Nonprofit News

Twelve Nonprofits to Compete for $70,000 at ‘Desert Fast Pitch’   RAP Foundation’s ‘Shark Tank’-Style Contest To Be Held on Oct. 2, 2025

Twelve Coachella Valley nonprofits have been selected to compete for a share of $70,000 in cash grants at the popular ‘Desert Fast Pitch,’ the Regional Access Project (RAP) Foundation’s high-energy, ‘Shark Tank’-style competition spotlighting quick-fire pitches from mission-driven organizations.

Each nonprofit will receive a $1,000 participation grant and access to workshops in the lead-up to a September Semi-Final round, where six will be chosen. Those six will then take the stage at the big event, which features a top prize of $20,000, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. at UCR Palm Desert, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive.

 The nonprofits selected to compete this year are:

  • 4ShayJ Foundation
  • Consejo de Federaciones Mexicanas (COFEM)
  • Friends of the Children – Coachella Valley
  • Grandparents Love
  • Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation
  • HARC Inc.
  • Hanson House Foundation
  • Integrated Learning Institute
  • SafeHouse of the Desert
  • The Exception
  • Tools For Tomorrow
  • We Can Fish

Presented by the RAP Foundation through its capacity-building, technical assistance arm of NPO Centric, Desert Fast Pitch has been presented for more than a decade supporting and spotlighting local nonprofits that serve eastern Riverside County.

In addition to competing for funding, the 12 selected nonprofits are taking part in a seven-week training and mentoring program focused on leadership, marketing, storytelling, and fundraising. The goal is to help them strengthen their impact and sharpen their ability to communicate their mission to potential supporters.

Following the Semi-Final round, six finalists will pitch live on October 2 in front of a panel of expert judges and an audience of more than 300 civic leaders, businesses, and philanthropists. Each nonprofit leader will have just three minutes to deliver a compelling case for support.
Top awards include:

·       $20,000 for First Place

·       $15,000 for Second Place

·       $10,000 for Third Place

·       $5,000 for Audience Choice

·       Additional cash prizes will also be awarded.

This year’s event will also feature an inspirational speaker sponsored by First 5 Riverside County Children & Families Commission.

“Desert Fast Pitch equips nonprofits with more than just grant dollars. It gives them the tools to inspire action,” said Leticia De Lara, Executive Director of the RAP Foundation. “This program helps leaders build confidence, strengthen their networks, and refine their message so they can rally the community around their cause and secure the resources they need to grow.”

Tickets for the October 2 Desert Fast Pitch event are $35 each and are now on sale at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2025-nonprofit-desert-fast-pitch-tickets-1354288987819?aff=oddtdtcreator.

Seating is limited and early sellout is expected.

For more information about the RAP Foundation, please visit www.rapfoundation.org.

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