The Greater New Orleans Foundation (GNOF) has announced the finalists for the annual Pitch It! The Innovation Challenge, an initiative that supports breakthrough ideas in the non-profit field.
Pitch It!, now in its fifth year, selects and funds non-profits that have launched an innovative product, developed a new process, or created an innovative service to support new ways of doing business.
Luke’s House Clinic, Rising Foundations, and the YMCA of Greater New Orleans are the three finalists this year. Each organization will present their ideas to a panel of judges in October.
“In an environment of uncertain economic times and shrinking public coffers, we’re turning more and more to nonprofit organizations to tackle our toughest social problems,” said Joann Ricci, vice president of organizational effectiveness at the Greater New Orleans Foundation. “As demand grows for their services and programs, nonprofits must continuously seek novel solutions to meet community needs.”
Judges include: Leah Brown, Manager, Policy, Government and Public Affairs for Chevron’s Gulf of Mexico Business Unit; Yvette Ruiz, Vice President, Office of Nonprofit Engagement, JPMorgan Chase; Michael Shaw, Program Officer, Kresge Foundation; and Tod Smith, President and General Manager, WWL-TV.