Palm Beach Philanthropy Tank Competition

Geographic Scope: Palm Beach County, Florida

Overview:
A county-wide initiative aimed at inspiring and empowering teens to address needs within their own communities. Student participants compete by presenting creative solutions to social issues impacting the community. Winners "pitch" their solutions to a panel of philanthropist-investors in a Shark Tank-style live event.

Target Audience:

• Students in grades 7-12
• Must live in Palm Beach County OR be enrolled in 8th-12th grade within Palm Beach County
• Individual students or teams (maximum 4 students per team)

Award Structure:

• Up to $15,000 in program funding per winner
• One year of one-to-one mentoring from awarding philanthropists
• Winners evaluated on: community impact, program feasibility, solution creativity, sustainability, and team strengths

Focus Areas:

• Social service initiatives
• Activism projects
• Entrepreneurship ideas
• Community-betterment projects
• Examples include: barrier-free playgrounds, literacy programs, STEM education, arts programs, technology access, mentorship programs

Recent Award Examples (2019):

• Art for the Soul: $15,000
• Alex's Free Kicks: $15,000
• STEM Lab: $15,000
• Code Autism: $14,000
• Mayan Girls: $15,000
• Alive with Music: $15,000
• Little Angels Today, Bright Minds Tomorrow: $12,000
• Y Not Read?: $9,000

Requirements:

• Media releases must be completed for each applicant/team member
• If selected as a Finalist, attendance at several workshops is required
• Submit 10-page proposal explaining budget, inspiration, and goals
• Prepare 3-minute pitch and follow-up Q&A responses

Contact Information:

• Phone: (561) 910-3893
• Email: info@philanthropytank.org
• Address: P.O. Box 880194, Boca Raton, FL 33488
• Website: philanthropytank.org

Background:
Co-founded by Michael Kohner and Evan Deoul, the program has held annual finals events at venues including the Maltz Jupiter Theater and the Kravis Center. The vision includes expanding to become a national foundation.

Application Process

1. Register for Application Workshop (Optional but Recommended)
- Workshops offered in July prior to application opening
- Two workshop dates typically available
- Includes breakfast and refreshments
- Space is limited; RSVP required

2. Submit Online Application
- Application opens mid-July (e.g., July 17, 2019)
- Deadline typically early November (e.g., November 4, 2018)
- Submit via online portal on philanthropytank.org
- One application per team (maximum 4 students)

3. Required Materials
- Completed application form
- Media releases for each applicant/team member
- 10-page proposal that includes:
- Budget breakdown
- Project inspiration and background
- Goals and objectives
- Community impact plan
- Program feasibility
- Solution creativity
- Sustainability plan
- Team strengths

4. Finalist Selection & Preparation
- Selected finalists (typically 9) notified
- Required attendance at several workshops to prepare for live pitch
- Work with philanthropist-investors and advisors through Advisors for Philanthropic Impact

5. Live Pitch Event (Finals)
- Present 3-minute pitch to panel of 4 philanthropist-investors
- Answer follow-up questions from judges
- Shark Tank-style presentation format
- Event typically held in February-March at venues like Kravis Center or Maltz Jupiter Theater

6. Award & Mentorship
- Winners announced at live event
- Funding awarded (up to $15,000)
- One year of one-to-one mentoring from philanthropist-investors
- Support in program execution and monitoring