Local & Community
Desert Fast Pitch Gives Coachella Valley Nonprofits a Chance to Compete for Funding
Local nonprofits are preparing to take the spotlight as Desert Fast Pitch gives organizations an opportunity to build their skills, showcase their impact and compete for critical funding.
The program brings participating nonprofits together for professional development, team building and camaraderie ahead of a semifinal event and grand finale.
Six finalists will ultimately advance to the Oct. 1 grand finale at Agua Caliente Casino, where they will have just three minutes to tell their organization's story, highlight its impact and make a case for funding.
The final presentations will take place before a live audience of community members, stakeholders, funders and business leaders.
Organizers say the program is about more than competition. It is designed to help nonprofits turn their stories and community impact into support while strengthening the organizations behind those efforts.
For the RAP Foundation, which provides programs focused on children and mentorship, participating in Desert Fast Pitch is an opportunity to build the business side of its mission.
"We love what we do, right? It's trying to help kids get instruments and mentorships and scholarships and that," a RAP Foundation representative said. "But you have to have the business behind it, right? And this is where the NPO, the Desert Fast Pitch, comes in."
Another participating nonprofit said the program offers an opportunity to expand its organization throughout the Coachella Valley.
"I think it's a great opportunity to help our organization to continue to move forward with our organization, to expand through the whole Coachella Valley," a representative said.
The organization also provides a mentoring program aimed at helping young boys develop a better understanding of themselves.
Nonprofits interested in getting involved with NPO Centric can find more information at npocentric.org.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 10, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Aiden Pope with the punt return TD, 2) Mason Flores with the dime on the run, 3) Colton LaCrone with the sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the contested snag, or 5) Anthony Aguirre with the sack #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
The midterms inch closer and the prices get higher
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding three city council candidate forums ahead of the November Election. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear from the President of the Chamber of Commerce who breaks down what residents should know about what they can expect from these forums. #coachellavalley #elections2026 #localnews #citycouncil #candidateforum
Small mistake or a matter of transparency? What’s your take? Drop a comment below 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #desertrecreationdistrict #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Engineering students craft a robot that takes down a 4x4 Rubik's Cube in less than 10-seconds.
Watch a gargantuan, 5.7-mile-long train nab a world record as it disappears over the horizon!
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do yoga?