As our company and Giving Program continue to grow rapidly, we've had many brainstorming sessions about ways we can leverage our giving (of time, resources, and talent) with that of other Austin companies to make an even larger impact in the community - and out of one particularly creative brainstorming session Philanthropitch was born!
On May 29, BuildASign.com hosted the first Philanthropitch, a Shark Tank style funding forum geared towards advancing nonprofits in the community that address a current societal need. BuildASign.com employees recruited other Austin entrepreneurs, business leaders and philanthropists to serve as judges at the event and donate their own money to the presenting nonprofits.
The goals of Philanthropitch were to:
- Support nonprofits in the community that address a current societal need
- Allow business leaders to leverage their resources to create a bigger impact
- Advance philanthropy in Austin by fostering relationships between philanthropists, entrepreneurs, business and community leaders, and nonprofit professionals
Nearly 100 nonprofits applied to participate in Philanthropitch, and 6 finalists were selected to pitch for a share of the money on behalf of their organization. Between our judges panel who made personal donations, the audience and BuildASign.com prizes, $55,000 was distributed among the finalists! It was a very successful inaugural year and we can't wait for Philanthropitch 2014!
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