…A mobile unit for the homeless that carries belongings during the day and unfolds into a tent-like sleeping enclosure with a bed at night.

…A group of volunteers mobilized to harvest fruit from private homes to distribute to local food pantries and other organizations serving those in need.

…A program that uses art as a healing tool for survivors of domestic violence.

…A public charter high school with a unique experiential learning design focused on the environment.

These are just some of the innovative solutions to society’s problems presented in past years at the Social Innovation Fast Pitch. Innovative non-profit organizations are using limited resources in creative and effective ways to deliver breakthrough social impact. They may be pioneering new products or services or delivering them in new ways or to new populations. They may be employing advanced technologies or leveraging collaborations with other nonprofits, businesses or public organizations. They may be employing new organizational structures or new business models, such as social enterprises to create earned income or employment.

The Social Innovation Fast Pitch is a free two-month communication skills training program and competition for innovative nonprofits that are effecting social change in Greater Los Angeles, culminating in the Social Innovation Fast Pitch event in the Fall.  The program trains nonprofit leaders to powerfully communicate their story and connects them with leaders of the business and funding communities who can help them to achieve their goals.

Leaders from 20 nonprofits are selected to participate, based on their innovative approaches to creating social change and their potential for significant positive community impact. Over September and October, they receive training, feedback and mentoring from business leaders on how to succinctly and powerfully “tell their story.” Past participants have described the program as invaluable, resulting in greater confidence and effectiveness when presenting, increased exposure for their organization, valuable new relationships, and new support from donors and volunteers.

The Event

At the event, 10 finalists make three-minute “pitches” to a panel of judges and an audience of more than 400 investors, business and nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, foundation executives and other influencers in Southern California's entrepreneurial community. The finalists compete to win grants of over $100,000.

The 2011 Fast Pitch event was made possible with support from the Annenberg Foundation, and was held in conjunction with Annenberg Alchemy’s Peer to Peer event, “The Art of Human Engagement through Effective Storytelling,” a day of innovative thinking, featuring distinguished speakers and an opportunity to network with community leaders.

Past grant winners include organizations like BTS Communications, Food Forward, The Posse Foundation, A Window Between Worlds, City Hall Fellows, and Everyone Deserves a Roof. To watch pitches from the 4th Annual Social Innovation Fast Pitch, click here.

Miss the Prior Years' Events?

2011 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase

2010 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase

2009 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase

2008 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase