FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Brian Broumas
brian@sierranevadajourneys.org | 916-601-0992
SVP Fast Pitch gives nonprofits $220,000 of in-kind support and chance to pitch at Golden 1 Center
SACRAMENTO, CA — Nov. 30, 2017 — Social Venture Partners of Sacramento (SVP), a network of engaged philanthropists focused on improving Sacramento-area education, announced today that Sierra Nevada Journeys has been selected as a semi-finalist for SVP Sacramento Fast Pitch, to be hosted at Golden 1 Center.
“The value of Fast Pitch can be measured quantitatively - 66 total nonprofits supported with over $600,000 in follow-on funding since 2015 - but the real value of the program is in the magic of each nonprofit cohort. Since 2015, 98 percent of participants have rated SVP Fast Pitch as a valuable experience that allowed them to make nonprofit and corporate connections they otherwise would not have connected with. We’re so excited for 2018!” - Bree Cahill, Executive Director of SVP Sacramento
SVP will provide Sierra Nevada Journeys with more than $11,000 of in-kind consulting and support from industry leaders and professionals. In-kind services include peer-to-peer coaching, professional video content, educational services and donor relations support along with a chance to pitch at Golden 1 Center in March 2018.
“We are thrilled to be a semi-finalist for SVP Sacramento Fast Pitch,” said Eaton Dunkelberger, CEO of Sierra Nevada Journeys. “Our STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) program growth in Sacramento elementary schools has been rapid and we are excited for the opportunity to improve on telling our story to the community.”
Sierra Nevada Journeys joins a semi-finalist pool of 20 nonprofits and a growing alumni list of 46 nonprofits throughout the Sacramento Region. The Fast Pitch program has led to over $600,000 in follow-on funding, numerous additional pitch opportunities for past participants, and several large one-time gifts ($50K+) for past participants.
The process spans four months, from Dec. 2017 through March 2018, as 20 nonprofit participants and 40 coaches work together through group and 2:1 coaching sessions to hone each 3-minute pitch. Nonprofits also take part in a series of workshops leading up to the final event. On March 8, 2018, 10 nonprofit finalists will take the stage at Golden 1 Center and pitch their stories of impact.
B Street Theater received a pledge of a new van and trailer from a donor the night of the Fast Pitch Event, allowing them to reach 30,000 additional children each year through their theatre program.
SAGE Global expanded their program to five new schools in Sacramento and added a new board member thanks to relationships formed through Fast Pitch.
Food Literacy Center used a version of their pitch in a video grant submission, earning them $20,000.
Fresher Sacramento received a $50,000 donation at SVP Fast Pitch, allowing them to bring on a new full-time staff member.
ABOUT FAST PITCH:
SVP Fast Pitch helps nonprofits craft their story. Forty business professionals are matched with 20 nonprofit leaders to build strategies, create scripts and develop a presentation. The pinnacle of Fast Pitch happens on March 8, 2018 at Golden 1 Center when 10 finalists will compete to win $30,000+ in prize money and awards. The 20 semifinalists each receive access to three workshops, a 30-second commercial quality ad, a 1-minute professionally produced pitch video, 2:1 mentoring and group pitch sessions, totaling more than $11,000 in value. Since 2015, SVP Fast Pitch has led to an additional $600K in follow-on funding for participants.
ABOUT SIERRA NEVADA JOURNEYS:
Sierra Nevada Journeys is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that delivers innovative outdoor, science-based education programs for youth to develop critical thinking skills and to inspire natural resource stewardship. Through multiple points of contact, our classroom-based programs, overnight science camps, professional development for teachers, and parent engagement opportunities surround students with resources they need to succeed. All programs are designed to foster higher cognition and build long-term student achievement.
INFORMATION ON SVP SACRAMENTO:
SVP Sacramento unites local business leaders and philanthropists with educationally focused nonprofits, combining financial and capacity-building support with a passion for education. Since 2008, SVP Sacramento has invested over $1.3 million into educationally focused nonprofits in the greater Sacramento area. Investees include Reading Partners, Teach for America, City Year, Positive Coaching Alliance (PCA), Powerhouse Science Center, College Track and 916 Ink.