Gator Tank

Applications to apply towards Gator Tank are now closed. 

The Paso del Norte Community Foundation in partnership with Microsoft introduces the inaugural Gator Tank — a social impact competition in a fast-pitch style to help local nonprofit organizations exercise their skills and gain resources needed to support their missions.

The PdNCF provides understanding, engagement, and leadership required to make a difference in the lives of the residents of our region through four priority areas including nonprofit investment. The PdNCF recognizes that nonprofit organizations require assistance in creating opportunities for growth through capacity building training, awareness, and diversifying streams of funding to continue major programming.

Gator Tank provides small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations the opportunity to train, build capital, and expand their missions and programs that support our most vulnerable communities. This unique fundraising model will bring together nonprofit organizations, mentors, and funders to think creatively and strategically in the hopes to not only win monetary prizes, but to expand impact within our shared communities.

Eligibility and Requirements

Interested small and medium-sized nonprofit organizations in the Paso del Norte region are eligible to participate in the Gator Tank competition by meeting the following requirements: 

  • Be headquartered and provide services in Paso del Norte region and;
  • Be a publicly supported charitable organization or Type I supporting organization or operate under the fiscal sponsorship of public charity described in sections 170(b)(l)(A)(vi), 501(c)(3), and 509(a)(l), 509(a)(2) or 509(a)(3) or a of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Private foundations, places of worship, and individuals are not eligible;
  • Organization must be registered as a participating organization for El Paso Giving Day 2022 and comply with the Terms of Service and Partnership Agreement. Zero exceptions will be made. El Paso Giving Day Committee Members affiliates are not eligible to participate;
  • Participating organizations must fall within the “Small” (budget less than $250k) or “Medium” (budget between $250k-$500k) sized budget category

Application deadline to be considered for participation in Gator Tank is June 9, 2022. Six eligible nonprofit organizations will be chosen by a review committee and announced on June 30, 2022. Gator Tank preparation for participants will held from July 13 – October 13, 2022, including submission of a written pitch presentation and plan due October 6, 2022.

Requirements Once Selected

At least one representative from each organization will attend the seven events affiliated with Gator Tank (Welcome Session, Mentor Sessions 1-4, Gator Tank Pitch Event). All meetings with mentors are mandatory. Failure to comply may result in disqualification. At least one representative from each organization will attend at least 3 El Paso Giving Day workshops.

  • Only two representatives will present on the day of the in-person competition on October 13th;
  • Presenters will have a minimum of 5 minutes and a maximum of 8 minutes to present;
  • Each selected organization will receive a monetary prize;
  • Organization must have a complete EPGD organization page including goal setting;
  • Fundraise a minimum of 70% of EPGD goal by October 19th . Goal must not be less than $3,000;
  • Secure a minimum of 15 early giving day new donors by October 19th in comparison to the 2021 El Paso Giving Day campaign

Timeline

  • July 13th:  Welcome Session
  • July 27th: Mentor Session 1: The Art of Pitching
  • August 17th: Mentor Session 2: Defining Your Fundraising Cycle
  • September 7th: Mentor Session 3: What Funders are Looking For
  • September 28th: Mentor Session 4: Pitch Practice
  • October 6th: Submit final proposal