Social Innovation Fast Pitch

Annenberg Alchemy’s mission is “Inspiring nonprofits to greatness through the leaders among us.”  Last night I attended their Peer 2 Peer event that included Los Angeles Social Venture Partner’s Social Innovation Fast Pitch.  It was an inspiring presentation where 10 non profit leaders had three minutes each to sell their organization and make an ask. These 10 finalists were part of  a larger group that have gone through the program.  One of the skills learned in the program is to hone their story telling ability.  The group vied for $100,000 in prizes.  The winner of the Audience Award was Gumball Foundation.  This is an innovative program that teaches entrepreneurship and business skills while providing a real opportunity for high school students to earn money for college through gumball and other vending machines.  http://gumballfoundation.org/ The winner of the two big awards was LA Diaper Drive.  This program provides diapers for disadvantaged families.  It is an all volunteer operation and 100% of the funds collected go towards the program.  The diapers are distributed through various organizations that use them as incentives to get parents to take life skill classes that promote safe and healthy families. http://www.diaperdrive.com/ Wallace Annenberg has been leading an effort to help provide tools for nonprofits to be more effective in their work.  Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa spoke to the group on the importance of the nonprofit sector in the success of Los Angeles and how programs like these put a spotlight on truly innovative and effective programs that can inspire others.  http://www.annenbergalchemy.org/