The Pitch

Geographic Scope: Quad Cities

Type: Grant competition for social entrepreneurs and nonprofits with innovative ideas

Overview:
"The Pitch" is a competitive grant event where social entrepreneurs and nonprofits pitch innovative ideas to strengthen education outcomes in the Quad Cities. Winners receive grants based on the impact and innovation of their proposals.

Recent Award Distribution (May 2021):
Total awards: $85,000 (plus additional $15,000 to Together for Tomorrow participants = $100,000 total)

Award Categories:

• Rise United Award: $40,000
• Entrepreneurial Spirit Award: $20,000
• Stronger Together Awards: 2 winners × $10,000 each = $20,000
• Audience Choice Award: $5,000
• Together for Tomorrow Completion Grants: $15,000 (distributed to all participants who completed program)

Focus Areas:
Innovative solutions to improve literacy and education outcomes for Quad Cities students

Eligible Applicants:

• Area social entrepreneurs
• Nonprofits
• Organizations within the Together for Tomorrow cohort

Event Format:

• Competitors pitch their big ideas to a panel and audience
• Awards given based on innovation, impact potential, and audience response

Past Recipients (May 2021):

• Christina Conklin (Moline Public Library) + Misi Birdsall (Project NOW, Inc.) - Collaborative pitch - Rise United Award ($40,000)
• Jerry Jones (The Martin Luther King Jr. Community Center) - Entrepreneurial Spirit Award ($20,000)
• Teresa Babers (Love Girls Magazine) - Stronger Together Award ($10,000) + Audience Choice Award ($5,000)
• Jeff Cornelius (Two Rivers YMCA) - Stronger Together Award ($10,000)

Event Partners:

• KWQC TV6 News
• Quad-City Times
• The Dispatch / Rock Island Argus
• Women United
• Regional Development Authority (program support)
• River Music Experience (event host)

Contact Information:

• Phone: (563) 355-4310
• Website: unitedwayqc.org