We’re back to Texas again this week with a focus on two community foundations that have put a fun twist on their grant-making process. They’ve set up an event where grant finalists have to make 90-second pitch to a panel of judges and a public audience. Can you make a 90-second pitch about your nonprofit?

I have two guests this week who describe their Fast Pitch and Grand Slam events that have produced a number of great outcomes.

Julie Johnson is the project manager of the Chisholm Trail Communities Foundation based in Georgetown, Texas. Her focus is on relationship building and collaboration with nonprofits, businesses and individual donors. She also manages communications.

Jayne Zirkel is PR and event coordinator for the Community Foundation of the Texas Hill Country based in Kerrville, Texas. She oversees marketing for galas, grant-giving and training events, and all communications. As it happens, these two are sisters.

This week, they talk about the distinct role of community foundations and their events, both which gave away $20,000 to the most articulate and deserving of the nonprofits who competed for awards.