If you have ever wanted to be a social change-maker, a problem-solver, and/or a philanthropist, Social Venture Partners Tucson is offering the chance to do something about it.
Tucson ‘Fast-Pitch’ event to help fund local nonprofits
All you need to do is attend the SVP Tucson Fast Pitch Main Event at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 26, at the Fox Tucson Theatre, 17 W. Congress St.
“The Fast Pitch Main Event is an experience for all those who want to be part of making community-level change because it activates the giving spirit and helps people direct their resources or their gift-giving to organizations that are on the front lines doing vital work to make a difference in our community,” said Brittany Battle, Fast Pitch Director for SVP Tucson.
Now in its ninth year, Fast Pitch has funneled more than $1.5 million directly to community nonprofits that have participated in its free five-month training program. The program is highlighted by the live audience event/virtual broadcast that showcases a three-minute “Fast Pitch” presentation by each nonprofit. Up for grabs is more than $120,000 in on-stage grants. Every participating nonprofit will receive unrestricted funding and donations made by the audience in real time will be matched up to $40,000 by the Connie Hillman Family Foundation.
Last year, more than $218,000 was distributed among nonprofits at the event.
Battle emphasized that funds generated that evening are just the beginning.
“We know that lots of donations are made in the weeks and months following the event when someone who was in the audience logs on to the nonprofits’ websites and donates,” Battle said. “We are thrilled to be part of investing in the community in a way that directly impacts these nonprofit organizations and their revenues. One report found the nonprofits that participate in Fast Pitch increase their revenues by 144% afterward due to the awareness, funding and support generated in the community.”
Ultimately, awareness is paramount for the class of 2024 nonprofits, which includes Borderlinks; Casa de los Niños; Children’s Clinics; Interfaith Community Services; Parent Aid; Special Needs Solutions; The Haven; and TMM Family Services, Inc.
In spite of the fact that many of the organizations have long histories in the community, Battle said that Fast Pitch can help them refine their messages to resonate with potential supporters.
“This is about nonprofits uniting on behalf of our community to spread awareness about these important causes and inviting others to help find solutions,” said Battle. “It is not a competition: It is the nonprofits coming together to share their stories in a way that honors the past, acknowledges the present and builds a better future.”
Building a better future is at the core of the mission for Special Needs Solutions (SNS, found online at https://www.snstucson.org/), a small nonprofit that creates custom-made furniture, clothing, devices, and equipment to help individuals with disabilities progress physically, emotionally and cognitively. Annually, SNS serves more than 200 individuals directly and an additional 400 through clinics and special needs programs at area schools. About 95% of clients served are children.
“We support individuals with disabilities and their caregivers and therapists by providing developmental devices to help them live fuller lives,” said David Gordon, executive director of the organization. “In other words, we make equipment that supports them in living their daily lives so they are able to walk, dress, communicate and interact with the world around them. We want them to have agency in the world they live in.”
Gordon said the need is great, with statistics from the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Council estimating that approximately 60,000 children statewide are living with a developmental disability.
Powered by 21 volunteers, SNS sauters, sews, builds, welds and crafts everything from custom wheelchairs and bikes to toys, activity centers and augmentative communication devices. The organization also makes customized weighted blankets, devices that aid with standing, and much more — all for just the cost of materials.
“Lots of the equipment required to care for folks with disabilities is incredibly expensive,” Gordon said. “Because everything is done by our volunteers, we can make items that cost 90 percent less than commercial versions of the items. Our operation makes equipment available to folks who otherwise couldn’t afford it,” said Gordon.
Additionally, no approval from health insurance is required for the devices, which are all completely customized. Volunteers coordinate with individuals, therapists and family members to adapt and/or completely design the devices.
“We treat everyone who comes to us an individual, not as someone labeled with a disability. Everyone deserves to be treated as someone with their own needs and wants and whatever we make is intended to address those,” said Gordon
Gordon said that SNS is humbled to be included in the Fast Pitch 2024 class.
“It has been staggering to me to be exposed to and learn about the other nonprofits that are participating. They have given me a deeper appreciation for what people are doing — and can do — to make a difference in this world,” he said.
He said the entire journey has been an “incredible learning experience” with mentorship that has helped him to hone his thinking and organizational skills and create an impactful presentation about SNS. Additionally, he appreciates the post-pitch program, which offers continued mentoring, assistance with marketing and networking opportunities.
“After the pitch, they say, ‘Now let us help you take those connections you have made and capitalize on them and continue to develop the ability to make an impact in the community.’ I am so grateful and impressed by the entire program and the opportunities it is giving us,” said Gordon.
Next Article…