Investing in Breathe’s Story
In Fall 2023, I was granted the opportunity to participate in Sacramento Social Venture Partners’ (now Social Venture Philanthropy) Fast Pitch program. Over 40 local non-profit organizations applied and 18 were selected.
The program kicked off with a golf tournament where each non-profit was stationed at a hole with an interactive game and information on programs and services offered. Over the next few months, our cohort of 18 (later 16 after two dropped out due to personnel changes), met to learn about how to give a pitch. The goal was to craft and refine a three minute presentation using only compelling language and persuasive speech. No props or slides were permitted.
Each nonprofit organization was paired with two coaches, seasoned professionals in their field, that would work to refine each organization’s pitch. These coaches volunteered many hours to attend the monthly sessions for the Fast Pitch class and one-on-one working meetings with their nonprofit. I am so grateful for the time my two coaches dedicated to this process and to my professional development.
My challenge was to convey the impact Breathe California Sacramento Region has had over its 106 year history and express the importance of continuing our work for healthy lungs in the Sacramento Region. A main component of our work is centered around prevention. It is challenging to measure the impacts of healthy habits, whether that is not taking up the tobacco habit or choosing clean transportation options to prevent air pollution.
After drafting an initial pitch, my coaches and I further refined the message and ‘ask’ at the end. The three minute timeframe proved to be a good but challenging benchmark. Each word became critical to telling Breathe’s story. In the final drafts, it was decided to just focus on one aspect of our current work, backed up by current statistics and facts.
At each full cohort gathering, nonprofits practiced their pitches in front of almost 50 people. Constructive verbal and written feedback was given and scores assigned. I really wanted to deliver my pitch without notes the first time since that was the expectation at the final Fast Pitch Showcase. I started off strong for the first two minutes and then my mind went blank! All of the energy I had generated completely evaporated when I lost my train of thought. I finished within the time limit, but vowed to commit the pitch to memory so there would be no stumbling in the semi-finals.
After more feedback, refining, and hours of practice, I was one of the eight finalists who made it to the Fast Pitch Showcase! The Showcase is an opportunity for the final eight nonprofits to make their pitch in front of a panel of judges and philanthropists at The Sofia. Photos and the video of my presentation can be found here.
Throughout this experience, I was grateful for the opportunity to carefully refine and capably communicate an important component of the work Breathe does. This investment in the telling of our story has helped us keep our focus and celebrate what we have accomplished and what still needs to be done. Sacramento SVP provides an excellent service to the greater Sacramento community through investment in nonprofits. The Fast Pitch program not only provided me the opportunity to craft, refine and practice a pitch, I got to expand my professional network. My Fast Pitch cohort consists of top-notch nonprofit professionals and it is a treat when we get together at events throughout the year. The professional coaches also remain a source of inspiration and help. I am so grateful to have had this opportunity. I would encourage any nonprofit leader to take the time to invest in succinctly telling your organization’s story and sharing it widely with your staff, Board of Directors and the wider community. You never know who is out there listening and ready to be inspired.
The class of 2024 has just kicked off their Fast Pitch journey. I can’t wait to see these 15 nonprofits soar.
Fast Pitch Class of 2023 photos courtesy of Social Venture Philanthropy.