Last Chance for Valley Nonprofits to Apply for Desert Fast Pitch

Today marks the final opportunity for Coachella Valley nonprofits to apply for Desert Fast Pitch, a competition that gives organizations the chance to win thousands of dollars in grant funding.

Last year’s winner, The Exception, took home a total of $25,000 to support its mission of helping vulnerable populations overcome trauma, poverty and hardship.

Founder Ramon Ramos says his own upbringing inspired him to create the organization. Growing up surrounded by poverty, violence and gang activity, Ramos says he was told he would not make it past the age of 18.

Instead, he says he chose a different path — inspiring the name “The Exception” and its mission to help others avoid becoming another statistic.

Today, the nonprofit offers support programs designed to help people rebuild their lives, including those struggling with addiction, poverty and reentry after incarceration. Ramos says some former program participants have gone on to become counselors and work for county agencies.

Looking ahead, Ramos hopes to expand The Exception’s services and create wellness centers throughout Southern California to better support underserved communities.

Nonprofit leaders interested in applying for this year’s Desert Fast Pitch competition have until the end of today to submit an application. More information is available through the newsroom section of NBC Palm Springs’ website.