Resilient Ideas Pitch Competition

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Call for Pitches

DEADLINE EXTENDED: APPLICATIONS DUE NOVEMBER 1.

MARC and Climate Action KC want to uplift voices and ideas that have not yet been able to gain enough traction to reach their full potential. To raise awareness and connect participants to solutions, this year’s event will have a “pitch-a-thon” contest as part of the event on December 13.

We are accepting pitches across three categories:

  • Pilot: For ideas just getting off the ground but are able to be implemented today. A pilot pitch evaluates the feasibility, duration, cost and possible adverse events and improves upon initial concepts.
  • Growth: For new initiatives under 5 years old with a current plan, looking to reach the next level. A growth pitch is an accepted idea or project that is easily scalable given the right resources. It builds upon a known outcome and has a high likelihood of success if given more support.
  • Established: For initiatives that have been around for 5 years or more and are looking to expand or scale their operations. Established pitches improve upon or further scale ongoing efforts.

A monetary prize will be given to the judge’s selection for each category.

To participate, you must fill out a short pitch application. You will also need to record a 90-120 second pitch video and upload it to YouTube. Videos must be made public and the link must be copied and pasted onto the application form. 

Pitches must demonstrate a significant impact in one or more of the following areas:

  • Buildings and Energy
  • Sustainable Transportation
  • Urban Greening
  • Circular Economy
  • Food and Agriculture
  • Community Health and Resilience

Who can apply?

  • Individuals
  • Non-government organizations
  • Schools
  • Independent contractors working with a municipality

Criteria:

  • Components: Pitch has a high potential for impact, is feasible, equitable, scalable, is clearly-defined for potential partnerships, and aligns with the Regional Climate Action Plan.
    • Impact potential: Pitch demonstrates how it will improve current environmental conditions
    • Feasibility: Pitch has a realistic, practical plan for implementation
    • Equity: Pitch is inclusive, with equitable outcomes considered in its design, implementation and internal operations. Specifically, how does it benefit low-income and disadvantaged communities? Regional environmental justice communities can be found in Jackson County, Wyandotte County, and throughout the region.
    • Scalability: The pitch has a plan for financial viability and the potential to be scaled to affect the lives of as many people as possible.
    • Clarity and Partnership Potential: The applicant clearly explains how the pitch promotes community partnership.
    • Alignment: Goals should fit with strategies and objectives of the Regional Climate Action Plan. Please reference the corresponding categories of the plan when thinking about the category of your pitch. Examples: Developing innovative financing solutions to support local environmental initiatives (i.e. “green banks”); Creating a virtual hub for climate and environmental education; Youth-led school projects; Heat island reduction strategies for your community; Scale up plan for local food production to respond to increasing demand and logistical challenges.

Pitch competition application process:

  • The application deadline has been extended to November 1.
  • Those selected from the first round pool of applicants will be notified and asked to provide a written application towards the end of November.
  • We will be selecting less than 10 pitches to ensure each has ample time to present at the event.
  • Final pitch participants selected for the event will be notified in early December 2024.

EXAMPLE PITCH: PILOT COMPETITION

“Waste Less, Eat Better: A School Food Waste Reduction Initiative”

Introduction

Food waste is a pressing issue that affects not only our environment but also our communities and schools. In the U.S., schools generate approximately 530,000 tons of food waste each year. This not only contributes to greenhouse gas emissions but also wastes resources that could have otherwise nourished students. Our project, “Waste Less, Eat Better,” aims to tackle this issue head-on by implementing a comprehensive food waste reduction program in schools.

Project Overview

The “Waste Less, Eat Better” initiative is designed to significantly reduce food waste in schools through a multifaceted approach. Our goal is to create a sustainable and replicable model that improves food management, enhances student engagement, and educates the school community about the impact of food waste.

Key Components

  1. Food Waste Audits:
    • Conduct detailed audits to assess current food waste levels and identify key areas for improvement.
    • Use audit data to tailor interventions specific to each school’s needs.
  2. Education and Awareness Campaigns:
    • Develop and deliver engaging presentations, workshops, and materials for students, teachers, and cafeteria staff.
    • Focus on the environmental, economic, and social impacts of food waste.
  3. Waste Reduction Strategies:
    • Implement strategies such as portion control, menu adjustments, and improved storage techniques.
    • Introduce a “Share Table” where students can place unopened, unused items for others to take.
  4. Food Recovery Programs:
    • Partner with local organizations to redistribute surplus food to community food banks and shelters.
    • Set up systems for composting organic waste and using compost in school gardens.
  5. Student Engagement and Leadership:
    • Create student-led committees to champion the cause and drive initiatives within their schools.
    • Organize competitions and incentives to encourage participation and innovation.
  6. Tracking and Reporting:
    • Monitor progress through regular waste audits and feedback surveys.
    • Share success stories and data with stakeholders to demonstrate the impact and encourage broader adoption.

Benefits

  • Environmental Impact:
    • Reduction in greenhouse gas emissions from food waste.
    • Promotion of sustainable practices and resource conservation.
  • Economic Benefits:
    • Cost savings from reduced food waste.
    • Increased efficiency in food purchasing and preparation.
  • Educational Value:
    • Enhanced understanding of environmental issues among students.
    • Opportunities for hands-on learning through food recovery and sustainability projects.
  • Community Impact:
    • Strengthened ties with local food banks and community organizations.
    • Improved nutrition and well-being for underserved populations.

Implementation Plan

  1. Phase 1: Preparation (Month 1-2)
    • Secure school partnerships and gather baseline data.
    • Develop educational materials and program guidelines.
  2. Phase 2: Pilot Program (Month 3-6)
    • Implement strategies in selected pilot schools.
    • Monitor and adjust based on feedback and initial results.
  3. Phase 3: Full Rollout (Month 7-12)
    • Expand to additional schools and refine program based on pilot findings.
    • Launch awareness campaigns and student engagement initiatives.
  4. Phase 4: Evaluation and Scaling (Month 13-15)
    • Conduct comprehensive evaluations of program impact.
    • Prepare reports and seek opportunities for scaling the initiative to more schools.

Conclusion

The “Waste Less, Eat Better” initiative is not just about reducing food waste—it’s about fostering a culture of sustainability and responsibility among our future generations. By taking action now, we can make a tangible difference in our schools and communities. Join us in turning food waste into opportunity, and help create a greener, more efficient future for our children.

Call to Action

Support the “Waste Less, Eat Better” initiative by providing funding for this project pitch. Financially supporting this pitch will provide the needed money to build composting infrastructure at schools.