Twelve semi-finalists have been announced for social fast pitch competition Philanthropitch, with seven nonprofit finalists to take the stage in a virtual event.
In its third year in Columbus, Philanthropitch provides nonprofits with the opportunity to pitch for access to unrestricted funding. The program aims to infuse innovation into the nonprofit space by providing dollars to pursue initiatives and business models not covered by traditional grant funding.
The 12 Central Ohio nonprofits* selected for Philanthropitch 2021 include:
*Nonprofit descriptions provided by Philanthropitch.
- Maroon Arts Group is a collective of creatives who have galvanized to develop and provide a platform for conscious art centered around the preservation and promotion of cultures of African descent.
- We Amplify Voices hosts workshops that pair local musicians and producers with incarcerated mothers and their children.
- Charitable Pharmacy provides affordable and appropriate pharmacy services and coordinates access to health care for people who are vulnerable in our community.
- Girls on the Run of Central Ohio (GOTRCO) uses running and other physical activities as a platform for social emotional learning and promoting positive social, emotional, and holistic health outcomes for girls in grades 3-8.
- The Columbus Music Commission connects music makers, music commerce, and community to engage in creating, performing and promoting great music for Columbus and the world.
- A Kid Again provides Hope, Happiness and Healing in the lives of families raising a child with a life-threatening condition.
- Adaptive Sports Connection breaks through limitations with adaptive innovation, ensuring people of all abilities experience the health benefits, freedom, and sense of belonging from recreation and outdoor experiences.
- Franklinton Farms mission is to grow and share food, create beauty, and build community.
- The Soar Initiative works to prevent overdoses and save lives through harm reduction.
- Franklinton Cycle Works empowers people to overcome transportation barriers and achieve wellness through equitable access to bicycles and bicycle resources, and education on cycling and bicycle maintenance.
- Helping Hands Health and Wellness Center is a community, faith-based, free medical clinic that serves uninsured and underinsured adults.
- Growlers Dog Bones serves individuals with disabilities with employment, vocational training and volunteerism.
From the list of 12 semi-finalists, seven nonprofits have been selected to take the virtual stage and pitch their sustainable solutions to Columbus. Finalists are:
- Maroon Arts Group
- We Amplify Voices
- A Kid Again
- Adaptive Sports Connection
- Franklinton Farms
- The Soar Initiative
- Franklinton Cycle Works
Pitches with the finalists will be filmed in April, with a public voting period May 10 – 14. An awards ceremony will be held on on Tuesday, May 18 beginning at 6 p.m. More details will be announced in the coming weeks.
Philanthropitch Columbus is presented by the American Electric Power Foundation. Philanthropitch is an initiative of Austin, Texas based Notley, which also hosts events in Austin, San Antonio and Philadelphia.
For more information, visit philanthropitch.org/columbus.
Editor’s Note: This article was updated on March 17 with the list of finalists.
