Local & Community
Six Coachella Valley Nonprofits Advance to Desert Fast Pitch Finale
Six Coachella Valley nonprofits have officially earned spots in the Desert Fast Pitch Grand Finale, where they will have just three minutes each to make their case for funding.
The six finalists are Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation, Desi Strong Foundation, Read With Me Volunteer Programs, Safe Family Justice Centers and Seiden-Juku.
The Grand Finale is set for Thursday, Oct. 1, at Agua Caliente Casino & Resort in Rancho Mirage.
The event follows a Shark Tank-style format, with nonprofit leaders presenting their missions and making their case to a live audience that includes funders, elected officials, business leaders and members of the media.
The competition began with 12 Coachella Valley nonprofits. The six finalists will now move on to the three-minute pitches at the Grand Finale.
More than $50,000 in prize money is available. The winning nonprofit will receive $20,000, with $15,000 going to second place and $10,000 to third place. The audience will also select an Audience Choice winner for an additional $5,000.
The evening will include a buffet dinner and a keynote presentation from J.R. Martinez, the actor, New York Times bestselling author, wounded U.S. Army veteran and “Dancing with the Stars” champion.
Organizers say the event is open to the public, giving community members an opportunity to learn more about the participating nonprofits and support their work.
Tickets are currently on sale, with information available through NBC Palm Springs’ website and the event organizers.
The Desert Fast Pitch Grand Finale will give each finalist only three minutes to explain its mission, connect with the audience and compete for funding that could help expand its work in the Coachella Valley.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
September 15, 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) James Madden Ruberg with the rushing TD, 2) Joshua Perez with the dot, 3) Anthony Creek-Pellum, 4) Giorgio Barone goes all the way, or 5) Izayah Garcia with the tackle for a loss #hondaofthedesert #fnl #fridaynightlights #fyp #highschoolfootball
🚨 FINAL SCORE: FIREBIRDS WIN! 🔥🏒 A big night for the Coachella Valley Firebirds! The Birds take care of business with a convincing 5-1 victory! Five goals, a strong performance, and two points in the standings! That’s how you get it done! 🐦🔥 #CVFirebirds #FirebirdsWin #CoachellaValley #AHL #HockeyNigh
🥊 THE ONLY FIGHT OF THE NIGHT… SO FAR! 🔥 With just over four minutes remaining in the third period, the gloves finally came off! The Firebirds are leading 5-1, but there’s still time for more fireworks before the final horn! 🏒💥 #CVFirebirds #AHL #HockeyFights #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight
💀🏒 ¡Feliz Día de los Muertos! Adding a little sabor to tonight’s Firebirds vs. Henderson matchup! Our own Pablo Alsina is here bringing some Spanish flair to this special Día de los Muertos night in the desert. Hockey, culture, and a whole lot of celebration! 🔥🐦 #FirebirdsHockey #DiaDeLosMuertos #CoachellaValley #CVFirebirds #HockeyNight DíaDeLosMuertos
🏒 GAME NIGHT IN THE DESERT! 🔥 Tim O’Brien gets us ready for tonight’s matchup as your Coachella Valley Firebirds take on the Henderson Silver Knights! The energy is building, the puck is about to drop, and we’re ready for another night of Firebirds hockey! Let’s go, Firebirds! 🐦🔥 #FirebirdsHockey #CVFirebirds #CoachellaValley #HockeyNight #AHL LetsGoFirebirds
Your In-Arena hosts tonight!!! Tim O’Brien and Pablo Alsina!!
Remembering and honoring the loved ones we’ve lost. ❤️ Dia de los Muertos is about more than mourning — it’s a time to celebrate the lives, memories and traditions of those who will always remain in our hearts. We spoke with Mateo Gomez of Forest Lawn about the importance of keeping those memories alive and creating healthier conversations around grief and loss, including the stigma surrounding suicide. Join Forest Lawn for a special Día de los Muertos celebration this Monday in Cathedral City, from 5 to 8 p.m. Families are invited to come together, remember loved ones and celebrate their lives. #DiaDeLosMuertos #DayOfTheDead #ForestLawn #CathedralCity #RememberingLovedOnes #GriefSupport #NBCPalmSprings
Whatever you do after surgery... rule 1: do NOT post it on social media! #therogginreport #menshealth #viralreels #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
🥪 Halloween flavors are on the menu at The Sandwich Spot! Dana stopped by NBC Palm Springs to show us two seasonal favorites: “Rosemary’s Baby,” a spooky twist on chicken parmesan, and “Cornucopia,” bringing a taste of the season to every bite. 🎃 Rosemary’s Baby is available for a limited time through Halloween, while Cornucopia will stick around through New Year’s Day! Whether you're craving a hot specialty sandwich or planning a party, The Sandwich Spot also has catering platters ready to go. #TheSandwichSpot #CoachellaValleyEats #PalmSpringsFood #LocalRestaurants #HalloweenEats #SeasonalSpecials #NBCPalmSprings
🗳️ ELECTION DAY IS ALMOST HERE! Coachella voters are preparing to choose their next mayor, and the race features four candidates with very different visions for the city's future. From leadership and transparency to better streets, parks, schools and economic development, what's at stake in this election? NBC Palm Springs' Alondra Campos sat down with all four candidates to hear directly from them about why they want your vote and what they hope to accomplish. Watch the interviews and get informed before heading to the polls. Make your voice heard on November 3! #ElectionDay #Coachella #CoachellaMayor #Election2026 #LocalElections #AlondraCampos #NBCPalmSprings #CoachellaValley