SVP Arizona’s Social Innovation Fast Pitch is a free two-month communication skills training program and competition for innovative nonprofits that are effecting social change in the Greater Phoenix area. The Social Innovation Fast Pitch culminates in an event and showcase on March 28, 2017 at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts.

About 2017 SVPAZ Fast Pitch

Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVPAZ) Fast Pitch is a truly unique community event that helps support Valley nonprofits that are creating real and lasting impact in Maricopa County. The program trains nonprofit leaders and students to powerfully communicate their story, and connects them with leaders in the business, philanthropic, and nonprofit communities who can help them achieve their goals.

These individuals are selected to participate based on their innovative approaches to creating social change and their potential for significant positive community impact. They receive training and mentoring over the course of two months from volunteer business professionals on how to succinctly and powerfully “tell their story”.

The program culminates in a “Fast Pitch” competition – a high energy, rapid-fire presentation event during which ten finalists share the mission, vision and impact of their organizations with the audience and judges – in just three minutes. Arizona State University students will compete for $2,000 and the opportunity to pitch their idea/project/organization to an audience of over 500.

Student Innovation Award

• Three student teams (semifinalists) compete for $2,000
• Winner to be selected by SVPAZ Investment Committee
• Criteria – decision based on the best pitch articulation, innovative AND social impact. All are equally weighted in judging.
• Student applicants must have significant operations in and impact benefitting residents of Maricopa County. Organizations may be based outside of Maricopa County but preference will be given to organizations that are headquartered here.

Timeline & Key Dates

• November 20 @ 6pm – Applications Due for ASU students via the Changemaker Challenge Application (You must check the box in the application)
• Week of December 5 – Semifinalists Announced
• January 12 – Fast Pitch Fundamentals Workshop (3 - 5 p.m.) and Social Meet & Greet (5:30 - 7 p.m.), invitations will be distributed
• January 19 – Participant and Mentor Orientation (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ Arizona Community Foundation)
• February 1 – Participant Practice Session (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ ASU SkySong)
• February 15 – Participant Practice Session (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ ASU SkySong)
• March 1 – Participant Practice Session (8 a.m. - 12 p.m. @ ASU SkySong)
• Week of March 13 – ASU Student Winner Announced
• March 28 – Finalist Dress Rehearsal  (9 - 11 a.m.) and Fast Pitch Event & Showcase (5:30 - 9 p.m.) @ the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts