Last night, I attended Social Venture Partners’ Fast Pitch event at the California Science Center. This is the culmination of a two-month training and mentoring program for innovative nonprofits that are effecting social change in Los Angeles County. At last night’s competition, each of the 10 nonprofit finalists shared their mission and vision and made a monetary ask in just 3 minutes each, in front of a panel of judges. Nail-biting stuff! The energetic, engaging presentations were all excellent, touching the hearts of everyone in the room. Being able to tell your story, succinctly and powerfully, is so important, not only to raise funds, but to engage volunteers, corporate partners and other stakeholders. For example, Bank of America Foundation was so impressed with LA River Revitalization Corporation’s pitch that they awarded the Executive Director a prize of $5,000 on the spot, rewarding the nonprofit for an inspiring and powerful presentation.

For more information on this unique and important program, visit http://www.socialventurepartners.org/los-angeles/fast-pitch/