NPO Desert Fast Pitch Grand Finale Returns October 1, 2026, Showcasing the Region’s Most Inspiring Nonprofit Leaders and Their Missions
After weeks of intensive coaching, mentorship, and preparation, twelve nonprofit organizations will be ready to compete at the NPO Desert Fast Pitch 2026 Grand Finale on Thursday, October 1, at Agua Caliente Casino & Resort.
Presented by the NPO Centric and Regional Access Project Foundation (RAP), Desert Fast Pitch has become the community’s most anticipated annual program. Following a Shark Tank-inspired theme, the program equips nonprofit leaders with the storytelling, fundraising, and leadership skills needed to communicate their missions with clarity and confidence. The Grand Finale brings that journey to life as the final six participants deliver compelling 3-minute pitches before a live audience of more than 300 funders, elected officials, corporate leaders, community influencers, and media representatives.
This year, the organizers have selected 12 promising nonprofits that represent a diverse cross-section within the Coachella Valley and neighboring communities. Here are the NPO Desert Fast Pitch 2026 nonprofits and their representatives:
· Alex Aguilar — Iyengar Yoga Center Coachella Valley – IYCCV
· Ray Amador — Coachella Valley Youth Leadership
· Jessica Bowser — Desi Strong Foundation
· Tamara Canedo — Seiden-Juku
· Yvonne Choyce — Consortium for Early Learning Services
· Erin Hyland — Read With Me Volunteer Programs
· Julie Makinen — Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation
· J’ai Michel-Lundy — Sunset Music and Education Foundation
· Kara Robinson — Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City
· Ernesto Rodriguez — Kindful Restoration
· Selena Rodriguez — Safe Family Justice Centers
· Diane Schlesinger – How Great Are THY Works
Throughout the grand finale evening, organizations will compete for more than $50,000 in awards, including a $20,000 First Place prize, while sharing the stories behind the work they do to improve lives throughout the Coachella Valley. Other prizes include:
· Second Place — $15,000
· Third Place — $10,000
· Audience Choice Award — $5,000
· Best Portfolio Award — $1,000
· Most Improved Award — $1,000 (voted on by the contestants during semifinals)
· All Participating Nonprofits — $1,000
“Winning Desert Fast Pitch was a powerful validation of our mission and the work we are doing in the community,” said last year’s winner, Ramon Ramos. “Beyond the funding, the experience elevated our visibility, strengthened our confidence as an organization, and opened doors to new relationships and opportunities that continue to support our growth and impact. We are deeply grateful for the platform and support Desert Fast Pitch provides to community-based organizations.”
This year’s Grand Finale introduces an exciting new venue at Agua Caliente Casino & Resort. The spectacular evening features final pitches from the six finalists, the “Audience Choice” Award Vote, buffet dinner, and Inspirational Speaker, J.R. Martinez. J.R. is an actor, New York Times bestselling author, motivational speaker, wounded U.S. Army veteran, and Dancing with the Stars champion. His remarkable journey of resilience and perseverance reflects the spirit of NPO Desert Fast Pitch: overcoming challenges, embracing possibility, and using the power of personal stories to inspire others.
The event is open to the public, and community members are encouraged to attend to support local nonprofits and experience an evening dedicated to purpose, innovation, and impact.
Tickets are now on sale, and early Bird pricing is available through August 1: https://www.squadup.com/events/desert-fast-pitch?legacy=0
For more ticket and event information, visit: https://npocentric.org/what-we-do/npo-desert-fast-pitch/
The Regional Access Project Foundation (RAP) Inc. was incorporated in 1992 as a 501(c)(3) public benefit corporation in order to address unmet needs in health, mental health and juvenile intervention for residents of eastern Riverside County through grants and technical assistance to not-for-profit service providers. Funding of the RAP Foundation is primarily through unique cooperative agreements between the RAP Foundation and the County of Riverside; and, between the County of Riverside and the City of Palm Desert Redevelopment Agency.
