Tickets on sale for Must! Charities’ The Pitch

By Staff Report · Thu Aug 27 2026

PASO ROBLES — Tickets are now on sale for Must! Charities’ The Pitch 2026, an event that will give local nonprofits an opportunity to compete for $60,000 in cash awards while showcasing their work to the community.

The event is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 10, at the Performing Arts Center San Luis Obispo at Cal Poly. Ten San Luis Obispo County nonprofits have been selected to participate in the program, with six ultimately chosen to deliver three-minute presentations before a live audience and panel of judges.

The participating organizations are City Farm SLO, Community Action Partnership of San Luis Obispo Inc. (CAPSLO), Creative Alternative for Learning & Living, Friends of Camp Natoma Inc., One Cool Earth, Paso Robles Children’s Museum, Paso Robles Youth Arts Center, Positive Ride, SLO Noor Foundation and Son Care Foundation.

From August through November, nonprofit leaders will work with volunteer coaches to strengthen their messaging, presentation skills and ability to communicate their organizations’ impact.

“The Pitch is about much more than a competition,” said Randy Gray, Director of Community Investments at Must! Charities. “It's an investment in the leadership, storytelling, and long-term sustainability of our local nonprofits. Every participant leaves with stronger skills, stronger connections, and greater visibility in our community.”

During the November event, audience members will also have the opportunity to participate through real-time giving. Attendees can donate to the organizations that inspire them, with each contribution counting as a vote. All audience donations go directly to the selected nonprofits.

Last year, Must! Charities’ cash awards and audience giving generated more than $185,000 for participating nonprofits.

For tickets and event information, visit mustcharities.org/what-we-do/the-pitch