Non-profits receive funding through Desert Fast Pitch at RAP conference

Over a hundred non-profits attended the annual Regional Access Project (RAP) conference in Cathedral City Thursday. It’s where groups learned how to market themselves through workshops and some had the opportunity to gain valuable funds through the Desert Fast Pitch program.

$45,000 was up for grabs for six non-profit finalists. 4ShayJ Foundation won $20,000 for the best pitch while SafeHouse of the Desert won separate $15,000 and $10,000 grants for having the Most Impactful/Innovative Pitch and was the Audience Choice.

Leticia DeLara, CEO of the RAP Foundation, said the non-profits provided an important, positive impact in the Coachella Valley. The conference provided a way for non-profits to reach out to more potential donors effectively.

“Many of the non-profits that are here fill many gaps in the services we need, we depend on for the residents of the Coachella Valley,” she said.

For SafeHouse of the Desert, the money they won will be used towards marketing their new app, which provides 24/7 counseling for teenagers struggling with drug or alcohol abuse, bullying, or other issues.

“We need to go out there and we need to get the word out,” Maribel Pimentel, project manager of the app for SafeHouse, said. “We need to be everywhere so we don’t miss one more kid.”