Local organizations compete for $30,000 to further social innovation via SVP’s Fast Pitch

Social Venture Partners (SVP) Cincinnati is once again hosting its Fast Pitch competition, in which innovative organizations learn to communicate their mission to intended audiences in effective and engaging ways. 

Twenty nonprofits and social enterprises will dip their feet in the water Jan. 27 when they share three-minute pitches with SVP members, who will then vote and narrow the field to eight competitors.

“Cincinnati is a giving community and rich in nonprofits working to make a difference,” says Melisse May, chairperson for Fast Pitch Cincinnati. “Yet we still have many challenges.” 

Among those challenges are things like poverty, hunger and lack of access and exposure to the arts. 

“Therefore, Fast Pitch Cincinnati is seeking nonprofit programs with innovative and creative ways to more effectively help solve our community’s problems,” May says. 

SVP will work with the final eight competing organizations, providing guidance via one-on-one coaching and training sessions in preparation for the March 2 finals. 

UPDATE: Here are the eight finalists.

More than $30,000 in funds will be awarded to winning organizations that share their pitches with an audience of more than 500, including a panel of judges looking for compelling, creative and clear messages that describe future community impact.

“Fast Pitch is just one way that SVP Cincinnati is fulfilling its mission to cultivate effective philanthropists, strengthen nonprofits and build collaborative relationships for social change,” says SVP Cincinnati Board Chairperson Sandy Hughes. “Fast Pitch is not only effective, it’s a fun way to engage the community in philanthropy.”

Do Good: 

• Get your 2016 Fast Pitch tickets for the March 2 finals competition, which takes places at The Phoenix downtown.

• Contact Melisse May if you’re interested in sponsoring this year’s competition. 

• Learn more about Fast Pitch by checking out highlights from the 2014 and 2015 competitions.