast Pitch Grant Competition, presented by NPO Centric, a program of the Regional Access Project Foundation (RAP), is set to ignite the spirit of entrepreneurship within the nonprofit sector. This highly anticipated event brings nonprofit professionals together to compete for cash grants by pitching their innovative ideas and compelling stories in a friendly “Shark Tank” format. KESQ’s Patrick Evans will be the emcee for the finals, where over $60,000 in grants are awarded annually. This event promises to be a game-changer for the nonprofit community.
Father Gregory Boyle
The highlight of this year’s competition will be a keynote address by Father Gregory Boyle, a New York Times bestselling author and the 2007 Humanitarian of the Year. Father Boyle is the founder of Homeboy Industries, a nonprofit organization that provides hope, training, and support to formerly gang-involved and previously incarcerated individuals in Los Angeles. His inspiring presence will undoubtedly enhance the experience of all attendees.
To participate in the 10th Annual Desert Fast Pitch Grant Competition, nonprofits interested can access the application portal starting from June 1st, with the deadline for submissions being June 20th. The application portal can be found on the RAP Foundation Website, providing a seamless and convenient way for nonprofits to submit their proposals.
Selected participants will undergo eight weeks of comprehensive training, beginning on July 11th, to hone their presentation skills and fine-tune their project proposals. The semifinal event will take place on September 7th, at the RAP Foundation. Followed by the grand finale on September 21st at UCR Palm Desert. The finals, scheduled for 5:00 pm, will be a thrilling culmination of the competition as participants deliver their captivating three-minute presentations in front of a live audience and a distinguished panel of judges.
Nonprofit professionals and individuals interested in learning more about the Desert Fast Pitch Grant Competition are invited to attend an information session on May 30th from 4:30 pm to 5:30 pm at the RAP Foundation. This session will provide valuable insights into the competition, its format, and the benefits it offers.
