SVP Tucson’s Fast Pitch celebrates eight years

SVP Tucson’s Fast Pitch celebrates eight years of raising awareness and funds for local nonprofits

Social Venture Partners Tucson (SVP Tucson) has selected eight local nonprofits to participate in their FREE training program from January through May 2023. During SVP Tucson’s signature Main Event on Thursday, March 30, 2023, these organizations will pitch to a live audience of donors and take their shot at over $100,000 in on-stage grants. Every participant in the program will receive unrestricted funding support and donations made at the event will be matched up to $40,000, thanks to the generous support from the Connie Hillman Family Foundation.

Fast Pitch is a keystone program of Social Venture Partners Tucson, an affiliate of the world’s largest engaged network of philanthropists and social changemakers. In 2022, Fast Pitch provided the opportunity for local nonprofits to tell their stories and receive part of over $230,000 in unrestricted grants, a record impact.

This year the event will be held in person at the University of Arizona’s Health Science Innovation Building and will also be live-streamed.

The selected nonprofits for the Fast Pitch Class of 2023 are:

· Community Investment Corporation
· Educational Enrichment Foundation
· IMPACT of Southern Arizona
· Just Communities Arizona
· Liberty Partnership Community Council (DBA: LPKNC)
· Mobile Meals of Southern Arizona
· SARSEF
· Southern Arizona Legal Aid, Inc.

“These organizations are working at the forefront of the intersectional movements for racial, economic, and social justice. Together in partnership, we work alongside these nonprofits to strengthen their missions and increase their impact,” said Ciara Garcia, Chief Executive Officer at SVP Tucson. “Fast Pitch is a community-centered event that provides real solutions and meaningful opportunities for community members to be a part of creating lasting change in Southern Arizona.”

Each organization was selected based on a specific set of eligibility requirements and met one or more areas of focus:
• Utilize a 2Gen approach
• Serve historically marginalized, under-served or under-resourced communities or populations
• Actively work to promote social justice, including racial and gender justice

The Fast Pitch program helps nonprofits to boost awareness, build their capacity, raise funds, and provides mentorship from community leaders. Each organization will receive training for two months following the Main Event to support them in building donor connections and creating comprehensive marketing strategies.

“I stepped into the SVP Fast Pitch process as a participant and emerged as a confident leader. I loved every minute of this journey, and its impact on me and our program cannot be measured. I am forever grateful for this opportunity,” said Jennie Hedges, Program Manager for FosterEd Arizona and Fast Pitch Class of 2022 participant.

The main event is on Thursday, March 30, 2023, at 5 pm will take place live and virtually with tickets on sale now.

For more information about SVP Tucson and the Fast Pitch program, visit: www.svptucson.org