Showcasing Nonprofit Excellence

The highly anticipated “Shark Tank” style nonprofit pitch competition is back!

NPO Desert Fast Pitch is a competition for the best “pitch.” The campaign kicks off with twelve nonprofit organizations who have made the cut, embarking together on a journey of professional development, camaraderie, and team building. At the Grand Finale on October 1, 2026, six finalists will take the stage with just three minutes to powerfully tell their stories, showcase their impact, and compete for critical funding – before a live audience of community stakeholders, funders, and business leaders.

We are honored to introduce this year’s 12 nonprofit leaders that are committed to addressing some of the community’s most pressing needs. They represent a diverse cross-section of nonprofits serving the Coachella Valley and surrounding communities.

 

Meet the NPO Desert Fast Pitch 2026 participants:

  • Alex Aguilar — IYCCV (Iyengar Yoga Center Coachella Valley)

  • Ray Amador — Coachella Valley Youth Leadership

  • Jessica Bowser — Desi Strong Foundation

  • Tamara Canedo — Seiden-Juku

  • Yvonne Choyce — Consortium for Early Learning Services

  • Erin Hyland — Read With Me Volunteer Programs

  • Julie Makinen — Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation

  • J’ai Michel-Lundy — Sunset Music & Education Foundation

  • Kara Robinson — Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City

  • Ernesto Rodriguez — Kindful Restoration

  • Selena Rodriguez — SAFE Family Justice Centers

  • Diane Schlesinger — How Great Are THY Works

Congratulations to these outstanding NPO Desert Fast Pitch contestants of 2026!

A heartfelt thank you to our sponsors!