Winning pitch: See which nonprofits won SEED20
March 28, 2024
Social Venture Partners helps local nonprofits learn to make a lasting impact through its annual pitch competition with cash awards.
compiled by Michelle Boudin and staff
A lot can change in three minutes, and it did for 10 Charlotte nonprofit leaders who participated in SEED20, the premier annual event presented by Social Venture Partners. Before a packed auditorium, each representative had three minutes to pitch their nonprofit’s inspiring story and compete for cash prizes in support of their cause.
It’s an exciting evening which follows months of preparation and mentoring. “It’s my favorite night in Charlotte — it renews your faith in humanity,” past board chair Denise Burkard told SouthPark Magazine earlier this year.
While every nonprofit in The SEED20 Class of 2024 took home donations, here are the big winners:
Wells Fargo People’s Choice Grand Prize: Day Services Program at Children’s Attention Home
Second Place ($7,000): Arin’s Good Girl Dog Treats
Brand Narrative Package from the Brand Building Shop ($8,000 value): Rooted Hearts Ministries
Professional Video Production Package ($3,500 value): Siloam Educator Institute at the Charlotte Museum of History
The Coaches’ Award ($2,000): Our Daily Bread Foundation
The Community Vote Prize ($1,000): Day Services Program at Children’s Attention Home
SVP is a venture-philanthropy nonprofit that supports other nonprofits with money, time, expertise and social capital. SVP Charlotte members — there are currently more than 125 individuals and corporate partners — typically donate at least $5,000. When choosing which organizations to support, SVP focuses on groups who are breaking down obstacles to upward mobility and promoting equality. The local SVP chapter is one of more than 40 global member organizations. The first group was founded in Seattle in 1997.
This year, on March 26, the 200th nonprofit supported by SVP came through the SEED20 program. Before the big night on stage, the nonprofits were paired with mentors who spend months helping them craft their story and prepare.
SVP’s Executive Director Kristin Beck says the goal is to help nonprofits amplify their mission — and get there faster. In addition to SEED20, their investee program offers mentorship and sizable annual grants to nonprofits, with more than $1.8 million given away since SVP launched in 2005. SP
Featured image: The 2024 Class of SEED20. All photographs by Daniel Coston.
