NPO Desert Fast Pitch

NPO Desert Fast Pitch is a competition for the best “pitch.” The campaign kicks off with twelve nonprofit organizations who have made the cut, embarking together on a journey of professional development, camaraderie, and team building. At the Grand Finale on October 1, 2026, six finalists will take the stage with just three minutes to powerfully tell their stories, showcase their impact, and compete for critical funding – before a live audience of community stakeholders, funders, and business leaders.

Meet the NPO Desert Fast Pitch 2026 participants:

Tamara Canedo — Seiden-Juku

Yonne Choyce — Consortium for Early Learning Services

Erin Hyland — Read With Me Volunteer Programs

Julie Makinen — Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation

J’ai Michel-Lundy — Sunset Music & Education Foundation

Kara Robinson — Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City

Ernesto Rodriguez — Kindful Restoration

Selena Rodriguez — SAFE Family Justice Centers

Diane Schlesinger — How Great Are THY Works