CONGRATULATIONS to Inocente, Oscar-Winner for Best Documentary Short, and A Reason to Survive for this fantastic accomplishment! SDSVP is thrilled that the work and impact of ARTS has received this well-deserved recognition.

If you haven't done so already, we encourage you to watch this moving documentary about an incredible San Diego teenager's who used the power of art to move from being homeless to winning an Academy Award! The documentary can be downloaded on iTunes.

Click here to see the Trailer.

Creativity, commitment, and compassion came together to highlight local positive changemakers who are tackling San Diego’s toughest social issues at the Advance! San Diego event held on November 13th. San Diego Social Venture Partners showcased 10 impactful non-profit organizations at its inaugural fast-pitch event for non-profits.

Similar to the fast-pitch events held by venture capitalists, this competition featured 10 finalists that were selected for their ability to create significant social change and to powerfully communicate their vision. They each were given three minutes to present their story to a panel of experts and an audience of business and non-profit leaders, philanthropists, community members, and the media.

More than 85 San Diego non-profits submitted applications for the event. 20 semi-finalists participated in an intensive coaching and mentoring program, during which these outstanding contributors to the San Diego community honed their ability to convey their impact and to distill their unique stories into compelling pitches.

The first place prize of $25,000 was awarded to Leap to Success, a non-profit that empowers women who are victims of domestic violence to rebuild their lives.

Second Chance, an organization that provides job readiness skills and life skills training, was awarded the second place prize of $10,000.…