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Twelve Nonprofits to Compete for $70,000 at Desert Fast Pitch

Twelve Coachella Valley nonprofits will compete for $70,000 in grants at the RAP Foundation’s annual Desert Fast Pitch, a “Shark Tank”-style competition on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at UCR Palm Desert, 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive.

Each nonprofit receives a $1,000 participation grant and access to a seven-week training program. Six finalists will be selected in September to pitch live before a panel of judges and an audience of more than 300 civic leaders, philanthropists, and business professionals.

Top prizes include $20,000 for first place, $15,000 for second, $10,000 for third, and a $5,000 audience choice award, with additional cash prizes also available.

This year’s competitors include 4ShayJ Foundation, COFEM, Friends of the Children–Coachella Valley, Grandparents Love, Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, HARC Inc., Hanson House Foundation, Integrated Learning Institute, SafeHouse of the Desert, The Exception, Tools for Tomorrow, and We Can Fish.

Tickets are $35 and expected to sell out early. Purchase at Eventbrite.

For more information, visit www.rapfoundation.org.