We didn’t win Philanthropitch last year, but the journey was worth it

Spoiler Alert: When Hopeworks pitched for Philanthropitch, we weren’t one of the top winners.

However, we are still telling everyone we can to attend this year’s event. Here is why:

Reason #1: Change doesn’t happen alone — build a community that is doing it

Who hasn’t thought about all the changes we need to make in the world in the last year? The pandemic has brought into sharp focus what many innovators already knew — our world, and country, is in desperate need of change. However, making those big changes can seem daunting. What can one person do?

One person can become many. Coming to an event like Philanthropitch puts you front and center in the middle of like-minded people working to make a difference in our region and the world. One person may struggle to make change. Many like minded people, connecting and talking, and being inspired — that makes things happen.

Reason #2: A platform is a powerful powerful thing

In a world of kitten videos, endless streaming entertainment, and always daunting news programs, human voice and human connection are still what can make or break a great idea.

Philanthropitch has curated and selected changemakers from our region that are working to build the next great idea to make an impact in their city. Give them a moment of your attention, and leverage the power of the platform that Philanthropitch has given them.

Listen to the great ideas, let yourself become inspired, and then help changemakers get to work.

Reason #3: Build the ecosystem

All too often, it can seem as though impact organizations are working alone, confronting daunting challenges alone. The truth is, however, that there are lots of amazing organizations and people out there fighting alongside you, and, as it turns out, doing a very impressive job at it.

Philanthropitch Philadelphia will be held October 28 at the National Museum of American Jewish History’s Dell Theater at 6 p.m.

The community of finalists at Philanthropitch is a strong one. Hopeworks got to meet some of the best organizations in the region, and build relationships with the leaders of those organizations. There are lots of theories about the best way to build partnerships, but Philanthropitch showed us that the easiest way to do it is to get to know and trust your partners in the ecosystem. Philanthropitch gave us space to do that.

In other words — get there, or watch the pitches and vote online during the virtual voting period. You will be inspired, and will feel connected with others who also want to positively impact their community. I hope you will join me in supporting the nonprofits pitching this year!

Philanthropitch Philadelphia will be held October 28 at the National Museum of American Jewish History’s Dell Theater at 6 p.m.

This year’s finalists are:

• Called To Serve
• Challah for Hunger
• Beyond Literacy
• ACHIEVEability
• eClose Institute

Tickets are on sale now. The full cost of your ticket is a direct donation to the nonprofit of your choice through the Audience Award. Each nonprofit pitch will also be posted online for viewing and voting from October 20-26 at Philanthropitch.org/philadelphia.