Philanthropitch 2014

 2014 Event Recap

On April 28, eight finalists were given 4 minutes to pitch to a sold out crowd of 400 at ZACH Scott Theatre for funding for a program that will dramatically impact the Austin community and for a chance to be chosen into the new Greenlights Accelerator program. The finalists were awarded a combined $121,450 and 5 were accepted into the Accelerator.

The results:

  • Easter Seals of Central Texas - $53,075
  • E3 Alliance - $23,150
  • Caritas - $16,825
  • Mothers’ Milk Bank - $9,925
  • Fusebox - $9,750
  • Helping the Aging, Needy, and Disabled (H.A.N.D.) - $5,350
  • Economic Growth Business Incubator (EGBI) - $2,000
  • KLRU - $1,375

The 5 organizations selected into the Greenlights Accelerator program were:

  • E3 Alliance
  • Easter Seals of Central Texas
  • Caritas
  • Fusebox
  • Mothers’ Milk Bank

 

What is Philanthropitch?

Philanthropitch is a fast pitch forum for Austin’s most promising nonprofit organizations looking for access to human and financial capital. This high energy event is a platform for local organizations to present a specific need that will dramatically grow their impact on the community.

Each finalist will have 3-5 minutes to present their case to a panel of judges, audience members, followed by Q&A and instant feedback from the judges. After the pitches, a variety of cash awards totaling $100,000+ will be presented, and 5-6 of the organizations will be accepted into the Greenlights and Innovation+ Accelerator Program.

Where does the funding come from?

  • The BuildASign.com Giving Program, which funds a prize awarded to the organization that receives the most votes from BuildASign.com team members in attendance.
  • Each judge will personally award a minimum of $5,000 to some combination of finalist organizations of their choice.
  • Organizations accepted in the Accelerator program will, upon successful completion of the Accelerator, receive a minimum $3,000 investment. Additionally, all Accelerator participants will have the opportunity to make a second pitch in September to a group of funders, where the most promising plans may receive additional financial investment.
  • An “Audience Choice” award will be given to the organization selected in real-time by all audience members
  • Additional cash awards will come from sponsors and audience members’ personal text-to-donate gifts.

What is the goal of this program?

  • Advance philanthropy in Austin by providing nonprofits access to valuable human and financial capital.

What happens at the event?

To start off the evening, there will be a networking cocktail hour for attendees to have the chance to connect with local nonprofit representatives about ways to support their organization in both volunteer and donation capacities. Tasty food and beverages from Austin vendors will be provided.

During the pitch presentations, each finalist will have 3-5 minutes to present their case to the judges and audience members for funding and the opportunity to be accepted into the Accelerator. The judges will have 5 minutes of Q&A for each presenter.

After the presentations, audience members will vote on their favorite pitch to select winners for various prize categories, and the judges will award their individual gifts to the participating nonprofits. To cap off the night, there will be an awards ceremony where more than $100,000 will be awarded to the finalists from the judges, a BuildASign.com gift, the Audience Winner and individual donations. Those accepted into the Accelerator will also be announced.

How can I get involved?

  • If you support a local nonprofit – encourage the organization apply!
  • If you’re a business – help sponsor the event!
  • If you enjoy supporting our community – attend the event!