…A mobile unit for the homeless that carries belongings during the day and unfolds into a tent-like sleeping enclosure with a bed at night.

…A wheelchair constructed solely from bicycle parts designed especially to meet the needs of the disabled in the developing world.

…A program that uses art as a healing tool for survivors of domestic violence.

…A public charter high school with a unique experiential learning design focused on the environment.

These are just some of the innovative solutions to society’s problems presented in past years at the Social Innovation Fast Pitch. Innovative non-profit organizations are delivering significant social impact in creative and effective ways. They may be pioneering new products or services or delivering them in new ways or to new populations. They may be employing advanced technologies or leveraging collaborations with other nonprofits, businesses or public organizations. They may be employing new organizational structures or new business models, such as social enterprises to create earned income or employment.

The goal of the Social Innovation Fast Pitch program is to build the capacity of and create visibility for innovative local nonprofits and the social entrepreneurs who lead them. Social Innovation Fast Pitch is a two-month training and mentoring program for innovative nonprofits that are effecting social change in Greater Los Angeles, that culminates in the Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event and Showcase on October 21, 2010.

Leaders from 20 nonprofits are selected to participate, based on their innovative approaches to creating social change and their potential for significant positive community impact. Over September and October, they receive training, feedback and mentoring on how to succinctly and powerfully “tell their story.” Past participants have stated that the program was invaluable, resulting in greater confidence and effectiveness when making presentations, increased exposure for their organization, valuable new relationships, and additional support from new donors and volunteers.

At the event, 10 finalists will make three-minute “pitches” to a panel of judges and an audience of more than 400 investors, business and nonprofit leaders, philanthropists, foundation executives and other influencers in Southern California's entrepreneurial community. The finalists will compete to win grants totaling up to $20,000.

The event will also feature Dr. Peter Diamandis, Chairman and CEO of XPRIZE, as our keynote speaker. Following the formal program, there will be a showcase reception where attendees can interact and network with the program participants to learn more about their mission, needs, and opportunities for support and engagement.

Past grant winners include Girls & Gangs, The Posse Foundation, A Window Between Worlds, City Hall Fellows, Everyone Deserves a Roof, Environmental Charter High School, and Saint Barnabus Senior Services. To watch a highlight reel of last year’s event, click here.

2009 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase

• Check out the 2009 participants
• Watch the fireside chat with featured speaker Andy Rappaport, of August Capital, and Krisztina “Z” Holly, Vice Provost for Innovation at USC
• Check out more photos in our Gallery

2008 Social Innovation Fast Pitch Event & Showcase

• Read about 2008 Winner Everyone Deserves a Roof in the Los Angeles Times
• See the 2008 highlight video and meet the 2008 Finalists
• Check out more photos in our Gallery