Feb. 1, 2011 -
PRLog -- Twenty innovative nonprofits have been chosen as semi-finalists for Social Innovation Fast Pitch, a seven-week training and mentoring program for organizations that are affecting social change in the metropolitan Phoenix area.
Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.org at Wings Academy, a public high school in the Bronx where he was a social studies teacher for five years and experienced first-hand the scarcity of materials in public schools, will keynote the inaugural event. He established DonorsChoose, sensing that many people would like to help distressed public schools, but were frustrated by a lack of influence over their donations. Since 2000, he has enabled individuals to connect directly with classrooms in need.
Semi-finalists for the 2011 event are:
Accept the Challenge: Operation Tone-Up (www.operationtoneup.com/
new/): promotes wellness and the prevention of childhood obesity through school programs nationwide.
Arizona Facts of Life (www.azfactsoflife.org):
specializes in positive development for girls ages 9-17 through programs that foster independence, leadership and self-esteem.
Arizona Quest for Kids (www.azquestforkids.org):
prepares students, who would otherwise not have the opportunity, for success in higher education through mentoring, enrichment, and college guidance.
A Stepping Stone Foundation (www.asteppingstone.org):
collaborates with Alhambra, Fowler and Isaac School Districts to provide children identified most at risk of school failure with preschool classes, adult education and parenting classes for their parents.
Back to School Clothing Drive (www.backtoschoolclothingdrive.com):
provides new school outfits and uniforms, backpacks and school supplies to children in need, bringing confidence and allowing kids to focus on what is really important -- schoolwork.
Bridging Arizona Furniture Bank (www.bridgingaz.org/
baz/index.html):
the first and only Furniture Bank in Arizona, provides families in need with the furniture and household items necessary to create a safe, comfortable and healthy home environment.
Ear Candy Charity (earcandycharity.org):
provides kids access to music education through in-school and after-school programs as well as unique experiences like touring a radio station, visiting a major artist’s sound check and concert, or attending a guitar making workshop.
Everlasting Marks (www.everlastingmarks.org):
promotes cultural understanding and environmental awareness through service learning programs involving youth in the hands on construction of sustainable projects that benefit the community.
FaxNet1 (www.faxnet1.org):
aims to reduce crime in neighborhoods through innovative, successful crime prevention programs designed and approved by local and national law enforcement.
Harvest For Humanity (www.aboutharvest.org):
creates innovative solutions to the social and economic challenges faced by seasonal farmworkers families, and to empower farmworker families and the surrounding community to help bring about necessary changes and improvement.
Helping Hands for Single Moms (www.helpsinglemoms.org:
assists single mom in obtaining a college education and attaining financial independence.
Kids At Hope (www.kidsathope.org):
inspires, empowers, and transforms families, youth serving organizations (schools, parks and recreation departments, police and fire departments, etc.) and entire communities to create an environment where all children experience success.
National Advocacy & Training Network (natn-az.com/
home): strives for prevention of domestic violence and abuse through quality training programs tailored to specific needs and enhancing recovery and quality of life for survivors through assisted living, counseling, and support.
NEDCO (www.nedcocdc.org):
Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation:
helps neighborhoods and families build assets through homeownership, neighborhood revitalization, and business development.
New Global Citizens (www.newglobalcitizens.org):
aims to educate, equip, and mobilize young people to help solve the greatest challenges faced by communities around the world.
P.O.P.S.I.C.L.E. (www.popsiclecenter.org/
index.asp): provides educational tools and resources that serve the needs of children with feeding difficulties, their families and the professionals who work with them.
STARS (www.starsaz.org):
Scottsdale Training & Rehabilitation Services: provides employment services and day programs to improve the lives of individuals with developmental and cognitive disabilities.
Teen Addiction Anonymous (www.teenaddictionanonymous.com):
provides teens with a 12-step program developed by teens, with teens and for teens to address addictive behavior.
Unlimited Potential (www.upaz.org):
serves primarily parents in the Roosevelt School District attendance area with programs that have grown out of community needs to address adult functional illiteracy, unemployment and resulting family problems.
At the culmination of the free, two-month program, finalists will be selected to present at the inaugural Showcase event on March 2, 2011. An audience of more than 200 investors, business and nonprofit leaders, and other members of Arizona’s entrepreneurial community will come together to learn more about these forward-thinking organizations and see the finalists compete for thousands of dollars in funding.
About Social Innovation Fast Pitch:
Social Innovation Fast Pitch is presented by partners, Social Venture Partners Arizona (SVPAZ), The ASU SkySong Center for Innovation and Lodestar Center for Philanthropy and Nonprofit Innovation to support social entrepreneurs tackling some of the city’s toughest problems, and to contribute to the spirit of innovative and the vibrant culture in the greater Phoenix area. The event is open to the public. Early registration ends January 31. For more information visit
http://www.svpaz.org or contact Terri Wogan at 602-224-0041.
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Social Venture Partners Arizona gathers successful professionals to leverage time, expertise and resources to make strategic investments in the local community.
